Waxy Cones

by Jennifer Mercer

Lucy Meyer wakes every morning in a beautiful house, cradled in British Columbia’s Robson Valley, surrounded by breathtaking views of the wild Canadian Rocky Mountains. Living in her custom-built home, Lucy is newly married with two beautiful children. Despite a craving for a sense of belonging in her new community across the country from her family in Ontario, Lucy’s life is exactly what she had dreamed of, giving her an ominous sense that something just has to go wrong.

The monotonous demands of her two young children keep the stay-at-home mom from exploring, yet she doesn’t have to travel far to stumble upon a shocking revelation that her husband is not who she thought he was. Lucy’s picture perfect life has been turned upside down, and she has no choice but to trust the help of her neighbours in a suspenseful pursuit for the truth, creating irreversible bonds with near-strangers.

294 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2025

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! Reading fiction is a fairly new hobby for me. A friend suggested this book and I was hooked! Tons of twists and turns and great character progression. I would suggest this book to anyone, new readers included!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer has this way of writing characters that feels so natural, like you’re right there with them. I was hooked from chapter one, and could not put the book down. It’s one of those books you fly through because you just have to know what happens. Fantastic, 5 stars and I can’t wait to see what she doesn’t next!

[Collette · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the twists and turns the story takes, you can really picture the small town and character's the author creates. It had me hooked as a mom who loves true crime, I felt this book was the perfect read. would recommend to any reader

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer’s debut novel Waxy Cones was fantastic, it immediately pulled me in. She has such a fresh and unique voice, the perfect mix between heartfelt and mysterious. Her characters feel like real people, complex and flawed yet compassionate and authentic.

She has unique ability to build tension and anticipation right until the end, and kept me guessing.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Mandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled in and invested in this book chapter 1. I laughed, I cried, I was so entangled in the story I didn’t want it to end. What an incredible debut!! Hats off.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer’s debut novel Waxy Cones was fantastic, it immediately pulled me in. She has such a fresh and unique voice, the perfect mix between heartfelt and mysterious. Her characters feel like real people, complex and flawed yet compassionate and authentic.

She has unique ability to build tension and anticipation right until the end, and kept me guessing.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Olivia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive debut novel with a winding narrative that kept me guessing until the end. The characters were so well-developed (and realistic, with their own histories that shaped their personalities) that make you root for them throughout.
Jennifer’s description of nature and the Canadian landscape was thoughtfully weaved into the story, connecting nature and literature. I thoroughly enjoyed putting the pieces together alongside the protagonist, Lucy and her new friends.

[Kitt Shear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This domestic suspense was exactly what I wanted it to be. We follow Lucy through what feels like the perfect domestic situation even though it feels slightly off. Her peculiar but well meaning neighbours interwind through out the story really helping develop the community and plot. Things slowly start to unravel and hidden secrets start to unveil keeping you captivated and reading. I definitely would recommend this book and am quite thrilled to see what else Jennifer writes.

[Courtney | the backcountry_booky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Waxy Cones follows Lucy, a new mom to small boys, through a series of events that ultimately unravel all kinds of secrets that effect her life and her neighbours around her.
The characters in this book were so incredibly fleshed out that I felt like I knew them in real life. They were given flaws and anxieties, fears and hopes as well as so much personality. Having them feel so real added so much depth to the story and I really appreciated making them feel like real people!
The story itself was also very descriptive and immersive, and written so smoothly, from the scenery to the emotions it was all really well done! I loved that everything got tied up nicely at the end also!
Overall a really well written small town mystery!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was passed this book by a friend who thought I would enjoy it as I said I’d been in a bit of reading funk and not able to find anything I was excited to read. Oh boy she was not wrong about this being the fix.
I devoured this book in no time! The characters, the dialogue and the small town world the author builds in this is just incredible. Then the plot, the mystery, the twists and turns - I could not put this book down.
Anyone who loves true crime, has lived in a small town or honestly loves an original and well written story needs to pick this book up ASAP.
10 stars if I could.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best fiction I've read in years! Jennifer Mercer has a way of giving you just enough, you'll never want to put the book down. All the while keeping you on edge through the entire novel. The story is gripping, like a headline that makes you NEED to know more.. I was invested from the beginning. And the ending... I still have chills. A must read for any fiction lover.

[Shannon Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written with amazing descriptions for the readers to really envision McBride BC. A lot of character build up, a bit of a slower pace in the beginning, but it all came together midway having you eagerly wanting to find out more. Look forward to future books by this Indie Canadian author!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a captivating read! You instantly connect with her characters and are moved by their experiences. Once you begin your read, you’re thoroughly immersed in the mystery of this book.

[Irene Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my attention from beginning to end. It doesn't let you stop reading! It features very real and relatable characters, it's full of surprises and beautifully told. Congratulations Jennifer on a stellar first novel! Can't wait to read your next one!