Whispers Among the Wicks

By J.T. Harrow

Wilbrooke seems like the picture-perfect tiny village, but behind its peaceful exterior and candlelight lies a secret that will rock the hamlet to its foundations. Sadness falls upon the community as the body of Lumina, the beloved candle business owner, is discovered. When another resident is found dead under similar suspicious circumstances, the town of Wilbrooke goes from a place of grieving to one of mistrust.

 

"Whispers Among the Wicks", a gripping story full of intrigue, emotional tension, and shocking betrayals. What was hiding behind Lumina's charming candle business? Find out the real reason for its impending financial collapse.

 

Moonlit Wax is a magical wax that has been used for centuries and has the capacity to cross over into other dimensions. Could this have been the cause of Lumina's tragic demise? You will be brought on a high-stakes chase that will have you on the edge of your seat from the moment it begins through storm-lashed streets and hidden alleys. Loyalties are tested, friendships are severed, and assumptions are shattered by a shocking confession.

 

Follow along as Elena, Lumina's trusted friend and confidante, searches for truth and justice in a maze of suspicion and betrayal. Is she prepared for the truth that has been more than a whisper amid the wicks?

 

If you enjoy mysteries that delve not only into crimes but also into the complexities of the human heart, then "Whispers Among the Wicks" is the book for you. Turn the page and watch the story unfold in the soft glow of the book's wicks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.T. Harrow
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223164159

Book preview

Chapter 1:

The Waxen Silence

The morning light flooded in through the windows of Lumina's Candles, casting a beautiful golden glow over the displays that had been meticulously placed. A bell that hung above the entrance to the shop gently chimed. The air was thick with the aroma of lavender and fresh pine, which served as a subtle hint that the room had a stunning collection of candles.

From the exquisite decorations to the hand-painted labels, every nook and cranny of the shop bore a tribute to Lumina's skill, even the shop's namesake, Lumina. Nevertheless, something didn't seem quite right today. The regulars observed a subtle shift in the environment, one that brought about an odd sensation that was difficult to pinpoint.

Silent Lumina

SARAH, A YOUNG WOMAN with a cheerful demeanor, pushed the door open, anticipating her usual chat with Lumina. They had a morning ritual, one where Sarah would drop by for her daily dose of fresh rose-scented candles and exchange pleasantries about the latest town gossip. But today, her cheerful Morning, Lumina! met with silence.

A growing sense of unease washed over Sarah as she noticed the disarray at the back of the shop. Displays were knocked over, shattered glass sprinkled the wooden floor, and in the midst of it all, Lumina lay motionless in a pool of blood, her once vibrant blue eyes now dull and lifeless.

Sarah’s scream pierced the otherwise quiet morning, drawing a small crowd to the candle shop. Mrs. Pritchard, the librarian from across the street, rushed in, her heart racing. She found Sarah, pale and trembling, phone in hand, dialing the sheriff.

Whispers of Wilbrooke

THE NEWS SPREAD LIKE wildfire. Lumina's untimely death had sent shockwaves throughout the small town of Wilbrooke. From the children who loved watching Lumina sculpt the wax during her candle-making workshops, to the men and women who relied on her creations to set the mood for countless dinners and dates. Everyone felt the weight of her sudden departure.

At the town's diner, hushed whispers filled the air. She had no enemies, had she? Did she owe someone money pondered Mr. Fletcher, the town's mechanic, a smear of grease still on his cheek. Mrs. Bennett, the florist, looked contemplative, Well, there was that rift with her sister, years ago. But surely...

The townspeople were a tight-knit group, protective of their own. They took pride in their community and believed in the goodness of their neighbors. But the stain of murder brought out the whispers of suspicion, fears, and doubts. Some mentioned debts, others the recent strangers who had visited, but the most prominent theory revolved around her estranged sister, who had recently returned to town.

Elena's Vow

ELENA STOOD AT THE periphery of the gathered crowd, tears streaming down her face. She had known Lumina since they were toddlers, inseparable throughout their childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and ambitions. They were more than friends; they were sisters in spirit. Lumina's shop had been their shared dream – a place where