Flamed Out is the fifth and final book in the Magic Candle Shop Mystery series. This is actually the first one I have read, and though I would say it can be read without reading those before it, I think it would probably have enhanced my enjoyment and (prior) understanding of who everyone is to each other, the history they share, and of recent events.

Tabby is someone who has been hiding from the supernatural council until she, and her twin sister, Sage, became involved in local mysteries of their town. She lives with her husband, Quigley, who is a medical examiner, and lives above the candle shop that she owns. Luckily for them both, her sister also lives in the same area. They actually share a psychic link, able to talk to each other telepathically, something no one else knows.

A local higher up in the supernatural council dies in what is called a ‘tragic accident’ but Tabby is asked to investigate by a family member. Her powers can show her dark energy, as well as making herself invisible by bending light around herself(!), and she determines foul play was included.

Now, the number of characters in this series is possibly a little overwhelming, but if you have been reading this series from the start, I think you’d know everyone very well. It’s quite a small town but it feels like there are several high-profile people in the magical community, or those who see themselves as important. Tabby faces both friend and foe throughout the book, and on occasion is definitely not sure which side of the fence someone falls.

I found myself very intrigued by the mystery of who killed the council member who, of course, had quite the number of secrets. It unfolded/was revealed very well and fit in with other parts of the story and Tabby has a lot going on besides the investigation. Council politics and illegal activity is something that her mother and aunt tried their best to keep her and Sage away from, and for very good reasons, it turns out. Things get a little too close for comfort at one point in the book, getting very tense and suspenseful.

Some of the ‘training’ that the women are forced to endure, including Tabby’s aunt, is repulsive and hard to accept (thankfully not related as a memory, just in vague terms). It is a very ‘old school’ institution and is very much backwards in some of its thinking. Something else I also struggled with, was Quigley. His possessiveness in the first part of the story seemed a bit extreme, given how clearly in love Tabby is with her husband. Something is then revealed that alters how Tabby views their entire history and, though it helped me a little more in understanding where he was coming from, it’s still a hard thing to compartmentalise for Tabby, seeing as it has impacted their whole relationship.

Sage is a huge source of support and comfort for Tabby. I’m so glad they have each other. They may be twins, but they are quite different in temperament and personality. It works very well for them as an investigating duo, each bringing their own powers to the partnership. They also have their aunt who has been right there as strong family support since their father left when they were young.

It is a very well written story and moves along at a good pace. It brings up betrayal, deathly ambition and pain that has been hidden for years, but Tabby and her family will find out the truth, become closer, and work out just who they can trust.

I would give this book content warnings for kidnapping, threats of a sexual nature, magic used to control others.