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Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out
Beatrice Sawyer is flickering out, for what might be the last time.
After being laid off yet again, Beatrice returns with her family to her childhood summer home to unwind. And maybe figure out how to move out of her parents’ basement. The town is hosting their inaugural Smallmouth Bass Festival as a last-wick effort to attract tourists, and Beatrice hopes volunteering might shed some light on her future.
At first, things seem to be brightening. Beatrice rediscovers the candle shop her grandmother once owned, and a new dream sparks to life.
Until she stumbles upon her estranged aunt dragging away the marina owner’s body.
When her grandfather insists on his daughter’s innocence, Beatrice must shelve her newfound dream and team up with her brother and childhood best friend to clear her aunt’s name. But as they dig deeper, Beatrice wonders whether their efforts will mend their family ties—or if she’ll fail to save her aunt and have to watch her family go up in smoke.
A coming-into-adulting Gen Z cozy mystery for fans of the unhinged humor in Finlay Donovan but with a new adult, firecracker amateur sleuth like Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop Mysteries.
After being laid off yet again, Beatrice returns with her family to her childhood summer home to unwind. And maybe figure out how to move out of her parents’ basement. The town is hosting their inaugural Smallmouth Bass Festival as a last-wick effort to attract tourists, and Beatrice hopes volunteering might shed some light on her future.
At first, things seem to be brightening. Beatrice rediscovers the candle shop her grandmother once owned, and a new dream sparks to life.
Until she stumbles upon her estranged aunt dragging away the marina owner’s body.
When her grandfather insists on his daughter’s innocence, Beatrice must shelve her newfound dream and team up with her brother and childhood best friend to clear her aunt’s name. But as they dig deeper, Beatrice wonders whether their efforts will mend their family ties—or if she’ll fail to save her aunt and have to watch her family go up in smoke.
A coming-into-adulting Gen Z cozy mystery for fans of the unhinged humor in Finlay Donovan but with a new adult, firecracker amateur sleuth like Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop Mysteries.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Megan Gerig
3 books56 followersMegan is a lover of tea obsessed with autumn days in her Spare Oom with a book in her lap. When she's not chasing her wildlings around the house, she's dreaming about stories of mystery and magic. Megan and her family live on a mini-farm in the country where they live out their homesteading dreams. Readers can connect with her on Substack and on Instagram @megangerigauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 14, 2025
Yes, I’m the author. Yes, I’m giving it five stars. Because I’m proud of this fun, silly book, and I hope it makes others laugh as much as I did!
March 22, 2026
oh how I LOVE a cozy mystery with a sibling duo in the center 🥹 I've been highly anticipating this book for years, and I'm so glad it's finally here, and it's SO FUN. There were so many twists and turns, trying to figure out which clues were real and which were red herrings (or... red bass? ... nevermind, that doesn't work 😂) The small-town vibes of "Murder, She Wrote" meets Nancy Drew-esque shenanigans, and I already can't wait for the next installment. 5 stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
February 23, 2026
A fun thing a lot of people apparently don’t know about me: my formative years were FULL of mystery novels. Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown, Trixie Belden, Agatha Christie…I could continue but you get the gist.
I was incredibly excited to get an advance copy of Megan Gerig’s debut, and it did NOT disappoint! The beginning was a *hair* slow, but once it settles in, it’s a delightfully cozy lakeside murder mystery and I was kept guessing until the very end, at which point I was surprised I didn’t guess what was happening sooner 😂 as one does with a good mystery. I can deeply relate to Beatrice’s identity crisis (though I haven’t been jobless since I was 17–that’s a long story lol), and I fell a little in love with Julian and wish I had a brother like Theo. I can’t wait for more Lake Erie Mysteries!
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own, and a review was not required.
I was incredibly excited to get an advance copy of Megan Gerig’s debut, and it did NOT disappoint! The beginning was a *hair* slow, but once it settles in, it’s a delightfully cozy lakeside murder mystery and I was kept guessing until the very end, at which point I was surprised I didn’t guess what was happening sooner 😂 as one does with a good mystery. I can deeply relate to Beatrice’s identity crisis (though I haven’t been jobless since I was 17–that’s a long story lol), and I fell a little in love with Julian and wish I had a brother like Theo. I can’t wait for more Lake Erie Mysteries!
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own, and a review was not required.
March 9, 2026
This is the PERFECT lake read!! A cozy and funny murder mystery full of small-town gossip, a poorly named festival, delicious fair foods, life on the lake, and long-lost friends, this story is being happily shelved under my "new favorite series". The setting was so fun and vivid, the characters so delightful, and the mystery wonderfully twisty. If you like fresh and cozy mysteries, please check this out!!
I had the pleasure of reading an early version of this book years back, so it was incredible to not only see this story in its amazing final form but to see my Beatrice, Theo, and Julian again! I can't wait to read more in this series and return to Thisbe Harbor!!
I had the pleasure of reading an early version of this book years back, so it was incredible to not only see this story in its amazing final form but to see my Beatrice, Theo, and Julian again! I can't wait to read more in this series and return to Thisbe Harbor!!
January 25, 2026
Y'all, I had the insane privilege of reading an advance copy of this book, which I have been excited to get my hands on since first hearing about it. Murder mysteries are not my usual cup of tea, so I had no idea what to expect when I settled in with it, but everything I heard about it: small town, candlemaker, sibling duo, had me itching to read it. From the very first line I knew this was going to be something special!
The author's heart and humor really shine through in the characters and the story, and I didn't anticipate FEELING this book as much as I did. We laughed, we cried (talk about getting blindsided by emotion!). This is so much more than a cute and clever whodunit. This is a story about brokenness—shattered families, fractured friendships, crushed expectations—and the beauty of second chances. Fighting for family, and that family is worth fighting for. Being open to dream and leap into those seemingly crazy ideas with courage and faith.
I leveled with Beatrice harder than with any other character in a book in a long time, and I loved getting to tag along on her weekend adventure with her brother and Julian. The sibling dynamic here is everything, and to be honest, I fell for Julian, too. I totally got swept into trying to solve the mystery (not that I could figure it out before the Big Reveal), and while I hope there won't be a rash of murders in Thisbe Harbor, this being the first book in a series of mysteries, I so dearly want to come back to his lakeside town! The people are a hoot and the place is a pocket of peace away from the bigger, wider, faster world.
The thread and passion for scent and capturing memories in a candle woven throughout the narrative is such a neat aspect, too. Not just because the MC wants to revive her grandmother's hobby, and not just because it brings the setting to life in tantalizing ways, but also because the author is a candlemaker, too! I really enjoyed that, and have totally 100% caught myself trailing into the same trains of though that Beatrice does.
All in all, I was delighted. I can't wait to visit Thisbe Harbor again!
The author's heart and humor really shine through in the characters and the story, and I didn't anticipate FEELING this book as much as I did. We laughed, we cried (talk about getting blindsided by emotion!). This is so much more than a cute and clever whodunit. This is a story about brokenness—shattered families, fractured friendships, crushed expectations—and the beauty of second chances. Fighting for family, and that family is worth fighting for. Being open to dream and leap into those seemingly crazy ideas with courage and faith.
I leveled with Beatrice harder than with any other character in a book in a long time, and I loved getting to tag along on her weekend adventure with her brother and Julian. The sibling dynamic here is everything, and to be honest, I fell for Julian, too. I totally got swept into trying to solve the mystery (not that I could figure it out before the Big Reveal), and while I hope there won't be a rash of murders in Thisbe Harbor, this being the first book in a series of mysteries, I so dearly want to come back to his lakeside town! The people are a hoot and the place is a pocket of peace away from the bigger, wider, faster world.
The thread and passion for scent and capturing memories in a candle woven throughout the narrative is such a neat aspect, too. Not just because the MC wants to revive her grandmother's hobby, and not just because it brings the setting to life in tantalizing ways, but also because the author is a candlemaker, too! I really enjoyed that, and have totally 100% caught myself trailing into the same trains of though that Beatrice does.
All in all, I was delighted. I can't wait to visit Thisbe Harbor again!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun, cosy murder-mystery with the whole "start afresh" vibe. Unusually, it's a brother-sister sleuthing duo and they've gone back to their childhood summer spot at their grandpa's request. There's a family rift that needs healing and that looks highly unlikely until Aunt Penny is arrested for murder. Can the siblings solve the mystery and save the family?
May 31, 2026
Lovable characters, a charming setting, fair food, and a mystery to solve. What’s not to love??
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m not ready for this to be over… Absolutely loved this cozy, funny, quirky, small-town mystery, and I’m so looking forward to the next adventures in the series!!
~~I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
~~I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
January 4, 2026
Gotta love a good “everyone hated the victim so much they wished they’d done it!” murder mystery 😂
This was such a fun whodunnit, with just the right amount of character growth and personal moments interspersing the mystery solving. I adored how scent-infused this book is, too—I feel like that’s a rather under-appreciated sense in fiction, and I loved it! There were so many subtle candle-themed similes that were fun, too. And now I want to buy every one of the candles mentioned in this book!
I think I was in it more for the character journey than just to solve the mystery—which I definitely prefer over just slogging through a book to find out the ending. I really liked the cast, and the dynamics between a variety of characters.
The mystery was good, too—so many clues left dangling, but I was able to put it together just a split second before the characters. I found it a very satisfying conclusion to both the mystery, and character arcs. Can’t wait for Megan’s next book!
This was such a fun whodunnit, with just the right amount of character growth and personal moments interspersing the mystery solving. I adored how scent-infused this book is, too—I feel like that’s a rather under-appreciated sense in fiction, and I loved it! There were so many subtle candle-themed similes that were fun, too. And now I want to buy every one of the candles mentioned in this book!
I think I was in it more for the character journey than just to solve the mystery—which I definitely prefer over just slogging through a book to find out the ending. I really liked the cast, and the dynamics between a variety of characters.
The mystery was good, too—so many clues left dangling, but I was able to put it together just a split second before the characters. I found it a very satisfying conclusion to both the mystery, and character arcs. Can’t wait for Megan’s next book!
June 24, 2026
“Sweet aromas can help us hold our favorite memories, our favorite moments, a little bit tighter.”
I enjoyed this book so much. I grew up reading about fictional sleuths (Cam Jansen, the Hardy Boys, Ashley and Bryce Timberline, Trixie Belden, Encyclopedia Brown, Nate the Great, the Boxcar Children, etc.), so settling in with a new cozy mystery felt like returning to my roots.
Family. Forgiveness versus bitterness. Lively and close sibling interactions. Small town feel. Small businesses. So many things I love. (I also have a new ship. I love Julian. And I love Julian and Beatrice.)
If reading a mystery felt like returning to my roots, meeting Beatrice Sawyer felt like stepping forward—reading a timeless genre with a new adult protagonist. She’s so relatable and alive with her floundering, dreams, realistic motivations, awkwardness, love for her family, and varying interests and personality aspects that pop up throughout the story. I love her. She convicted and inspired me, and she’s become special to me among the ranks of my beloved fictional friends.
With its summery and festive lakeside setting, balance of humor and poignancy, plucky investigating, aromatic candlelit memories, and characters who’ll grab your heart, Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out is a charming and engrossing mystery debut. It’s a fun time that’ll move you, too.
I hope it won’t be too long before I can wander back in to Thisbe Harbor and see what Beatrice, Theo, and Julian will be up to next.
🕯️ the heads-ups: murder and a little blood (not too graphic), discussions of ghosts, discovery of an abusing marriage, brief discussions involving alcoholism and affairs and drugs 🕯️
April 1, 2026
This was such a fun and cozy read! I really enjoyed it.
As I just discovered cozy mysteries this year, I couldn’t just pass Beatrice Ophelia on NetGalley.
Beatrice felt super relatable with her clumsiness and that hair – she made me smile the whole way. The food descriptions had me craving everything: Reuben sandwiches, milkshakes, donuts, and funnel cake. I’m definitely planning to try making some soon! The candle shop parts, especially the sweet bond with grandma Mimi, were lovely and inspiring. I’m actually going to try candle-making myself.
According to Mimi the sea contains magic – that line stayed with me.
Oh, and the author is a candle maker herself – this is sooo awesome!!!
I really liked the slow burn of the best-friends-to-lovers romance too – it felt natural and sweet. I also loved Theo’s love for ghosts and the paranormal touches – maybe we’ll get a second book with more paranormal?
The grief was written so gently and beautifully – it made me tear up. At the same time the book made me laugh out loud and get properly annoyed at the mayor and Owens.
It’s like a masterfully written blueprint for emotions – funny, angry, and heartfelt all mixed together.
This story is also about forgiveness and second chances, and it felt like a gentle reminder to spend time with family, even when things aren’t perfect.
I really liked Joel too and I’m low-key hoping he gets his own book one day!
A warm small-town mystery with lakeside charm, candle vibes, and real emotional depth.
Definitely reading more from this author!
Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something cozy and heartfelt.
I received an advance readers copy for free in exchange for my honest review
As I just discovered cozy mysteries this year, I couldn’t just pass Beatrice Ophelia on NetGalley.
Beatrice felt super relatable with her clumsiness and that hair – she made me smile the whole way. The food descriptions had me craving everything: Reuben sandwiches, milkshakes, donuts, and funnel cake. I’m definitely planning to try making some soon! The candle shop parts, especially the sweet bond with grandma Mimi, were lovely and inspiring. I’m actually going to try candle-making myself.
According to Mimi the sea contains magic – that line stayed with me.
Oh, and the author is a candle maker herself – this is sooo awesome!!!
I really liked the slow burn of the best-friends-to-lovers romance too – it felt natural and sweet. I also loved Theo’s love for ghosts and the paranormal touches – maybe we’ll get a second book with more paranormal?
The grief was written so gently and beautifully – it made me tear up. At the same time the book made me laugh out loud and get properly annoyed at the mayor and Owens.
It’s like a masterfully written blueprint for emotions – funny, angry, and heartfelt all mixed together.
This story is also about forgiveness and second chances, and it felt like a gentle reminder to spend time with family, even when things aren’t perfect.
I really liked Joel too and I’m low-key hoping he gets his own book one day!
A warm small-town mystery with lakeside charm, candle vibes, and real emotional depth.
Definitely reading more from this author!
Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something cozy and heartfelt.
I received an advance readers copy for free in exchange for my honest review
January 28, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy
Beatrice Ophelia Is Flickering Out turned out to be a fun, cozy murder mystery with a gentle layer of humor woven through it. It’s not the kind of high-octane, edge-of-the-seat thriller that spikes your adrenaline, but more of a calm, comforting investigation that unfolds at its own pace. I did enjoy the reading experience, even though humor isn’t usually my favourite element in fiction, which is why this wasn’t a five-star read for me personally.
The story is filled with characters who drift in and out — Beatrice, her brother Theo, their friend Julian, Aunt Penny, the police officer, and the rest of the family — giving the book a warm, lived-in, small-town feel. But because it leans more toward atmosphere and harbour life than constant clue-chasing, the actual mystery sometimes takes a back seat and only truly sharpens near the final pages. That made it feel a little slow to me.
Still, if you enjoy murder and investigation wrapped in a cozy, seaside setting — with candle shops, family drama, and light humour — this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s comforting, charming, and quietly engaging rather than dark and intense.
Beatrice Ophelia Is Flickering Out turned out to be a fun, cozy murder mystery with a gentle layer of humor woven through it. It’s not the kind of high-octane, edge-of-the-seat thriller that spikes your adrenaline, but more of a calm, comforting investigation that unfolds at its own pace. I did enjoy the reading experience, even though humor isn’t usually my favourite element in fiction, which is why this wasn’t a five-star read for me personally.
The story is filled with characters who drift in and out — Beatrice, her brother Theo, their friend Julian, Aunt Penny, the police officer, and the rest of the family — giving the book a warm, lived-in, small-town feel. But because it leans more toward atmosphere and harbour life than constant clue-chasing, the actual mystery sometimes takes a back seat and only truly sharpens near the final pages. That made it feel a little slow to me.
Still, if you enjoy murder and investigation wrapped in a cozy, seaside setting — with candle shops, family drama, and light humour — this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s comforting, charming, and quietly engaging rather than dark and intense.
July 17, 2026
Technically 4.5 just because it took me a little while to get into this book but once I was into it I was IN.
My heart feels so full and happy after that read <3 (yes I read it in less than 24 hours it was beautiful)
The characters are amazing and the vibes are immaculate, very nice read.
My heart feels so full and happy after that read <3 (yes I read it in less than 24 hours it was beautiful)
The characters are amazing and the vibes are immaculate, very nice read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A family drama turns into a murder mystery investigation. Adorable fun time with Beatrice and Theo in a small town. A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries.
3,5 ⭐️
3,5 ⭐️
Read
June 2, 2026Light read, fun small town vibes (with some really yummy food descriptions), and a mystery I didn't guess the solution to!
June 25, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Loved all the characters and the relationships they have with one another. Loved how I could related to Beatrice and when she would say lines that I myself would absolutely say I kicked my feet in glee!! (Salute with a “sir yes sir” killed me!)
Was sad that I couldn’t figure out the killer and was so hoping it was a certain someone (read the book and find out!) but I now have a new character to add to my “this character tick me off” list and look forward to hating him in future books!
Well done Megan!!! I can’t wait to come back to Thisbe Harbor!!!
Loved all the characters and the relationships they have with one another. Loved how I could related to Beatrice and when she would say lines that I myself would absolutely say I kicked my feet in glee!! (Salute with a “sir yes sir” killed me!)
Was sad that I couldn’t figure out the killer and was so hoping it was a certain someone (read the book and find out!) but I now have a new character to add to my “this character tick me off” list and look forward to hating him in future books!
Well done Megan!!! I can’t wait to come back to Thisbe Harbor!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
Loved this! So charming and I can’t wait to read more cosy mysteries from this author. I loved the setting as I don’t know much about Ohio.
Did Not Finish
June 10, 2026I'll come back to this one
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beatrice Sawyer is all of us in the year of our burnt-out Lord, 2026: laid off, vaguely spiraling, back in her parents’ basement, and clinging to a half-baked dream like it’s a life raft made of beeswax and vibes. Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out is a cozy murder mystery wrapped in the warm scent of seasonal candles and the slow, creeping dread of being 30 and directionless. It’s Finlay Donovan vibes with a touch of “I can fix my life by opening a niche shop and ignoring my feelings.”
We open on Beatrice, who has hit the reset button so many times it’s jammed. She’s back at her family’s summer home, trying to volunteer her way out of a quarter-life crisis while the local town throws a cursed sounding “Smallmouth Bass Festival.” (Which, honestly, sounds like a public health emergency or a regional cryptid, and either would have made sense here.) Just when Beatrice is starting to romanticize her life again... new purpose, old candle shop, maybe an identity outside “currently unemployed”... she finds her aunt dragging a literal corpse across the marina. And listen, I’ve been to some uncomfortable family reunions, but this one wins.
From there, it’s full steam ahead into cozy chaos. She teams up with her brother Theseus (yes, like the Greek myth, no, he does not slay a minotaur but he does show up in the way supportive siblings do), and her childhood best friend slash unresolved romantic tension nightmare. The trio takes on small town murder like they’ve got nothing to lose and no therapist in sight. And the town? Wildly chill about a dead guy showing up at their tourist trap of a festival. No one trusts anyone, yet everyone has homemade jam. That’s the energy.
Now, the vibes? Truly chef’s kiss. We’ve got lakeside nostalgia, moody candle metaphors, suspicious relatives, and that beautiful small town feeling where everyone is hiding something and probably related. The pacing, though, flickers. It’s not cozy slow, it’s introspective slow. Sometimes you get sucked into Beatrice’s grief spiral so deep you forget there’s a murder to solve. Then suddenly there’s a burst of action like someone kicked the plot in the shin. It’s not broken, but it is unbalanced. Like... I didn’t need a murder every chapter, but I did occasionally want to scream "girl get out of your own head and check the shed."
That said, Beatrice is exactly the kind of mess I root for. She’s burnt out, drifting, clinging to scents and memories because life doesn’t feel like it’s offering her anything new. Her emotional fatigue is loud, even when she’s trying to play it cool. Watching her reconnect with her brother, confront some family landmines, and try to rebuild purpose from literal wax scraps hit me right in the millennial soul. She is so relatable in that “I don’t know what I’m doing but I bought this artisan planner and that counts” kind of way.
The mystery itself unfolds like a soft panic attack. There are clues. There are red herrings. There is one moment where I was like “Wait... was the corpse planted?” and had to reread because I got distracted by an internal monologue about grief and matcha. But by the end, it sticks the landing. The conclusion was satisfying, not shocking, and emotionally grounded in a way that made sense for the characters. It’s not a twisty thriller, it’s a slow-burn whodunnit with emotional range and a strong scent profile.
This book is for anyone who’s ever said “I’ll figure it out” while lighting a candle and hoping for divine intervention. It’s for the girlies (gender neutral) who use aromatherapy as therapy therapy. It’s not fast or flashy, but it’s emotionally rich, sometimes funny as hell, and peppered with just enough danger to keep you awake through the cozy.
Solid 3.5 stars from me. Not a perfect ride, but I’d get in the van again. Especially if it smelled like cinnamon and generational trauma.
Whodunity Award: For Most Suspicious Use of a Candle Shop Since Yankee Tried “Summer Fire Pit Romance”
Big shoutout to Lamplighter Literary Creations and NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you for letting me spiral into seasonal depression, question a suspicious number of townsfolk, and reconsider my career path in artisanal wax without leaving my couch. Absolute dream scenario. I’ll definitely be picking up the second Lake Erie Mysteries book the minute it drops. Beatrice might be flickering out, but I am fully lit for whatever comes next.
We open on Beatrice, who has hit the reset button so many times it’s jammed. She’s back at her family’s summer home, trying to volunteer her way out of a quarter-life crisis while the local town throws a cursed sounding “Smallmouth Bass Festival.” (Which, honestly, sounds like a public health emergency or a regional cryptid, and either would have made sense here.) Just when Beatrice is starting to romanticize her life again... new purpose, old candle shop, maybe an identity outside “currently unemployed”... she finds her aunt dragging a literal corpse across the marina. And listen, I’ve been to some uncomfortable family reunions, but this one wins.
From there, it’s full steam ahead into cozy chaos. She teams up with her brother Theseus (yes, like the Greek myth, no, he does not slay a minotaur but he does show up in the way supportive siblings do), and her childhood best friend slash unresolved romantic tension nightmare. The trio takes on small town murder like they’ve got nothing to lose and no therapist in sight. And the town? Wildly chill about a dead guy showing up at their tourist trap of a festival. No one trusts anyone, yet everyone has homemade jam. That’s the energy.
Now, the vibes? Truly chef’s kiss. We’ve got lakeside nostalgia, moody candle metaphors, suspicious relatives, and that beautiful small town feeling where everyone is hiding something and probably related. The pacing, though, flickers. It’s not cozy slow, it’s introspective slow. Sometimes you get sucked into Beatrice’s grief spiral so deep you forget there’s a murder to solve. Then suddenly there’s a burst of action like someone kicked the plot in the shin. It’s not broken, but it is unbalanced. Like... I didn’t need a murder every chapter, but I did occasionally want to scream "girl get out of your own head and check the shed."
That said, Beatrice is exactly the kind of mess I root for. She’s burnt out, drifting, clinging to scents and memories because life doesn’t feel like it’s offering her anything new. Her emotional fatigue is loud, even when she’s trying to play it cool. Watching her reconnect with her brother, confront some family landmines, and try to rebuild purpose from literal wax scraps hit me right in the millennial soul. She is so relatable in that “I don’t know what I’m doing but I bought this artisan planner and that counts” kind of way.
The mystery itself unfolds like a soft panic attack. There are clues. There are red herrings. There is one moment where I was like “Wait... was the corpse planted?” and had to reread because I got distracted by an internal monologue about grief and matcha. But by the end, it sticks the landing. The conclusion was satisfying, not shocking, and emotionally grounded in a way that made sense for the characters. It’s not a twisty thriller, it’s a slow-burn whodunnit with emotional range and a strong scent profile.
This book is for anyone who’s ever said “I’ll figure it out” while lighting a candle and hoping for divine intervention. It’s for the girlies (gender neutral) who use aromatherapy as therapy therapy. It’s not fast or flashy, but it’s emotionally rich, sometimes funny as hell, and peppered with just enough danger to keep you awake through the cozy.
Solid 3.5 stars from me. Not a perfect ride, but I’d get in the van again. Especially if it smelled like cinnamon and generational trauma.
Whodunity Award: For Most Suspicious Use of a Candle Shop Since Yankee Tried “Summer Fire Pit Romance”
Big shoutout to Lamplighter Literary Creations and NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you for letting me spiral into seasonal depression, question a suspicious number of townsfolk, and reconsider my career path in artisanal wax without leaving my couch. Absolute dream scenario. I’ll definitely be picking up the second Lake Erie Mysteries book the minute it drops. Beatrice might be flickering out, but I am fully lit for whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished reading: February 23rd 2026
"Mimi had known the power of memories. It was why she'd made candles in the first place. To help others hold onto something precious to them."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lamplighter Literary Creations in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026✨Spoiler-Free Review✨
Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out by Megan Gerig
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not someone who typically reaches for cozy mysteries (not for any particular reason) - I think this is only the third one I’ve ever read - and it’s by far my favorite of the bunch!
When my friend Megan Gerig told me she was publishing a book, I was already excited for her. But after reading Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out, I can confidently say this is such a joyful, genuinely fun read 🤩
If you love slower-paced, character-driven stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one is absolutely for you. It’s lighthearted, witty, and filled with quirky personalities that feel larger than life in the best way. 🤭
The story follows Beatrice, a Gen Z college dropout who’s still trying to figure out what she wants from life. She returns to her childhood hometown for a family weekend with her brother Theo - only to find herself quickly pulled into a small-town mystery after her eccentric aunt is discovered with a dead body following a heated argument. 😅Determined to prove her aunt’s innocence, Beatrice sets out to untangle what really happened. 🙌
What I loved most is that while there is a mystery at the center, the heart of the story is really about Beatrice - who she is, who she’s becoming, and what she wants her life to look like. Her dynamic with Theo (her “detective partner in crime”) is so fun, especially since he seems to have everything figured out while she feels like she’s still floundering. There’s also a subtle childhood-friends thread woven in that adds the sweetest touch of romance - not the focus, but enough to make this romance lover very happy. 🥰
Megan writes villains so well. There were multiple characters clearly meant to make you suspicious - and wow, I did not like them (which means she absolutely succeeded). 😂The cast is chaotic, dramatic, and delightfully over-the-top in a way that makes the story entertaining from start to finish. 😋
I also loved the slightly spooky, Halloween-in-the-summertime vibes. It would make the perfect transition read from late summer into early fall.👻🎃
This isn’t a mystery you’re meant to overanalyze - it’s one you’re meant to enjoy and go for a ride. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it made me genuinely laugh out loud. 😄
If you’ve been curious about cozy mysteries but aren’t sure where to start, this might be a great one to try. 🥰
•••
⚠️‼️ Content / Trigger Warnings ‼️⚠️
- Mentions of sick child with heart conditions
- Alcoholic side-character
- Non-graphic murder/violence
Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out by Megan Gerig
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not someone who typically reaches for cozy mysteries (not for any particular reason) - I think this is only the third one I’ve ever read - and it’s by far my favorite of the bunch!
When my friend Megan Gerig told me she was publishing a book, I was already excited for her. But after reading Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out, I can confidently say this is such a joyful, genuinely fun read 🤩
If you love slower-paced, character-driven stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one is absolutely for you. It’s lighthearted, witty, and filled with quirky personalities that feel larger than life in the best way. 🤭
The story follows Beatrice, a Gen Z college dropout who’s still trying to figure out what she wants from life. She returns to her childhood hometown for a family weekend with her brother Theo - only to find herself quickly pulled into a small-town mystery after her eccentric aunt is discovered with a dead body following a heated argument. 😅Determined to prove her aunt’s innocence, Beatrice sets out to untangle what really happened. 🙌
What I loved most is that while there is a mystery at the center, the heart of the story is really about Beatrice - who she is, who she’s becoming, and what she wants her life to look like. Her dynamic with Theo (her “detective partner in crime”) is so fun, especially since he seems to have everything figured out while she feels like she’s still floundering. There’s also a subtle childhood-friends thread woven in that adds the sweetest touch of romance - not the focus, but enough to make this romance lover very happy. 🥰
Megan writes villains so well. There were multiple characters clearly meant to make you suspicious - and wow, I did not like them (which means she absolutely succeeded). 😂The cast is chaotic, dramatic, and delightfully over-the-top in a way that makes the story entertaining from start to finish. 😋
I also loved the slightly spooky, Halloween-in-the-summertime vibes. It would make the perfect transition read from late summer into early fall.👻🎃
This isn’t a mystery you’re meant to overanalyze - it’s one you’re meant to enjoy and go for a ride. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it made me genuinely laugh out loud. 😄
If you’ve been curious about cozy mysteries but aren’t sure where to start, this might be a great one to try. 🥰
•••
⚠️‼️ Content / Trigger Warnings ‼️⚠️
- Mentions of sick child with heart conditions
- Alcoholic side-character
- Non-graphic murder/violence
July 16, 2026
3.5 Stars
The Good:
I enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of mysteries, but this one is cozy and an easy read, which is a blessing when I struggle to really focus on deeper books sometimes these days. It is a murder mystery, but it's not gruesome, and the themes touch on the important of relationships and second chances. I also enjoyed the descriptions of scents/candle making that was referenced throughout, and the food descriptions were delicious! I also liked the Shakespeare influences popping up. It also features a cute friends-to-lovers romance.
The Bad:
My only complaint with this book is that it felt like there was too much going on. There is a murder investigation, Beatrice is struggling to figure out what to do with her life, her family is falling apart, and she has to solve all of these things. I didn't mind there being all that going on, but sometimes it felt like everyone's backstories overshadowed the main plot. And it didn't quite match the blurb description at all, but thankfully I often forget the blurbs halfway through reading. XP The sudden change from Aunt Penny I felt could have used a bit more development to fully make sense, but then it wasn't really brought up again until the end. It was still a good story though.
What the Reader Thought:
I enjoyed this book. The chapters were paced well and ended on cliffhangers so I found the story hard to put down! I loved the descriptions and the coziness of the story; it's an easy read in the best way. While I do think the story had a little too much going on to feel "focused", the author has a lot of potential and I look forward to reading more from her!
If you like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, check this one out!
The Good:
I enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of mysteries, but this one is cozy and an easy read, which is a blessing when I struggle to really focus on deeper books sometimes these days. It is a murder mystery, but it's not gruesome, and the themes touch on the important of relationships and second chances. I also enjoyed the descriptions of scents/candle making that was referenced throughout, and the food descriptions were delicious! I also liked the Shakespeare influences popping up. It also features a cute friends-to-lovers romance.
The Bad:
My only complaint with this book is that it felt like there was too much going on. There is a murder investigation, Beatrice is struggling to figure out what to do with her life, her family is falling apart, and she has to solve all of these things. I didn't mind there being all that going on, but sometimes it felt like everyone's backstories overshadowed the main plot. And it didn't quite match the blurb description at all, but thankfully I often forget the blurbs halfway through reading. XP The sudden change from Aunt Penny I felt could have used a bit more development to fully make sense, but then it wasn't really brought up again until the end. It was still a good story though.
What the Reader Thought:
I enjoyed this book. The chapters were paced well and ended on cliffhangers so I found the story hard to put down! I loved the descriptions and the coziness of the story; it's an easy read in the best way. While I do think the story had a little too much going on to feel "focused", the author has a lot of potential and I look forward to reading more from her!
If you like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, check this one out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The synopsis captured my attention from the moment I first read it, and the story itself didn’t disappoint.
From the cover, I had a feeling I’d like Beatrice Ophelia, but I didn’t expect to relate to her as much as I did. Her string of internal dialogue from being an overthinker might have been a good example of the rambling nature of my internal dialogue as well, but her perseverance even when she didn’t feel good enough encouraged and endeared me.
I loved the vividness and personalities of the entire cast. The sibling banter between Beatrice and Theo made me laugh, and Julian might have melted my heart a time or two. But the whole town is full of interesting characters that left me feeling like there are plenty more stories to be told at Thisbe Harbor. (A town I wish I could now explore after reading the story. Too bad it’s fictional!)
I can’t finish my review without mentioning the mystery itself, but that’s the hardest thing to comment on because I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll sum it up by saying that the unraveling mystery kept me turning pages longer into the night than I probably should have. Even at the point I thought I had it figured out, I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to see how it would all unfold.
Overall, this story truly left me wanting more, in the best way possible!
Now, I must say I did consider knocking my review down to 4.5 stars for one reason, but it’s a bit of a spoiler. So if you haven’t read the book, read on at your own risk.
[I received an eARC from the author, but all thoughts in the review are my own]
From the cover, I had a feeling I’d like Beatrice Ophelia, but I didn’t expect to relate to her as much as I did. Her string of internal dialogue from being an overthinker might have been a good example of the rambling nature of my internal dialogue as well, but her perseverance even when she didn’t feel good enough encouraged and endeared me.
I loved the vividness and personalities of the entire cast. The sibling banter between Beatrice and Theo made me laugh, and Julian might have melted my heart a time or two. But the whole town is full of interesting characters that left me feeling like there are plenty more stories to be told at Thisbe Harbor. (A town I wish I could now explore after reading the story. Too bad it’s fictional!)
I can’t finish my review without mentioning the mystery itself, but that’s the hardest thing to comment on because I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll sum it up by saying that the unraveling mystery kept me turning pages longer into the night than I probably should have. Even at the point I thought I had it figured out, I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to see how it would all unfold.
Overall, this story truly left me wanting more, in the best way possible!
Now, I must say I did consider knocking my review down to 4.5 stars for one reason, but it’s a bit of a spoiler. So if you haven’t read the book, read on at your own risk.
[I received an eARC from the author, but all thoughts in the review are my own]
July 31, 2026
4.5 out of 5
Ever since I discovered Murder, She Wrote and Columbo, cozy mysteries have been a favorite. Beatrice was a fun return to that nostalgic feeling, but with a younger heroine I could relate to better.
From the start, I loved the character of Beatrice. Gerig did an amazing job of crafting a compelling character that struggles with anxiety and fear in every post of her life, but it’s not her whole personality. Beatrice and Theo’s sibling relationship is so spot on it felt like it could’ve been me and my brother, and her budding romance with Julian was the cutest and made me giggle in the best way.
I enjoyed how Beatrice went about solving the case logically - mostly - and how she wasn’t trying to prove she was better than the police, but getting involved because she believed in and was fighting for her family. Discovering the clues with her and unraveling alibis, motives, and other little mysteries was great.
With the themes of family being worth it, fighting for truth, saying yes to what God has for you, and forgiveness, this story was an absolute delight. I’m super excited to see where the next one goes, and can’t wait for Beatrice to get her candle shop going.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
*Reason for half star deduction SOMEWHAT SPOILERY*
The first time the killer appeared on page, I knew with 90% certainty that person was the killer. I’m typically good at figuring these out, so I had no issue with that. However, this person is never considered as a suspect, and yet there were pretty obvious reasons to do so. I found that rather frustrating, and definitely yelled at the book multiple times. 😅
Ever since I discovered Murder, She Wrote and Columbo, cozy mysteries have been a favorite. Beatrice was a fun return to that nostalgic feeling, but with a younger heroine I could relate to better.
From the start, I loved the character of Beatrice. Gerig did an amazing job of crafting a compelling character that struggles with anxiety and fear in every post of her life, but it’s not her whole personality. Beatrice and Theo’s sibling relationship is so spot on it felt like it could’ve been me and my brother, and her budding romance with Julian was the cutest and made me giggle in the best way.
I enjoyed how Beatrice went about solving the case logically - mostly - and how she wasn’t trying to prove she was better than the police, but getting involved because she believed in and was fighting for her family. Discovering the clues with her and unraveling alibis, motives, and other little mysteries was great.
With the themes of family being worth it, fighting for truth, saying yes to what God has for you, and forgiveness, this story was an absolute delight. I’m super excited to see where the next one goes, and can’t wait for Beatrice to get her candle shop going.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
*Reason for half star deduction SOMEWHAT SPOILERY*
The first time the killer appeared on page, I knew with 90% certainty that person was the killer. I’m typically good at figuring these out, so I had no issue with that. However, this person is never considered as a suspect, and yet there were pretty obvious reasons to do so. I found that rather frustrating, and definitely yelled at the book multiple times. 😅
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has a very specific vibe. Soft lighting. Big feelings. Long thoughts.
Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out is beautifully written and clearly very intentional, but it also had me staring into space wondering if anything was actually going to happen.
Megan Gerig’s prose is moody and thoughtful, and she does a great job capturing emotional burnout and that foggy, disconnected feeling of being alive but not exactly thriving. Beatrice is relatable in a “wow I too have stared at the ceiling having an existential crisis” kind of way. The problem is that we do this a lot. Like… a lot a lot.
The pacing is slow, and not in a cozy way. More in a “did I accidentally reread the same chapter?” way. The story leans hard into vibes and internal spirals rather than plot, and while that will absolutely work for some readers, I kept wanting more structure or momentum. Or at least a clear sense of where we were headed.
Overall, this is a solid three-star read for me. It’s well written, emotionally honest, and definitely has an audience. It just didn’t fully click, and by the end I felt like I had gently flickered alongside Beatrice rather than gone on an actual journey with her.
If you like quiet, introspective books where feelings are the main event, this might be your thing.
Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out is beautifully written and clearly very intentional, but it also had me staring into space wondering if anything was actually going to happen.
Megan Gerig’s prose is moody and thoughtful, and she does a great job capturing emotional burnout and that foggy, disconnected feeling of being alive but not exactly thriving. Beatrice is relatable in a “wow I too have stared at the ceiling having an existential crisis” kind of way. The problem is that we do this a lot. Like… a lot a lot.
The pacing is slow, and not in a cozy way. More in a “did I accidentally reread the same chapter?” way. The story leans hard into vibes and internal spirals rather than plot, and while that will absolutely work for some readers, I kept wanting more structure or momentum. Or at least a clear sense of where we were headed.
Overall, this is a solid three-star read for me. It’s well written, emotionally honest, and definitely has an audience. It just didn’t fully click, and by the end I felt like I had gently flickered alongside Beatrice rather than gone on an actual journey with her.
If you like quiet, introspective books where feelings are the main event, this might be your thing.
January 9, 2026
For me, this was tough to get through. The pacing was all over the place; a lot of chapters didn’t move the plot forward in a meaningful way. There was a lot going on with characters’ backstories that sometimes didn’t amount to very much or really make sense. Why is a college-aged girl put in full responsibility of fixing her entire family? Multiple adults put that on a young person who had nothing to do with why it was fractured in the first place, and everyone seems to feel like she can fix it. The aunt seems to do a complete 180 in personality from the beginning to the end of the book. The mother, whose family it is, is underrepresented throughout. The stakes of solving the murder are undermined by all of the other crises and life changes that the main characters are also navigating.
I just don’t feel like this book does the job of drawing you into these characters’ lives in a way that makes sense in the end. I think the book could either have been a coming-of-age, finding your path novel OR a cozy mystery, but it’s not threading the needle well enough to successfully do both at the same time.
I will not continue to follow the series on this one.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I just don’t feel like this book does the job of drawing you into these characters’ lives in a way that makes sense in the end. I think the book could either have been a coming-of-age, finding your path novel OR a cozy mystery, but it’s not threading the needle well enough to successfully do both at the same time.
I will not continue to follow the series on this one.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me introduce you to my new favorite rainy day cozy read, Beatrice Ophelia Is Flickering Out.
Honestly, friends, I don’t even know how to explain all the good feelings this book brought me.
It’s warm and delightful, deep and insightful, full of family and small town drama, has the perfect touch of mystery and suspense, and is filled with hope even in the darkest moments.
Beatrice is immediately endearing, maybe because I see so much of my own awkwardness (and desire to help gone awry) in her. Her relationship with her brother, Theo, made my heart happy. The way they just get each other but still really frustrate each other—it’s so on point. Centering the story around the trio of friends—Beatrice, Theo, and Jillian—was absolutely brilliant. Each character brings something new and necessary to the page, and I’m so excited to see where they go next.
Thank you, Megan, for allowing me to be part of your street team. I can’t wait for this book to be released into the world and for others to get to enjoy it too.
🕯️ I received an advanced copy of this book from the author but all thoughts here are my own. 🕯️
Honestly, friends, I don’t even know how to explain all the good feelings this book brought me.
It’s warm and delightful, deep and insightful, full of family and small town drama, has the perfect touch of mystery and suspense, and is filled with hope even in the darkest moments.
Beatrice is immediately endearing, maybe because I see so much of my own awkwardness (and desire to help gone awry) in her. Her relationship with her brother, Theo, made my heart happy. The way they just get each other but still really frustrate each other—it’s so on point. Centering the story around the trio of friends—Beatrice, Theo, and Jillian—was absolutely brilliant. Each character brings something new and necessary to the page, and I’m so excited to see where they go next.
Thank you, Megan, for allowing me to be part of your street team. I can’t wait for this book to be released into the world and for others to get to enjoy it too.
🕯️ I received an advanced copy of this book from the author but all thoughts here are my own. 🕯️
January 17, 2026
3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for providing be with early access to this read!
This cozy murder mystery takes place in Thisbe, a small beach town. Beatrice Ophelia and her family are there to participate in a festival in hopes to bring the towns popularity back. But when her aunt is found with a body and accused of murder, Beatrice, her brother Theo and best friend Julian take on the task of solving the mystery and clearing her aunts name.
This was a 3 star read for me. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the small town feel. It really felt like you were in Thisbe and that you personally knew the characters. The relationships between the characters were well written, and I enjoyed the writing style of the book.
The only thing I wasn’t a big fan of was that it felt like there were to many storylines-romance, murder mystery, starting a business, buying a house and fixing relationships. Because there were so many I felt like some didn’t get enough detail - however there was enough to understand each one. Besides that, it was a good quick cozy read!
This cozy murder mystery takes place in Thisbe, a small beach town. Beatrice Ophelia and her family are there to participate in a festival in hopes to bring the towns popularity back. But when her aunt is found with a body and accused of murder, Beatrice, her brother Theo and best friend Julian take on the task of solving the mystery and clearing her aunts name.
This was a 3 star read for me. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the small town feel. It really felt like you were in Thisbe and that you personally knew the characters. The relationships between the characters were well written, and I enjoyed the writing style of the book.
The only thing I wasn’t a big fan of was that it felt like there were to many storylines-romance, murder mystery, starting a business, buying a house and fixing relationships. Because there were so many I felt like some didn’t get enough detail - however there was enough to understand each one. Besides that, it was a good quick cozy read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked Beatrice and Theo right away. They seem to have a very healthy and realistic sibling relationship. Actually, I liked all of Bea’s family pretty much right away. Well, except for Aunt Penny, of course.
I thought there would be more candle making in this book. But it’s only the first of the series, so I look forward to exploring that more in future installments. And there WAS a lot of scent descriptions. Yum. 😋
The festival setting was an enjoyable surprise. As a vendor myself, I appreciated the accurate representation.
The mystery was well done. Nothing too edge of your seat scary. I have a tenuous relationship with mysteries. Why is it always murder? 😭 I didn’t figure out whodunit until right before the reveal, though I DID have them on my personal suspect list. 😏
I rate this book for ages 19 and up for romance and some violence.
Warning: This book makes you hungry. Now I want homemade powdered donuts, a giant soft salty pretzel, crisp french fries, buttery funnel cake, a hamburger, caramel coffee, and a tea or two. Or three. Oh, and don’t forget the cinnamon roll!
I thought there would be more candle making in this book. But it’s only the first of the series, so I look forward to exploring that more in future installments. And there WAS a lot of scent descriptions. Yum. 😋
The festival setting was an enjoyable surprise. As a vendor myself, I appreciated the accurate representation.
The mystery was well done. Nothing too edge of your seat scary. I have a tenuous relationship with mysteries. Why is it always murder? 😭 I didn’t figure out whodunit until right before the reveal, though I DID have them on my personal suspect list. 😏
I rate this book for ages 19 and up for romance and some violence.
Warning: This book makes you hungry. Now I want homemade powdered donuts, a giant soft salty pretzel, crisp french fries, buttery funnel cake, a hamburger, caramel coffee, and a tea or two. Or three. Oh, and don’t forget the cinnamon roll!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beatrice and her brother Theo are back in their hometown for the inaugural Smallmouth Bass Festival. Their estranged aunt guilts them into coming to visit their grandfather, Sawyer/Papa. But when the marina owner is found dead and Aunt Penny is known to have argued with him recently, she becomes the primary suspect in the man’s death. Papa begs Beatrice, Theo and their friend Julian to clear Aunt Penny’s name, all while Beatrice is trying to find a new direction for her life.
This author is new to me, so I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I like that it’s set on the shores of Lake Erie, and although we’re never told which state they’re in – Lake Erie borders four US states and the Canadian province of Ontario – various comments during the story made me think it was Ohio.
The book got off to a slow start, and I didn’t really care for any of the primary characters. Beatrice seemed too much like a “sad sack” for my liking, and the rest of her family – with the exception of Sawyer/Papa – didn’t seem like people I would want to spend time with. The story picked up a little as the murder investigation continued, but it was still easy to put the book down, which is never a good sign.
The saving grace was the mystery itself. There were quite a few suspects to think about, and I changed my mind more than once about which of them was the most likely culprit. I didn’t settle on one particular person until it became obvious in the book, even though their motive was a logical one.
There is no indication on Goodreads that this is the beginning of a new series, but even if it is, it’s unlikely that I will read any additional books that follow this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lamplighter Literary Creations. for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This author is new to me, so I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I like that it’s set on the shores of Lake Erie, and although we’re never told which state they’re in – Lake Erie borders four US states and the Canadian province of Ontario – various comments during the story made me think it was Ohio.
The book got off to a slow start, and I didn’t really care for any of the primary characters. Beatrice seemed too much like a “sad sack” for my liking, and the rest of her family – with the exception of Sawyer/Papa – didn’t seem like people I would want to spend time with. The story picked up a little as the murder investigation continued, but it was still easy to put the book down, which is never a good sign.
The saving grace was the mystery itself. There were quite a few suspects to think about, and I changed my mind more than once about which of them was the most likely culprit. I didn’t settle on one particular person until it became obvious in the book, even though their motive was a logical one.
There is no indication on Goodreads that this is the beginning of a new series, but even if it is, it’s unlikely that I will read any additional books that follow this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lamplighter Literary Creations. for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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