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My So-Called Hexed Midlife #1
Midlife is the Cat's Meow
A witch without powers. A secret to die for. A midlife sapphic awakening.
A few months ago, I thought I had it all. My life as a forty-something suburban mom in Cleveland might not have been stimulating, but sometimes excitement is overrated. Like when FBI agents knock down your door on the hunt for your crook of a husband. Thrilling? Maybe. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
After twenty-five years, I’m returning home without a penny to my name. But there are far worse things than living in your family’s bed-and-breakfast on a remote island in Maine. Being a witch who’s lost her powers, for example. Or having two daughters on the brink of getting their magic and having no idea they’re witches.
To complicate matters, a mysterious group of magical enforcers called the Shadow Council blamed me for my twin sister’s death years ago and banned me from ever returning home. But I have nowhere else to go.
My plan is to keep a low profile, land a job, and get back on my feet. My plan does not include finding a mysterious old trunk in the attic, having a famous author drop dead while staying at our inn, being haunted by his ghost, or having my powers return in scary and unexpected ways.
I can also assure you I have no intention of developing a crush on someone who will have me questioning everything I ever thought I knew about who I am.
Then again, you know what they say about the best laid plans…
If you’re hungry for a paranormal story that celebrates women over 40 and strong female friendships, with snarky humor, quirky family members, a mischievous cat, a murder mystery, time travel, ghosts, and a leather wearing, motorcycle-riding physician who sparks an unexpected midlife sapphic awakening, look no further than Midlife is the Cat’s Meow!
My So-Called Hexed Midlife is a fresh new series of paranormal women's midlife fiction from the Goldie award-winning writing duo T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
This series was inspired by the characters and mysteries in the Witches of Pinecroft Cove cozy mystery series, which the authors published under the pen name Nicole St Claire in 2019-2021. The books have been entirely reworked to transform them into sapphic paranormal women's fiction mysteries, but if you have read the other series, certain circumstances may feel familiar. You are not losing your marbles.
Readers should be aware this book contains mild profanity and a same-sex romance.
A few months ago, I thought I had it all. My life as a forty-something suburban mom in Cleveland might not have been stimulating, but sometimes excitement is overrated. Like when FBI agents knock down your door on the hunt for your crook of a husband. Thrilling? Maybe. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
After twenty-five years, I’m returning home without a penny to my name. But there are far worse things than living in your family’s bed-and-breakfast on a remote island in Maine. Being a witch who’s lost her powers, for example. Or having two daughters on the brink of getting their magic and having no idea they’re witches.
To complicate matters, a mysterious group of magical enforcers called the Shadow Council blamed me for my twin sister’s death years ago and banned me from ever returning home. But I have nowhere else to go.
My plan is to keep a low profile, land a job, and get back on my feet. My plan does not include finding a mysterious old trunk in the attic, having a famous author drop dead while staying at our inn, being haunted by his ghost, or having my powers return in scary and unexpected ways.
I can also assure you I have no intention of developing a crush on someone who will have me questioning everything I ever thought I knew about who I am.
Then again, you know what they say about the best laid plans…
If you’re hungry for a paranormal story that celebrates women over 40 and strong female friendships, with snarky humor, quirky family members, a mischievous cat, a murder mystery, time travel, ghosts, and a leather wearing, motorcycle-riding physician who sparks an unexpected midlife sapphic awakening, look no further than Midlife is the Cat’s Meow!
My So-Called Hexed Midlife is a fresh new series of paranormal women's midlife fiction from the Goldie award-winning writing duo T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
This series was inspired by the characters and mysteries in the Witches of Pinecroft Cove cozy mystery series, which the authors published under the pen name Nicole St Claire in 2019-2021. The books have been entirely reworked to transform them into sapphic paranormal women's fiction mysteries, but if you have read the other series, certain circumstances may feel familiar. You are not losing your marbles.
Readers should be aware this book contains mild profanity and a same-sex romance.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
100 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Miranda MacLeod
40 books465 followersOriginally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you'll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that's more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston. To find out about her upcoming releases, be sure to sign up for her mailing list or follow her on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 20, 2023
'Arc generously provided by The Authors in exchange for a honest review'
**'Never try to make telling any of your stories difficult, it's good to make them seems effortless which sometimes leads to you writing very good stuff..'
Intriguing read!
'MIDLIFE IS THE CAT'S MEOW' book #1 is somewhat of a murky magical tale from both Mackinson & MacLeod that's solidly written and is rife with witchcraft, witches, mythology, imagery, a tiny growing romance while at times it feels a bit fantasy-ish -- involving more family drama with elements of magical witch realism. During the storyline progression, the imagery sometimes perfectly captures the many different inner thoughts/feelings of each character without even showing themselves as to who they appears to be. I think it's a nice symbolic gestures by Markinson & MacLeod to tell a story that will be an ongoing series like this. It's also simplistic and a welcoming solace to a new series.
A highly recommended book #1
**'Never try to make telling any of your stories difficult, it's good to make them seems effortless which sometimes leads to you writing very good stuff..'
Intriguing read!
'MIDLIFE IS THE CAT'S MEOW' book #1 is somewhat of a murky magical tale from both Mackinson & MacLeod that's solidly written and is rife with witchcraft, witches, mythology, imagery, a tiny growing romance while at times it feels a bit fantasy-ish -- involving more family drama with elements of magical witch realism. During the storyline progression, the imagery sometimes perfectly captures the many different inner thoughts/feelings of each character without even showing themselves as to who they appears to be. I think it's a nice symbolic gestures by Markinson & MacLeod to tell a story that will be an ongoing series like this. It's also simplistic and a welcoming solace to a new series.
A highly recommended book #1
May 9, 2023
This is a deviation from MacLeod/Markinson's usual style.
The lead characters in this book (the start of a new series) are witch Tallie Shipton and Dr. Nora Kenworthy with Goode Harbor Island and its residents featuring as the backdrop. Magic, mystery, snark and humor abound. There's a tinge of romance between the MC's and strange events, a murder to solve and daughters clueless of their witch powers. Shucks, I can't forget Tallie's dormant powers and the whole Kenworthy dynamic plus the fleeing husband turned felon.
I really liked Nora and Buster the cat along with Tallie's family but haven't quite warmed up to Tallie who comes over to me as selfish. Oh, I get her husband abandoned the family and ran off with embezzled money BUT she's returned home to people who love her and......
Some dangling threads to bring to the next book. Maybe Tallie will win me over completely in book 2.
3.5 rounded to 4 because of the snark and humor.
The lead characters in this book (the start of a new series) are witch Tallie Shipton and Dr. Nora Kenworthy with Goode Harbor Island and its residents featuring as the backdrop. Magic, mystery, snark and humor abound. There's a tinge of romance between the MC's and strange events, a murder to solve and daughters clueless of their witch powers. Shucks, I can't forget Tallie's dormant powers and the whole Kenworthy dynamic plus the fleeing husband turned felon.
I really liked Nora and Buster the cat along with Tallie's family but haven't quite warmed up to Tallie who comes over to me as selfish. Oh, I get her husband abandoned the family and ran off with embezzled money BUT she's returned home to people who love her and......
Some dangling threads to bring to the next book. Maybe Tallie will win me over completely in book 2.
3.5 rounded to 4 because of the snark and humor.
June 6, 2023
Well, this is somewhat different from what I normally read. Magic, witches, wondering friendly spirits/ghosts all rolled into one. Throw in funny lines and family quirks that had me chuckling at times, I’m all in. If you are looking for romance, you will probably be disappointed. Not that there isn’t any, there is but not your typical HEA with MCs falling head over heels in love and in bed. You’ll probably get that in book 2….maybe…
April 20, 2023
Kindle Unlimited. 2.5.
I wanted to like this more than I did. It actually took me days to read, despite it being fairly short, simply because it failed to hold my interest enough, and I kept dropping it and picking it up again, but often wondered why I persisted - sorry!
The MC, Tallie, is pretty unlikable, judgemental and just not an endearing character. So to see this world through her eyes, or to root for her, means it's difficult to slog through.
I get she's been in a bad situation, her ex-husband has bunked off having smuggled money from his job, and left her high and dry with nothing but their two tween-aged daughters. Meaning she has to move back to her family home and small island community. But it seems she barely does any parenting, or ever even really lived beforehand.
She's this passive person, who doesn't do much of anything, even about the Inn her mother and aunt share, not stepping up in any way, yet being rewarded despite her prejudices. It's just really difficult to swallow, and while I absolutely welcome her character coming into her own, and expanding, it all felt so very shallow already, and again hard to support this type of character, where things just happen to her, and things fall into her lap so easily - but there's not much effort or likability. Hope this makes sense!!
There's magic afoot, with a history of our MC's own magic to discover, and family angst from a missing sister, and shadowy organizations. Plus weird and whacky neighbour characters and friends, but it all felt rather lacklustre and not engaging as it should have been.
This sort of story is usually right up my ally, but somehow the character and the writing seemed to suck any amount of fun away. There's a few mysteries that happen, eventually, but again it's very jerky, in a stop and start way, where it's not cohesive, and then drawn out, and a few are left hanging for future installments, which again I get - but I have to admit I don't think I would bother to pick up a book 2 or 3, after my responses to this one.
A lot of others rated this higher than I, so as always check it out for yourself on KU and give it a go, and let me know what you thought. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and discussing things we liked and disliked about books.
I wanted to like this more than I did. It actually took me days to read, despite it being fairly short, simply because it failed to hold my interest enough, and I kept dropping it and picking it up again, but often wondered why I persisted - sorry!
The MC, Tallie, is pretty unlikable, judgemental and just not an endearing character. So to see this world through her eyes, or to root for her, means it's difficult to slog through.
I get she's been in a bad situation, her ex-husband has bunked off having smuggled money from his job, and left her high and dry with nothing but their two tween-aged daughters. Meaning she has to move back to her family home and small island community. But it seems she barely does any parenting, or ever even really lived beforehand.
She's this passive person, who doesn't do much of anything, even about the Inn her mother and aunt share, not stepping up in any way, yet being rewarded despite her prejudices. It's just really difficult to swallow, and while I absolutely welcome her character coming into her own, and expanding, it all felt so very shallow already, and again hard to support this type of character, where things just happen to her, and things fall into her lap so easily - but there's not much effort or likability. Hope this makes sense!!
There's magic afoot, with a history of our MC's own magic to discover, and family angst from a missing sister, and shadowy organizations. Plus weird and whacky neighbour characters and friends, but it all felt rather lacklustre and not engaging as it should have been.
This sort of story is usually right up my ally, but somehow the character and the writing seemed to suck any amount of fun away. There's a few mysteries that happen, eventually, but again it's very jerky, in a stop and start way, where it's not cohesive, and then drawn out, and a few are left hanging for future installments, which again I get - but I have to admit I don't think I would bother to pick up a book 2 or 3, after my responses to this one.
A lot of others rated this higher than I, so as always check it out for yourself on KU and give it a go, and let me know what you thought. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and discussing things we liked and disliked about books.
August 16, 2023
Nice little ghost story. Part one in a new series.
February 11, 2024
3.5 Stars
June 18, 2023
There is so much deliciousness in this book. A sapphic paranormal cozy mystery. I mean what more could you really want.
This story is enticing and wonderful. The characters are brilliant and the main character Talulah is the best. She is self deprecating while being completely unaware half the time. She blurts, speaking before she thinks and I am all here for it.
The humour throughout the book is the best. I found myself smiling and laughing. Highlighting many sections that made me truly giggle.
I love Tallie’s character growth, the diversity of the side characters, and the mysteries themselves are brilliant.
Cannot wait to read more of those series.
This story is enticing and wonderful. The characters are brilliant and the main character Talulah is the best. She is self deprecating while being completely unaware half the time. She blurts, speaking before she thinks and I am all here for it.
The humour throughout the book is the best. I found myself smiling and laughing. Highlighting many sections that made me truly giggle.
I love Tallie’s character growth, the diversity of the side characters, and the mysteries themselves are brilliant.
Cannot wait to read more of those series.
April 12, 2023
This is a very addictive story and I can't wait for the next book. Tallie is left with no choice, but to return home to live with her mom and aunt who run the town inn. The town is full of characters and witches. She gets pulled into a suspicious dead, time travel, and falling for the town Dr. Nora. Buster the cat really seems like he is going to play a big part in these stories.
April 8, 2023
I don't typically read cozy mysteries, paranormal stories, or books that I know are the start of a series. I do however, enjoy reading books by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod both individually and as a writing duo. So I thought I'd give this a try - if I was ever to like this sort of thing I reckoned this was going to be my shot.
Well, bull-freeking-eye. I was hooked from the get go. Great characters, a terrific murder (?) plot (and a few subplots), told in a first-person POV by a witty narrator. Throw in middle-aged grumpiness, achey knees, mom voices, everyday embarrassments, and you've got the berries and bees knees. I read this book straight through (with only one snack and bathroom break) and I am wishing I had the next volume to continue. I have some questions I need answers to and I'm not feeling particularly patient. If only I knew a spell for that...
Well, bull-freeking-eye. I was hooked from the get go. Great characters, a terrific murder (?) plot (and a few subplots), told in a first-person POV by a witty narrator. Throw in middle-aged grumpiness, achey knees, mom voices, everyday embarrassments, and you've got the berries and bees knees. I read this book straight through (with only one snack and bathroom break) and I am wishing I had the next volume to continue. I have some questions I need answers to and I'm not feeling particularly patient. If only I knew a spell for that...
April 17, 2023
This cute, paranormal, cozy mystery (and yes I’m aware these words don’t usually coexist in a sentence) is just perfect.
I received an arc for this lovely book and I’ll admit I was unsure as to whether or not it would be my thing. After reading it I can say that is 100% my thing. I couldn’t put it down, I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
Tallie Shipton is a witch. She’s spent so long away from the magical world and her childhood home of Goode Harbor Island that she’s not sure how to go back, but back she must go. Her husband has been embezzling money for years and is now on the run with all the money, leaving Tallie to deal with the FBI. Tallie has little choice but to return to her childhood home and except the help her mother and great aunt have offered her. But she has a secret that she’s kept buried for years and now she’s back that secret is even harder to keep underground.
This book is amazing. Think Bewitched meets Partial Magic and that’s kind of the vibe this book gives me.
There’s a lot of paranormal mystery going on in Tallie’s childhood home, which is now an Inn that her mother and great aunt run. Tallie thought she was done with magic, but magic has other ideas and no matter how many times she’s tries to brush off the strange happenings as tiredness or stress deep down she knows that there’s more to it. Tallie is 43, a newly single mother and the last thing she needs right now is more trouble and mystery in her life. She’s reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones- including the islands Docter, Dr Kenworthy- Nora. Nora is everything Tallie thinks she doesn’t want, apart from being a woman (Tallie is straight, isn’t she?) she’s also the cousin of the boy who tormented her throughout high school, in fact the whole Kenworthy family are trouble, aren’t they? But Tallie feels sparks whenever Nora is near and she’s finding it increasingly confusing. (While this book is not a romance it has a sweet getting to know you romance subplot running through it). Tallie is a reluctant hero in this book, she’d much rather keep a low profile and try to pick up the pieces of her and her daughters lives. But the spirit world has other ideas and even with so much uncertainty running through Tallie she finds herself unable to ignore it.
Goode Harbor Island is as much of a star of this book as the characters are, and there are a whole cast of characters to get to know and love. From Tallie’s oldest friend Dana to her old kindergarten teacher Mrs Crenshaw these people make up a community of eccentric characters that I came to love.
There’s a great little plot twist that I didn’t guess until right before the reveal and the mystery kept me interested throughout.
This is a really lovely read that left me wanting more. It’s a cozy mystery with some humour and also warm and fuzzy feelings caused by family loyalty, rekindling friendships and that lovely little romantic subplot I mentioned.
I totally recommend giving this book a try and I can’t wait for the next one!
I received an arc for this lovely book and I’ll admit I was unsure as to whether or not it would be my thing. After reading it I can say that is 100% my thing. I couldn’t put it down, I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
Tallie Shipton is a witch. She’s spent so long away from the magical world and her childhood home of Goode Harbor Island that she’s not sure how to go back, but back she must go. Her husband has been embezzling money for years and is now on the run with all the money, leaving Tallie to deal with the FBI. Tallie has little choice but to return to her childhood home and except the help her mother and great aunt have offered her. But she has a secret that she’s kept buried for years and now she’s back that secret is even harder to keep underground.
This book is amazing. Think Bewitched meets Partial Magic and that’s kind of the vibe this book gives me.
There’s a lot of paranormal mystery going on in Tallie’s childhood home, which is now an Inn that her mother and great aunt run. Tallie thought she was done with magic, but magic has other ideas and no matter how many times she’s tries to brush off the strange happenings as tiredness or stress deep down she knows that there’s more to it. Tallie is 43, a newly single mother and the last thing she needs right now is more trouble and mystery in her life. She’s reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones- including the islands Docter, Dr Kenworthy- Nora. Nora is everything Tallie thinks she doesn’t want, apart from being a woman (Tallie is straight, isn’t she?) she’s also the cousin of the boy who tormented her throughout high school, in fact the whole Kenworthy family are trouble, aren’t they? But Tallie feels sparks whenever Nora is near and she’s finding it increasingly confusing. (While this book is not a romance it has a sweet getting to know you romance subplot running through it). Tallie is a reluctant hero in this book, she’d much rather keep a low profile and try to pick up the pieces of her and her daughters lives. But the spirit world has other ideas and even with so much uncertainty running through Tallie she finds herself unable to ignore it.
Goode Harbor Island is as much of a star of this book as the characters are, and there are a whole cast of characters to get to know and love. From Tallie’s oldest friend Dana to her old kindergarten teacher Mrs Crenshaw these people make up a community of eccentric characters that I came to love.
There’s a great little plot twist that I didn’t guess until right before the reveal and the mystery kept me interested throughout.
This is a really lovely read that left me wanting more. It’s a cozy mystery with some humour and also warm and fuzzy feelings caused by family loyalty, rekindling friendships and that lovely little romantic subplot I mentioned.
I totally recommend giving this book a try and I can’t wait for the next one!
August 21, 2024
Magical and Fun Mystery
Tallie’s life has changed after discovering her husband is wanted by the FBI, so she is back at her family home with nothing but her daughters. She’s also keeping the secret that she lost her powers as a witch when she left the first time, but rebuilding her life in a place she was banished from is harder than it looks, especially when her powers return and she starts being haunted by the ghost of a guest at the family inn.
Such a fun read and definitely something a bit different. Tallie is struggling with just surviving, and then running into Nora, the cousin of the local town bully from high school, who seems to be interested in her just makes everything more complicated. This story really weaved lots of different storylines to create intrigue and a mystery that kept moving in a way that made it fun to follow and difficult to predict. I wasn’t sure where the whole story was going from chapter to chapter sometimes, but that is what really got me hooked because I was enjoying every minute of Tallie’s emotional ride. She was dealing with old relationships, new ones, past misunderstandings, a fear of being discovered, and two daughters who just wanted to add to all the stress and disruption by behaving like teenagers ahead of their time.
Every character that was introduced was quirky or had something unique about them that added to the mystery of the story. Strange goings on and misunderstanding delivered the drama that stories with romance need, but I also loved how this focused on Tallie and her feelings and situation, rather than being a romance between her and Nora. Their relationship was somewhat unrealised, especially by Tallie who was trying to ignore her feelings and what she thought was happening, until nearer the end, so the focus could really be on who Tallie was and her rediscovering how wonderful she could be and life could be if she stopped worrying.
A great story that left me smiling, gave me a good few laughs, and kept me guessing.
Tallie’s life has changed after discovering her husband is wanted by the FBI, so she is back at her family home with nothing but her daughters. She’s also keeping the secret that she lost her powers as a witch when she left the first time, but rebuilding her life in a place she was banished from is harder than it looks, especially when her powers return and she starts being haunted by the ghost of a guest at the family inn.
Such a fun read and definitely something a bit different. Tallie is struggling with just surviving, and then running into Nora, the cousin of the local town bully from high school, who seems to be interested in her just makes everything more complicated. This story really weaved lots of different storylines to create intrigue and a mystery that kept moving in a way that made it fun to follow and difficult to predict. I wasn’t sure where the whole story was going from chapter to chapter sometimes, but that is what really got me hooked because I was enjoying every minute of Tallie’s emotional ride. She was dealing with old relationships, new ones, past misunderstandings, a fear of being discovered, and two daughters who just wanted to add to all the stress and disruption by behaving like teenagers ahead of their time.
Every character that was introduced was quirky or had something unique about them that added to the mystery of the story. Strange goings on and misunderstanding delivered the drama that stories with romance need, but I also loved how this focused on Tallie and her feelings and situation, rather than being a romance between her and Nora. Their relationship was somewhat unrealised, especially by Tallie who was trying to ignore her feelings and what she thought was happening, until nearer the end, so the focus could really be on who Tallie was and her rediscovering how wonderful she could be and life could be if she stopped worrying.
A great story that left me smiling, gave me a good few laughs, and kept me guessing.
December 26, 2023
This was a wild ride. Lots of twists and turns with just the right pacing and unresolved aspects to keep interest for book 2. Despite so much happening in the book, I am going to keep this one pretty vague to avoid ruining any of the wacky surprises.
There is a sapphic romance, but it is more of a secondary plot point to the other goings on happening on the island. This worked perfectly since our main is a late bloomer. This gave time for her feelings to develop throughout the book in a relaxed and somewhat natural way. It also didn't diminish the solving of the mystery which was nice.
The biggest factor that made this a win for me was the voice. Our main is a 40-ish mother and takes on more of a hot mess perspective. She wants to be put together, but she is a little messy and wild.
I reccomend if you like the characters who are in their 40s but still feel like they need an adult or if you like like cozy mysteries and witchy women.
There is a sapphic romance, but it is more of a secondary plot point to the other goings on happening on the island. This worked perfectly since our main is a late bloomer. This gave time for her feelings to develop throughout the book in a relaxed and somewhat natural way. It also didn't diminish the solving of the mystery which was nice.
The biggest factor that made this a win for me was the voice. Our main is a 40-ish mother and takes on more of a hot mess perspective. She wants to be put together, but she is a little messy and wild.
I reccomend if you like the characters who are in their 40s but still feel like they need an adult or if you like like cozy mysteries and witchy women.
April 14, 2023
MAGICAL!
Tallie is going home with her 2 daughters Tabitha and Sabrina. She's going home disgraced after her felon husband has left her and the girls from being found out to be an embezzler.
She is a witch, who after her older sister Maya was killed in a boating accident, the powers that be stripped her of her powers. Now, 17 yrs later shes home and strange things are happening.
OMG! I can't wait till the 2nd book comes out. Oh yeah, Tallie has a love interest in Nora! This is magical! 5 stars!
Tallie is going home with her 2 daughters Tabitha and Sabrina. She's going home disgraced after her felon husband has left her and the girls from being found out to be an embezzler.
She is a witch, who after her older sister Maya was killed in a boating accident, the powers that be stripped her of her powers. Now, 17 yrs later shes home and strange things are happening.
OMG! I can't wait till the 2nd book comes out. Oh yeah, Tallie has a love interest in Nora! This is magical! 5 stars!
April 8, 2023
A new twist for this writing duo. Normally, they specialize in romance. This is a paranormal mystery, which has a toaster oven romance, but that is not the driver of the novel.
This whodunit set in the eastern costal us, is a funny romp. A mystery full of witches & ghosts. It's more a returning to home & coming into one's own. I read this rather quickly & can't wait for the next outing in this world.
This whodunit set in the eastern costal us, is a funny romp. A mystery full of witches & ghosts. It's more a returning to home & coming into one's own. I read this rather quickly & can't wait for the next outing in this world.
May 19, 2023
this book features a protagonist who is 43, something I, a fellow 43 YO appreciate greatly, who also happens to be facing coming out later in life, and who has two kids and a failed marriage. I love all of that. I love that it is set in a small island town. I love that it has witches and ghosts.
What I don’t love is how it feels like the authors were trying to squeeze in as many popular tropes as possible. There are multiple story threads that aren’t fully fleshed out and seem rushed. It felt like this was originally three separate books, that the authors then squished together into one.
Overall, I liked this book, and I hope that more in the series will be released. I just also hope that future books will have fewer plot lines so that each one can be more fully explored.
What I don’t love is how it feels like the authors were trying to squeeze in as many popular tropes as possible. There are multiple story threads that aren’t fully fleshed out and seem rushed. It felt like this was originally three separate books, that the authors then squished together into one.
Overall, I liked this book, and I hope that more in the series will be released. I just also hope that future books will have fewer plot lines so that each one can be more fully explored.
April 7, 2023
Well an unusual title, and an unusual premise. Also, unusually for me, not a romance but there will be romance over the series. I like these writers collaborations and going by the start, will like this one too!
There is plenty of the writers traditional banter. The mystery is at the heart of the story with a background romance, so background it is due to develope over the series. After the 43% point there is a dead body, there have been other mysterious happenings and presumably by the end of the book we should get to the bottom. As it is the first in a new series there should be unresolved issues or at least room to develop themes. I’m enjoying it, but not loving it. There seems to be a frequent references to the ex husband and why Tallie is back home. It almost reminds of a serial, that has to keep reminding the viewer of salient points as there is a gap between viewing. As far as I’m aware this was never Vella so I don’t understand it.
The book ends with the main mystery tied up and the seeds for the next planted. The writers say this isn’t a romance and that certainly isn’t the main plot arc, as you would expect with a cosy mystery, there is however the shoots of romance.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was it my favourite collaboration of the writers? No. Was there anything wrong with it? No. I just didn’t love it.
There is plenty of the writers traditional banter. The mystery is at the heart of the story with a background romance, so background it is due to develope over the series. After the 43% point there is a dead body, there have been other mysterious happenings and presumably by the end of the book we should get to the bottom. As it is the first in a new series there should be unresolved issues or at least room to develop themes. I’m enjoying it, but not loving it. There seems to be a frequent references to the ex husband and why Tallie is back home. It almost reminds of a serial, that has to keep reminding the viewer of salient points as there is a gap between viewing. As far as I’m aware this was never Vella so I don’t understand it.
The book ends with the main mystery tied up and the seeds for the next planted. The writers say this isn’t a romance and that certainly isn’t the main plot arc, as you would expect with a cosy mystery, there is however the shoots of romance.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was it my favourite collaboration of the writers? No. Was there anything wrong with it? No. I just didn’t love it.
April 16, 2025
4 stars. This was really cozy and lighthearted. Very fun. The romance between Tallie and Nora is very much ‘maybe in the next book’ which I didn’t mind. I loved the characters, the plot was entertaining and this had a real cozy vibe to it that I loved. I really hope book two is coming out soon.
April 7, 2023
Gosh, this was good. It had everything: abandoned wife, single parent, quirky family, run-ins with the law, tugged heartstrings, comradery, toaster oven, mystery, apparitions, witchcraft and more.
It's obviously going to be a series and I can't wait for the next instalment.
It's obviously going to be a series and I can't wait for the next instalment.
April 16, 2023
Something witchy this way comes
I LOVE this book! About 5% into Miranda MacLeod and T. B. Markinson’s latest collaboration, I had already laughed out loud at least a dozen times.
You have to applaud a story in which a broke and disgraced divorcee — whose embezzler ex has skated off to an extradition-free country — returns to her hometown with her two daughters, and the first thing Tallulah Shipton sees is her octogenarian mom and aunt wearing floral wreaths and dancing and chanting around a bonfire.
“Why are Grammy and Aunt Izzy naked in the front yard?” asks Tallie’s 12-year-old, Tabitha.
But that scene’s to be expected when Grammy, Aunt Izzy, and a good many other residents of Goode Harbor Island, Maine, are witches.
Right?
The authors populate the small town setting with a rich cast of characters who exhibit some of the best and worse of human behaviors.
We meet Tallie’s protective, teasing, and tough-loving mother and aunt, proprietors of the Shipton Inn; her daughters, preteen Tabitha and sassy Sabrina; caring childhood friend Dana Wardwell and Dana’s coven members, Brigit and Mira; insanely jealous Sheriff Bonnie Gray; former teacher’s aide Mrs. Alice Crenshaw; and the non-magical Dr. Nora Kenworthy, whom straight Tallie surprisingly finds sexy.
Also central to the story are self-important Goode Harbor writer David Spencer, and Shipton Inn’s exclusive guests, famous ultra arrogant author Alexander Tate, and his fiancée, Celia Lopez.
Oh, and we can’t forget Tallie’s feline sidekick, Casper-like Buster the cat.
Treat yourself soon to the witchy world of Goode Harbor.
I LOVE this book! About 5% into Miranda MacLeod and T. B. Markinson’s latest collaboration, I had already laughed out loud at least a dozen times.
You have to applaud a story in which a broke and disgraced divorcee — whose embezzler ex has skated off to an extradition-free country — returns to her hometown with her two daughters, and the first thing Tallulah Shipton sees is her octogenarian mom and aunt wearing floral wreaths and dancing and chanting around a bonfire.
“Why are Grammy and Aunt Izzy naked in the front yard?” asks Tallie’s 12-year-old, Tabitha.
But that scene’s to be expected when Grammy, Aunt Izzy, and a good many other residents of Goode Harbor Island, Maine, are witches.
Right?
The authors populate the small town setting with a rich cast of characters who exhibit some of the best and worse of human behaviors.
We meet Tallie’s protective, teasing, and tough-loving mother and aunt, proprietors of the Shipton Inn; her daughters, preteen Tabitha and sassy Sabrina; caring childhood friend Dana Wardwell and Dana’s coven members, Brigit and Mira; insanely jealous Sheriff Bonnie Gray; former teacher’s aide Mrs. Alice Crenshaw; and the non-magical Dr. Nora Kenworthy, whom straight Tallie surprisingly finds sexy.
Also central to the story are self-important Goode Harbor writer David Spencer, and Shipton Inn’s exclusive guests, famous ultra arrogant author Alexander Tate, and his fiancée, Celia Lopez.
Oh, and we can’t forget Tallie’s feline sidekick, Casper-like Buster the cat.
Treat yourself soon to the witchy world of Goode Harbor.
October 27, 2023
This is a book that doesn't know what it wants to be.
What it's about: this is a slice-of-life-comedy about a 40-something-mom returning to her family home on a small magical island. Shenanigans ensue when a guest at the family B&B turns up dead, the sexy island doctor starts flirting, and the vintage dresses in the attic take on a life of their own.
Oh, and then there's the thing where Tallie forgot to tell her kids that they are descended from a long line of powerful witches...
What I thought: fans of Robin Alexander will probably enjoy this. Maybe. Much of the humour is of the feeling-lost-in-midlife variety, and I think that many readers will relate to that and feel seen by this story.
Personally, I found it boring.
The issue I had with this novel is that it tries to be too many things at once. Reading it was like trying to wade through a buffet of undercooked starters. First there is the mystery, which should have been the main course except it never gets interesting. Then there's the romantic subplot which is 100% gay panic meets cookie-cutter hot person. And finally there's the family drama that could have been so good, except it goes nowhere.
The whole thing just felt meh.
TL;DR: I could see this series getting really good in the sequels, but book 1 hasn't left me motivated enough to find out.
What it's about: this is a slice-of-life-comedy about a 40-something-mom returning to her family home on a small magical island. Shenanigans ensue when a guest at the family B&B turns up dead, the sexy island doctor starts flirting, and the vintage dresses in the attic take on a life of their own.
Oh, and then there's the thing where Tallie forgot to tell her kids that they are descended from a long line of powerful witches...
What I thought: fans of Robin Alexander will probably enjoy this. Maybe. Much of the humour is of the feeling-lost-in-midlife variety, and I think that many readers will relate to that and feel seen by this story.
Personally, I found it boring.
The issue I had with this novel is that it tries to be too many things at once. Reading it was like trying to wade through a buffet of undercooked starters. First there is the mystery, which should have been the main course except it never gets interesting. Then there's the romantic subplot which is 100% gay panic meets cookie-cutter hot person. And finally there's the family drama that could have been so good, except it goes nowhere.
The whole thing just felt meh.
TL;DR: I could see this series getting really good in the sequels, but book 1 hasn't left me motivated enough to find out.
May 18, 2023
5⭐️ enjoyment rating
4⭐️ overall rating
📖
Midlife is the Cat's Meow by Miranda MacLeod and T.B. Markinson
This is a super fun book to read! It has absolutely everything! Drama, FBI, comedy, ghosts, a cat (or is he a ghost cat?), murder most foul, witches, naked witches, a shadow council that's scarier than the FBI, a big ole toaster oven, a possessive and scary cop, a cute motorcycle driving doctor, a couple of nice kids, and lots of kinda loose threads to make you hunger for the next installment! Trust me, when they write it, I will definitely read it!
Oh, did I mention the allusion to an unsolved mystery? I need the next book now!
4⭐️ overall rating
📖
Midlife is the Cat's Meow by Miranda MacLeod and T.B. Markinson
This is a super fun book to read! It has absolutely everything! Drama, FBI, comedy, ghosts, a cat (or is he a ghost cat?), murder most foul, witches, naked witches, a shadow council that's scarier than the FBI, a big ole toaster oven, a possessive and scary cop, a cute motorcycle driving doctor, a couple of nice kids, and lots of kinda loose threads to make you hunger for the next installment! Trust me, when they write it, I will definitely read it!
Oh, did I mention the allusion to an unsolved mystery? I need the next book now!
April 27, 2023
✨midnight is the cat's meow✨
PLEASE READ OMG! it's for all who love cozy mysteries, witches, a town full of adorable characters and a sapphic awakening.
i adore the family dynamic of tilly, her mom diana, her aunt izzy and of course her two little daughters who all together run a bed&breakfast inn now. and dana, mira, brigit and nora - you will love them as well and i hope we get to read more about their background stories too.
can't wait for book 2 in this series. it ended with a tiny cliffhanger and i need to know what happens next 🖤
LOVED IT!
PLEASE READ OMG! it's for all who love cozy mysteries, witches, a town full of adorable characters and a sapphic awakening.
i adore the family dynamic of tilly, her mom diana, her aunt izzy and of course her two little daughters who all together run a bed&breakfast inn now. and dana, mira, brigit and nora - you will love them as well and i hope we get to read more about their background stories too.
can't wait for book 2 in this series. it ended with a tiny cliffhanger and i need to know what happens next 🖤
LOVED IT!
April 14, 2023
This genre is not one that I would normally read but I thought, what the heck. I read it and I love it! I enjoyed the sarcasm and humor in this story. I look forward to more adventures of Tallulah aka Tallie and her daughters, Tabitha and Sabrina (hmm, I wonder where TB and Miranda came with those names?) If you're on the fence about this category of fiction, take a chance and read it. I'm sure you'll like it.
April 14, 2023
Cute Sapphic Romane
Of course there are witches, magical mistakes, and magical attacks. I love that she made her own ànd top. I think it is absolutely incredible how they make each other feel. If I smile any harder I think my cheeks will explode. I truly hope book two is already in the works. I highly recommend.
Of course there are witches, magical mistakes, and magical attacks. I love that she made her own ànd top. I think it is absolutely incredible how they make each other feel. If I smile any harder I think my cheeks will explode. I truly hope book two is already in the works. I highly recommend.
April 13, 2023
A group of witches, one warlock, children and families. An entertaining story recommended.
April 27, 2023
bewitched
A fun storyline of finding your true self. From a life of denial towards acceptance. A fun and light hearted book filled with murder mysteries on a small Maine town. A great beginning to this series.
A fun storyline of finding your true self. From a life of denial towards acceptance. A fun and light hearted book filled with murder mysteries on a small Maine town. A great beginning to this series.
April 7, 2023
Once again Markinson and McLeod prove that it’s impossible for them to write a bad book. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow definitely isn’t a genre I would normally read, but I’d read the phone book if these two wrote it. Great story, great characters great fun. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
April 12, 2023
When Markinson and MacLeod get together and cowrite something, my suggestion is just go buy it. It’s going to be good. I’ve yet to read anything of theirs that wasn’t. Over the years they’ve developed a storytelling style that is so appealing, reviewers seldom leave anything below a four star rating.
Successful writing duos like Markinson and MacLeod aren’t easily made. It takes a shared common vision for the writing to work. Moreover, the writers have to have a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow clearly demonstrates that Markinson and MacLeod have what it takes. Their communication and collaboration skills provide readers with yet again another entertaining hit.
There are some common elements that readers value in their contemporary sapphic fiction, and Midlife is the Cat’s Meow hits on all of the important ones. First and foremost, its characters are compelling, well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Secondly, the plot is engaging and coherent. Last, but not least, it contains a theme that resonates. These may seem a bit basic, but they’re essential, and this duo gets them right. The end result is a story that’s memorable, meaningful and worth reading.
This tale is told in first person from Tallie Shipton’s point of view. The choice is smart because it creates a strong sense of intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if they are directly involved in the story. Furthermore, the perspective effectively conveys Tallie’s emotions and reactions to the events within the story. It’s particularly powerful because Tallie undergoes a bit of a transformation and the readers are able to witness her ups and downs in a more intimate way. Most importantly though, this perspective gives the story personality, a trait many people have come to attach with Markinson and MacLeod’s writing. In fact, it’s the primary reason their books are so much fun to read.
Reader engagement and investment is always a concern in storytelling. However, it’s easily achieved in Midlife is the Cat’s Meow. The plot makes good use of the tension and conflict, driving the story forward quite nicely. These two elements—as well as the twists and turns—are well-balanced and well-crafted. They all work together to create a sense of urgency that keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next. Ultimately, Tallie’s journey is something that feels exciting, organic and satisfying, a winning combination by anyone’s standard.
Final remarks…
Many readers will appreciate this contemporary piece of mystical fantasy. It’s a little different from Markinson and MacLeod’s normal repertoire, but that’s a-ok. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow explores some thought-provoking storytelling that’s unique and fresh. Like any good piece of fantasy, it challenges readers’ assumptions and helps them see the world in new ways. Readers will not only walk away humored by this tale but filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. This is perfect escapism; I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-collaborated
Entertaining
Wonderfully developed characters
Witty
Engaging
Easy to enjoy
Successful writing duos like Markinson and MacLeod aren’t easily made. It takes a shared common vision for the writing to work. Moreover, the writers have to have a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow clearly demonstrates that Markinson and MacLeod have what it takes. Their communication and collaboration skills provide readers with yet again another entertaining hit.
There are some common elements that readers value in their contemporary sapphic fiction, and Midlife is the Cat’s Meow hits on all of the important ones. First and foremost, its characters are compelling, well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Secondly, the plot is engaging and coherent. Last, but not least, it contains a theme that resonates. These may seem a bit basic, but they’re essential, and this duo gets them right. The end result is a story that’s memorable, meaningful and worth reading.
This tale is told in first person from Tallie Shipton’s point of view. The choice is smart because it creates a strong sense of intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if they are directly involved in the story. Furthermore, the perspective effectively conveys Tallie’s emotions and reactions to the events within the story. It’s particularly powerful because Tallie undergoes a bit of a transformation and the readers are able to witness her ups and downs in a more intimate way. Most importantly though, this perspective gives the story personality, a trait many people have come to attach with Markinson and MacLeod’s writing. In fact, it’s the primary reason their books are so much fun to read.
Reader engagement and investment is always a concern in storytelling. However, it’s easily achieved in Midlife is the Cat’s Meow. The plot makes good use of the tension and conflict, driving the story forward quite nicely. These two elements—as well as the twists and turns—are well-balanced and well-crafted. They all work together to create a sense of urgency that keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next. Ultimately, Tallie’s journey is something that feels exciting, organic and satisfying, a winning combination by anyone’s standard.
Final remarks…
Many readers will appreciate this contemporary piece of mystical fantasy. It’s a little different from Markinson and MacLeod’s normal repertoire, but that’s a-ok. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow explores some thought-provoking storytelling that’s unique and fresh. Like any good piece of fantasy, it challenges readers’ assumptions and helps them see the world in new ways. Readers will not only walk away humored by this tale but filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. This is perfect escapism; I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-collaborated
Entertaining
Wonderfully developed characters
Witty
Engaging
Easy to enjoy
April 8, 2023
Such fun reading!
This book was a trip to read. So much fun! It kept me interested as new tidbits of information dropped, wanting to see where they led, how they fit together; and the shifts in story between drama, mystery, comedy, paranormal, romance etc. I guessed a couple of reveals ahead of time but some came as a real surprise. As I neared the end, I was torn between wanting to see what happened next and dreading the end of the book and was sad when it did end even though it was super entertaining. Knowing it's the first in a planned series of books is a relief and my hope is that the authors release the other books in the series soon, however many there may be (fingers crossed there are many).
The flavor of the 1920's and character of island living are well captured and depicted here so if you've seen TV shows or movies set there you can easily imagine the setting, the people, the outfits and so on. I love that the story crosses so many genres; it's seamless like the writing collaboration of Macleod and Markinson always is in the books I've read so far. My only criticism is that the other books aren't already available so I could stay on that island with those characters (plenty of women above 40 years old there) for longer than I did. It's different from other stories I've read co-written by Macleod and Markinson in terms of some of the genres it crosses into, but still entertaining and engaging reading not to mention laugh out loud funny at times.
Prepare to laugh, be on edge and to potentially upset your schedule for the day or weekend; I found this book hard to put down and addictive for all the laughs and thrills and chills it gave me. It was all encompassing reading entertainment and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. May they publish those books soon!
I received an advance reading copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a trip to read. So much fun! It kept me interested as new tidbits of information dropped, wanting to see where they led, how they fit together; and the shifts in story between drama, mystery, comedy, paranormal, romance etc. I guessed a couple of reveals ahead of time but some came as a real surprise. As I neared the end, I was torn between wanting to see what happened next and dreading the end of the book and was sad when it did end even though it was super entertaining. Knowing it's the first in a planned series of books is a relief and my hope is that the authors release the other books in the series soon, however many there may be (fingers crossed there are many).
The flavor of the 1920's and character of island living are well captured and depicted here so if you've seen TV shows or movies set there you can easily imagine the setting, the people, the outfits and so on. I love that the story crosses so many genres; it's seamless like the writing collaboration of Macleod and Markinson always is in the books I've read so far. My only criticism is that the other books aren't already available so I could stay on that island with those characters (plenty of women above 40 years old there) for longer than I did. It's different from other stories I've read co-written by Macleod and Markinson in terms of some of the genres it crosses into, but still entertaining and engaging reading not to mention laugh out loud funny at times.
Prepare to laugh, be on edge and to potentially upset your schedule for the day or weekend; I found this book hard to put down and addictive for all the laughs and thrills and chills it gave me. It was all encompassing reading entertainment and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. May they publish those books soon!
I received an advance reading copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Returning to your parents home as a middle-aged woman with two kids, after having her crook of an ex-husband skip the country with all of the money, was not what Tallie expected to be doing. Especially as is, well, was a witch, and comes from a family of witches, and on a small island with quite a few witches around, some things are a bit hard to hide.
And then things start to happen. Perhaps things are not quite what she thought. Including about herself.
Paranormal women's fiction is probably a good description. It's slice of life on one level, romance-adjacent on another, and paranormal thriller/mystery on top of that all. The death, ghosts, and magic are woven into the tale well, keeping you wondering about what is going on, and while some of it is revealed in this book, some is left for later books in the series (and I have to say that I really liked the final scene in the book). It is intriguing, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the end, especially her budding relationship and how that develops (especially given that she's a witch), and how her daughters grow into it all as well.
It is fun and enjoyable, and it was nice to have a lead character in her mid 40's. The story definitely kept me hooked, making me wonder what is going on at some points, and yelling at her at others as Tallie kind of misses aspects of other things. Toaster oven, after all. It is well written, as all TB and Marinda's books are, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
And then things start to happen. Perhaps things are not quite what she thought. Including about herself.
Paranormal women's fiction is probably a good description. It's slice of life on one level, romance-adjacent on another, and paranormal thriller/mystery on top of that all. The death, ghosts, and magic are woven into the tale well, keeping you wondering about what is going on, and while some of it is revealed in this book, some is left for later books in the series (and I have to say that I really liked the final scene in the book). It is intriguing, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the end, especially her budding relationship and how that develops (especially given that she's a witch), and how her daughters grow into it all as well.
It is fun and enjoyable, and it was nice to have a lead character in her mid 40's. The story definitely kept me hooked, making me wonder what is going on at some points, and yelling at her at others as Tallie kind of misses aspects of other things. Toaster oven, after all. It is well written, as all TB and Marinda's books are, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
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