3rd in Series
Setting - Georgia
Publisher: Muddle House Publishing
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
Digital Print length: 269 pages
ASIN: B0D9HLPS2W
This excellent next adventure in the Magic Candle Shop Mystery series really hit my cozy mystery comfort read sweet spot.
Tallowed Ground is the third book in author Valona Jones’s paranormal cozy mystery series, the Magic Candle Shop Mysteries; however, first-time readers will easily be able to read and enjoy it without having read the previous novels. (Readers may better understand the concepts of the sisters’ special powers from having done so, though.) With its cool twin main characters, their engaging beaus, and well-plotted mystery, this warm and clever tale really hit my cozy mystery comfort read sweet spot.
Fraternal twin sisters Tabby and Sage Winslow lead the way through the suspicion and intrigue as the local police target Tabby as a person of interest in a series of murders plaguing old town Savannah. Tabby, Sage, and her friends must investigate to identify and stop the real killer and clear her name. The story unfolds from Tabby’s point of view, so readers are privy to all her thoughts and actions as she tracks down clues. Tabby said it best when asked how she beat the professional detectives to the truth in the past, “I figured out who were the people in the victim’s lives, and then I learned more about them. Sometimes I talked to the suspects. That’s all. The clerks in our shop helped, as did my sister.” Of course, she also has the advantage of being an “energetic” with the ability to see auras and project soothing, calming vibes.
The story is set during Valentine’s season, and emotions tend to run a little higher than usual during that time of year. Early on, EVERYONE seemed to be moody and snappish, a little wary of the romantic seasonal expectations, too. However, the mystery gets going immediately as two murders have already occurred before the story opens. As in the previous books, secrets abound in this family. Many of the main characters have trouble communicating clearly with each other. Tabby often speculates about the emotional motives of those around her, including Quig, her long-time friend and now significant other. I really am enjoying the various couples in the book.
The author works in some interesting factual tidbits here and there, such as Savannah being the site of Johnny Mercer’s final resting place and explaining that taphophiles are people who are drawn to the rituals of death, many of whom make rubbings and take photos of unusual or memorable headstones in cemeteries. The story has twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I found myself finishing the book all too soon. This book may be my favorite of the series.
I recommend TALLOWED GROUND to cozy mystery readers who
enjoy a paranormal element in their stories and fans of the previous books in
the series.
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Paula, Thanks so much for hosting TALLOWED GROUND on your lovely site. I am delighted to be here and thrilled by your review. I am so glad the book worked for you. Best wishes and thanks again! Maggie aka Valona Jones
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