In the Wick of Time by Valona Jones

 In the Wick of Time by Valona Jones is the second in the Magic Candle Shop Mystery series. It is the first for me in the series as well as by this particular author. It is December in Savannah, GA where Tabby Winslow and her twin Sage are working hard at their respective jobs. Tabby is at the familial shop while Sage is working part-time at the local green nursery. When Sage’s boss appears to be getting sicker and sicker, Sage and he have an argument about getting healthcare. Later, when he is found dead, Sage’s rival points the police in her direction. Both Winslow girls must work hard to keep their business afloat, their magic secret, and keep Sage out of jail for crime she didn’t commit.

I enjoyed the idea of twins working at their familial shop. I also liked Sage, because while some think she’s dramatic, the reality is that people are dramatic. I can think of quite a few people who have hair trigger tempers. Auntie O and Frankie’s relationship was interesting, as well as the side story with Frank’s past. I’m interested in seeing how far the author takes it.

I was very confused as to the premise of the twins’ magic. When Tabby was getting her hiccups which made her blink visible to invisible, she was trying to hide. But then she would tell people about her magic. Was it meant to be a secret or not? If so, then does the whole town know about it, or just a select group? Then there is the magic itself. Someone would say that something is “spelled” but the twins talked more of energy. So, are they witches or empaths? I just really felt a loose connection between characters and audience.

This novel does have one of my pet peeves in regard to the policeman’s attitude. I usually do not care for angry, close-minded detectives. In this case, I wasn’t even sure if the second detective was also close-minded or just kind of there. The conclusion, though, threw me off. While the explanation was perfectly clear, the actual motive didn’t really make much common sense. 

Overall, I rate this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars.