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Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out: A Humorous Whodunit
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.
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.
278 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2026
11 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Megan Gerig
2 books50 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 45 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?
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!
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.
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 ⭐️
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
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]
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a perfect weekend mystery. Its a cozy quick mystery, and rather short at only about 250 pages. I will admit because of the pacing I did not feel really hooked while reading this.
The characterization is very great, Julian is so sweet and makes a very cute love interest. I really enjoyed all the family humor. Although I did think Beatrice's family is a little too involved. Granted her aunt is being questioned for the murder of the marina owner, so I guess it makes sense. Just when my aunt was arrested for embezzlement we just laughed at her, but to each their own.
I'd recommend this for anybody who enjoys cozy mysteries and need something to read on a rainy weekend, which is when I read it! I think the pacing is a little odd jumps around a little bit too much but I would read the next one in the series. And it is a fun way to pass the time.
Thank you NetGalley and Lamplighter Literary Creations for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The characterization is very great, Julian is so sweet and makes a very cute love interest. I really enjoyed all the family humor. Although I did think Beatrice's family is a little too involved. Granted her aunt is being questioned for the murder of the marina owner, so I guess it makes sense. Just when my aunt was arrested for embezzlement we just laughed at her, but to each their own.
I'd recommend this for anybody who enjoys cozy mysteries and need something to read on a rainy weekend, which is when I read it! I think the pacing is a little odd jumps around a little bit too much but I would read the next one in the series. And it is a fun way to pass the time.
Thank you NetGalley and Lamplighter Literary Creations for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2026
Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out by Megan Gerig is a thoroughly wholesome story despite it being a cozy murder mystery.
What I liked:
Beatrice’s love for her family is admirable. The brother-sister dynamics were so fun for me as an only child to “experience” via Beatrice’s relationship with Theo. There are a few quirky side characters that make the story even more interesting. The friends to interested-in-each-other relationship moving slowly and cautiously was refreshing. (And there’s hope that perhaps it will become a friends-to-more story in future books.) I also appreciate that the author follows the advice of “write what you know” and uses her own experience of starting a homemade candle-making business as one of her story threads.
What I thought could have been better:
I felt that the manuscript needed another professional proofreading. I noticed several instances of grammar and spelling mistakes that should have been found by a final-pass proofreader. This throws me out of the story when I’m reading as I have to stop and mentally correct it. I know a few mistakes always slip through, but the ones I noticed were simple mistakes that should have been easily caught and corrected.
Overall, Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering out by Megan Gerig is a good debut book. I believe this author has great potential and will get better as she continues to write. Her characters are believable and with a little extra help cleaning up her manuscripts before publishing, I think this series could prove to be a really fun cozy mystery series that I would whole-heartedly recommend. I look forward to reading the next book in the Lake Erie Mysteries series!
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ebook ARC of this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
What I liked:
Beatrice’s love for her family is admirable. The brother-sister dynamics were so fun for me as an only child to “experience” via Beatrice’s relationship with Theo. There are a few quirky side characters that make the story even more interesting. The friends to interested-in-each-other relationship moving slowly and cautiously was refreshing. (And there’s hope that perhaps it will become a friends-to-more story in future books.) I also appreciate that the author follows the advice of “write what you know” and uses her own experience of starting a homemade candle-making business as one of her story threads.
What I thought could have been better:
I felt that the manuscript needed another professional proofreading. I noticed several instances of grammar and spelling mistakes that should have been found by a final-pass proofreader. This throws me out of the story when I’m reading as I have to stop and mentally correct it. I know a few mistakes always slip through, but the ones I noticed were simple mistakes that should have been easily caught and corrected.
Overall, Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering out by Megan Gerig is a good debut book. I believe this author has great potential and will get better as she continues to write. Her characters are believable and with a little extra help cleaning up her manuscripts before publishing, I think this series could prove to be a really fun cozy mystery series that I would whole-heartedly recommend. I look forward to reading the next book in the Lake Erie Mysteries series!
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ebook ARC of this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a great time reading this kind of grown-up, Nancy Drew style whodunit. It honestly hit a bit closer to home than I expected, too.
I empathized a lot with Beatrice, the main character. Like her, I've often struggled with feeling behind in life and unsure where I want to go. Her growth throughout the book was wonderful. And her relationship with Julian? Very cute.
The mystery was also fantastic and kept me guessing throughout. I'm not one of those people who try to figure it out before the protagonist, so I enjoyed unraveling it alongside her, her brother, and Julian.
If you're looking for a cozy mystery set in a small town with no objectionable content, I highly recommend this book.
I empathized a lot with Beatrice, the main character. Like her, I've often struggled with feeling behind in life and unsure where I want to go. Her growth throughout the book was wonderful. And her relationship with Julian? Very cute.
The mystery was also fantastic and kept me guessing throughout. I'm not one of those people who try to figure it out before the protagonist, so I enjoyed unraveling it alongside her, her brother, and Julian.
If you're looking for a cozy mystery set in a small town with no objectionable content, I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a huge cozy mystery fan - I probably read/listen to 20 to 50 a year. More than that this past year for several reasons.
BOIFO is another fun addition to the cozy genre. With an engaging mystery full of plenty of red herrings and a great brother-sister sleuth duo, this one has lots of family drama, a possible will-they-won't-they, second-chance romance, and the perfect small-town, lakeside setting. I loved how the author drew on her own experience making candles to give Ophelia a new start. I feel like Ophelia's journey will resonate with so many readers who are looking for meaningful work in a world that is often short on jobs, rife with college debt, and in want of more meaning.
I'd highly recommend!
BOIFO is another fun addition to the cozy genre. With an engaging mystery full of plenty of red herrings and a great brother-sister sleuth duo, this one has lots of family drama, a possible will-they-won't-they, second-chance romance, and the perfect small-town, lakeside setting. I loved how the author drew on her own experience making candles to give Ophelia a new start. I feel like Ophelia's journey will resonate with so many readers who are looking for meaningful work in a world that is often short on jobs, rife with college debt, and in want of more meaning.
I'd highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There are so many delightful things about this book: the cover, the setting, the characters, and the beautiful inclusion of candles. And Thisbe Harbor?! I walked away from this book wishing it existed! As a senior in college, I resonated with Beatrice in the fact that I, too, don't yet know what I am doing with my life. Her development throughout the book was well-written, and I loved the cozy feel of this mystery. Some parts of the story were a bit slower-paced, but not every book needs to include the fast, heart-pounding action that we are slowly becoming accustomed to reading. The subtle hints/plot twists were so fun (I felt SO accomplished after figuring out whodunit first)! The overall ambiance of this mystery is delightful, and I’m so excited to read more from this series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beatrice Ophelia Is Flickering Out is a true cozy mystery. Reminiscent of Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone series, it’s a feel-good, character-driven whodunnit that was an absolute joy to read.
The story follows brother and sister duo, Beatrice and Theseus, as they return to their childhood summer home to spend a weekend with family. Murder ensues and the group (including Beatrice's ex flame) spend the next few days trying to solve the case.
I loved getting to know the characters and the town and I am certain we haven't seen the last of them! I rate this novel as 3.5 stars, it was wonderful to read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The story follows brother and sister duo, Beatrice and Theseus, as they return to their childhood summer home to spend a weekend with family. Murder ensues and the group (including Beatrice's ex flame) spend the next few days trying to solve the case.
I loved getting to know the characters and the town and I am certain we haven't seen the last of them! I rate this novel as 3.5 stars, it was wonderful to read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was fun, quick, and easy to read. It has a similar vibe to The Finlay Donovan series, so if you like the tone of that sort of mystery book, I think you should give this book a try as well.
I did find the pacing to be a bit up and down. It took a while for anything to really happen, but then it would get really fast and action-packed, and then slow again, and then the ending was fast again. I did find that strange.
And the slow parts have an almost repetitive feel to them.
Overall, I did find this book to be fun and a cozy sort of mystery (the setting definitely emphasized that).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I did find the pacing to be a bit up and down. It took a while for anything to really happen, but then it would get really fast and action-packed, and then slow again, and then the ending was fast again. I did find that strange.
And the slow parts have an almost repetitive feel to them.
Overall, I did find this book to be fun and a cozy sort of mystery (the setting definitely emphasized that).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
“Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out” by Megan Gerig the first instalment in the Lake Erie Mysteries. What a great start to a new series, I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2. Beatrice Sawyer is flickering out, for what might be the last time.
I did struggle a bit with the pace of the book but it still didn’t stop me reading it in one day. I totally understood how Beatrice felt not knowing what she wanted to do in life, I still struggle to this day at age 60. So with that respect I could really relate to her character, there was family drama and emotions to unpack and overall I found it to be a good story.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story. I’m sure in the next book character development and plot will improve and I won’t be able to guess.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Lamplighter Literary Creations and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
“Beatrice Ophelia is Flickering Out” by Megan Gerig the first instalment in the Lake Erie Mysteries. What a great start to a new series, I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2. Beatrice Sawyer is flickering out, for what might be the last time.
I did struggle a bit with the pace of the book but it still didn’t stop me reading it in one day. I totally understood how Beatrice felt not knowing what she wanted to do in life, I still struggle to this day at age 60. So with that respect I could really relate to her character, there was family drama and emotions to unpack and overall I found it to be a good story.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story. I’m sure in the next book character development and plot will improve and I won’t be able to guess.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Lamplighter Literary Creations and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a quiet, thoughtful read that focuses a lot on grief and mental health. The writing is nice and often very reflective, and there were moments that felt honest and relatable.
For me, though, it was pretty slow and very internal, with not much happening plot-wise. I found myself wishing for a little more movement to keep me fully engaged.
Overall, it’s a gentle, emotional book that will probably really connect with readers who enjoy character-driven, introspective stories. It didn’t quite grab me the whole way through, but I can still appreciate what the author was trying to do.
For me, though, it was pretty slow and very internal, with not much happening plot-wise. I found myself wishing for a little more movement to keep me fully engaged.
Overall, it’s a gentle, emotional book that will probably really connect with readers who enjoy character-driven, introspective stories. It didn’t quite grab me the whole way through, but I can still appreciate what the author was trying to do.
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