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Death Waxed Over
Candlemaking mystery

by Tim Myers



      Harrison Black inherited River's Edge, a former warehouse and factory now converted into a complex of shops, offices and his apartment perched on the edge of the Gunpowder River in Micah's Ridge, North Carolina from his great aunt Belle. He cannot sell the complex until he has run the shop for 5 years. His At Wick's End candle shop is located in the complex.

He plans to have a vendor's table at the New Conover Founder's Day celebration, hoping to boost his sales. His sole employee is Eve Pleasants who has helped educate him in the art of candle making. She doesn't approve of this.

A rival to At Wit's End is Flickering Lights, located in the downtown business district. Its franchise is owned by Gretel Barnett, who poses a strong danger to Harrison's sales. She has promised "to bury him". As Harrison is helping one of his shop renters, Heather Bank, set up her table, he has a verbal confrontation with Gretel. Shortly after Gretel is shot and killed. A bystander claims to have seen Harrison shoot her. Harrison without the aid of Sheriff Morton must clear his name. Complicating his endeavors is the strange absence of Pearly Gray, retired psychologist and current handy man for River's Edge and the problem of his ex-girl friend Becka Lane who is being stalked.

This is a pleasant story in which we meet again old friends from previous books; Pearly Gray, Sheriff Morton, Mrs. Jorgensen, wealthy eccentric who helps keep At Wit's End solvent by her private lessons in candle making, Millie, who tempts us with her delicious foods. The atmosphere of the town and Harrison's relationships with the townspeople is engaging with his loyalty to old and new friends.

Interwoven in the struggle to clear himself is much discussion of the art of candle making with tips on candle making. Also included is a special recipe for Apple Pan Dowdy. TRY IT!!!!

The Book

Berkley Prime Crime
Oct 2005
Paperback
0425206376
Mystery
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Barbara Buhrer
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
© 2005 MyShelf.com