Reviewed by annieb123 on
A Death at Candlewick Castle is the second Jemima Jago British cozy by Emma Jameson. Released 20th Aug 2021, it's 272 pages (ebook version) and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, the books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I love library cozies (and libraries, and cozies) and this is a nice second installment for the series. The ensemble cast, introduced in the first book are filled out here and more solid in their interactions. The author is quite experienced and talented and I found it an engaging and enjoyable read. I'm not personally a fan of slow burn enemies, love triangles, and romance elements in my books, but fans who like those will enjoy them here.
Warning for cozy mystery fans, this one is slightly more hard edged and a tiny bit more graphic than usual for fluffy library cozies. The language is relatively clearn (PG level) and includes only a scattering of damns and similar level mild curses. The denouement and resolution were fair play and satisfying.
It's a small-town cozy(ish) setting and the book does have a plethora of small-town oddball eccentric characters. The author is unquestionably gifted and prolific and has a firm grasp of the technical aspects of writing. Her descriptive prose is excellent, and as stated, she writes atmosphere very well.
Four stars with the codicil that readers who don't like harder edged mysteries and occasionally unpleasant characters and actions might want to tread carefully. No fluffy kitties here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 25 May, 2022: Reviewed