Cornwall has been in the news of late, so it was appapro that this book came in about the same time it hit the news! This is a quick read- part chic lit, light romance, part cozy and a perfect travel book. It will make you want to run off on vacation to Cornwall. With the perfect amount of red herrings, a very relatable main character (and friends), it's an enjoyable read, that will make you want to go back and read book 1 (A Death at Seascape House) too!

I love a good story set in my beautiful home county of Cornwall. A Death at Candlewick Castle did not disappoint. It was a fun mystery read, set on the beautiful Isles of Scilly.

Jem Jago is working on cataloging the oldest library in Cornwall on the Isles of Scilly, which happens to be owned by her best friend Paulie. They have lots of fun drinking tea, sunbathing and swimming. When she’s not working of course!

But when a body is found in front of Candlewick Castle Jem’s old love interest Rhys is in the frame for murder. Can Jem clear his name? It’s wonderfully written with twists and turns, and a beautiful setting where everyone would want to live. You honestly couldn’t ask for more in a cozy mystery by the sea.

Jem is a clever girl, nothing will stop her! She is pretty nosey and always gets stuck into what’s going on. But she is a charming character and you can’t help but take a shine to her.

5 stars totally deserved. Bring on the next Jem Jago mystery!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The backdrop of the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast is a lovely setting for this second instalment in this series featuring librarian and part-time sleuth Jemima (Jem) Jago. Jem and her friends discover the body of Hermie Castleberry washed up on the shoreline as they are on their way to a pirate festival, the First Annual Private Extravaganza in Tresco. Alerted by the call of buzzards they make their grisly find which is partially hidden by gorse. Jem gets involved when Rhys, her childhood beau, is arrested.

This is a promising continuation of the series and a gritty cosy mystery with plenty of intrigue and drama. There are some great characters in this story and Jem's friends are a likeable bunch, including her BFF Pauley and Micki, a new pal. There are red herrings scattered about and I loved the vividly described locale. With hints of romance, A Death at Candlewick Castle is a fantastic, richly drawn cozy and with the promise of interesting things to happen in future instalments.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

A Death at Candlewick Castle by emma Jameson.
Book two in the Jemima Jago series.
Set in the Isles of Scilly, which sounds like paradise with palm trees included, it’s a somewhat gory murder. The discovery of the body is a bit gruesome, with buzzards included. Ick, really. That is my only complaint about this otherwise very cozy mystery. I like the main character’s two best friends, the two men that she’s not quite yet involved with and the other assorted islanders.
I did also read the first book which explains a lot about the main character and her relationships.

It’s cozy mystery time and Librarian Jemima Jago is on the case. While on vacation in The Isle of Scilly, and enjoying time with friends. Because Candlewick Castle is on the white sandy beach her favorite things to do while there, is swimming, sailing and of course sunbathing. But when the body of well to do business man, Hermie Castleberry washes up on shore Jem doesn’t want to get involved, but she is left with no choice when her old flame, Ryse Tremayne is arrested for murder. She jumps into action and won’t give up until she proves Ryse is innocent and uncovers who actually murdered Hermie. This whodunnit was so much fun to read. The plot twists and turns kept me flying through the pages. I loved how the murderer wasn’t known until the very end. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else pops up, and keeps you guessing. The vivid description of Candlewick Castle and its surroundings made the book a wonderful escape. I highly recommend this series, it is definitely a must read.

Thank you Emma Jameson for an awesome continuation to this wonderful series. The characters were relatable and the story was very captivating and fun. I loved the banter between the characters….well done. What a fantastic addition to this much loved series.

Jemima Jago is enjoying her job as a librarian. Currently she is working on a job cataloging a very old library in Cornwall. However, one evening while attending an event with a couple of friends of hers, Micki and Pauley, they notice buzzards flying about and soon discover a dead body. There goes the perfect summer Jemima had planned, because she cannot just walk away and leave the authorities to discover what has occurred.

She had previously solved a murder and her friends immediately warn her about getting inolved. Jem doesn't listen and, before long, starts unraveling as many facts as possible to discover how the man died. Soon learning that his name was Hermie Castleberry, there are other things that Jem learns. For one thing, he very well may have had some enemies. The police - particularly Sergeant Hackman, Hack - tell Jem to steer clear. This is bothersome to her for more than one reason. For one thing, she is certain she sees things Hack is missing. Furthermore, Hack has begun to turn her head and she cannot help but wonder if something is happening between them.

Jem has more than one reason to race against time trying to discover Hermie's killer, hoping indeed that no more bodies will be discovered. A Death at Candlewick Castle is a delighful cozy mystery and quite an enjoyable addition to this series. I am eager to see what happens in the third book, especially when it comes to see what direction Jem takes when it comes to romance. For a quick read that leaves you wanting more, definitely check out this book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I am happy I found these series. And yes, I definitely want to see how characters and relationships between the characters will develop in later book, especially the romantic story line of Jemima Jago and her two knights: Police detective and artist.

And yes, it is all about and around art in the second installment of Jemima Jago Mysteries. Art dealer/agent is found dead on the beach and... yes by Jemima who is simply trying her best to enjoy her summer with friends. And enjoy she did, while figuring out whodunit.

I enjoyed the book, the dynamic of the story, the characters and their development. It was interesting to see how the story unfolds and which character does what. The only downside for me was that this cozy mystery set apparently in British seaside felt very American to me (very Hampton or even Thousand Islands). I could feel it in the language, slang and the way characters were described and set... did not jell with me. Otherwise, it is a very cozy, fun and light read for... yes, for summer. Enjoy

4,5* rounded to 5.
I liked the first instalment in this series and thoroughly enjoyed this story as it's gripping and highly entertaining.
There's less backstory drama and the mystery never takes the backseat, this made this book lighter and more fun than the previous.
I was happy to catch up with the characters, they're fleshed out and likeable. Jem is clever, logical, sometimes a bit reckless but she surely wants justice and help her friends.
The mystery is full of twists and turns, I had some doubts about the culprits but I couldn't understand the motives.
My only issue is with the love triangle as it's my most hated trope in a cozy mystery. I'm #teamRhys but I hope Jem will be able to decide soon.
The author is a talented story teller and liked her style of writing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Death At Candlewick Castle is the second installment in the Jemima Jago Mystery Series and a much better one than the first one, in my opinion.

While in the first book it took me a while to connect with the characters and the plot was too focused on Jem’s past on the island, here the focus is solely on the actual murder she and her friends are investigating.

The characters were better drawn this time and the relationships between them worked so much better. From Jem to supporting characters like Kenzie or Clarence, they all had a much clearer voice.

The murder investigation itself was pretty interesting and I loved how Jem got the help of her friends to do some sleuthing. I had my suspicions all along about who the murderer was but not about their motivations. Although good, the revealing could have been a bit more tense.

I’m torn with the love triangle situation. Both Hack and Rhys look like great suitors and I’m not sure I know whom I would pick if I had to choose one right now.

The descriptions of the islands made me wish I was vacationing there (sans murders, thanks) and along the sense of community helped to create the cozy climate that works so well in this kind of story.

With just two books in the series I’ve become super invested in Jem’s life and can’t wait to see how her life continues in next installments.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Death at Candlewick Castle is the second book in the Jemma Jago series and is just as good as the first. I love the setting and I enjoy all the characters in these books. This is a cozy mystery which is perfect to curl up with for an afternoon of reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

The second book of the series! Now I would like to have a vacation on those Scilly Islands.... I admit to having looked up how to get there (air taxi!) but in this pandemic everything will have to wait.

Jem is going to a party with her two friends and they are horrified to find a body on the rocks near Candlewick Castle. Of course Jem can't resist snooping around the crime scene and she finds a sunken yacht near the site. Hack is not happy and warns her not to go sleuthing (to no avail) and when Rhys is arrested for the murder of the victim Jem is determined to find evidence to clear his name.

Again written very well and I really like the characters. Don't like triangles (Team Hack by the way) but I am sure the author will make it interesting. The reason for my lower rating is just that I got a bit detached along the story. It might be because I could not care less about the victim or that I am just not in the mood for intricate murder mysteries at this time. Overall it is just a solid book.

What an interesting cozy mystery. I really enjoyed reading it. It was set on a small island in England, had personable characters and a lot of action and intrigue. I look forward to reading other Jemima Jago mysteries. I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers.

Gotta love a book featuring a librarian as the main character, and this second entry in Jemima Jago series does not disappoint. It's all fun and games when Jem and her friends set off on Jem's new boat, but soon enough there is a murder to be solved. Great location and characters all in a great setting.

I think I enjoyed this second book in the series more than I did the first. Maybe it was because I know the characters better now and they are growing on me. Jem in particular improved as the book progressed which is a good thing as she is the central character.

I enjoyed the way Jem and her friends investigated this case in a sensible and fairly realistic manner, without putting themselves in danger. I also liked that Hack eventually discussed the case with Jem instead of refusing to share any information at all. There was a definite build up of the Rhys versus Hack scenario and I have no idea which one I prefer. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this in the next book.

Between her work in Cornwall’s oldest library and catching up with old friends over tea and chocolate biscuits, Jemima Jago is spending the season the only way she knows how: sunbathing, swimming and sailing. But her postcard-perfect summer is turned upside down when the body of well-to-do businessman Hermie Castleberry is found on the sweeping white sands at the foot of Candlewick Castle. Jem doesn’t mean to get involved, but when her old flame Rhys Tremayne is arrested for murder, she springs into action to prove his innocence. With her gift for uncovering hard-to-find information, Jem discovers Hermie had been keeping secrets and ruffling a few feathers in the ordinarily tranquil islands. The discovery of a pair of silver gloves by little dog Buck could be just the clue Jem needs to crack the case.
This is the second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it & to know more about Jem I’d recommend reading the first story. The setting is beautifully described plus there’s more than one love interest for Jem & I know who I’m routing for, I love second chances! A well written easy reading cosy mystery, which drew me in from the start & left me wanting more, so roll on more in the series. There were twists & turns as well as red herrings & I read this captivating read in a couple of sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

3.5 stars

This offbeat series is set on the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast. The unusual setting is interesting, and the main character, Jem Jago, has returned there after leaving under a cloud when she was a teenager. The first book had an awful lot of background that would be useful in understanding what's going on.

Jem's friends, childhood BFF Pauley and new friend Micki, are headed to a beach party when Jem discovers (another) dead body. And her high school boyfriend Rhys is accused of the murder.

Jem, a research librarian, is logical and relentless. For those who enjoy mysteries with love triangles, there is increasing tension between hunky detective Hack and old flame Rhys. Lots of local color and nicely drawn characters make this quite readable. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast this is the second of a series featuring librarian and part time sleuth Jemima (Jem) Jago and her friends.

Jem and her friends are on their way in her small but much loved boat to a pirate festival when they discover a body washed up on the shore. Jem’s potential interests police man Hack and childhood boyfriend Rhys are both involved as one is forced to arrest the other when Rhys is suspected of the crime.

The author cleverly creates the characters and the backdrop to make a believable situation and shows us through the eyes of Jem how she tries to clear the name of Rhys while trying to decide on her feelings for both men.

This is a great series and the storyline is well told, beautifully described and has enough tension mounting and surprise twists to keep the reader on their toes!

I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what happens to Jem and her suitors and to find out more about the other characters, who are beginning to have their lives and personalities explored.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Colourful Mystery, Stunning Backdrop…..
The second in the Jemima Jago mystery series. Jemima, a librarian, has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to catalogue Cornwall’s collection of antique shipwreck records. Whilst delighted, it also means that she has to return to the island of St Morwenna, her childhood home - somewhere she vowed never to return. She has now settled somewhat and is enjoying the Summer months on the island - that is, until a body is discovered on the sands near the castle. With an old flame of hers in the frame for murder can Jemima find a killer before it’s too late? With plenty of secrets, wrongdoings and a touch of romance this is another enjoyable mystery with a colourful cast of characters and an entertaining, fun storyline with a stunning backdrop.

This is the second book in the Jemima Jago series.

I thought this was a great read, much better than the first, with really likeable characters in Jem and her friends, who stumble onto a body when out sailing in Jem’s boat. When Rhys, Jem’s childhood sweetheart is arrested for his murder, she decides to investigate as she knows Rhys is not capable of such a despicable act, despite being warned by new detective Hack not to interfere.

There are some great characters in this story, Jem and her friends are a likeable bunch, who in this story are better fleshed out than in the first book.

Jem is somewhat stuck in a romantic triangle by the end of this story, as Hack is interested in getting to know her better and Rhys has shown he still loves her. I’d be interested to see if/who she chooses and I’m looking forward to book 3.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

This is a story about a gruesome murder.
It is solved by a group of lovely people, in a beautiful place and the victim is not very nice so I hope that I am forgiven for enjoying and wanting to read more by this author and visit the Scilly Islands.