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Tales of a Midlife Witch #4
40 Ways to Catch a Bad Guy
In the future, I need to more careful what I ask for…
I thought I wanted my old guardian back, but now that I have him, I’m thinking about using Orlin’s white feather and calling uncle. Or rather, grandfather. At least the memory-challenged version of Rasmus that Orlin gave me hadn’t questioned every bloody thing I said and did. Yesterday I warned the non-longer-memory-challenge Rasmus that his elitist guardian attitude needed adjusting and that no man was that great in bed.
How am I supposed to get any work done with all this chaos and change going on? Fiona informed me she was staying in Ireland to study with the Shadow Breakers. I offered to tranfer there too, but she wasn’t having it. All Conn does these days is laugh at me. Mulan understands my pain but she has her own problems. Her family is coming for a visit. At least we have room for them in the outdated monstrosity we bought for more money than my brain can handle knowing.
I admit I like the ancient demon couple helping taking care of my new home. They seem really nice. What isn’t nice, though, is that I signed up to babysit the now memory-wiped female guardian who recently tried to kill me. And don’t get me started about the demon wolves who are impatiently waiting for me to get Zara back up to speed so she can change them back into humans.
But the worst thing is that my traitorous boss, Colonel Benjamin Benson, is trying hire my ex-husband. I told Ben it’s either me or Jack, but he couldn’t work with both of us because I refused do it. When the former military man I thought I liked waved my five-year contract around, I nearly turned him into the snake he was turning out to be. Ya know what? I think I’m about to become his worst employee.
40 Ways to Catch a Bad Guy is a funny, adventurous paranormal women's fiction tale from USA Today Bestselling Author Donna McDonald.
I thought I wanted my old guardian back, but now that I have him, I’m thinking about using Orlin’s white feather and calling uncle. Or rather, grandfather. At least the memory-challenged version of Rasmus that Orlin gave me hadn’t questioned every bloody thing I said and did. Yesterday I warned the non-longer-memory-challenge Rasmus that his elitist guardian attitude needed adjusting and that no man was that great in bed.
How am I supposed to get any work done with all this chaos and change going on? Fiona informed me she was staying in Ireland to study with the Shadow Breakers. I offered to tranfer there too, but she wasn’t having it. All Conn does these days is laugh at me. Mulan understands my pain but she has her own problems. Her family is coming for a visit. At least we have room for them in the outdated monstrosity we bought for more money than my brain can handle knowing.
I admit I like the ancient demon couple helping taking care of my new home. They seem really nice. What isn’t nice, though, is that I signed up to babysit the now memory-wiped female guardian who recently tried to kill me. And don’t get me started about the demon wolves who are impatiently waiting for me to get Zara back up to speed so she can change them back into humans.
But the worst thing is that my traitorous boss, Colonel Benjamin Benson, is trying hire my ex-husband. I told Ben it’s either me or Jack, but he couldn’t work with both of us because I refused do it. When the former military man I thought I liked waved my five-year contract around, I nearly turned him into the snake he was turning out to be. Ya know what? I think I’m about to become his worst employee.
40 Ways to Catch a Bad Guy is a funny, adventurous paranormal women's fiction tale from USA Today Bestselling Author Donna McDonald.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
28 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Donna McDonald
152 books602 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 25, 2024
Great continuation of the series ♥️
There’s so much for me to love about this series and I’m finding that the more I read the more I love it - and the more I want to just keep reading 😁 Aran has grown a lot since the first book, both regarding her powers and herself, and that continues in this instalment. New problems to sort, new alliances and a betrayal (not by her ex husband this time!) make this a really interesting read. Love the side characters, that don’t feel like side characters and their interactions, especially the grumpy Wu Shaman and her deepening friendship with Aran 😊 I like the addition of the two demon caretakers, particularly because they’re looking after and out for Aran, which she didn’t realise she needed - or maybe that’s me projecting, as it’s what I think she needed! As you can probably tell, I adore Aran, her character and outlook on life (and men!) and would love her as a friend irl 😁 The main storyline for this book is wrapped up nicely and I’m looking forward to seeing where the ongoing storylines go in future books. This series is a bit different to other paranormal midlife women’s fiction and I’m totally invested in it 💖
There’s so much for me to love about this series and I’m finding that the more I read the more I love it - and the more I want to just keep reading 😁 Aran has grown a lot since the first book, both regarding her powers and herself, and that continues in this instalment. New problems to sort, new alliances and a betrayal (not by her ex husband this time!) make this a really interesting read. Love the side characters, that don’t feel like side characters and their interactions, especially the grumpy Wu Shaman and her deepening friendship with Aran 😊 I like the addition of the two demon caretakers, particularly because they’re looking after and out for Aran, which she didn’t realise she needed - or maybe that’s me projecting, as it’s what I think she needed! As you can probably tell, I adore Aran, her character and outlook on life (and men!) and would love her as a friend irl 😁 The main storyline for this book is wrapped up nicely and I’m looking forward to seeing where the ongoing storylines go in future books. This series is a bit different to other paranormal midlife women’s fiction and I’m totally invested in it 💖
September 28, 2024
Aran faces echoes from her past when allies get busy elsewhere, and others return.
The damage from her relationships with Jack, and her isolation on an island for seven years - scars linger.
A body that is strong but not as fast, and full of aches is a midlife condition I can easily relate to - crouching to block and catch a stray ball in a grocery store like I was still a school girl playing softball hurt. I could only imagine the pain if slamming around with dangerous creatures - or sexy ones.
My grandma once said that she found it horrible that every time one of ys girls finally got old enough that we survived the ten years, just when we started to get interesting again, we moved away and got tangled in our own work and babies. Aran night be faced with those sorts of challenges with Fiona, just as they're finally getting on and trying to get to know each other again - not today, but perhaps that looms soon.
This is another book that is well crafted to combine relatable facets of life with magicjs, mysteries and various mayhem.
Brilliant writing and reading.
The damage from her relationships with Jack, and her isolation on an island for seven years - scars linger.
A body that is strong but not as fast, and full of aches is a midlife condition I can easily relate to - crouching to block and catch a stray ball in a grocery store like I was still a school girl playing softball hurt. I could only imagine the pain if slamming around with dangerous creatures - or sexy ones.
My grandma once said that she found it horrible that every time one of ys girls finally got old enough that we survived the ten years, just when we started to get interesting again, we moved away and got tangled in our own work and babies. Aran night be faced with those sorts of challenges with Fiona, just as they're finally getting on and trying to get to know each other again - not today, but perhaps that looms soon.
This is another book that is well crafted to combine relatable facets of life with magicjs, mysteries and various mayhem.
Brilliant writing and reading.
February 22, 2024
If I were Aran, I’d have given up long, long ago. At every turn, she has someone “out to get her” and she feels she has no backup. She does, of course, but no one is giving her any touchy-feely help, that’s for sure. It’s a good thing – she’s not a touchy-feely kinda magickal.
I worried about her in this book. There was so much coming at her – bad guys included – but there really wasn’t anyone to help her recharge...until the caretakers showed up! Henry and Gale, such lovely names. They made me laugh and snicker, far too often, but they did stand between Aran and everyone else.
No spoilers from me! Read this story, find out what’s happening in Aran’s life, meet some new folks, see some “old” ones. And think green slime and what that entails. Yuk! Fun, poignant, and know that Aran is always there for the people she loves. Can’t wait for her to have her own little bit of...revenge.
I worried about her in this book. There was so much coming at her – bad guys included – but there really wasn’t anyone to help her recharge...until the caretakers showed up! Henry and Gale, such lovely names. They made me laugh and snicker, far too often, but they did stand between Aran and everyone else.
No spoilers from me! Read this story, find out what’s happening in Aran’s life, meet some new folks, see some “old” ones. And think green slime and what that entails. Yuk! Fun, poignant, and know that Aran is always there for the people she loves. Can’t wait for her to have her own little bit of...revenge.
March 10, 2024
Aran is still having issues about her ex but with Rasmus around she tends to try to cope. Only if you get her started it's best to have ear plugs in. Now here she is getting ready to buy a large piece of property with houses (HOUSES!!!) on it. She's signed five years of her life over to a branch of the Shadow Breakers. So here she is hunting for trolls, wayward far darrig . Then she has to figure out how to find a snake shifter intent on revenge. She doesn't like killing but it may come to him or her. Oh there are days Rasmus gets on her nevers she's ready to ship him back to the guardians. She still has to help in rehabilitating a female guardian. Life is very complicated. And she;s only turned 40!
Another fascinating story in this series. It is so complex and simple at the same time that it makes for fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fascinating story in this series. It is so complex and simple at the same time that it makes for fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2024
This is not a book to pick up in order to start the series. Or, if you do, I get the feeling you will be moving to book 1 in order to get the full picture.
I felt like Aran really struggled through this book. Conn was tied up with Mulan. Rasmus was off doing Guardian things. Ben was unavailable. Ezra was being weird, and the snake wanted to kill her.
I was glad she had Henry and Gale. I liked both of them. This is the first time it felt like Aran was off her game. Even when Jack had her imprisoned, it felt like she was in control.
I am looking forward to the next book. I cannot imagine where the journey will take her and the gang next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I felt like Aran really struggled through this book. Conn was tied up with Mulan. Rasmus was off doing Guardian things. Ben was unavailable. Ezra was being weird, and the snake wanted to kill her.
I was glad she had Henry and Gale. I liked both of them. This is the first time it felt like Aran was off her game. Even when Jack had her imprisoned, it felt like she was in control.
I am looking forward to the next book. I cannot imagine where the journey will take her and the gang next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 8, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Tales of a Midlife Witch by Donna McDonald and the continuing story of Aran. In this one we find that Aran has grown a lot, both in her powers and herself. But as always, there are more problems, a betrayal and anything else that might happen in the twist and turns. She is now starting to need recharging .. what she didn't have before she now has in the addition of the caretakers, Henry and Gale! The addition of these two demon caretakers, is particularly terrific as they are looking after and out for Aran. It's amazing that you find that you found something that you had no idea that you needed! great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2024
Aran is my spirit animal…
I love Aran’s tenacity, her strength of heart, and especially her resolve to not be reliant on a man. Her goodness shows as she endeavors to keep balance with the magickals and humans. She seems to always be able to come up with a punishment for the bad guys that doesn’t include death. Although the baddies would just as soon kill her. Her job as a magickal bounty hunter of sorts is equal parts fun, exhilarating, and scary. I wish I had friends like Conn and Mulan. And her new life at the museum house might just turn out to be a hoot. At any rate this series and this installment made for an enthralling read.
I love Aran’s tenacity, her strength of heart, and especially her resolve to not be reliant on a man. Her goodness shows as she endeavors to keep balance with the magickals and humans. She seems to always be able to come up with a punishment for the bad guys that doesn’t include death. Although the baddies would just as soon kill her. Her job as a magickal bounty hunter of sorts is equal parts fun, exhilarating, and scary. I wish I had friends like Conn and Mulan. And her new life at the museum house might just turn out to be a hoot. At any rate this series and this installment made for an enthralling read.
December 14, 2024
Holy cow! This is just crazy, crazy, crazy. OK, first off you really really should read these books in order. It just makes the whole storyline that much wilder. There is everything in this book besides the kitchen sink. I can't get over how many branches go off the main storyline and all the characters involved with new ones coming in every day! This book was a lot better than the third one, however, the third one was still good. All I can say is, definitely read this series if you like snarky MC and wild paranormals and crazy situations.
December 27, 2025
Book 4 of the Tales of a Midlife Witch series. Best to read the previous books before this one for maximum enjoyment.
The characters were well written and likeable and hilarious and quirky. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were well written and likeable and hilarious and quirky. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2024
Boy… I flew through this book (it was pretty good from start to finish) and now I’m sad it is done. I really enjoyed this one, probably one of my favorites in the series, and I wasn’t ready for it to end. Aran has taken on a lot in this book; a new house, additional jobs from Ben, adjusting to the new caretakers (love the twist) all while dealing with Rasmus’ constant absences. The ending bummed me a bit and I hope that the next book lists me back up.
March 6, 2024
Aran has her hands full working for the Shadow Breakers and finding a new home to house her family and partners. Fiona is in Ireland training and Rasmus always is away helping the guardians. Ezra a fairy and former partner of Aran in Ireland shows up in Salem. Plus an old enemy has escaped prison and is out to kill her. As with this entire series the adventure, drama and hilarious antics keep you looking for the next journey this group will take you on.
May 19, 2024
I have binged my way from the prequel through this one. These books a fun, crazy and have kept me entertained from the beginning. I love the flow of this wonderful midlife series and I am so invested in this world that i am excited for the next book, so happy that it is out soon!!! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers! I Highly Recommend!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
Really Enjoyed Reading!!
I've read all 4 books, and saved my review until now. An enjoyable take on Irish witches. Great storyline, fast-paced and exciting plot twists you don't see coming..can't wait to read the 5th book. The characters are amazing, and you can't help rooting for the good guys. Lots of humor spread throughout. Do yourself a favor and read this series.
I've read all 4 books, and saved my review until now. An enjoyable take on Irish witches. Great storyline, fast-paced and exciting plot twists you don't see coming..can't wait to read the 5th book. The characters are amazing, and you can't help rooting for the good guys. Lots of humor spread throughout. Do yourself a favor and read this series.
January 7, 2026
Book 4 of the series needed the most time for me to get the hang of, but somewhere after the half it really started to roll and get exciting. As I'm already used to it from Donna, she always manages to get us exciting towards the end, this book also started slower and sped up towards the closing chapters. At the end I've enjoyed it.
February 22, 2024
Loved reading the spellbinding and mesmerizing paranormal story. Aran finds out from her ex-boyfriend, Ezra, that her enemy Hisser has escaped, Aran, Conn, and Mulan try to find Hisser and trouble causing trolls, Mulan is upset about her family coming to visit, and Aran is getting sick of her boyfriend, Rasmus, leaving on secret missions. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the amazing and awesome author, Donna McDonald!
February 23, 2024
Once again Aran is left with a heck of a lot on her plate! She has a new guy in her life, Rasmus, a new home that she ends up sharing with an interesting bunch, and lots of demon jobs from Ben. A former love from her past Ezra is also on the scene and she is not at all happy with him get set for a great adventure again with Aran.
February 23, 2024
A book that you will smile and laugh with these characters as well as hold your breath willing the best for them. I am loving how the characters interact with each other. I recommend this series and am eagerly await more in this series.
I was gifted an ebook for an honest review.
I was gifted an ebook for an honest review.
February 26, 2024
Drama Galore!
Like the title says, there is drama Galore in this one. New house, New job, old enemies, old lovers, just a ton. Aran and Conn are dealing as best they can and there are several little twists and turns. A highly enjoyable book.
Like the title says, there is drama Galore in this one. New house, New job, old enemies, old lovers, just a ton. Aran and Conn are dealing as best they can and there are several little twists and turns. A highly enjoyable book.
February 27, 2024
Good book. Interesting
The guardians are a real know it all pain. No feelings and no common sense either. They need taken down a peg. Rasmus needs to grown as a person which won't happen fast enough. Great story line. Great characters. Excellent series.
The guardians are a real know it all pain. No feelings and no common sense either. They need taken down a peg. Rasmus needs to grown as a person which won't happen fast enough. Great story line. Great characters. Excellent series.
February 28, 2024
Thrill Ride
Ms. McDonald does not disappoint. This book was awesome! I read it all in one day. The story elements are compelling and they had me holding my breath, laughing out loud and feeling all my emotions.
Ms. McDonald does not disappoint. This book was awesome! I read it all in one day. The story elements are compelling and they had me holding my breath, laughing out loud and feeling all my emotions.
March 2, 2024
Loved it
Oh these books are just too good. I gobble them as soon as they're released. I really wanted to beat Rasmus over the head. Hopefully he can figure his shit out. She deserves more
Oh these books are just too good. I gobble them as soon as they're released. I really wanted to beat Rasmus over the head. Hopefully he can figure his shit out. She deserves more
March 8, 2024
This is a series that must be read in order to enjoy it to the fullest. Aran is a snarky, captivating witch having to deal with aggravating higher ups. Can the guardians get it together...ever?!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Donna McDonald has provided us with entertaining characters and an engaging story line making this another great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2024
I'm invested in this world. It's a wonderful midlife series. Each book is better than the one before and I don't want the adventure to end. Find out what’s happening in Aran’s life, grab the series today.
February 24, 2024
Interesting and engaging, can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 20, 2025
40 Ways to Catch a Bad Guy: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel
Book 4 of Tales of a Midlife Witch
Donna McDonald
Great story. I have enjoyed this series and cannot wait reading.
Book 4 of Tales of a Midlife Witch
Donna McDonald
Great story. I have enjoyed this series and cannot wait reading.
August 2, 2024
40 Ways to Catch a Bad Guy, book 4 of Tales of a Midlife Witch, written by Donna McDonald. This is a wonderfully fascinating series with paranormal creatures of all kinds and a very headstrong witch in the middle trying to keep each side from hurting the other. Aran is working with some magical creatures that may or may not be there to help her. Such an action packed tale for not a very long book. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews