This is a debut novel of new magical cozy mystery series that will be released Jan 10, 2023. It has a touch of magic and cats.
Author: Valona Jones
Copyright: December 2011 (Berkley) 320 pgs
Series: 1st in Magic Candle Shop Mysteries
Sensuality: off-page intimate relationships
Mystery Sub-genre: Suspense
Main Characters: Twin sisters Tabby and Sage
Setting: Modern day, Savannah Georgia
Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review
Book Blurb: "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."
My Thoughts: Tabby is the point-of-view main character I took a few chapters to warm up to. Quig (Dr. Quigsly), a long time acquintance, is her potential romantic interest but she prefers to keep their relationship secret. Sage, the twin sister, was a hard character for me to relate to. Actually I didn't like her for most of the book but she did grow by the finish. I enjoyed the visit from their Auntie O who helped them investigate and hope she is a recurring character in some form.
The magic element is quite unique and took a little bit for me to get into how it works. The mystery had enough questions to keep me reading and the climax had some tense moments although was over quickly. These thirty-year-old women have off-page intimate relationships with the men in their lives. This is still a cozy with no details on the page, but in case that makes a difference, be aware.
For those wanting older than a twenty-something main character, this might be an answer. I think this new series has potential and I'm looking forward to the next book to see how the twins and storylines develop.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list
