Member Reviews

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

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Jem Jago is relaxing on board her boat with her best friends when the need for the toilet leads them to head to shore. They arrive at Candlewick Castle and discover a dead body. The victim is a dodgy businessman Herman Castleberry and he has upset quite a few people. This includes Jem's first love Rhys who is quickly identified as the prime suspect by her new romantic interest Detective Sergeant Hack...
A Death at Candlewick Castle is the second novel by Emma Jameson to feature librarian and amateur sleuth Jemima Jago. I have previously reviewed A Death at Seascape House but there are no major plot spoilers about events in the last book.
I found Jem to be much more likeable in this book as she is less haunted by her past. Her personality seems to have softened and she has firm friendships to support her. There is also the romantic tension with Rhys and Hack which adds a human and emotional side to her character.
The setting of the Isles of Scilly is wonderfully brought to life and now I want to visit! The description of the body at the beginning is a little unpleasant but the focus is on Jem being an intrepid investigator. I enjoyed the gentle humour of the book (the recurrent need for the toilet for example!) and Jem seems much more relaxed in the location and in her own skin.
A Death at Candlewick Castle is an enjoyable murder mystery and I look forward to the next book in the series.

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A Death at Candlewick Castle is the second Jemima Jago British cozy by Emma Jameson. Released 20th Aug 2021, it's 272 pages (ebook version) and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, the books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

I love library cozies (and libraries, and cozies) and this is a nice second installment for the series. The ensemble cast, introduced in the first book are filled out here and more solid in their interactions. The author is quite experienced and talented and I found it an engaging and enjoyable read. I'm not personally a fan of slow burn enemies, love triangles, and romance elements in my books, but fans who like those will enjoy them here.

Warning for cozy mystery fans, this one is slightly more hard edged and a tiny bit more graphic than usual for fluffy library cozies. The language is relatively clearn (PG level) and includes only a scattering of damns and similar level mild curses. The denouement and resolution were fair play and satisfying.

It's a small-town cozy(ish) setting and the book does have a plethora of small-town oddball eccentric characters. The author is unquestionably gifted and prolific and has a firm grasp of the technical aspects of writing. Her descriptive prose is excellent, and as stated, she writes atmosphere very well.

Four stars with the codicil that readers who don't like harder edged mysteries and occasionally unpleasant characters and actions might want to tread carefully. No fluffy kitties here.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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Jem's second murder mystery is equally as good as the first one. The characters are well established by now and they all seem like old friends to me. I enjoyed the originality of the setting and the mystery. Jem finds herself needing to investigate a murder to help an old friend prove his innocence. Sergent Hackman is reluctant to involve Jem but he ultimately can't stop her from sticking her nose in. I like their interactions. Their relationship is in its very early stages which leaves an opening for an old crush to make his feelings for Jem clear. The other man isn't as likeable and I'm sure it won't take Jem long to be firmly on #TeamHack. I love a good love triangle told well and I'm looking forward to the tension it will create, the little jealousies and awkwardness that will come about as things develop.
The mystery concludes well with plenty of suspense and drama.
I listened to the audio version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. Book 3 is already on my playlist for listening to soon.

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Jemima is enjoying her working vacation in Cornwall. She is cataloging the oldest library in Cornwall and watching the beautiful night sky. This is book 2 in the Jemima Jago series. I did not read book 1 but there was enough background that i found the characters and story line very refreshing. When the body of newcomer, Hermie is found on the beach it seems there is murder in the air. When another body is discovered Jemima can't let go of the mystery . I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Having not read book 1, this was slightly confusing. But went into it as a murder mystery and enjoyed trying to solve the mystery and get to the killer. Overall, an entertaining read

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Jemima is boating with friends and the plan to visit the Pirate Festival, but all the slips are taken. So they go the castle sid and plan to walk back. They have plenty of room there. They notice scavenger birds bothering something. They go to look and find a dead body.
Bookouture and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published so you can get a copy now.

Jemima starts looking for a killer. It has to be someone on the islands. The cop tells her to stay out of it. she has an interest in him, but her old boyfriend is there too and she's not sure which one she should chose. Then they say the boyfriend did it. She knows he didn't so she goes to snooping again.

I was surprised by the killer, so was Jemima. Will she be able to save herself?

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The second book in the Jem Jago mystery series, finds Jem still on the Island of Scillies, cataloging a private special collection. When Micki and Pauley, her friends, want to attend a Pirate Festival, they arrive by boat with Jem and they find a dead body on the beach. The person blamed is Rhys, also an old friend and flame, and Jem sets out to prove his innocence. The characters are likeable, and the mystery was well written. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great second installment in Jemima Jago Mystery Series.. In fact, I enjoyed this one more than I did book one. Jem seems to be back in everyone's good graces. Which was one of my issues with the first book. I also found her more likable in this one. Again we get another well plotted and well paced mystery that kept me guessing. I am still really enjoying the setting. Really, my only issue is the love triangle between Jem, Hack (#teamHack) and Rhys. I loathe love triangles, especially in my cozy mysteries, so I am really hoping this author doesn't drag that out over several books. 👀 Overall though this was a cracking good read and I can't wait to see what these characters get up to next!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

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I  received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

This is my first experience reading this author. To be completely honest, the title is what caught my eye, plus it has a librarian sleuth!

I did enjoy this book, and the characters were fun. Can't wait till the next one.

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I do love cozy mysteries.

The setting to this series is gorgeous and lets you escape to Sicilly while your reading.

The writing is amazing and it draws you in from the start and keeps you entertained all the way to the end.

Can't wait to read more from this author

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The setting of a book and the geography also contributes much to the pleasure of reading, especially if you are not
from the area, live in a totally different type of environment. Having a book set in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles
brings to the overseas reader another glimpse of Britain - a most idyllic one here in this story.

The story of a cozy mystery murder set in such surroundings, with an unofficial sleuth on hand and her band of friends
adds to the piquancy of the read. When one body is found, and questions raised and he is found to be not such a nice guy
after all the suspicions start pointing all ways and when another body is discovered Jem knows she has to get cracking
with the clues before the bodies start piling up.

Very pleasant reading from this author whom I discovered through another series by her.

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The setting is just gorgeous for a cosy mystery and a love triangle. There were some interesting angles to the story that kept me reading and the ending was a little bit of a surprise.

Despite this, I couldn't really get into it. However, I'm sure others will continue to enjoy the ensemble cast and the murder mysteries that are bound to follow them

My thanks to #Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Although this book's setting is English, the writing style is reminiscent of American cozy mysteries with an eclectic collection of characters and an enigmatic main protagonist in Jemima. This time a body is discovered on a small island in the Isles of Scilly that is the setting for Candlewick castle.

The characters are unique and have a good friendship dynamic that allows them to be successful amateur sleuths. The romantic tension between Jemima and Hack, the police detective, intensifies, which she struggles to understand. Their fledgling investigative relationship flourishes, as Jemima's knack of seeing things from a different perspective, proves invaluable to Hack's inquiry.

This is another engagingly quirky book in a series that is well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley, too
For my copy of this book, here’s my honest review:

If cosy murder mysteries are what you crave
With a feisty heroine who doesn’t always behave
Check out this book and try to solve the mystery
Before anyone else is killed and history!

Set in the Isles of Scilly where Jem’s returned
She can’t resist solving puzzles and mysteries I’ve learned.
She’s actually a librarian who is cataloguing a collection
Discovering letters and diaries in this unique selection.

However, when she’s out having fun with friends
She makes a discovery that fun ends
Below the castle walls another body they find
She hopes Hack really won’t mind!

As the police investigation starts at a pace
Jem and friends are sure they’re in the wrong place.
When a childhood friend is arrested and sent to jail
They need to clear his name quickly, without fail!

This is another delightful, intriguing read
One I thoroughly enjoyed, so please pay heed
If you enjoy small communities and brill mysteries, too
This could be a book that’s ideal for you!

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I really enjoyed this book. It was a great storyline with excellent characters. I would highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Death At Candlewick Castle' by Emma Jameson.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Jameson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 20th August 2021.

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Jemima Jago Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'A Death At Seascape House' which is the first book in the 'Jemima Jago Mystery' series which I also recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie will adore A Death at Candlewick Castle.' I am a huge fan of Faith Martin and Agatha Christie so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Emma Jameson and if this is half as good as 'A Death At Seascape House' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 29 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Cornwall, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Cornwall is even better as I have been on holiday in Cornwall many times so may even recognise some places Emma has set the book around.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Jemima Jago. The benefits of third person perspective especially with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Another fantastic read from the very talented Emma Jameson!!!


This book was very well written and the vivid descriptions really made me feel that I was in Cornwall with the sea air and sand all around me. It felt like a lovely mini holiday which was much needed!! The synopsis and cover worked perfectly with the storyline. I really liked that the chapters all had their own headings that resonated with the events of that chapter and many were direct quotes from the chapter itself and also quite amusing.

The storyline itself is a mix of slow and fast paced, starting off quite slow and picking up speed throughout. I would liken it to to a rollercoaster with the first quarter being the build up as you get to the top and then the rest of the ride being fast paced filled with twists, turns, some suspense, tension and a shock at the end!! One I never expected which I am very pleased to report, not a huge fan of books that I have it all figured out by 50%. I loved that it had so much book talk, which was to be, if not expected then definitely hoped for as our protagonist is a librarian. This is a perfect beach read or one to curl up with in front of a fire. The setting and atmosphere is perfectly portrayed for a cozy mystery.

The characters were an eclectic mix and I must admit I'm not quite sure what to make of Jem. At times I quite enjoyed her strong willed personality and she has definitely grown more on me since first meeting her in 'A Death At Seascape Hoise'. However, as the story developed she did start to grow on me. I can't say I was surprised when nobody seemed bothered by a certain person's demise!! The islanders attitude is very realistic as in a close knit community (which Emma did a brilliant job portraying). I bonded with Micki immediately in the first book and loved meeting her larger than life character again along with Hack. Pauley and Rhys. Their team dynamic works really well and i have become completely invested in them.

Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

A huge congratulations to Emma on another successful novel, here's to the next book in this explosive series

Overall an intriguing cosy mystery in an idyllic setting which will keep you hooked throughout.

Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Suspense, Murder and Cozy Mystery amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Faith Martin, Clare Chase, Fliss Chester and Agatha Christie.


192 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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This is a compelling and compulsive addition to an uplifting, endlessly charming and highly original cosy mystery series populated by a cast of quirky and indelible characters, especially Jemima herself. The plot is refreshingly unique and filled with drama, action, twists and liberal doses of fun and humour. It's an engrossing, lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining read and a fabulous, and much-needed, piece of escapism.

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A perfect summer mystery set on a English island amid great charcters and murder. If your a Agatha Christie fan you will love this series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley.

Jemima returns and is enjoying her summer and working at the library in Cornwall. On her time off she is sunbathing, swimming and sailing enjoying all the island has to offer. When a body is found on the sand Jem gets involved especially because her ex boyfriend is arrested.

I love the author's descriptions of Cornwall and summer in this beautiful area. The charcters are richly drawn and add to the plot. The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing to completion. A very enjoyable read.

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Cornwall has been in the news of late, so it was appapro that this book came in about the same time it hit the news! This is a quick read- part chic lit, light romance, part cozy and a perfect travel book. It will make you want to run off on vacation to Cornwall. With the perfect amount of red herrings, a very relatable main character (and friends), it's an enjoyable read, that will make you want to go back and read book 1 (A Death at Seascape House) too!

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