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peggyemi's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first book in the debut cozy mystery series by Ms. Brecher, who is a new to me author. I enjoyed this book and thought it was a solid start to the series. Stella Wright is an amiable character who I think reader will enjoy. It was fun to read about her first sleuthing adventure and I think the series has potential. I thought the secondary cast of characters could have been a bit more developed. There is a lot of potential with Stella's family and her best friend so I am hopeful the author will develop these characters to be more dimensional. The murder victim was not well liked so there was a limited pool of suspects, but I thought the author did a good job of throwing out clues to confuse readers as to the identity of the real killer. I was however a bit disappointed by the identity of the killer and their reason for committing the crime. The other aspect of the book that gave me pause is the potential love triangle the author may be setting up between Stella and two of the secondary characters. I am not a fan of that particular story line and it is one that will typically cause me to stop reading a series if it is carried on for too long.
All in all, this was a quick read and a solid start to a new series. In the next book I hope the author develops the secondary cast of characters, the potential love triangle is resolved or does not come to fruition and I would like to see the killer/suspect with a less cliche motive for committing the crime.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
All in all, this was a quick read and a solid start to a new series. In the next book I hope the author develops the secondary cast of characters, the potential love triangle is resolved or does not come to fruition and I would like to see the killer/suspect with a less cliche motive for committing the crime.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
m_kayk's review against another edition
2.0
PopSugar Challenge 2020: a book title with a pun.
I felt this story started strong, but I grew disappointed with the main character. While Stella kept her belief in who was innocent, how she went about proving it was more problematic for me.
There were also times when the story jumped ahead and left me wondering why and what was skipped.
I felt this story started strong, but I grew disappointed with the main character. While Stella kept her belief in who was innocent, how she went about proving it was more problematic for me.
There were also times when the story jumped ahead and left me wondering why and what was skipped.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
I love scented candles, and the art of mixing different scents into something pleasing that makes you think of your favorite season or memory or book, etc. fascinates me. So when Murder’s No Votive Confidence came across my radar, it was a no-brainer for my TBR pile.
The Nantucket setting complements the candle-making hobby nicely – there’s something about a seaside island town that seems to just encourage you to make candles. Stella’s keen nose for scents – and her ability to match people with scents that represent them – not only makes her business successful but also her sleuthing. The author does a great job of incorporating this aspect to the plot without stopping the story to go into the step-by-step details of candle-making. Instead, these notes are tucked away at the end of the book, where I prefer them to be.
Stella is a very likable heroine, and my friends-to-more kissingbook senses are on high alert around her childhood friend (and town’s sexiest cop) Andy … even though new-in-town reporter Peter seems to have temporarily stolen her affections. Peter has his good points, to be sure, but he just kept showing up too frequently out of the blue for my tastes. And I’m partial to best friends falling in love, so my vote is for Andy! All of the secondary characters are likable, for that matter, but they also could have been developed a bit more – something I’m looking forward to in the rest of the series!
Bottom Line: Murder’s No Votive Confidence is a great debut for the author as well as the series. Delightful characters (including & especially Tinker the cat) keep the story moving at a steady pace amid the chaos of a festival, a wedding, and a murder. There’s a slight romantic angle involving the heroine Stella – and two possible love interests (I’m pulling for Andy!) – and I’m curious to see how that plays out. A clever niche as well for the series, the candle making aspect of the story was lots of fun!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
The Nantucket setting complements the candle-making hobby nicely – there’s something about a seaside island town that seems to just encourage you to make candles. Stella’s keen nose for scents – and her ability to match people with scents that represent them – not only makes her business successful but also her sleuthing. The author does a great job of incorporating this aspect to the plot without stopping the story to go into the step-by-step details of candle-making. Instead, these notes are tucked away at the end of the book, where I prefer them to be.
Stella is a very likable heroine, and my friends-to-more kissingbook senses are on high alert around her childhood friend (and town’s sexiest cop) Andy … even though new-in-town reporter Peter seems to have temporarily stolen her affections. Peter has his good points, to be sure, but he just kept showing up too frequently out of the blue for my tastes. And I’m partial to best friends falling in love, so my vote is for Andy! All of the secondary characters are likable, for that matter, but they also could have been developed a bit more – something I’m looking forward to in the rest of the series!
Bottom Line: Murder’s No Votive Confidence is a great debut for the author as well as the series. Delightful characters (including & especially Tinker the cat) keep the story moving at a steady pace amid the chaos of a festival, a wedding, and a murder. There’s a slight romantic angle involving the heroine Stella – and two possible love interests (I’m pulling for Andy!) – and I’m curious to see how that plays out. A clever niche as well for the series, the candle making aspect of the story was lots of fun!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
I don't have super strong feelings on this cozy mystery, but it satisfied my need for light, comforting reason right now. This is the first cozy mystery that I've read that has had candle-making as its theme, and I found the technical details of that interesting, especially as someone who has attempted to make candles, soaps, etc only a few times. As is typical many cozy mysteries, the amateur sleuth protagonist uses their skills to help solve murder, and in this case, the main character uses her nose. The book ends with a action chase scene that I laughed at, because it was over-the-top, but in a way that the the reader knows that the author isn't taking herself too seriously.
P.S. I'm not going to lie. One of the reasons why I chose this cozy among other was because of the better-than-average title pun.
P.S. I'm not going to lie. One of the reasons why I chose this cozy among other was because of the better-than-average title pun.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
2.0
This is another first of a cozy series I picked up to try. It was a doozy. This had the wackiness of a Stephanie Plum book, but in a cozy mystery setting. The actual mystery was good, but the actions of the characters were just crazypants. And while I didn't forsee all the twists, the culprit was pretty obvious from the beginning. I doubt I'll read more of these.
shammons's review against another edition
4.0
I've said numerous times that I don't need to start any more new series while I still have so many ongoing. However, that being said, I did start this new Nantucket Candle Maker mystery series, LOL! Impressive first book. I loved the writing, great dialogue and characters and not overly technical. I enjoyed the setting and the mystery kept me mostly guessing, which is always a good sign. Looking forward to reading the next 2 and hoping that this series is ongoing. I read the first one via Hoopla, since my library does not have any printed copies by this author.
daybreak1012's review against another edition
4.0
Just what I needed! A new (to me) cozy series! (Hang on. I need to stop laughing.) I guess, in all fairness, I am caught up on all but one of the half dozen cozy mystery series that I am reading, which was my 2020 goal, with my new rule going forward to start only a single series at a time and get current with it before adding another. However, you'd think after all the cozies I read this year in order to get myself current, I would at least wait until 2021 before diving into another one. You'd be wrong, though, because here we are.
What I liked about Murder's No Votive Confidence:
The cast of characters - We didn't get to spend a lot of time with all of them, though I feel like we got at least briefly introduced to the people that make up Stella's circle; Stella being our protagonist. From those we did get to know a little better though -- Andy, Peter, Emily -- I am pleased with their development after just a single installment, and I feel there is good potential for achieving additional depth from them as well as the others we met in this book. That bodes well. Of additional importance, at least to me, the characters also feel likable and real and not like obnoxious caricatures.
Location - I appreciate when a series I read takes place in a location that isn't excessively used. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a setting in places like San Francisco or Boston or New York City, if it doesn't feel trite, but I love that I am going to get to know Nantucket in this series! I get acquainted with some place different and the way Ms Brecher is setting the scene gives Nantucket a personality just as important as the characters.
Unique qualities - In addition to the setting, I also like when the main character has something that allows them to stand out from the crowd. There are many cozies that focus on food or baked goods, some of which are series I adore. But Stella is a candlemaker and I feel like that is a fun twist.
The mystery - I mean this is the whole point in reading a cozy mystery series, right? I thoroughly enjoyed the case at hand. It was well constructed. The clues all added up. There were plenty of potential twists and red herrings to keep me guessing. And the resolution was satisfying.
What I didn't care for:
Truthfully, not much. There were a couple of minor typos in the Kindle version I read, but nothing worth griping about. Maybe the only thing with the characters was that so many of them were introduced that it was a little challenging to keep track of them all. It's a little easier when they get folded into the storyline book by book rather than all at once, but as I mentioned earlier, the contact with most of the peripheral characters was relatively minimal, with the exception of three, so again, this is not a major gripe.
I am very pleased with the debut of the Nantucket Candlemaker Mystery Series. This looks to be exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery series: nothing gory, plenty of mystery, a few creepy moments, some good laughs, and a likable cast of characters. For those of you for whom this is important: The content included no language that I recall and nothing racy in the romance department, at least in book one. I already have holds placed at the library for books two and three, and I hope that there will be more to come. I am excited to add this to my list of cozy series!
What I liked about Murder's No Votive Confidence:
The cast of characters - We didn't get to spend a lot of time with all of them, though I feel like we got at least briefly introduced to the people that make up Stella's circle; Stella being our protagonist. From those we did get to know a little better though -- Andy, Peter, Emily -- I am pleased with their development after just a single installment, and I feel there is good potential for achieving additional depth from them as well as the others we met in this book. That bodes well. Of additional importance, at least to me, the characters also feel likable and real and not like obnoxious caricatures.
Location - I appreciate when a series I read takes place in a location that isn't excessively used. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a setting in places like San Francisco or Boston or New York City, if it doesn't feel trite, but I love that I am going to get to know Nantucket in this series! I get acquainted with some place different and the way Ms Brecher is setting the scene gives Nantucket a personality just as important as the characters.
Unique qualities - In addition to the setting, I also like when the main character has something that allows them to stand out from the crowd. There are many cozies that focus on food or baked goods, some of which are series I adore. But Stella is a candlemaker and I feel like that is a fun twist.
The mystery - I mean this is the whole point in reading a cozy mystery series, right? I thoroughly enjoyed the case at hand. It was well constructed. The clues all added up. There were plenty of potential twists and red herrings to keep me guessing. And the resolution was satisfying.
What I didn't care for:
Truthfully, not much. There were a couple of minor typos in the Kindle version I read, but nothing worth griping about. Maybe the only thing with the characters was that so many of them were introduced that it was a little challenging to keep track of them all. It's a little easier when they get folded into the storyline book by book rather than all at once, but as I mentioned earlier, the contact with most of the peripheral characters was relatively minimal, with the exception of three, so again, this is not a major gripe.
I am very pleased with the debut of the Nantucket Candlemaker Mystery Series. This looks to be exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery series: nothing gory, plenty of mystery, a few creepy moments, some good laughs, and a likable cast of characters. For those of you for whom this is important: The content included no language that I recall and nothing racy in the romance department, at least in book one. I already have holds placed at the library for books two and three, and I hope that there will be more to come. I am excited to add this to my list of cozy series!
managedbybooks's review against another edition
3.0
The first in a new series, Murder's No Votive Confidence is the perfect cozy mystery for a rainy day. This was a fun and easy read, my favorite kind of book to brighten a drab day.
Nantucket candle store owner Stella Wright specializes in creating unique candles for every occasion. But someone sets the stage for murder when a Memorial Day celebration becomes a wedding to die for . . .
Jessica Sterling’s candlelight-themed nuptial promises to be the perfect kick-off to the summer’s first official holiday weekend. Stella’s thrilled to have been chosen to provide the decorative centerpiece for the wedding ceremony: a two-foot, tall scented unity candle—a symbol of the happy couple’s love. But it looks like the bride-to-be’s uncle won’t be walking his niece down the aisle after he’s found dead. The murder weapon is Stella’s seemingly indestructible candle, now split in two.
When a beloved local bartender is arrested, Stella’s sure a visiting police Captain running the case made a rush to justice. With superstitious brides-to-be cancelling orders and sales waxing and waning at her store, the Wick & Flame owner decides to do some sleuthing of her own. Abetted by a charming reporter and challenged by the town’s sexiest cop, Stella’s determined to shine a light on the truth and uncover a killer who’s snuffing out her own flame.
I enjoyed the setting and theme of this new series, but I felt there could be more depth to both the main and supporting characters.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Nantucket candle store owner Stella Wright specializes in creating unique candles for every occasion. But someone sets the stage for murder when a Memorial Day celebration becomes a wedding to die for . . .
Jessica Sterling’s candlelight-themed nuptial promises to be the perfect kick-off to the summer’s first official holiday weekend. Stella’s thrilled to have been chosen to provide the decorative centerpiece for the wedding ceremony: a two-foot, tall scented unity candle—a symbol of the happy couple’s love. But it looks like the bride-to-be’s uncle won’t be walking his niece down the aisle after he’s found dead. The murder weapon is Stella’s seemingly indestructible candle, now split in two.
When a beloved local bartender is arrested, Stella’s sure a visiting police Captain running the case made a rush to justice. With superstitious brides-to-be cancelling orders and sales waxing and waning at her store, the Wick & Flame owner decides to do some sleuthing of her own. Abetted by a charming reporter and challenged by the town’s sexiest cop, Stella’s determined to shine a light on the truth and uncover a killer who’s snuffing out her own flame.
I enjoyed the setting and theme of this new series, but I felt there could be more depth to both the main and supporting characters.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
morticia32's review against another edition
3.0
First in the series.
This was a good start to the series, but I definitely think the main characters need to be developed a bit more. And it annoyed the heck out of me that this one seems to be falling down the love triangle hole of doom. That's an automatic one star downrate for me.
I liked the mystery, and I loved the candle making part of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed this book, and will look forward to the next book in the series. I just hope the author wraps up the love triangle pretty darned fast.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This was a good start to the series, but I definitely think the main characters need to be developed a bit more. And it annoyed the heck out of me that this one seems to be falling down the love triangle hole of doom. That's an automatic one star downrate for me.
I liked the mystery, and I loved the candle making part of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed this book, and will look forward to the next book in the series. I just hope the author wraps up the love triangle pretty darned fast.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*