Snuffed Out: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery

This enjoyable series launch from Jones (the Cleopatra Jones mysteries as Maggie Toussaint) introduces twins Tabby and Sage Winslow, proprietors of the Book and Candle Shop in Savannah, Ga. The sisters come from a long line of “energetics,” people who can manipulate their own personal energy fields and those of others. They can cause a heart attack, for example, by hastening a person’s heartbeat. Tabby is reluctant to use her abilities after almost causing the death of an attacker, while Sage is less concerned about the repercussions of their abilities. One day, socialite Blithe McAdam has an explosive confrontation in their shop with Gerard, their clerk. Hours later, Blithe is found murdered. When a video of the argument turns up on social media, Gerard is suspect number one, and the sisters set out to clear their friend. The tension rises as they discover new powers that can help them to secretly scour Savannah’s underbelly and uncover the dark secrets of the elite. Appealing characters match the intriguing plot. Paranormal cozy fans will be well satisfied. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Jan.)