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Magnolia Mysteries #2
Murder on the Candlelight Tour
Traditional mystery set on the Olde Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
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528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 27, 2018
I've had this book on my TBR for a while and decided to read it while I was recently on vacation. I haven't read this series in order but it really didn't affect the mystery itself. The plot kept me engaged but just know that you'll have to also read about the Wilkes sisters constant obsession over every single calorie. At one point, Melanie even thinks she might need Botox and she is 26!! If this series wasn't set in coastal North Carolina, I am not sure I could stand her vanity. The protagonist, Ashley, isn't as bad--thankfully..
December 14, 2016
Just not my cuppa - sterotypical heroine who is the only girl who can do anything.
September 7, 2017
Enjoyed this one more than its predecessor. I'm really confused about the relationship between Ashley and Nick, and I'd have to punch the beloved sister. The resolution was a bit of a surprise, thanks to a crazy twist, which was nice. I'll definitely try the next in the series.
December 1, 2014
Murder on the Candlelight Tour is by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter. It is book two of the magnolia Mystery Wilmington series. It is a delightful mystery and easy to read but beware, it is addictive and you can’t put it down until finished.
Ashley Wilkes loves restoring old houses. She finally got her own Victorian to restore in Wilmington. Now, although not entirely finished, she was in the Olde Wilmington By Candelight tour and was delighted. Her dear friend Binkie and her other dear friend Sheldon were helping her with the tour as was her friend and co-decorator Rachel. Although Binkie and Sheldon were enemies since Sheldon’s unfortunate car accident which killed his wife and Binkie’s sister, but they put aside their differences for Ashley on this night. The tour went swimmingly and was touted as a win by everyone when Ashley entered the library to find Sheldon dead and Binkie standing over him with a poker!
Ashley and her sister Melanie waited for Nick Yost, homicide detective to question her. Melanie had called Attorney Walt Brice to meet the police at the jail where Binkie had been taken. It is assumed by most that Binkie finally made good his threat to kill Sheldon. However, Ashley did not believe it for one minute. She immediately went over the list of people who had come through the house and came up with quite a few names. Among those names was MaeMae Mackie, Sheldon’s wife: Lucy Lou, MaeMae’s best friend; Betty and Wayne Matthews, President of the Historic Preservation Society and her husband the banker; a silver haired man with a ebony walking stick; Jon Campbell, her partner; Melanie, her sister; and Joel Fox, Melanie’s partner in a real estate development deal and lover. Are any of them the murderer?
As if one murder wasn’t enough, her house was the scene of another murder long before she got the house. This she learned that night along with the facts about the Atlantic Coast Line Robbery of 1960. Mrs. Penry, the previous owner of the house, had a son who was thought to have been in on the robbery but it was never solved and the money never recovered. Could either of these have anything to do with Sheldon’s murder? Shady developments, attempted murders, murders, drowning victims, and personal threats all surround Ashley. What in the world is she going to do?
Ashley Wilkes loves restoring old houses. She finally got her own Victorian to restore in Wilmington. Now, although not entirely finished, she was in the Olde Wilmington By Candelight tour and was delighted. Her dear friend Binkie and her other dear friend Sheldon were helping her with the tour as was her friend and co-decorator Rachel. Although Binkie and Sheldon were enemies since Sheldon’s unfortunate car accident which killed his wife and Binkie’s sister, but they put aside their differences for Ashley on this night. The tour went swimmingly and was touted as a win by everyone when Ashley entered the library to find Sheldon dead and Binkie standing over him with a poker!
Ashley and her sister Melanie waited for Nick Yost, homicide detective to question her. Melanie had called Attorney Walt Brice to meet the police at the jail where Binkie had been taken. It is assumed by most that Binkie finally made good his threat to kill Sheldon. However, Ashley did not believe it for one minute. She immediately went over the list of people who had come through the house and came up with quite a few names. Among those names was MaeMae Mackie, Sheldon’s wife: Lucy Lou, MaeMae’s best friend; Betty and Wayne Matthews, President of the Historic Preservation Society and her husband the banker; a silver haired man with a ebony walking stick; Jon Campbell, her partner; Melanie, her sister; and Joel Fox, Melanie’s partner in a real estate development deal and lover. Are any of them the murderer?
As if one murder wasn’t enough, her house was the scene of another murder long before she got the house. This she learned that night along with the facts about the Atlantic Coast Line Robbery of 1960. Mrs. Penry, the previous owner of the house, had a son who was thought to have been in on the robbery but it was never solved and the money never recovered. Could either of these have anything to do with Sheldon’s murder? Shady developments, attempted murders, murders, drowning victims, and personal threats all surround Ashley. What in the world is she going to do?
February 5, 2014
What a great read. The story takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina. I think it will be a great vacation spot, without the murders, of course. Ashley bought a home, and turned it into a B and B. She is a decorator by trade, so it fit in to what she loves. During her first home tour, there was a murder I her library. This was a friend, and another friend was accused of the murder. That made it double sad for Ashley. Then another death, a close friend that also helped her decorate. With all this happening, there was also someone that was trying to buy up some old homes in the area and turn them into a new hotel with all the perks. That would ruin the district. As luck would have it, Ashley's sister, Melanie, was "in love" with him. Joel Fax was a sleaze. I hated him from the beginning and did not trust him. I had him pegged for the murders, although I could not figure out why. I just assumed it had something to do with getting the property. As the story continues, we also discover a robbery that happened many years ago, and the money was never found. Was all of this connected in some way? Ok, who done it? All I can say is that I was completely surprised at the end. Everyone did not live happily ever after, but that is ok, because everything happened the way it was supposed to. Settle down with a cup of tea, and enjoy the read.
July 11, 2014
Protagonist Ashley Wilkes (blame her mother) is a decorator specializing in restoring the glory of Wilmington, NC's Victorian homes. She'd finally gotten her own Victorian restored enough for it to be included in the December "Old Wilmington by Candlelight" tour just to find her living room marred by a murder. The holidays are almost always a stressful time and the combination of murder and family drama only make it more so for Ashley, especially as she realizes that she needs to fight to keep Wilmington's historical district from becoming a corporate resort.
I liked Ashley a lot, and I tend to like mysteries set in the south a lot. I wasn't overly impressed by the interactions between Ashley and her detective sweetheart, Nick, but it's possible that not having read the first book in the series could be affecting my perceptions. Some of the other characters seemed a bit stilted and the plotting wasn't as smooth as it could be, but I'm hoping that Hunter smooths those things out in her later novels in the series.
I liked Ashley a lot, and I tend to like mysteries set in the south a lot. I wasn't overly impressed by the interactions between Ashley and her detective sweetheart, Nick, but it's possible that not having read the first book in the series could be affecting my perceptions. Some of the other characters seemed a bit stilted and the plotting wasn't as smooth as it could be, but I'm hoping that Hunter smooths those things out in her later novels in the series.
October 29, 2013
A murder mystery set in Wilmington, North Carolina, this book begins with a murder committed during the annual Candlelight Christmas tour of restored victorian homes in the area. A light "who done it" type story with a typical southern Christmasy background. I needed to read a book about Christmas and I chose this one because I love old houses and in fact live in an 110 year old restored home. 3 stars
August 16, 2020
2.5 I debated whether to give this book a three or a two. However, I have many other books that were much better than this and they only got a 3, so I rounded down to 2.
My first impression of the main characters was not good. The women were named for characters in Gone with the Wind, which is on my list of racist books to avoid rereading. The women were mainly concerned with money and fashion, neither of which I find particularly interesting. There was so much emphasis on expensive name brands and fancy cars that I almost stopped reading. The two Southern belles definitely walked and talked like they were the center of the universe.
This book takes place in Wilmington, NC and there was a lot of history in it. It certainly would have been more enjoyable if I knew the significance of the many buildings named.. However, the book totally ignored one of the most horrific crimes in America against blacks which took place in this town in 1898. As far as I know, the city still has not fully acknowledged this miscarriage of justice. Only in June 2020 was a statue of one of the ringleaders removed by family members: https://www.wect.com/2020/06/16/statu....
However, the book did get an extra half-star for discovering a portion of the Underground Railroad in the city, recognizing slavery and its cruelties. This underground passage was discovered near the end of the novel, acknowledged, and then promptly ignored.
This is not an author or series that I plan on reading again.
My first impression of the main characters was not good. The women were named for characters in Gone with the Wind, which is on my list of racist books to avoid rereading. The women were mainly concerned with money and fashion, neither of which I find particularly interesting. There was so much emphasis on expensive name brands and fancy cars that I almost stopped reading. The two Southern belles definitely walked and talked like they were the center of the universe.
This book takes place in Wilmington, NC and there was a lot of history in it. It certainly would have been more enjoyable if I knew the significance of the many buildings named.. However, the book totally ignored one of the most horrific crimes in America against blacks which took place in this town in 1898. As far as I know, the city still has not fully acknowledged this miscarriage of justice. Only in June 2020 was a statue of one of the ringleaders removed by family members: https://www.wect.com/2020/06/16/statu....
However, the book did get an extra half-star for discovering a portion of the Underground Railroad in the city, recognizing slavery and its cruelties. This underground passage was discovered near the end of the novel, acknowledged, and then promptly ignored.
This is not an author or series that I plan on reading again.
November 18, 2017
This is the last Magnolia Mystery Wilmington Series book I had left to read and it was not a disappointment. Although I did not read them in order. Ms Hunter has a such great character development especially Ashley who is the main character. Throughout the series, Ashley has grown with life changes and with each mystery you can see her case solving abilities growing. Set in beautiful Wilmington, NC during Christmas time, the story resolves around Ashley's restored historical house. The foreshadowing is terrific in this story. You read something and say this is significant, but how. So the need to find that answer motivates you to keep reading. A wonderful book and definitely worth your time to read. If you are a stickler for chronological events, then read this series in order. But if you are like me, enjoy each story on its own merits.
July 14, 2018
Is money the root of all evil?
Great little read that has multiples of suspects. A tour of historic houses leads to a spate of murders. Does a cold case of robbery tie into the murders? Great characters that show all the characteristics of human nature and that are full and vivid. A well crafted plot that moves smoothly through the gracious living of "old" families and the way they interact with each other. A surprise twist at the end unveils a killer you never suspected. A heroine who keeps battling to the end. What more could you ask for?
Great little read that has multiples of suspects. A tour of historic houses leads to a spate of murders. Does a cold case of robbery tie into the murders? Great characters that show all the characteristics of human nature and that are full and vivid. A well crafted plot that moves smoothly through the gracious living of "old" families and the way they interact with each other. A surprise twist at the end unveils a killer you never suspected. A heroine who keeps battling to the end. What more could you ask for?
December 13, 2017
Charming Christmas cozy with historical twist
Engaging characters, believable plot, romance, and a touch of sibling rivalry - this Christmas tale had me wishing I could walk through this charming historical district under a light snowfall, then gather around a warm fire for a strategy session with a couple of good friends and fellow sleuths.
Engaging characters, believable plot, romance, and a touch of sibling rivalry - this Christmas tale had me wishing I could walk through this charming historical district under a light snowfall, then gather around a warm fire for a strategy session with a couple of good friends and fellow sleuths.
March 28, 2019
I'd give "Murder on the Candlelight Tour" five stars for the mystery, the characters, and the writing. I kept trying to guess who committed the murders and thought I knew who it was until the big twist at the end. The setting was also intriguing with historical district info.
But the occult and Wicca content in the second half of the story ruined the book for me. What a disappointment.
But the occult and Wicca content in the second half of the story ruined the book for me. What a disappointment.
January 10, 2024
It took me a bit to get into this one.
I kind of felt disappointed at the end because you are led to believe it’s three suspects, but they threw one out at the end and came up with random reasons why. The person that was the murderer really wasn’t mentioned much during the book and was a bystander so you have no reason to believe it is them.
I kind of felt disappointed at the end because you are led to believe it’s three suspects, but they threw one out at the end and came up with random reasons why. The person that was the murderer really wasn’t mentioned much during the book and was a bystander so you have no reason to believe it is them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
Exactly like a lot of cozy mysteries are like. Some romance, some romantic frustrations, one (or more) dead bodies, a nosy sleuth that gets into scrapes while solving the case. It won't disappoint in those areas.
May 16, 2018
A really good read!
Murder in the Candlelight Tour is the second book in the series. I enjoyed it even more than the first book, which was good. There is a little more suspense and the kitten was a nice touch. Mystery, romance and even a kitten. On to book three!
Murder in the Candlelight Tour is the second book in the series. I enjoyed it even more than the first book, which was good. There is a little more suspense and the kitten was a nice touch. Mystery, romance and even a kitten. On to book three!
December 20, 2019
I have never read a Harlequin romance, but this book is what I imagine it must be like. Beautiful 20ish Ashley Wilkes lives in Wilmington NC with a handsome local cop, Nick, as her love interest; her beautiful older sister, Melanie, is both a rival and protective of her; and a faithful male best friend, Jon, has no romantic interest in her but will drop everything at the drop of a hat to help her out of jams and serve all her needs. There are lots of descriptions of the many beautiful women in town, their makeup, wardrobe, and all of the elegant places they go to. By the way, there are a couple of murders, but unsurprisingly, they are not the focus of the story; the focus is on all of the beautiful people and their relationships. There is a secondary story line about saving the historic parts of town from development; this is very similar to the story line in SPIDER IN THE SINK by Celestine Sibley.
November 5, 2020
Christmas time murder mystery in historic house in historic area. The kind of book I would write if I could write, or plot. Good characters. a cat. or at least a kitten. Usually cats are deal breakers for me. Historical theme and not too gruesome murders. Light fun.
December 20, 2020
Good story, weak ending. I, however, would give this author another try as I read book one and enjoyed it. Seems to me, unnecessary characters were introduced into this story. Probably because the author intends to write other books around them.
February 10, 2018
A pleasure to read!
Ashley Wilkes continues to be in the middle of murder and mayhem in lovely Wilmington, NC. Perfectly written, another enjoyable, fun filled read.
Ashley Wilkes continues to be in the middle of murder and mayhem in lovely Wilmington, NC. Perfectly written, another enjoyable, fun filled read.
December 6, 2019
Good book.
I really enjoyed this story. It has everything romance, murder, robbery and even historical mysteries. I will read more of this author's work.
I really enjoyed this story. It has everything romance, murder, robbery and even historical mysteries. I will read more of this author's work.
December 13, 2019
Wonderful Book
I loved the book. It was fun and exciting. The characters were great!! This is another wonderful read. I never knew what happened til the end.
I loved the book. It was fun and exciting. The characters were great!! This is another wonderful read. I never knew what happened til the end.
February 25, 2021
Loved it
February 27, 2023
Lots of Action. Surprisesat every turn
Read this book this afternoon. It was delightful! Lots of history, twists and turns, and a total surprise at the end!
Read this book this afternoon. It was delightful! Lots of history, twists and turns, and a total surprise at the end!
April 1, 2023
This seemed a little less coherent than the first in the series. But I still love that it is set in Wilmington.
October 6, 2017
Fashion Conscious
Fair mystery....however it dragged a bit in the of the story. It seemed like the author was making more comments about ladies' clothing styles than clues to the mystery. It was not too difficult to realize who a couple of the bad guys were, but there was one that was a little surprising. The style of mystery of this book is definitely more geared to female readers.
Fair mystery....however it dragged a bit in the of the story. It seemed like the author was making more comments about ladies' clothing styles than clues to the mystery. It was not too difficult to realize who a couple of the bad guys were, but there was one that was a little surprising. The style of mystery of this book is definitely more geared to female readers.
October 12, 2013
Finished book 1 for Dewey’s Read-a-thon. This is book 2 in a mystery series that I found when the first book was chosen by the Cozy Mystery Corner book club on Goodreads. I was one of the few members who liked the first book in this series. I found the mystery well done in that book and this one.
Just like in the first book,, I like the main character, her sister and her sidekick. Her love interest, Nick runs hot and cold, but it made him interesting to me. Her sister’s boyfriend, Joel was a little too stereotypical Hollywood con man This book connected several crimes, an old robbery and a couple new murders. There were lots of clues and red herrings. The issue with this book, like the first, is that sometimes the dialog is unnatural or stilted and in a couple places, I actually had to go back and reread to understand what I had read. Still, I think there is enough good about this books, well plotted mystery and interesting characters, to make me want to continue with it.
Just like in the first book,, I like the main character, her sister and her sidekick. Her love interest, Nick runs hot and cold, but it made him interesting to me. Her sister’s boyfriend, Joel was a little too stereotypical Hollywood con man This book connected several crimes, an old robbery and a couple new murders. There were lots of clues and red herrings. The issue with this book, like the first, is that sometimes the dialog is unnatural or stilted and in a couple places, I actually had to go back and reread to understand what I had read. Still, I think there is enough good about this books, well plotted mystery and interesting characters, to make me want to continue with it.
December 11, 2014
Ashley Wilkes is an historic preservationist living in Wilmington, North Carolina, and is thrilled that the house she owns and has recently restored is featured on the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour. But the evening turns into a disaster when a docent is found dead in her library with her friend Binky standing over him with the murder weapon clutched in his hand. Will Ashley's boyfriend, Nick, the detective on the case, see beyond the obvious implications and find the real killer or will Ashley have to do it herself? This is a well-written mystery with likable characters and an interesting setting. It is offered as a free download for Kindle so it is the perfect opportunity to give the author a try without risk. I'd definitely like to read more in the series for some fun, light reading. It is not often that a mystery writer stumps me on the whodunit and I liked that!
January 28, 2014
Ashley Wilkes is back solving a murder on the candlelight tour. I have already reviewed other books in this series and we first met Ashley Wilkes and her sister Melanie in Murder on the Ghost Walk.
Ashley is overjoyed when her Victorian house is featured on Wilmington’s Candlelight tour. But her pride is shortlived when her friend Sheldon Mackie is found murdered in the library.
Ashley’s elderly surrogate father Binkie is the prime suspect. And she will do anything to exonerate him.
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Ashley is overjoyed when her Victorian house is featured on Wilmington’s Candlelight tour. But her pride is shortlived when her friend Sheldon Mackie is found murdered in the library.
Ashley’s elderly surrogate father Binkie is the prime suspect. And she will do anything to exonerate him.
Read full review
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September 24, 2016Here is the 3 best comments I could give to any mystery writer: 1. I just finished my second book in the Magnolia Mysteries and I enjoyed it just as much as the first book. 2. I look forward to reading the entire series in order. 3. I usually can often guess the killer(s) in mystery books. So far, it's Ellen Hunt 2 vs. Me 0! I guessed the wrong murderer both times! There are many characters presented that were possible killers in both books. I'm not going to add more detail to my review since there are so many other favorable reviews. I'll just end with," Thank you Ellen for another delightful book!!!!"
June 22, 2009
A Candlelight tour of historical homes at Christmas yields one death...preservationist and home-owner Ashley Wilkes can't believe that one of her dearest old friends offed the other, no matter how strong their ancient feud.
She and her friends start digging....literally.
***Some characters were a little weakly drawn--for example, any and all of her preservationist friends should have been excited about a time capsule found in the house....and they should have all had information about older crimes and mysteries at their fingertips.
She and her friends start digging....literally.
***Some characters were a little weakly drawn--for example, any and all of her preservationist friends should have been excited about a time capsule found in the house....and they should have all had information about older crimes and mysteries at their fingertips.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews