Snuffed Out

By Tim Meyers

    Harrison Black inherited River's Edge, a shopping complex, from his aunt. This included his candle shop which Harrison is just beginning to manage. He finds that he is really fascinated with the art of candle making. As owner of the complex he is responsible for its smooth operation. When the power goes out, he tries to find the short circuit causing the blackout. What he finds is the body of Aaron Gaston, owner of the Pot Shop, his pottery shop. He had been killed when a bucket of water spilled on a frayed electrical cord from an electric pottery wheel. The police chief rules it an accident. But Harrison has other thoughts after a number of River's Edge tenants tell him that Aaron never used an electric wheel; that he despised them. The police force is depleted with a siege of the flu and the chief isn't anxious to probe further into the case. Harrison undertakes to investigate, but is sidetracked by turmoil created in the complex when Aaron's ex-wife returns to open Aaron's shop. There is jealousy between her and Aaron's latest cast-off lover. Harrison must try to calm these stormy waters while trying to learn why Aaron was killed, and then eliminate possible guilty persons.

    This is a pleasant quick read mystery with no violence, no sex, and no adult language. Harrison's adjustment to his new life and his new friends and tenants is well developed. The author has evoked the atmosphere and scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountain area with its beauty and serenity. There are many tips and instructions on candle making for those interested, which to this novice seem so simple. Most enjoyable are Harrison's visits to the Crock Pot to savor Millie's cuisine... always a treat to the taste buds. Included is the recipe for cranberry muffins, one of the mouth watering delights ascribed to Millie at the Crock Pot.