by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a $15 giveaway for either an Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card, winner’s choice, and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

Flying Off the Candle is book two in Sarah E. Burr’s Glenmyre Whim Mysteries featuring candlemaker Hazel Wickbury and her aunt Poppy. I am new to the series and gobbled this one up in audiobook form. This reads well as a standalone, and I have also downloaded books one and two because I’m excited to start from the beginning and learn more of the backstory for these wonderful characters.

Hazel and Poppy and the rest of the town of Crucible are looking forward to the Big Melt festival, a celebration of Lake Glenmyre’s thawing and the arrival of warmer days. Life in the small New York town takes a dark turn, however, when a dead body is discovered in a car near Hazel’s cottage. Poppy and Hazel are shocked to learn that the victim is a visiting author and recently former friend of local author Constance Crane. Hazel and Poppy know Constance well and don’t believe for a minute that she’s guilty–even though all clues point that way. Using their detective skills and a little bit of their whims, the two are determined to find the truth.

What follows is a page-turning mystery with puzzling clues and strong storytelling that had me considering all sorts of suspects. I enjoyed unraveling those clues alongside Hazel and Poppy, and I only figured it out right when they did! Poppy and Hazel are wonderful characters and their relationship rings true to life. There’s also a bit of romance for both women that adds a sweetness to the mystery. I love seeing characters supported by those around them.

I loved the sprinkle of magic woven into the story and can’t imagine having Hazel’s ability to look at someone and see their life’s countdown clock. That detail adds layers to the story that I adored. The writing brought the cozy town of Crucible to life, and like many cozy mystery towns, I’d love to visit and purchase some of Hazel’s homemade candles.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that has me looking forward to the next entry into this cozy paranormal series. Thankfully I have books one and two to catch up on in the meantime.

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Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

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