You Can't Candle the Truth (Glenmyre Whim Mystery 1), by Sarah E. Burr

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A few months ago, I won a giveaway from author, Sarah E. Burr. It was the audiobook for You Can't Candle the Truth, the first in the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries. I had been wanting to read this book, and while I usually prefer print formats, I was very excited to listen to the audiobook. I had already read one book by Sarah E. Burr that I really enjoyed, #FollowMe for Murder. The Glenmyre Whim Mysteries have the added bonus of being light paranormal cozies. This is my favorite kind of cozy. I listened to it a couple months ago and I recently listened to it again just before writing this review.

Hazel and her aunt, Poppy, own a candle shop in the historic and charming small town of Crucible. They are very close in age and are also the best of friends. They are not quite witches. Everyone in the Glenmyre family has a whim, or special magical power. When someone in Crucible, a town that is thought to be protected from anything bad, turns up dead, Hazel and Poppy set out to do their own sleuthing in order to free their friend, whom they believe is being wrongly accused of murder.

I cannot say enough positive things about this book. The author has created such an original and warm town without making it too over-the-top. I found myself wanting to visit Crucible. The whims that the Glenmyres have are important to the story, but it is not overpowered with too much magic. For me, it was just the right amount of magic in an otherwise realistic town. 

The characters are quirky and fun. I loved Hazel's relationship with her aunt, Poppy, whom she affectionately calls Pops. They are the kind of people I would want to spend time with. All of the characters were a pleasure to meet and get to know. There is only a small hint of romance, which I appreciated. There's much room for the characters to grow.

The plot had me engaged from beginning to end. They mystery is strong and I did not figure out who the culprit was. When I listened to it the second time, knowing who the culprit was, I did pick up on clues I had missed the first time. I love how the author weaves in information about Crucible and its history throughout the story. It's the perfect balance between getting to know the town and moving forward with the mystery. Getting to know the town and characters is a challenge with any first in series, but the author rises to this challenge.

Sometimes audiobook narrations don't resonate with me, but this one definitely did. Melissa Green is the narrator and she did a stellar job bringing Crucible to life. The voices she did felt natural and she was a delight to listen to.

This first in series takes place in the summer, although weather is not a huge part of the story. It can certainly be enjoyed any time of the year. The second one in the series, Too Much to Candle, takes place around Halloween. I have already borrowed it from the library and I fully intend on reading it soon, as Halloween is just around the corner.

In the meantime, I highly recommend You Can't Candle the Truth, by Sarah E. Burr. Whether or not you are a fan of paranormal cozies, I think anyone can enjoy it. If you're on the fence about paranormal cozies, this book would be a good entry point for you. It's a fictional town that's realistic, with a touch of magic. And it's easily one of my favorite books I've read or listened to.

Thank you to author, Sarah E. Burr for providing me with a free copy of this audiobook.