Mr. Yow Goes to the Island

Magical Midlife in Retrograde #2

by J.B. Aspen

As Mercury's cat guardian, my main job has been to protect her from magic. Not that I remember why...
So when she won a free trip to the Phoenix Inn on an Island in Wisconsin, I didn't worry. But now, I know better. The Phoenix Inn isn't a simple private hotel on a lake, no, it's so much more. Now, Mercury is discovering the one thing I know is dangerous...her magic! And I'm tangled like a kitten in a ball of string, embroiled in the middle of a brand new life of mystery, mayhem and possibly murder.
Good thing a cat's got nine lives.
Join Mercury and her cat Mr. Yow, as she discovers her hidden past and the world of magic waiting for her at the Phoenix Inn.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2023

About the author

Hi, I'm J.B. Aspen and I'm a magical midlife mystery writer who loves all things chocolate. If you love paranormal books with a cozy mystery flare, Urban Fantasy, and of course, magic! Then you'll love my books. Join Mercury and Mr. Yow, her intrepid Siamese cat, as they explore a brand new world of magic and midlife and empty-nesting. Oh, and a few murders too!
Come to the Phoenix Inn and explore your next Paranormal Women's Fiction. Discover murder, mystery and mayhem...and a little bit of magic—mid-life style!

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Yow is Mercury's guardian. He remembers he was before and this is his third return. He knows he's kept her away from anything magical because that was his job. Now she's in a magical Inn with ghosts, mean cooks, and an acerbic manager who doesn't want Mercury there. Just as he was about to get his wish for him and her to be gone, some man comes from a corner to convince her to stay. Then he finds out that she had a dream about a mother and a sister. Now the thing he didn't want is happening---she's going to stay to try to find out who she is and also to find her sister. Me-ow-ow-ow-oooooow!!!!
Did when it looks like his Mercury is being bullied and made to feel insignificant, he decides he's going to make sure she learns what needs to be learned and help her show these people just who and what she is.
So she's making a plan to find the book she needs and prove she is capable. As she's rambling with ideas Jack shows up and scares her. He tells her she is a Quicksilver because she can see the Quicksilver ghost. So now here they are trying to solve a mystery of the stolen book. What's a cat to do to but stand by his mistress and help her out with his subtle charms and claws and teeth. Oh shoot they are in sooooooooooo much trouble!!
A fantastic book on a cat sleuth on the prowl for his mistress!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a Cat's Point of View . . .

This is kind of different as we get a look at things through the eyes of Mercury’s cat, Mr. Yow. Mercury wins a free 4-day trip, but the Phoenix Inn is more than it seems. And Mercury’s magic is awakening! She has discovered she is a witch, although not yet a very good one. What does Mr. Yow think about the odd occurrences at the Inn? And is Mercury really ready to become the Innkeeper, especially when the previous innkeeper disappeared under mysterious circumstances? Will Mr. Yow be able to keep her out of trouble? Or will he be too busy keeping himself out of trouble to be very effective at that?

This was a fun way to look at all that was going on from a cat’s perspective and priorities. New adventures are on the way, so meet and greet everybody and prepare for what is to come!

[NurseyByNature · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally engrossed in this story told from the eyes of a very special cat, Mr. Yow. Despite being from his perspective, it was actually a very good mystery with an intriguing setting and a fun new sleuth.

Is poor Mercury in over her head when she tries to take over a magical inn? Not if Mr. Yow can help it! A colorful cast of characters both human and animal made this a delight to read. It also certainly made me want to read the main series it stems from.

If you are a Magical Midlife in Retrograde fan or if you are just starting out like myself, you won't want to miss Mr. Yow's take on the mysterious happenings at the inn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ali W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a really quick fun read and I was totally engrossed from the start, the book includes a cat and magic so what’s not to enjoy!

This story is told from the perspective of the cat, Mr Yow, where we read the adventure through his eyes. Mr Yow has been Mercury’s companion for many years in the guise of 3 different cats. It’s his job to protect Mercury but can’t remember why or what from. When Mercury wins a competition, the two of them set off to the island where Mercury is hoping to become the official innkeeper and maybe learn about her mysterious magical history.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Yow Goes to the Island: A Magical Midlife Cozy Mystery and Paranormal Women's Fiction Adventure is book #2 in the Magical Midlife in Retrograde series by J.B. Aspen.

This book takes place right after the first book, Mercury Rising, and is told from Mr. Yow’s point of view. It’s not all smooth sailing upon their arrival at the Inn. Apparently Mercury isn’t the only one who has memories to recover. I enjoyed the story, especially hearing things from Mr. Yow’s POV. I like how Mercury is growing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cosy mysteries, and animal-themed ones will always catch my eye.
This is the second book in the Magical Midlife in Retrograde series by J.B. Aspen.

This was a delightful paranormal cosy mystery, told through the eyes of Mr. Yow the cat. It was a very light, easy read, and a lot of fun. I loved Mr. Yow's personality, and the way he talked to the reader. It didn't take me long to finish reading this, but it made me smile.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun adventure through the eyes of Mr. Yow. Having been Mercury's companion through 3 cat lives his job is to protect Mercury but he can't remember from what, so he does his best to be there for her as the cat he is. The new adventure on the island and hotel gives Mr. Yow a new perspective on magic. A cute adventure, with mystery, perhaps a new threat that nested in the home, and will Mercury actually get formally appointed as the Innkeeper? I can't wait to see.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Yow is a special, chocolate point Siamese cat, and he is out to look after his human (Mercury), and he is smelling trouble. It's time to investigate and find out what is happening. Can Mr Yow keep Mercury safe? And what's with these gaps in his memory? I loved this intriguing mystery, the fun of exploring it via Mr Yow's view and hunting down the truth. I look forward to reading more on Mercury and Mr Yow, in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different point of view

I got this book from a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
I have never read this series before. This is the second book in the series and even though I didn't read the first one it was okay. I really enjoyed it and after I read it I went and bought the first one to see how it all started. I can't wait till the third book comes out to find out what happens. It's interesting to read it from a cat's point of view.

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique as it is written from Mercury's cat, Mr.Yow, point of view and designed as a stand alone book. It was a fun book to read yet, I got to know more about Mr. Yow and Mercury's character. Still mystery and mayhem at Phoenix Inn but all from a cat's point of view this time. Very creative of the author to give us this look into this unique pair of characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfectly charming novella where we follow Mr. Yow's thoughts as his life with Mercury takes a new turn. They move to the inn and get ready for a visit by council members to approve her as the new Innkeeper, but things take a nasty turn. Lots of fun to read, but exciting too. I've just gotten to know this series and find the characters realistically depicted and easy to get to like. Another book from Mr. Yow's standpoint would be welcome!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute magical mystery all told from the point of Mr. Yow, the cat. The story is fun and the mystery changes as more characters are introduced. Mercury is Mr. Tow’s human and he is fiercely protective of her. Too bad she can’t understand him. But he definitely understands her and what is happening. You’ll enjoy seeing the world through his eyes.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by author J.S. Aspen that I have read and it was very different from most books that I read. But it was very interesting to have a talking cat telling the story. I will give another with the next book in the series to see if I will like it and see what other things Mr Yow the cat and his mistress can get into trouble trying to figure out what they should be doing.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love, love, love Mr. Yow !!!! and Mercury... this is his side of the story... a fast paced shorter story... on to the Phoenix Inn... magical powers and more... just loved it !! LOL...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LatinAmericas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first cozy witch story, and I really happy about it.

I ve never heard about books with talking cats and classic murder.

I loved the humour and the cozy experience and can't wait beginning to read the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Casual Read

Very fast paced book but enjoyable! I liked both the writing and the plot. It's nice to see older people being the main character for once in a fantasy. Loved Mr Yow!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really like Mr. Yow. Mercury brings him to the Inn where they face more treachery, a strange being and a few clues about their past. This tale is getting more interesting.

[Annyce Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable from the tip of the nose to end of the tale! A fast paced cozy mystery from the point of view of a Siamese cat learning a new home and a new way of life with his person. So much fun, I read it twice.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercury needs the book to help her learn to be the Innkeeper. When it turns up missing she needs to find it and whomever stole it. Really enjoyable read. Can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting with the perspective being from Mr. Yow. It was a good mystery, and I will be glad for the next installment to the series. Storyline and the characters are well written. I want Norman to be returned to human though. Recommend reading.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

Better than the first book. Mr. Yow is a good character. He loves Mercury and helps and protects her. The pov of this story is Mr. Yow's. A good mystery with magic and danger.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and creative story from the cat's (Mr. Yow) perspective. I totally loved it and personally think it's better than the first book! I can't wait for Book 3!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Yow and Mercury move to the island and it’s not an easy move. Mr Yow brings a cat’s perspective to the situation. Trying to remember past lives, magic nervous and facing a nasty big cat who wants him gone are just some of his challenges. Fun read.

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Yow

A protective Mr. Yow vows to protect Mercury at all cost. Just learning she has magical powers and not knowing what they are or how to use them, that vow may cosr him another life...

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Yow grabbed me from the very start. I loved reading the story from the cat's point of view. The only problem I had was that it was too short. I was just really into it, and it ended.

[Stacy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! Greatly enjoyed our hero, Mr. Yow, in all his feline glory! Looking forward to reading more!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable. A story written through the eyes of a cat gives us a different perspective. Easy reading to delight everyone. Don’t miss out.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Brad and why??? He idolized him, didn't he??? i enjoyed this story and recommended the book,

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this story is from the cat’s POV!

So fun! Very exciting and fresh! I was completely immersed in this book, a very entertaining magical adventure!

[Linda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.B. Aspen

What a fun book J. B. Wrote. I need to start looking for #3 in the series. I need to see what else happens.