I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 in this series – Murder’s No Votive Confidence – but I think Murder Makes Scents is even better! I loved everything about this cozy mystery. The way the Nantucket setting was almost another character. The myriad of likely suspects. The elements of intrigue. The comedic moments. The plot itself.

Let’s start with Stella who I really love as a character. She and her mom have an interesting dynamic between them, due mainly to her mom’s somewhat outlandish and impetuous personality. Yet it’s clear they love each other with great affection and Millie’s eccentric ways factor in heavily to this particular plot so it’s easy to embrace her as part of the ambiance, so to speak lol. (And also, since we’re speaking of Stella, I am still pulling for her longtime best friend Andy to ultimately win her heart over her current beau Peter … who is a lovely man but I just think Andy loves her more deeply.)

The mystery is swirling with intrigue – with the actual murder taking place in Paris and following Stella and her mom back to Nantucket. Unwittingly drawn into a world of espionage and matters of global security, Stella has no shortage of people who make very viable suspects. The author does an excellent job of weaving credible red herrings and surprising twists throughout the plot and of course Stella is right in the middle of it. The element of the scents and candles in this series add extra layers to the plot – especially in this latest installment.

Bottom Line: Murder Makes Scents is entertaining and well-plotted, with colorful characters and a vibrant setting. The murder mystery is more multi-dimensional than it first appears – and I really enjoyed following Stella on the quest to save the day. Some of the layers may seem farfetched… but then again this is a cozy mystery and ‘farfetched’ is sorta part of the tried-and-true formula. I thought it definitely made sense in the broader picture and loved the unique aspects it added to the story. Looking forward to book 3!

Murder Makes Scents is the second book in Christin Brecher's Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series. The fun started in Paris and ended up following Millie and Stella back to Nantucket. The mystery was fun and fast paced, if not just a tad over the top. It was still a very enjoyable read which includes international spies and a lot of great characters who are perfect candidates for whodunnit.

I enjoyed getting to see more of Stella and Millie's mother and daughter relationship in this book. Also looking forward to seeing how Stella and Peter's relationship progresses. The descriptions that the author uses to describe Nantucket truly make you feel like you are there. It's fun learning different tidbits about candles and the scents as well. I appreciate that this series isn't about a topic that's been done over and over.

Can't wait until the next installment to see what Stella and her gang get into next :)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Stella Wright is enjoying Paris, where she is attending the World Perfumery Conference and getting to spend precious time with her mom, Millie. Millie is a perfumer and loves to visit places like the rainforest in order to discover new and exotic scents. Unfortunately, the convention takes a nasty turn when a man is murdered. Stella is relieved to return home to Nantucket, but it seems that danger is still following Stella and Millie. Can Stella sort out who she can trust before she or her mom ends up dead?

MURDER MAKES SCENTS is the second book in the <i>Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery</i> series and can easily be read as a standalone. Christin Brecher does a marvelous job at filling readers in on both the characters and the town so it’s easy to jump right in and appreciate the story line. Many of the characters we meet in MURDER MAKES SCENTS are also new to Nantucket, making it even easier to enjoy the story line while increasing the suspect list at the same time.

I’m a huge fan of crafts, even ones I haven’t tried, and MURDER MAKES SCENTS delves into the art of candle making. I absolutely love the idea of the Wick & Flame store and would love to visit one of their candle making classes, although I’m sure I would be just like some of their other customers and overdo the scents. Oh but the sheer fun of creating such a unique piece of usable artwork sounds like so much fun and Christin Brecher helpfully includes some tips about molds at the end to entice the reader further!

MURDER MAKES SCENTS is a fun, action-packed read. The story line is a bit more internationally based than many cozy mysteries, but Christin Brecher delivers a solid and very entertaining story line. I look forward to future visits with the characters, the town, and the Wick & Flame shop!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

Wow this was good! What did a murder in Paris and international secrets and spies have in common? Stella's mom Millie, who was unwittingly involved in having something top secret. This got really exciting, and I couldn't put it down. I can't say a whole lot for fear of giving away the good stuff, but Stella once again was on the trail of a killer after witnessing a man dying in Paris before she and her mom left. They thought they'd left those troubles behind...

I like where Stella and Peter are in their relationship, they're really sweet together but haven't really had much time in just four short months to get to know each other very well. The worst part was having to leave Peter as well as Stella's police friend Andy out of what she was investigating. The adventure played out like a fast spy movie and kind of incredible at that. Who knew that she'd face the killer at the most unlikely place.

Millie was never one to stay put long, so she was back at another destination after Stella and all her friends and Millie had celebrated Stella's thirtieth. I'm so anxious now to see what kind of adventure Stella gets into next and whether her mom will be in it. She's kind of a crazy lady, but I like her!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Stella Wright and her mother return from a perfume conference in Paris. It wasn’t the perfect trip, though. A man is murdered and they are present for the stabbing. They are more than happy to leave Paris and return to their home in Nantucket where Stella runs her Wick & Flame candle store.

Things start to get a bit crazy when Stella’s mom is hit on the head and Stella receives threatening notes. The notes say that Stella’s mom smuggled a secret formula out of France. Now both of their lives are in danger.

This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed my return to Nantucket. So much is happening in this book as Stella’s relationship with her boyfriend and her mother continue to grow. The characters are well-developed and come to life on each page.

I have to admit that I did suspect the culprit, but I was thrown off the track a few times. There were many red herrings thrown into the mix. It is a great ride getting to the end and learning who the bad guys really were. This book had so much going for it from espionage, mystery, and a little romance on the side. I enjoyed it all and look forward to the next book in the series.

"Murder' makes Scents" the 2nd Instalment in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series by Christin Brecher.

I was really looking forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed! The story starts off with Stella and her mum Millie in Paris for the World Perfumery Conference, where a man was stabbed to death. Then flying back to Nantucket where Stella starts to think something or someone has followed them home. I always like a small town setting even better if it is by the sea. This instalment was full of intrigue, suspense and a whole bunch of suspects...

The Protagonist Stella is well developed, likeable and I loved her unorthodox relationship with her mum Millie as you could tell they loved each other very deeply. Another favourite of mine is Tinker the cat (my first cat was named Tinker as well). The addition of Cherry Waddle as shop assistant was great, she will fit in perfectly with the rest of our main side characters.

I found that the story was well paced and I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. The description of the setting and crime scenes are strong and really drew me in. The ending was anticlimactic in some ways but I rather liked it.

We didn’t see as much candle making in this story but there are instructions for making your own molds at the back along with Gram Scully’s Cranberry pie recipe.

Highly recommended to all my cozy friends! I can’t wait for 15 MINUTES OF FLAME the 3rd instalment to come out in September 2020.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

This was a fast paced mystery and a wild fun ride. I loved the characters especially the relationship between mother and daughter but there were a few moments that just seemed ...I'm not sure but just kinda unreal. It didn't take away my enjoyment of the story at all though. I loved Tinker the kitty! Animals are just over the top in mystery stories for me.

Candle maker Stella and her gallivanting mother, perfumer Millie Wright, visit Paris for the World Perfumery Conference, indulging their mutual love of scents during a long-overdue reunion before their return to Stella's home and shop on Nantucket Island. They no sooner arrive at the conference center, however, when a man collapses in the crowd with a knife in his back. Unbeknownst to them, witnessing this crime places the women at the center of an international caper, and when Stella and Millie arrive back in Nantucket, trouble follows them. The conference killer, a well-known anarchist opposed to world peace, has also arrived on the island in pursuit of mother and daughter. This "King of Shadows" believes that Millie possesses an item critical to his plan to disrupt a global Peace Jubilee, and will stop at nothing to retrieve it. With Millie's life in jeopardy, Stella vows to do everything in her power to protect her.

Stella's attempts to uncover the identity of the elusive killer menacing the Wright women come at a busy time for the island community. A three-day birthday reunion for one of Millie's high school classmates, a cranberry festival, and Stella's own milestone birthday celebration bring several outsiders to the island—all of whom display mysterious behavior, making them prime suspects. Stella's eavesdropping and snooping further feed her suspicions, providing more questions than answers. Who among them poses the real threat? As tensions increase, Stella finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the killer, knowing her mother remains in grave danger unless Stella can outwit this evil stranger.

Murder Makes Sense is a fast-paced, entertaining story replete with daring chases, mysterious suspects, and unforeseen plot twists. What also makes this book and series appealing is the author's further development of the characters who appeared in the first book, Murder's No Votive Confidence—from Stella's close-knit clan of cousins involved in all aspects of island business, to police pal Andy Southerland, to her comical cat Tinker, to journalist and love interest Peter Bailey. The introduction of Stella's mom Millie and the mother-daughter relationship is an added bonus, with the hope of more shared adventures as the series continues. Whatever escapades unfold in Stella's future, I plan to be along for the ride.

MURDER MAKES SCENTS by Christin Brecher
The Second Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery

Stella Wright accepted the olive branch that was a trip to Paris from her mother, Millie. After all, how can one say no to Paris? The two have a wonderful time, making a new friend from England, Olive Tidings, and taking in the sights and smells that define the city. In a shocking surprise Millie's lecture at the World Perfumery Conference is cancelled when a man is stabbed in the back and killed. Moods dampened, the pair return to Nantucket, Stella still contemplating the murdered man. Things become more festive when new people arrive in town, including some of Millie's old classmates and even their new friend, Olive. But soon Stella starts noticing little things that aren't quite right. Was her candle store broken into, or did she just forget to lock the door? Was Tinker responsible for the mess? Certainly no one was watching her? Is Stella just being paranoid or did danger follow them from Paris?

The premise of the second Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery is a bit unbelievable, but it's also thrilling and well written. I advise suspending your disbelief and enjoying the wild ride. The mystery involves a lot of new characters, all seemingly innocent, but all behaving suspiciously. There are red herrings aplenty and lots of intriguing avenues to explore adding to the complexity of the mystery.

Love is what drives MURDER MAKES SCENTS, especially the love between a daughter and her mother. Millie and Stella may not have a traditional mother/daughter relationship, but there is no doubt they share a deep abiding love and will do whatever they can for each other. We also see the love growing between Stella and Peter and possibly a new love between Millie and an old friend.

A murder in Paris brings mayhem to Nantucket in MURDER MAKES SCENTS. This scent fueled mystery had me suspecting everyone adding to my enjoyment and leaving me wondering what adventures Stella will find herself involved in next!

Murder Makes Scents is the 2nd book in the charming "Nantucket Candle Maker" mystery series by cozy author Christin Brecher. I have read the first in series and highly recommend this cozy mystery series for your reading enjoyment. The author has all the "definitive" elements of a great cozy series that make reading this series so much fun! Thank you to the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. This is a outstanding second in series.

In this next in series our protagonist Stella and her Mother Millie are off on a fun trip to Paris for a candle conference . Their fun is short lived when Stella witnesses a murder . After they return home she feels uneasy after her shop is broken into and her Mother is attacked and hit in the head. Then she receives a mysterious anonymous note that hints her Mother may be in danger. and may be in possession of something she smuggled out of Paris in a vial that may be tied to international secrets ! . The mystery deepens as Stella try's to solve the mystery of the vial, the murder and save her Mother while running her business .

This is such a fun mystery with a multi layered sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. I loved the way Stella is savvy when investigating and will not take no for a answer. I cannot wait for the next in series . Very well done to the author ! This has mystery, intrigue , great supporting charcters and the candle information is informative and fun.

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher is the 2nd book in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery, and another great addition. Stella Wright owns a candle store, Wick & Flame, that specializes in unique design and scented candles. Stella and her mother Millie are attending a perfume conference in Paris, when Stella sees a man die right in front of her. Luckily Stella and her mom are able to return to Nantucket, and her store. When someone breaks into Stella store, they realize that danger has followed them home from Paris. This book is a quick read with a well developed plot and characters. I enjoyed the twists and turns around every corner. I really enjoyed this series, and this second book was even better than the first. I can't wait for the and next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Murder Makes Scents, the second book in Christin Brecher’s Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series, is a fun cozy mystery with international flair. From the streets of Paris to the cobblestones of Nantucket, we follow protagonist Stella Wright on the scent of a killer.

Stella Wright, proprietress of the Wick & Flame candle shop is in Paris, attending a perfume conference where her mother, Millie, is a featured speaker. Before Millie can deliver her presentation, however, a man is murdered, and the convention is disbanded. As eyewitnesses to the stabbing, Stella and Millie are questioned by the French police before returning to the U.S. Trouble soon follows, and, after a break-in at the Wick & Flame, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a connection between the incidents in Nantucket and the stabbing in Paris. When Millie becomes a target, Stella must use her wits (and the help of a few friends) to ferret out the perpetrator.

The plot – though a little fantastical at times – is consistently intriguing. A wealth of suspects, several of whom have followed Stella from France, with a wide variety of motives and misdirection, keep the reader guessing until the end. The intricacies of perfume- and candle-making are woven skillfully and unobtrusively into the plot. The characters, both old and new, are distinct and nuanced. The subplots involving Stella’s thirtieth birthday and her anticipation of furthering her relationship with Peter add a bit of levity and romance to the story. And her cat, Tinker, adds a bit of sass.

In the bonus material, Ms. Brecher includes some tips on candle making, a recipe for cranberry pie that sounds delicious, and a preview of the third book in the series, 15 Minutes of Flame, a Halloween-themed cozy that I definitely will be reading. All told, Murder Makes Scents is a fast-paced, highly entertaining installment in this charming mystery series.

Note: I received an ARC of Murder Makes Scents from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher has Stella Wright with her mother, Millie in Paris for The World Perfumery Conference. Before Millie gives her talk, they stop so she can check her materials one more time. A commotion breaks out and Stella sees a man with a knife in his back. Stella later learns that the killer was after sensitive information, but he eluded the gendarme. Millie and Stella return to Nantucket Island where Stella notices a woman on a yacht watching them through binoculars as they depart the ferry. Unable to sleep that night (Millie snores and hogs the bed), Stella heads to her shop to catch a cat nap with Tinker. Before she drifts off, she can hear the bell on the door. Someone had been in her shop, but Stella has no clue what they were after. While trying to escape the affectionate Tinker, Millie gets injured which requires an overnight stay at the local hospital. The next morning, Stella finds a threatening note on her door. The person wants a formula hidden in Millie’s special bag or they will harm Stella’s mother. Stella intends to unravel this malodourous puzzle and catch the guilty party. Murder Makes Scents is the second book in A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not picked up Murder’s No Votive Confidence. I like the characters and the setting of Nantucket Island. The story moved along steadily, and I liked the action that kept things lively. The mystery was unique for a cozy mystery which I just loved. There was intrigue, mysterious individuals, a special formula, international espionage and action. Your ability to solve this whodunit depends upon your sleuthing level. I like the humor sprinkled throughout (I love a book that makes me laugh). Tinker was a hoot. The author captured how a cat behaves perfectly especially when they know someone does not wish to be their friend. There is a side story involving Stella’s thirtieth birthday and the possibility that her beau might ask a certain question. There is an excerpt from 15 Minutes of Flame, the 3rd A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery, at the end along with a recipe and discussion on making your own candle molds. Murder Makes Scents is an engaging cozy mystery with a funny formula, mold making masterclass, curious clues, a perplexing prowler, and a comical cat.

A charming cozy mystery. Please suspend reality from the start or you will not be happy. Enjoy the adventure and mystery for what it is. Light-hearted fun, along with a little romance, and the delightful pleasure of friendships. I look forward to reading the further activities of our lovely protagonist and her mother, who adds spice to the story.

a strong second installment in a delectable series. Starting in Paris and ending back home, this book is full of fun and mystery. Strong characters and a solid story line round out this book for an absolutely enthralling read.

A very fast paced mystery that will take your breath away!
I found this to be an exciting new series. I did not read the previous book but I will for sure after meeting these fantastic characters. There is much going on and the story kept my heart racing. I did not know what to expect next and I found myself being surprised often with the turns the story took.
There is a bit of romance which did not over power the mystery aspects, many suspects, and a bit of international intrigue. Something for everyone!

As one of my new favorite series, I was excited to return to Nantucket Island and Stella’s candle shop, the Wick & Flame. As the story opens, Stella, and her mother Millie, are in Paris attending a perfume industry conference where her mother is a guest speaker. While Stella has a talent for creating unique candle scents, Millie creates unique perfume scents.
They are enjoying Paris, eating, shopping, and making a new friend from the conference. All is going well until Stella witnesses a stabbing of a man also attending the conference. Stella and Millie return home to Nantucket with welcomed relief, until several events happen leaving Stella anxious that the violent death of the young man has followed them home. When her candle store is broken into, her mother attacked from behind, and anonymous note claiming her mother has a vial smuggled out of Paris, that threatens her mother’s life, Stella knows it’s time to get involved. Stella is determined to uncover the secrets of the perfume vial while keeping her mother safe.

This is the second book in the Nantucket Candle Maker series and an excellent addition. Ms. Brecher takes you to Nantucket Island as she artfully gives descriptions of the area. Stella, is a capable protagonist that can rely on her friends to give help when needed. The plot was intriguing, as it took several turns with a variety of suspects. The ending, was one that caught me off guard. This delightful series has all the characteristics of charming cozy and is a delightful read. I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher Kensington through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Murder Makes Scents earns 5/5 Fragrant Spies...Entertaining Fun!

Enter the Wick and Flame, a Nantucket candle maker shop, and enjoy the artistry, the fragrance, and...murder? I am new to Christin Brecher’s series, but starting with the second book didn’t put me at a disadvantage; there were enough references in background and character connections to keep me engaged. Stella Wright is in Paris attending a perfume conference with her mother, Millie, a well-known perfumer, who regales the attendees with stories of her trip to the Amazon to find the most delicious scents. However, Stella witnesses a stabbing, and on their return home, they discover the candle shop has been burgled, a mysterious note accuses her mother of smuggling, and bodily harm is threatened. International intrigue. Codes. Mysterious woman. Tourists. And a thirtieth birthday! Wow! Although a few characters acted a bit unrealistically, too accepting, but would I question authority when their credentials look legitimate? No, I, too, would accept their story. I enjoyed this romp including several perilous moments keeping me frantically turning the pages. Christin used a first-person narrative from Stella’s perspective vicariously giving readers, like me, a role in the drama, and with descriptive language one might feel, hear, or...smell, and the dialogue doing well to depict tone and the various personalities, I am a fan. I enjoyed the dynamic between Stella and her mother having their passion for “scents” in common, and “Fur” friends will enjoy Tinker, Stella’s cat. All together I was challenged to see the whole picture on my own...it was great! Bonus, yeah! Gram Scully’s Cranberry Pie!

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher is the second in the Nantucket Candlemaker Mystery series. This was the first one I have read but was able to get up to date quickly, It is an easy to read cozy.
It's the last day of an industry conference in Paris for Stella and her mom, Millie. when a stabbing occurs. They return home that night and thinks it is over, but is it....
Millie has a collection of vials with unique scents and locks them in the safe of the candle shop. Almost immediately, things start happening involving Stella, break ins, her mother ending up in the hospital, a new man in Millie's life, and a stranger wanting to meet Stella at her shop. Then when she gets a note saying her mother has a vial with a secret formula she knows this means trouble for the island,
You are kept guessing until the end. There is a great collection of characters and a lovely setting. You also have humor and romance.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.

A wonderful second outing for Stella and Nantucket Island! With thrills and suspects aplenty this makes for a great read!

Stella has gone to join her mother Millie at a perfume conference (Millie is one of the final speakers), they have had a great time catching up and soaking up Parisian culture (and food!) but all good things must come to an end and the final day has come around, but neither Millie or Stella anticipate Millie not getting to make her speech when a man is murdered in the crowd of perfumers! They assume this will be the end of it, after all a death in Paris has nothing to do with Nantucket, only it appears it has - now Stella has to cope with a break in at the shop, Millie ending up in hospital and a threatening note, can she sniff out the killer or have they masked their scent completely?