Snuffed Out by Valona Jones

Series Name: Magic Candle Shop Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy, Paranormal
Release: January 10, 2023
Format: Print and Digital

Twin sisters Tabby and Sage co-own a candle shop, but will it all go up in flames in Valona Jones’ series debut, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Bailey Cates.

30-year-old fraternal twins Tabby and Sage Winslow own The Book and Candle Shop in Savannah. Sage is hot-headed and impulsive while Tabby is calm and collected, making them the perfect partnership. When one of their customers is found murdered, from a blow to the head, that partnership is put to the test.

Blithe McAdam had been seen in a heated argument with shop clerk Gerard, which immediately makes him suspect number one. The twins are convinced of Gerard’s innocence and start digging into Blithe’s past. But no one is cooperating. The neighbor who found the body isn’t talking, medical examiner Quig won’t give any details about the autopsy, and nasty rumors begin surfacing about the drowning of Blithe’s father years earlier—evidence that could seal Gerard’s fate.

Tabby and Sage dig desperately for the truth. But it’s not only their friend who’s in peril. With the clock ticking, the twins find themselves in the grip of an unseen and deadly energy that has seeped into their midst—and in the sights of a ruthless killer.

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Dru’s Short Musing:
Things go from bad to worse in this enchanting whodunit.

Tabby and Sage are on the hunt for a killer when their employee becomes the prime suspect. When more evidence is laid out, someone does not want the sisters investigating and this put them in the crosshair of the killer. The author did a great job in presenting this mystery with a core cast of characters and a rock-solid plot with a multitude of suspects that have stronger motives than the primary suspect. The sister’s ability to harness their thoughts makes for an interesting aside as they work the case, especially when people are reluctant to answer their questions. When I thought I had a clue to the killer’s identity, the author changed directions with strategically placed red herrings that had me looking at other suspects more closely. There was a defining moment when I knew who the killer was, and it was fun seeing the path the author took before revealing the person responsible. The best part of this narrative was the relationships between Sage, Tabby, their aunt, and their friends which enhanced my reading pleasure. Boasting a likable cast of characters, engaging dialogue and a small-town ambience, this was a terrific book and I hope we have more exciting times with Tabby, Sage, and their friends.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the author.