A Spooktacular Escape: My Review of Murder at the Candlelight Cabaret by E.K. Cozy
There’s a certain charm to cozy mysteries, especially when they’re wrapped in the delightful ambiance of autumn. Murder at the Candlelight Cabaret, the first book in E.K. Cozy’s Brickstone Paranormal Cozy Mystery series, hooked me with its enticing promise of ghostly shenanigans, small-town quirks, and a pumpkin-spice-flavored atmosphere. As the leaves began to turn and the air grew crisp, I found myself diving into the enchanting town of Brickstone, and oh, what a delightful journey it was!
In this captivating narrative, we meet Olivia Corbyn, a historian seeking solace and a fresh start in Brickstone, Massachusetts. Little did she know that the town’s Halloween festivities would come with a side of itchy paranormal activity! The premise alone—two vengeful spirits stirring a pot of mystery decades after their murders—sets a delightful tone, and Cozy does a phenomenal job weaving suspense with a cozy feel.
Olivia is immediately relatable as a character, each flicker of her psychic abilities making her journey even more riveting. I’m particularly fond of her sassy sidekick, Maudine, a talking pug with an opinion about everything—even the quality of ghostly gumdrops! Their interactions provide a perfect balance of humor and heart, imbuing the narrative with a warmth that feels like a snug blanket on a chilly evening. Olivia’s struggles with her newfound powers and her quest for justice kept me rooting for her throughout.
Cozy’s writing style is a treasure. The prose flows effortlessly, wrapping around the reader like a soft, autumn scarf. There’s a delightful pace that draws you deeper into the story, with twists that kept me guessing right until the end. I couldn’t help but smile at phrases like, “If only gumdrops held the secrets of the universe.” It’s this whimsical touch, combined with well-drawn characters and a whimsically dark plot, that makes the reading experience so enjoyable.
But it’s not just the charm that makes this book stand out; it’s also the underlying themes of healing and justice, wrapped elegantly within the mystery. Olivia’s journey toward finding her place in a community filled with eccentric characters was both reassuring and relatable, reminding me of our own collective search for belonging.
In conclusion, Murder at the Candlelight Cabaret is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, paranormal tales, or anyone in need of a light-hearted escape this fall. Whether you’re a fan of witty talking animals or ghosts with a sense of justice, this book offers it all. E.K. Cozy has crafted a world I can’t wait to return to, and I found myself wishing I could visit Brickstone for the upcoming Halloween festivities. This delightful read has left a cozy little spot in my heart, and I’m already eager for the next chapter in Olivia’s adventures. So grab your cider, curl up with a blanket, and dive into this enchanting tale—it’s the perfect cozy read for the spookiest time of year!
You can find Murder at the Candlelight Cabaret (Brickstone Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 1) here >>