40 Ways to Alibi

Tales of a Midlife Witch #5

by Donna McDonald

I either need a new job or a new life…

I’ve never been a woman who counted the wrinkles on my face or worried much about how I fit in my clothes. I never cared about being short or whether men found me attractive or not. What concerns me is whether or not I’ve still got what it takes to learn something new at my age. I’m a little rusty in some magick areas after wasting seven years in prison.

I tell myself I shouldn’t care that Mulan’s parents start whispering every time our paths cross. So what if the normally brave Wu Shaman won’t translate what her parents are saying about me? I’m too busy to care. I have a female guardian to reform, a guardian boyfriend trying to make up with me, and a dar farrig friend who needs to crash with me at my house until his stuffy, book-cooking parents get over themselves.

But don’t get me started on the angel training my daughter because that always leads to ranting. Not thinking too much about the not-so-angelic being who insists on being called “Tony” is my current strategy. He takes his job of protecting Fiona seriously and that’s all that matters. I hope.

Good things are finally happening. Henry helped me create private quarters in the giant house I hated at first sight. Now I refuse to let the craziness of my life stop me from enjoying them. Or at least that’s the story I’m telling myself.

40 Ways to Alibi is a funny, adventurous paranormal women's fiction tale from USA Today Bestselling Author Donna McDonald.

Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2024

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vacation time . . . ?! 😆

Another great instalment in this series 💖 Aran is having a vacation . . . Really? Umm, no, it doesn’t seem to be turning out that way 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 though there’s not as much action as in previous books, there’s still more than Aran bargains for in her supposed time away from work. A new character arrives to teach her, Mulan’s awful family arrive with extra baggage, causing extra problems, her on/off relationship with Rasmus continues being off/on, Zara, Rasmus’s ‘sister’ arrives and last, but by no means least, she finally gets to deal with Ezra the betrayer. So yeah, not much vacationing going on here! Thank goodness she’s got Conn’s demon parents looking after her day to day needs cos she sure doesn’t have time for them herself. I laughed out loud loads of times - the transformation of Mulan’s staff being one of those times 😆 - love it 😁

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the mesmerizing and engaging paranormal story. Aran has her hands full with Mulan's family staying at her house, being upset with her boyfriend, Rasmus, a frozen statue of her used to be friend, Ezra, Mulan's family being possessed by some kind of demon, Dylan, her friend staying with her, and Zenos, a dragon mage, coming to be a teacher for Aran. 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 phenomenal author, Donna McDonald!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt more like a stand-alone than the previous books. I'm not sure if there was more explanation involved, or it it was because I had read all of the previous books.

Aran's story seemed to start out slowly to me and then picked up to a faster pace that lasted through the rest of the book. There was so much going on around and between the characters, the only thing I could think was "what is next"?

I enjoy the banter between the characters. I hope that was not the last we got to see of Zenos. Conn was always fun, but he has been more wrapped up in Mulan. I cannot imagine how these situations will work themselves out, but I am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know she doesn’t think this of herself but geez! Aran of the Dagda has patience, and empathy, to fill a stadium, imho. If you are part of her “family”, she will go to the mat for you. And she does just that in this book – big time for the Wu Shaman and her family. She does battle with “bad guys”. She verbally jousts with her favorite Guardian. She bangs her head against the wall with a big ol’ dragon. But no matter how much Mulan pushes her away, she makes sure she backs her ‘til the very end. Fun addition to the series, especially when the bad guys get their due!

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Ways to Alibi, book 5 of the Tales of a Midlife Witch #5 written by Donna McDonald. This is a fun and fast-moving series filled with all things magical and unknown. This book finds Aran fighting the bad guys again and never quite sure whom is on her side or against her. She is a feisty as heck witch with some extra superpowers and a tiny woman to be so filled with magic. I can't wait to see what will happen with this great group of characters in the next book!

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aran’s life is in chaos (although normal for her) due to the arrival of Mulan’s family. Lots of stuff going on in this book - the frozen fairy in her entryway, a dragon training Aran, her love life on the fritz, babysitting a guardian, not to mention Mulan’s family. Nonstop action from beginning to end.

Loved this adventure with these characters and can’t wait to see what goes on next.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Ways to Alibi book 5 in the Tales of a Midlife Witch series by Donna McDonald starts off slowly but the action picks up and keeps up until the end of the book. This book has all the feels and hilarious humor. I highly recommend! And Aran it's never too late to learn anything!! I can't wait to see how this all plays out...I'm so excited!.

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

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book in this series it makes my day. Aran in her 40’s is funny, sarcastic and has a temper. Her boyfriend Ramus, is a guardian/watcher, her daughter is being trained in magic. Zenos is an ancient dragon who is her teacher and she is the descendant of a Druid/god. Her familiar is a demon king and her best friend is a Chinese shaman. There is never a dull moment in the story and you always look forward to the next book.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit from the biological family to Wulan really brings home differences in attitude, kinship and gratitude, wether the family is biological or not.

additional family ties get tangled and the addition of new information about the friends, fies, and bio families of some characters is, among other things, enlightening.

Negotiating wants, needs, and hearts can be difficult, and sometimes painful.

Tricky trials and trails with much drama.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Tales of a Midlife Witch series. For maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

The characters continue to grow and develop. World building continues to impress. Plot evolves and delivers. Great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed 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.

[Henriett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As long as it took me to get the hang of the previous book, this one is flowing smoothly, bringing fun and eventful situations. I loved book 5, I'd say, this one is the best one of the series so far! So if you only plan to read one of the series, this might be your best choice. Although it's worth to know the rest, as well. Grateful for the cheerful leisure time it brought me. I was giggling more or less through the whole story. Nice read!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find a comfy spot and get ready to read, as this book is one you will want to finish in one sitting. It does end on a cliffhanger which is unusual for this author but she does say that another book is on its way which is fantastic news. We see a range of emotions in this book and more of the character relationships.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Aran is at it again trying to relax and appease everyone around her. She has just returned from a fate that almost ended in her demise! Her home is full of all kinds of interesting folks. A new addition Zenos a dragon mage has been brought in to help Aran navigate through all of her predicaments. Who else can survive, fairies, wu shaman, wolves, demons and now a dragon why Aran of course!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many different magical characters that make this a story to remember. Aran is a juggling so many different issues but pushes on. This is another great addition to a series that I think is GREAT! Read the prequel and the previous books first to really grasp this story! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!.

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

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Tales of a Midlife Witch series by Donna McDonald. The characters and story line were well written and kept me totally interested This starts off slowly but gradually picks up momentum the book ends.

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

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good

Magic, adventure, good vs evil with a touch of laugh out loud humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters are engaging and complex. The personal interactions are real and my favorite part of the book.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna McDonald has done a great job with this latest installment of the series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me hooked. 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.

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoying this series

Glad this won’t be the last book in this series. I enjoy the humor, mystery, magickal “fixes” that have to be done……and the ongoing growth of the guardians.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and engaging, looking forward to more

[JoAnne Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

The characters are so varied and interesting. I love seeing them change and grow while taking on the bad guys.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written, mesmerizing and engaging paranormal story. Tales of a Midlife Witch is a fun and fast-moving series filled with all things magical. Looking forward to the next book.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and characters were well written and nicely developed. I enjoyed the chemistry and journey. Good read.