Christin Brecher's Nantucket Candle Maker myesteries feature a candle creating amateur sleuth with a nose for murder. In Murder Makes Scents, Stella has just returned from a perfume industry conference in Paris where she witnessed a stabbing. When she returns to the island, she thinks she's left murder behind but she soon realizes that she's only caught a whiff of trouble. I loved the descriptive detail that scents the pages, and the intriguing puzzle.

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher is the second book of the cozy Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of this series does contain it’s own mystery to be solved so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.

The Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series introduced readers to Stella Wright who lives in Nantucket and owns her own candle shop, the Wick & Flame. Stella sells candles in all kinds of scents looking to create the perfect candle for every customer coming into her small store.

Unfortunately for Stella she also had her first case of tracking down a murderer and hopes to never have to do that again. However when Stella and her mother are on their way home from Paris after attending a perfume industry conference they become witnesses to a stabbing. Soon home doesn’t feel safe anymore after what they saw and Stella needs to find out who could be threatening them.

Now having read the first two books of the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series I believe this series isn’t quite as humorous and quirky as I normally am drawn to. However, what it lacks in that area it makes up for in it’s setting being in Nantucket so I still feel drawn to reading this series. This second book for me fell in again at three and a half stars but I’m hoping now that I’m getting to know the characters I will enjoy the next even more.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I appreciate the relationship between Stella and her mother Millie. I love that they share an affinity for formulating scents. The Paris scenes at the beginning sets up the story well. When everyone returns to Nantucket, the site of Stella's home and Candle shop, things ramp up rather quickly. Various government agencies and possible secret agents populate a pretty wild storyline.

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I love that this is set at a perfume conference and that there are international secrets involved!

A fun followup to the first book in the series! This cozy mystery contained a bit of International intrigue which kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed meeting Stella's mother and hope to see more of her in the next book!

It took me a while to get into this one, and I have to admit it isn't my favourite cozy mystery ever. One of the crucial plot points, which is how a particular code is hidden (don't worry, no spoilers) is just a bit beyond the believable for me. Like, I know that books like these aren't generally beholden to maintaining utmost believability, but....this one stretched it for me, it really did. 

It doesn't help that espionage and intelligence as sorta my wheelhouse as an academic, so there was just a whole lot of raised eyebrow and cynicism for me from the get-go; in my defence, when I requested this (yes, this is a review copy), I didn't know it was going to lean heavily into an espionage-related plot line. I honestly would have avoided it, because things like that start to feel like work for me, real quick.

I will say that I kind of like that fact that the protagonist of this book is, of all things, a candlemaker. Legitimately. Her candles actually sound really nice, too, which is cool. It's different, you know? I don't think I've ever read another book where the main character made candles for a living. 

The....well, I suppose the 'action' sequences in the book were fairly well done, honestly. I use air quotes because this is a cozy mystery, so action sequences are still fairly staid compared to more hard crime/thriller novels. I was incredibly annoyed with the protagonist throughout her efforts at mystery solving, but in the way where you keep reading because the writing is good, not because it's bad. It felt a bit like when you're watching a tv show or film for the first time, and you watch it with one eye closed and half turned away because you want to know what's happening but you can't bring yourself to look at it head-on.

The author has a nice way of examining all the identified 'suspects' without being too leading, though it is immediately fairly apparent what is happening. The main character, who I realize I haven't named yet but is called Stella Wright, is a rather impetuous soul - and yes, this does land her in a bit of strife more often than not. This is a characteristic that I often find very frustrating in any fictional character, so my not being particularly fond of this book may stem from that pet peeve more than anything.

All things considered, this is a well written cozy mystery. I do think that many people would enjoy it, and maybe I might even give it another go at some point in the future

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is the second book in a series and Stella and her mother Millie has returned home from attending a perfumery conference in Paris. Now that they are back in Nantucket. There is another mystery to solve. Someone breaks into the Wick & Flame. There is a note that claims Millie smuggled a top secret formula from France back to the States. They know they are dealing with a scary criminal. I am enjoying this series.

Princess Fuzzypants here: The story begins in Paris as mother Millie and daughter Stella are attending a fragrance convention where Millie is to be the guest speaker. That is before the entire conference goes down the drain when a man dies at their feet with knife in his back. As they whisk home, they think they have left all the international intrigue behind them when they return to Nantucket. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It seems before he died, the victim, a US agent, slipped a secret formula into Millie’s bag that looked like the other vials of fragrance in her bag. An international villain is after the vial and will stop at nothing to get it and put the kabbosh on a big Peace Conference. I confess that was the part of the story where I started to get restless but a great kitty, lots of good characters and some exciting moments kept me going and I am glad it did. The big reveal of the identity of the killer was not a total surprise. There were enough red herring and assorted false clues that the reader could be excused for thinking it might have been any number of characters.
I did enjoy reading about how scents for perfumes and candles are created as Millie is the best of the best and her daughter is not far behind. Under some very trying circumstances, Stella turns out to be a fair secret agent too. It was a story that was entertaining and enjoyable.
Five purrs and two paws up.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who thought I would love it - and I did! The small beach town was perfect. The characters naturally developed throughout the book while the twists and turns in the plot kept me from wanting to put the book down. I have since gone back and read the first book to keep up with the characters. I can't wait to go back and see the gang again.

I really liked the first book in this series and was excited to read Murder Makes Scents. It started off well enough, but then I felt like the author "jumped the shark". The plot was so far out there that I kept waiting for the main character to wake up from her outlandish dream. I liked the original idea for the series and hope the author returns to it for book three.

Title: Murder Makes Scents

Author: Christin Brecher

Series: Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery book 2

Chapters: 29

Pages: 272

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3 Stars

Publisher: Kensington

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher is the second book in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery. As the second book in the series, it's hard to talk to about the characters without giving things away from the first book.

But I can say that this a crafty cozy mystery featuring candles and the small coastal town of Nantucket Mass. It was a fast read, and even though I didn't enjoy it as well as the first book in the series it was still a good read. Perfect for fans of crafty cozy. Just make sure you read the first book in the series first.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I have a major obsession with cozy mysteries. I think I blame JB Fletcher for my obsession.

Murder Makes Scents is a light and cozy mystery that any cozy lover will appreciate. Great characters and although this is a first in the series for me, I didn't feel lost not having read the first in the series. However, I will read the first anyways :D

This series has quickly become one of my new favorites. I love the location of Nantucket. Especially during this unexpected, questionable time. I feel like I can truly escape.

I enjoyed that this book focused on a positive relationship with her mom. So many books focus on the negativity between adult children and their parents that I found it refreshing that Stella and her mom enjoyed a trip together. Although I am not sure the mystery and solving of the mystery were entirely believable and that was ok. Sometimes we need the unbelievable to pass the time. Stella sure found an exciting way to bring in her 30th birthday. I believe I would prefer something a little more boring to bring in my birthday.

I am excited to learn that a 3rd book is already in production. This series provides candle information at the end of each novel. Very interesting.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

During a trip to Paris, Stella and her mother Millie see a young man die. Returning to her shop the Wick and Flame in Nantucket Stella felt things were going to be back to normal. The trouble followed her back and so did the murderer. The suspect seemed to be surrounding her and as she put together the pieces of the puzzle she gained insight to assist Agent Hill to find the killer. Turning thirty and having an adventure is a winning combination in this story.

I love a good cozy mystery and really enjoyed this one. The mystery was interesting and the characters were for the most part engaging and likeable. I recommend for all cozy mystery lovers

I was really curious as to how the author was going to get Stella involved in a Parisian murder mystery. As it turns out, Stella and Millie brought a mystery and some very exotic scents back with them from Paris to Nantucket. Stella is a thoroughly engaging character who has an obvious love fo family, friends, and her hometown with all of its history. All of the characters are introduced and developed right along with the mystery, which keeps you engaged regardless of whether you have read the first book or not. In book 2, several out of towners including a few on hand for an auspicious and friendly get together with some of Millie's old high school classmates adds even more characters to this puzzle. Multiple parties and multiple suspects keep Stella on her toes, not to mention how oddly her beau Peter has been acting lately. Throw in a federal agent and you have the makings for a murder that might just make scents! Oh and I can't wait until cranberry season when I can try my hand at Gram Scully's Cranberry Pie, chances are I will make minis to give as gifts. The candle making tips are great for crafters as well and I am tempted to use some of my silicone baking molds to make some seasonal candles.

Stella seems to have a "nose" for murder. Even going to Paris with her mom to attend a conference doesn't keep her out of trouble when she witnesses a man being stabbed right in front of her.

Stella thinks they'll be fine once they return home...until she realizes the trouble has followed them. Can she stay safe while getting to the bottom of the mystery?

Excellent second book in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series. I enjoyed it very much... And look forward to more books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

I liked the first book in this series and I liked this one because it's an engrossing and entertaining read.
It's well written, the characters are fleshed out and likeable, and the mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Stella Wright met up with her mom, Millie in Paris for a perfume conference. Right before Millie was supposed to speak a young man was stabbed right in front of them. After waiting to give the authorities the statements they just make their flight back to the states. Stella, happy to be home on Nantucket. Peter meets the ferry and he brought her cat Tinker along. Millie is allergic to cats so while she is staying with Stella, Tinker will be hanging out at her store, The Wick & Flame.

Stella finds herself spending the night at her store too, antsy about the murder she witnessed but also because it is impossible to sleep with Millie’s snoring. When she arrives she thinks that Tinker has been a very naughty kitty and made a huge mess. But then she realizes someone has broken into her store looking for something. Just as she is falling asleep, she hears the bell on her door and realizes she and Tinker hadn’t been alone.

When Millie gets injured in a freaky happenstance she ends up in the hospital and Stella learns someone from France has followed them home, Millie has something extremely important that they want. In an effort to save her mother Stella starts her quest to find the missing item and a killer. She is amazed by where her investigation leads.

Christin Brecher brings some international flair to this compelling mystery. This time Scents play a leading role.

The murder takes place in Paris but the majority of the story takes place on Nantucket. The author’s descriptive detail brings both settings clearly into focus.

The core characters we met in Murder’s No Votive Confidence are back. Police Officer Andy remains Stella’s best friend while Peter has moved into the boyfriend zone. I really enjoy the banter between Stella and her mom. Millie scent talents are just amazing and Stella’s are pretty darn good too. This is important because their noses can save an international incident from happening.

We do meet several new characters and most of them become suspects. Stella really doesn’t trust anyone new to the island, including Millie’s high school friends that have come together for a reunion. She is also concerned when a boarding school teacher they met in Paris unexpectedly shows up on their doorstep. Stella is troubled by another woman she noticed when they arrived on the ferry that was acting suspiciously too. There is even a mystery man lurking around town, Stella definitely has her work cut out for her. I enjoyed the way all the characters, old and new developed over the course of the story.

The mystery this time was not typical for a cozy mystery and a little unbelievable at times but it sure was fun to read and follow Stella through her grand adventure. Intrigue, action, and an elusive killer all come together tempered with a generous amount of humor to make this story so entertaining. It is full of unexpected twists and is very fast-paced.

Murder Makes Scents is well-plotted and written and an excellent follow-up to Murder’s No Votive Confidence. The international espionage theme may be a little over the top, but for me, it was a Perfect Escape!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

I truly enjoyed this fast-paced second offering in Christen Brecher’s new series! Imagining Stella Wright’s shop, her mother, boyfriend, and other friends is making this a new favorite place to visit. The author does a wonderful job of describing Nantucket Island, the hotel of the perfume conference in Paris, and of course, Stella’s candle shop!

Stella’s dream store, a unique candle shop where she designs specialty scents, has been growing in popularity with the islanders and tourists alike. Since she grew up, her mother Millie has traveled the world, seeking the finest scents from which to design her perfumes. For a special treat, Millie takes Stella to a world perfumery conference in Paris. The city is preparing for the upcoming Peace Jubilee.

Stella is going to present recent scent finds from the Amazon at the conference hotel before they leave. While Stella is taking video on her phone, a disturbance catches attention in reception area. Someone cries “murder”, and a man crawls out of the crowd with a knife in his back. He and Stella briefly made eye contact, but he said nothing before he died. Not the sendoff they were hoping for.

Later that day, they are on their way to Nantucket where Millie will visit for a few days. On the ferry to Nantucket, Millie ran into a man she hadn’t seen since high school. Now a widower, Nathaniel and Millie talk the entire ride while Stella goes to another level to look at news reports about the dead man in Paris. He had been a US government agent sent to transfer documents with French agents related to the Peace Jubilee. His killer, international anarchist Rex Laruam, is still on the loose and is being sought by officials. Fortunately, the documents were transferred successfully and on the way to Morocco.

Peter, Stella’s boyfriend, is meeting her and Millie at the ferry. Tinker, her beloved cat, is going to be a shop kitty while her mother is in town, as Millie is terrified of cats. That evening, they are going to have a small party, with Nathaniel and a couple surprise visitors joining them. One is Olive, the British teacher they met in Paris who is on sabbatical that Millie invited to join them any time. The other is Lennie, a school friend of Nathaniel. Both men are staying at the same hotel as they are there for a reunion/ birthday party for another classmate. Stella also learns that her cousin and his wife have opened a room as an Airbnb for extra income, and the first guests are there, a couple from Canada.

It isn’t long before Stella finds out that the crimes in Paris have followed her to Nantucket. Not only did someone slip a vial of secret scents into Millie’s special carrying case, but the anarchist and killer, Laruam, is searching for it. Millie and Nathaniel are in the hospital with concussions after a freak incident, and Millie’s memory has holes in it. A note appears on Stella’s door. If she doesn’t get the special vial, her mother will be killed.

I really enjoyed seeing Stella, her friends and family, and boyfriend Peter again. As a cat lady, I’m also happy to see Tinker and his help on the case! Each of the characters are developed so well, I felt as if I were part of the family gatherings. There was just enough information about the suspects that each could be questionable regarding whether they were bad guys/ gals or simply normal visitors.

This riveting tale, even better than the first, can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. There were times I cringed when seeing the risks Stella was willing to take, until considering her mother’s life was on the line as well as the safety of her family and loved ones in the community. There were several good suspects, and I can appreciate how hard it was for Stella to work through them – especially when she couldn’t tell anyone what was going on! I was somewhat surprised at who the real killer / anarchist was, and sad, as I had become somewhat invested in the person. Overall, I am very happy with this novel and the outcome; I highly recommend it!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*