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Glenmyre Whim Mysteries #2

Too Much to Candle

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Candlemaker Hazel Wickbury sets out again to bring the truth to light.

Iggy Alewell, Hazel Wickbury's friend and candle shop assistant, is eager to purchase his own home with the advance from his first big book deal. Iggy is on the hunt for something with character, so what could be better than the old Cragmire house that's rumored to have buried treasure somewhere on its property? Hazel is thrilled her friend has found success, but things in Crucible take a nasty turn when another potential buyer for the Cragmire house goes missing. He was last seen taking a boat out on Lake Glenmyre, and when the rental is found empty, it's clear to police that foul play is involved.

What's worse is that Iggy becomes the prime suspect in the man's disappearance, and Detective Holden Whitfield's thorny, new partner is certain Iggy is guilty. To clear Iggy from suspicion and dispel the darkness penetrating their beloved town, Hazel and her Aunt Poppy team up again to find a killer before their friend gets burned.

Return to Crucible in "Too Much to Candle," Book Two in the award-winning Glenmyre Whim Mysteries.

Praise for "You Can't Candle the Truth," Book One in the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries:

"You Can’t Candle the Truth, like its heroine, Hazel Wickbury, is absolutely enchanting...magic is threaded with persuasive charm into the fabric of the story.” Lori Robbins, award-winning author of the On Pointe Mysteries

"a unique, charming, feel-good story that fans across the entire mystery spectrum will enjoy." J.C. Kenney, bestselling author of the Allie Cobb Mysteries

"With the setting, characters, and mystery storyline all on point, You Can't Candle the Truth is pure delight." Carol E. Ayer, author of The HSP Mysteries

2022 Silver Falchion Award Best Supernatural Finalist

2022 Next Generation Indie Book Award Best Mystery Finalist

254 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

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About the author

Sarah E. Burr

28 books246 followers
Sarah E. Burr lives near New York City. Hailing from the small town of Appleton, Maine, she has been dreaming of being Nancy Drew since she was a little girl. After not finding any mysteries in corporate America, Sarah began creating some of her own.

She writes the award-winning Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, the Trending Topic Mysteries, the Book Blogger Mysteries, and the Court of Mystery series. "You Can’t Candle the Truth" was a 2022 NGIBA Best Mystery Finalist and a 2022 Silver Falchion Best Supernatural Mystery Finalist. "Too Much to Candle" was a 2023 NGIBA Best Paranormal Finalist, and "#TagMe for Murder" was a 2024 NGIBA Best Chick Lit Finalist.

Sarah is the co-host of "It's Bookish Time," a live-streamed web series featuring author interviews and book discussions. She writes on the Writers Who Kill blogging team and is a member of Sisters in Crime. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah sings Broadway show tunes, plays video games with her husband, and enjoys walks with her rescue dogs, Eevee and Itto.

Stay connected with Sarah and receive free stories, be the first to learn about book news, book deals, and more by signing up for her newsletter: https://bit.ly/saraheburrbookssignup.

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5 stars
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11 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book136 followers
October 17, 2022
The disappearance of a disagreeable professor places another of Hazel and Poppy’s good friends under suspicion of murder!

Too Much to Candle is a fabulous follow-up to author Sarah E. Burr’s You Can’t Candle the Truth, the debut novel in the Glenmyre Whim Mystery series. Readers are returned to the quaint and cozy town of Crucible, New York, and get to catch up with their favorite residents and meet some interesting new ones.

The core characters, Hazel, Poppy, Holden, Ezra, Constance, and Iggy, are a delightfully fun group of friends, people anyone would like to hang with. Hazel and Polly, once again, make for a very effective investigative team. I liked that the two women have come to an understanding with the cousin, Holden, the real detective, and seem to respect each other’s roles and abilities and collaborate on the case.

The book’s action starts early with the confrontation at the Cold Cauldron, and the victim goes missing soon after. Mayhan is a nasty piece of work, and readers will have no qualms about seeing him exit the story early on. Hazel and Poppy’s investigation reveals other possible suspects, all with good motives for wanting Mayhan out of the way, so the story has several plausible red herrings to keep readers guessing.

The concept of the Glenmyre’s whims (supernatural abilities) continues to intrigue me. However, Hazel’s gift of seeing a person’s “lifeclock” truly seems a curse. I can understand her feelings over not wanting to know the exact amount of time her loved ones have left on this plane, as she puts it.

With its comfortable and homey setting, engaging characters, unique paranormal elements, and intriguing mystery, I recommend TOO MUCH TO CANDLE to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of the supernatural in their stories and those who would like the cozy and warm small-town New York setting during the Halloween season.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
Profile Image for Elle Hartford.
Author 37 books302 followers
October 15, 2022
Just finished my advance copy--I'm running behind in my reading schedule, but once I started this lovely adventure, I couldn't put it down!

The fall/Halloween vibes are strong in this story, and I am totally here for it. ;) Hazel's investigation quickly leads her to clues regarding a buried treasure on a historic estate. It's a sort of Nancy Drew meets Indiana Jones mystery, which I absolutely adored (and which is perfect given some Halloween costumes that come up at the end!). There were plenty of intriguing suspects and I was guessing until right up at the end. But everything fell into place after that!

As always with this series, my favorite part of the book was simply hanging out with Hazel and her friends in their delightful town. And her pets!! Too cute for words!! (I actually have a three-legged kitty with the same dietary restrictions as a certain pup, so reading about Hazel's new adoptees felt like a warm hug!) Plus, of course, there's all the wonderful candle scents (seasonally appropriate, naturally) that make reading about Hazel's business a real pleasure.

Overall, I loved this book, and I was thrilled to discover that the next installment in the series is already in the works. I would wholeheartedly recommend this to fans of witchy/paranormal mysteries, cozies with a modern and inclusive feel, anyone who loves Nancy Drew's hijinks or historical treasures--the list goes on and on!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews53 followers
October 16, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

This series is so much fun! We catch up with Hazel and her amazing candles as they are getting ready for Halloween. This is great fun as the whole town gets into the theme. To make it better Iggy is close to buying his dream home the Cragmire estate. Things get detailed when a pompous jerk shows up out bidding him with triple the price on the foreclosed property. All sorts of speculation amounts from this only getting worse when the man disappears. Iggy is the main suspect when murder is a possibility so Hazel, Poppy, and friends start asking questions. Add in their magical whims and we get a fantastic cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end with all the surprise twists that happen. A must read for fans of magical copies with fun relatable characters. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
24 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this book :)! This has become one of my favourite series! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for B.J. Bowen.
Author 3 books93 followers
October 13, 2022
Although the mystery in Too Much to Candle was engaging, the best part of this novel for me was the characters. Hazel’s compassion for her employee and friend (who is accused of murder), her Aunt Poppy, her town, and her pets runs throughout. Her Aunt Poppy, too, is devoted to the town and Hazel, and her matchmaking demonstrates her wish for everyone to be happy. Even the minor characters (except for the villains) are loveable. Would that everyone was like these people! Thank you, Sarah. I look forward to more.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carol.
Author 21 books131 followers
August 27, 2022
I loved this second installment of the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries as much as the first. Once more, I was delighted to go along on Hazel and Poppy's sleuthing adventures in the charming town of Crucible (which reminds me of Stars Hollow from The Gilmore Girls!) The book not only boasts a solid mystery, but more of the fascinating Glenmyre family history is revealed. Add in Hazel adopting not one but two pets, and the overall effect is utterly enchanting. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Lisa.
636 reviews67 followers
October 14, 2022
What an absolutely charming cozy mystery!

When I read the title of the book and series, I wasn’t sure what a Glenmyre Whim was. Turns out, whims are the manifestations of magical power for the members of the Glenmyre family. Hazel, Holden, and Poppy, the last three surviving members of the family, each have a different Whim. Poppy’s lets her see a person’s aura. Holden’s lets him see the last few minutes of someone’s life (useful in his job as a police detective). Hazel’s lets her see a person’s lifeclock, so she knows when they’re going to die. Understandably, she normally wears special glasses designed to block this information.

When Mayhan Montgomery has a run-in with Hazel’s friend Iggy, she inadvertently sees Montgomery’s lifeclock and knows he only has a few weeks left to live. That changes, though, when Montgomery goes missing and is presumed dead. And when Iggy is the prime suspect, targeted for the crime by a new detective in town looking to prove himself, Hazel can’t stay out of it. She and Poppy have to find out what’s really going on.

The world of Crucible is just a joy. It sounds like a nice, close-knit, friendly little town. (This whole murder thing notwithstanding, that is.) Hazel and her friends and family look out for each other. I’d like to hang out with them at the Cold Cauldron and go browse all the shops.

Burr does a good job of creating red herrings to make you think you know who the culprit might be (because it is definitely not Iggy!). As Hazel and Poppy investigate, they find that a whole lot of folks in Crucible might have had reason to want Montgomery dead. Is it the local restaurateurs? The yoga instructor? Even Montgomery’s own assistant isn’t above suspicion.

I really enjoyed the way Burr worked rescue animals into the story. We see Hazel bring home two new furry friends, a cat and a dog, both with special needs. One, I love that she got them from a rescue, and two, I love that she didn’t hesitate to take both of the animals and that she put her family money to good use by donating to the rescue for the ongoing care of animals with health issues. That alone would endear Hazel to me for the rest of the series!

As the book draws to a close, we learn more about the history of Crucible. It has historically been protected by the Glenmyre Shield, a magical barrier put into place by Hazel’s ancestor Jedidiah centuries earlier. It’s been safe, crime-free, accident-free. When the murder occurs, they start to wonder if the shield is weakening. But maybe it’s not. I hope we learn more about that in future books!

Characters that are absolutely cheer-worthy, a setting that sounds like a place I’d love to visit, a fascinating magical system, and an engaging mystery that kept me guessing – Too Much to Candle gets five twinkling candlelit stars from me!
Profile Image for Nicole Leiren.
Author 20 books85 followers
April 4, 2026
A Fun Read

I enjoyed the second book in the series and found myself paying rapt attention to the status of the protective shield with more bodies being discovered!

Enjoying getting to know the characters as well.

Lookout forward to seeing what happens next!
Profile Image for Elle Wren.
Author 19 books558 followers
November 23, 2022
Sarah E. Burr has done it again! I loved getting back to Hazel’s world. Crucible is such a cozy town. I love all of Hazel’s friends and family members. She has such an interesting, diverse group around her. The mystery in this one was quite intriguing. Hazel’s valued employee and friend Iggy is accused of murdering a treasure-seeking academic who tried to buy a house out from under him. A house rumored to hold a great treasure. They aren’t even sure the victim is dead, but it sure looks like he is. Hazel and Poppy search for clues, finding a bunch of the man’s enemies and learning more about the property. It took me quite a while to guess the guilty party. I absolutely loved the ending too. I wish the next book was available now!
Profile Image for J.C. Kenney.
Author 17 books262 followers
August 26, 2022
With the release of her latest novel, Sarah E. Burr proves once again that she is a Master of Misdirection.

Too Much to Candle returns us to the idyllic community of Crucible, New York. Things are going well in the lives of our two major protagonists, Hazel Wickbury and her aunt, Poppy Glenmyre. The same can't be said for the community, though. When a disagreeable archaeologist disappears shortly after coming to town, murder appears to be in the air. Hazel and Poppy decide to investigate when Hazel's employee Iggy Alewell, is accused of murdering the missing man. They're also spurred on by the apparent deterioration of the legendary charm that has protected Crucible from evil for centuries.

As their investigation progresses, Hazel and Poppy encounter a sizeable group of suspects who had it in for the archaeologist. Everyone from a pair of local restauranteurs to a research assistant to a yoga instructor seems to have a reason for wanting revenge with the missing man. The case is turned on its head, though, when the dead body of a former Crucible resident is discovered.

This turn takes Hazel and Poppy down a twisty path that literally brings them in contact with maps, legends, and lost artifacts. The investigation concludes with a whopper of a reveal that will please any mystery fan, and especially delight devotees of the National Treasure films.

Along the way we are reacquainted with the wonderful citizens of Crucible and get to meet two adorable furry additions to the Wickbury household. Too Much to Candle is a fabulous follow up to the debut novel in this series, You Can't Candle the Truth. We learn more about the history of Crucible and the magical whims Hazel and Poppy possess, all while enjoying a fantastic whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the very end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

If you're looking for an escape from the real world to a place with a touch of magic and an entire serving of good vibes, make sure to book a trip to Crucible with Too Much to Candle.
Profile Image for Claudia.
281 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2022
It's another 5 glowing candle stars for Too Much to Candle, the second book in the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries! I am such a fan of this series, reading the story was like getting together with friends I hadn't seen in awhile.

The cozy Autumn season is upon the residents of Crucible, New York. Hazel's candle shop, A Wick in Time is growing with the addition of her candle kitchen above her shop. Iggy, her trusted friend and employee has just sold his first manuscript, and is excited to buy a new house. The Cragmire House is rumored to have buried treasure, and someone is determined to get the house away from Iggy and others, even by deadly means.

The added elements of Crucible's protection shield, and buried treasure made for an adventurous mystery. There were so many potential suspects, I didn't try to figure out the killer, just enjoyed the story.

It was fun to read about Hazel's new relationship, and her ongoing friendships. And now Hazel is adding some furry pets to the mix! I am looking forward to reading more about Hazel, her aunt Poppy, and the cozy town of Crucible!

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deborah Almada.
1,355 reviews43 followers
May 20, 2024
I have a new favorite series to add to my list. That seems to happen every time I start a new series by Sarah E Burr! In this adventure, aunt and niece pair Poppy and Hazel are drawn into a murder investigation when a newcomer to Crucible treats Hazel's friend and employee Iggy, rudely and physically in front of half the town and then ends up being reported missing, by his research assistant the next day. When the boat he took out is found abandoned, but with obvious signs of a violent struggle, he is assumed dead. With their cousin Holden, the police detective, saddled with a new partner trying to make his mark, the ladies know they need to help. Besides running their businesses, spending time with friends, and Hazel welcoming new fur babies, the ladies are still determined to find out what's going on in Crucible and keeping their hometown and friends and neighbors safe. If using their whims are necessary, so be it! Can't wait for the next in the series, Flying Off the Candle, coming out on June 11th.
Profile Image for Renee Winter.
472 reviews18 followers
October 19, 2022
Hazel and Poppy are quite a duo!!!

Wowzers!!! Revisiting Crucible is such a joy! When a stranger gets physical with Iggy, Hazel's friend and employee, over his bid on the Craigmire estate, things start to go awry. The man is presumed dead the next day when the rented boat is found with blood and no man. With twists and turns you'll be guessing just who did the man in. He certainly was a horrible person but didn't deserve to die. You will love to hate this character!! Vivid descriptions make Crucible a town for anyone's bucket list as a place to at least visit if not to live there. I loved getting to know Hazel, Poppy, Holden and the rest, more. Kudos to Sarah for including Bergamot and Magnolia! 2 rescued special needs animals. I cried tears of joy!! Make sure you read this one!!
Profile Image for Ryan Hoffman.
1,215 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2022
Too Much to Candle is the second in the Glenmyre Whims Mystery Series. A series of involves magie, mayhem and murder. It brings back the main cast including Hazel, Poppy, Iggy, Constance, Erza and Holden. In this book Iggy is buying a house with his Advanced from his first book deal. Until a nasty piece of work named Mayhan Montgomery is found dead. It's a fun mystery witn a touch of the supernatural, with Hazen and her kin having gifts of "whims" as they call them, Hazel is able to see a person's "life clock"
Profile Image for Jen.
678 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2023
Too Much to Candle was a good follow up in the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries. Hazel and Poppy are a fun detective duo and the rest of their friends and family in Crucible make revisiting the town so interesting.

The mystery was pretty well done, but I didn't see the solution at all. I felt it rather came out of left field. And while Hazel was close to solving it, it wasn't until she was face to face with a gun pointed at her that the lightbulb came on. I would have liked her actually solving the mystery with a few more real clues planted and not so many red herrings to throw her off track.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,995 reviews35 followers
October 16, 2023
Ohhh Iggy is in the hot seat this time and Hazel, Poppy, Holden, Cora, and the gang set out to clear his name after he is fingered for a murder. This was another very wordy murder. Ezra and Hazel are giving their relationship a try and for a few chapters I didn’t like the way the author wrote him because it was so out of character with the Ezra we got to know. Luckily that was rectified. With more adventure, “whims” and mythology, the murder is resolved b
Profile Image for Jim Twombly.
Author 9 books13 followers
October 31, 2022
Sarah did it again. She took me away from the stresses of midterm exams, midterm elections, advising, and a host of other things to one of her worlds. A couple of her Easter Eggs surprised me, but a nice little mental vacation.

Also, a bit of a weird coincidence - not a spoiler here - the last scene is at a Halloween Party and I finished reading it on Halloween. Hmm.
Profile Image for Karen Olson.
Author 2 books16 followers
November 13, 2022
A cozy mystery book to add to your list!

I really enjoyed this second book of the Glenmyre mysteries. With more murders, the town is struggling to get back it’s warmth and gracious atmosphere. Will Hazel and Poppy, with the assist of Holden and some friends, be able to solve the mysteries and maybe even find some treasure? Put this book on your “Got to read cozy mysteries” list.
Profile Image for Paula.
Author 6 books33 followers
October 26, 2024
What a fun, page-turning ride with the Glenmyre witches! I really enjoyed this series, and love how the author weaves the backstory of the town of Crucible through the mystery as it unfolds. I'm ready for more!
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
675 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2022
Twisty

This installment was full of mysteries, twists and turns. It kept me guessing until the end. I read it straight through because I couldn't put it down.
14 reviews
June 6, 2023
enjoyable series

Enjoyed reading the second book in this series. It’s fun to follow the twists and turns hazel, poppy and their friends take along the way
801 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2026
Fun series with quirky characters and a little magic. Light supernatural elements with friendships and of course a murder. I was stumped with this one and did not guess correctly. Fun series
Profile Image for Susan.
85 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2024
Very intriguing leading up to the end. On to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews