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Mercury in Retrograde: A Magical Midlife Cozy Mystery
It's Halloween at the Phoenix Inn and along with the magical tricks and treats comes
murder
. I’m Mercury Rodgers and at forty-five I won a magical Inn. Okay, so, it’s full of ghosts, the plumbing keeps breaking, and my hotel manager hates me—but it’s mine!
Now it’s Halloween and I have a hotel full of supernatural guests intent on tricks-or-treats—and did I mention I think my cat might be magical too? Oh, and then there’s the murder…
Guess finding out you’re a witch isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
Join Mercury, Mr. Yow, and even the disgruntled Mrs. Haversham, as Halloween, mayhem, and murder, come to the Phoenix Inn.What readers are saying about Jessica Aspen's MERCURY RISING*****5.0 out of 5 stars Love! Love! Love!
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start to New Series
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Magical
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent paranormal cozy Peek inside MERCURY IN As the days wound down to the end of October I’d been feeling more and more antsy. My skin prickled as if something watched me, but when I turned around--no one was there. Mr. Yow seemed to see things in corners where there was nothing but dust. And my dreams were dark and disturbing.
Mrs. Haversham said that it was simply Halloween coming in on the air. Halloween--a night when anything could happen--the gates between the worlds could open, spells could crash, and the dead could come knocking.
She might be right. It might just be the night coming on the cool fall wind But it could also be that this Halloween I was irrevocably and magically bound to a crumbling old Inn whose wooden bones were steeped in magic. All I knew was that as the day approached and the magic of the season grew, the Inn felt more and more alive. It was only natural I was spooked. But I couldn’t help feeling like maybe it was something beside the holiday that had me jumping at ghosts like they were shadows.
I just wish I knew what it was.
Midlife—when the magic really begins…
Join Mercury and her cat Mr. Yow, as she discovers her hidden past and the world of magic waiting at the Phoenix Inn.
Now it’s Halloween and I have a hotel full of supernatural guests intent on tricks-or-treats—and did I mention I think my cat might be magical too? Oh, and then there’s the murder…
Guess finding out you’re a witch isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
Join Mercury, Mr. Yow, and even the disgruntled Mrs. Haversham, as Halloween, mayhem, and murder, come to the Phoenix Inn.What readers are saying about Jessica Aspen's MERCURY RISING*****5.0 out of 5 stars Love! Love! Love!
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start to New Series
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Magical
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent paranormal cozy Peek inside MERCURY IN As the days wound down to the end of October I’d been feeling more and more antsy. My skin prickled as if something watched me, but when I turned around--no one was there. Mr. Yow seemed to see things in corners where there was nothing but dust. And my dreams were dark and disturbing.
Mrs. Haversham said that it was simply Halloween coming in on the air. Halloween--a night when anything could happen--the gates between the worlds could open, spells could crash, and the dead could come knocking.
She might be right. It might just be the night coming on the cool fall wind But it could also be that this Halloween I was irrevocably and magically bound to a crumbling old Inn whose wooden bones were steeped in magic. All I knew was that as the day approached and the magic of the season grew, the Inn felt more and more alive. It was only natural I was spooked. But I couldn’t help feeling like maybe it was something beside the holiday that had me jumping at ghosts like they were shadows.
I just wish I knew what it was.
Midlife—when the magic really begins…
Join Mercury and her cat Mr. Yow, as she discovers her hidden past and the world of magic waiting at the Phoenix Inn.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
19 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Aspen
6 books49 followersHi, 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!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 14, 2025
The Halloween Capers . . .
Mercury Rodgers won a magical Inn and learned she was some kind of witch, which she was still trying to figure out. The Inn was sort of falling apart. Thaddeus Dalton had told her she needed to find the Heart of the Phoenix, but she wasn’t finding anything except for clippings for Halloween cupcakes. Mr. Yow, her Siamese cat, pawed at one of the recipes for red velvet blood cupcakes, very appropriate since it was Halloween… but not helpful. Beth, a newly arrived ghost, popped up and said she would like a cupcake, still not realizing she is not able to eat a cupcake anymore. Going over the clues Thaddeus Dalton had told her, there were three things she needed to find out: One: Venus (her sister) was alive and in danger; Two: Venus was not Venus; and Three: Ask the Heart of the Phoenix. She was running out of time and not making much progress. Mrs. Haversham, her cranky old witch hotel manager, said it was simply Halloween coming that had them jumpy. She almost felt the Inn become more “alive”.
So now with Halloween here and the Inn filled to capacity, groups are forming to enjoy the fun and games, go on scavenger hunts. One hunt was to find the necklace that Mercury needs! And two murders occur, except the police don’t think it was murder. And even Cormac agrees with Ben on that. Does that leave only Mercury to track down the killer when everyone else agrees it was simply an accident? It seems the action never stops as she is led into a trap by Fagan and barely escapes! But will Mercury figure it all out and get through this Halloween at least “somewhat” unscathed?
Mercury Rodgers won a magical Inn and learned she was some kind of witch, which she was still trying to figure out. The Inn was sort of falling apart. Thaddeus Dalton had told her she needed to find the Heart of the Phoenix, but she wasn’t finding anything except for clippings for Halloween cupcakes. Mr. Yow, her Siamese cat, pawed at one of the recipes for red velvet blood cupcakes, very appropriate since it was Halloween… but not helpful. Beth, a newly arrived ghost, popped up and said she would like a cupcake, still not realizing she is not able to eat a cupcake anymore. Going over the clues Thaddeus Dalton had told her, there were three things she needed to find out: One: Venus (her sister) was alive and in danger; Two: Venus was not Venus; and Three: Ask the Heart of the Phoenix. She was running out of time and not making much progress. Mrs. Haversham, her cranky old witch hotel manager, said it was simply Halloween coming that had them jumpy. She almost felt the Inn become more “alive”.
So now with Halloween here and the Inn filled to capacity, groups are forming to enjoy the fun and games, go on scavenger hunts. One hunt was to find the necklace that Mercury needs! And two murders occur, except the police don’t think it was murder. And even Cormac agrees with Ben on that. Does that leave only Mercury to track down the killer when everyone else agrees it was simply an accident? It seems the action never stops as she is led into a trap by Fagan and barely escapes! But will Mercury figure it all out and get through this Halloween at least “somewhat” unscathed?
June 15, 2025
Mercury Rodger’s, fledgling witch and innkeeper, is desperate to find more information about her long lost sister. Casting a spell to draw out more information she instead attracts three witches from the council, a group of treasure seekers and a dangerous half demon to the inn in time for Halloween mischief. The treasure, the Heart of the Phoenix necklace, is supposed to hold the answers Mercury needs. But it is also extremely dangerous. Soon people are dying and potent magic is rising. Will Mercury be able to protect the inn and find the answers she needs?
Mercury in Retrograde is a thoroughly engrossing paranormal mystery. This was my first introduction to Mercury’s world, and although Ms. Aspen provides background for new readers, I felt that I was lost a few times. I definitely plan to go back and read the previous books before Mercury’s next adventure. Mercury is an interesting character as she discovers her powers in her forties and as she searches for answers about her past. Sent into foster care as an amnesiac four year old, with her magic bound, she only learned of the supernatural world a few months prior to this story when she won the Phoenix Inn in a contest. With her powers still developing, she’s at the mercy of stronger beings and must use her wits to survive the danger around her. The world building is well done and the mystery keeps you guessing. I especially enjoyed the ghosts, Beth and Miss Emily, the wolf shifter handyman (and potential love interest?), and Mr. Yow, Mercury’s Siamese cat/familiar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mercury in Retrograde is a thoroughly engrossing paranormal mystery. This was my first introduction to Mercury’s world, and although Ms. Aspen provides background for new readers, I felt that I was lost a few times. I definitely plan to go back and read the previous books before Mercury’s next adventure. Mercury is an interesting character as she discovers her powers in her forties and as she searches for answers about her past. Sent into foster care as an amnesiac four year old, with her magic bound, she only learned of the supernatural world a few months prior to this story when she won the Phoenix Inn in a contest. With her powers still developing, she’s at the mercy of stronger beings and must use her wits to survive the danger around her. The world building is well done and the mystery keeps you guessing. I especially enjoyed the ghosts, Beth and Miss Emily, the wolf shifter handyman (and potential love interest?), and Mr. Yow, Mercury’s Siamese cat/familiar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2025
Welcome back to the Inn!
It's been over a year since the previous books in this series, and I've read a ton of books in between, so I wasn't sure if I'd remember what happened and be able to pick up the threads of the story-line. There was enough to help me remember things as we went along, but it would have been so much better to read them closer together, so if you can, start at book 1 and move on to the next and the next, etc.
This, as with the earlier books, is really well written (and without a ton of catch phrases and fancy descriptions). You really feel you are there as Mercury tells her story. This book finds her as the innkeeper of the Phoenix Inn, with a full house just before Halloween. She is trying to deal with these supernatural guests, and the Inn's ghosts, and the need to find her sister, Venus. And then, of course, there is a murder..
The way the tale is told makes it fun, with some humor, and you can't help rooting for Mercury.
There is so much going on, and a lot of characters in this book, all very interesting, unique, and well defined (even the ghosts!) It's definitely a don't-want-to-put-it-down story, with all sorts of paranormal beings that somehow, as you read, are totally believable. There is, of course, a murder, and lots of twists and turns before it's solved.
While the issues started in this book are resolved, there's still a lot that's not, which will be for future books in the series. Looking forward to the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
It's been over a year since the previous books in this series, and I've read a ton of books in between, so I wasn't sure if I'd remember what happened and be able to pick up the threads of the story-line. There was enough to help me remember things as we went along, but it would have been so much better to read them closer together, so if you can, start at book 1 and move on to the next and the next, etc.
This, as with the earlier books, is really well written (and without a ton of catch phrases and fancy descriptions). You really feel you are there as Mercury tells her story. This book finds her as the innkeeper of the Phoenix Inn, with a full house just before Halloween. She is trying to deal with these supernatural guests, and the Inn's ghosts, and the need to find her sister, Venus. And then, of course, there is a murder..
The way the tale is told makes it fun, with some humor, and you can't help rooting for Mercury.
There is so much going on, and a lot of characters in this book, all very interesting, unique, and well defined (even the ghosts!) It's definitely a don't-want-to-put-it-down story, with all sorts of paranormal beings that somehow, as you read, are totally believable. There is, of course, a murder, and lots of twists and turns before it's solved.
While the issues started in this book are resolved, there's still a lot that's not, which will be for future books in the series. Looking forward to the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
June 8, 2025
Mercury Rodgers is the innkeeper of the Phoenix Inn, a magical inn that welcomes magical guests. It's almost Halloween and they are hosting the Young Grave Robbers a group of young wizards and witches in their 20's and 30's. Their leader Kelvin Morse has a lot of activities planned for the group including a scavenger hunt for the Heart of the Phoenix necklace, the item that is supposed to help Mercury find her little sister, Venus. She really can't let them find it because she needs it. She also has a few other guests, a trio of retired witches that travel together and call themselves the Three Margaritas and another married couple. Kelvin has offered to have these people also participate in the activities planned. Unfortunately, the magical plumbers she expected come a week early and set up their scaffolding in the lobby. Then one of the guests is found murdered and Mercury must figure out who did it, because the local police think it was an accident.
This book was wonderful, filled with twists and turns that had me trying to guess who did it, but I was way off. I loved it. I can't wait to see what Mercury and her cat Mr. Yow get up to next.
This book was wonderful, filled with twists and turns that had me trying to guess who did it, but I was way off. I loved it. I can't wait to see what Mercury and her cat Mr. Yow get up to next.
July 10, 2025
Mercury in Retrograde: A Magical Midlife Cozy Mystery is book #4 in the Magical Midlife in Retrograde series by J.B. Aspen.
Mercury Rodgers won a magical inn that is in desperate need of repair. She also found out that she’s a witch and is trying to figure out what that means for her. It’s Halloween and the end is booked full so it should give Mercury the funds to make some repairs. She’s trying to find her sister, but she just has cryptic clues to follow. With all the guests and keeping them entertained for Halloween Mercury has plenty on her plate. And then there’s the body. This was another great installment in the series. I recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mercury Rodgers won a magical inn that is in desperate need of repair. She also found out that she’s a witch and is trying to figure out what that means for her. It’s Halloween and the end is booked full so it should give Mercury the funds to make some repairs. She’s trying to find her sister, but she just has cryptic clues to follow. With all the guests and keeping them entertained for Halloween Mercury has plenty on her plate. And then there’s the body. This was another great installment in the series. I recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Sorry to say, but the first book in the series that I've read, and I'm going to make sure that I read the previous books as well. Mercury gets to learn that she's a witch when she's in her forties. She became an innkeeper and inherited all that it implies. With Halloween around the corner and the inn fully booked, she had a lot to do. Add to that all the mayhem a killer witch can bring, and the plot thickens. I love the characters, the book has great world-building, and the mystery is there. With all of that and even a touch of romance, the book is a page-turner and worth the time spent reading it.
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.
June 3, 2025
Ready to fall into another mystery at the phoenix inn, while Mercury is accumulating to her new role as Inn keeper, the week of Halloween is booked solid. Fun and games, scavenger hunts, and then searching for a murderer. But why is no one else suspecting foul play, except the one witch with the least amount of talent. This series is so much fun to read, not too scary, but enough suspense, and mystery to keep you glued to the page. I so can’t wait for more.
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.
June 4, 2025
What a delightful Halloween mystery! Mercury is a hilarious, relatable heroine, and the supernatural setting had me smiling the whole way through. Between the ghosts, magical mishaps, and a murder to solve, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This story is fun, fast paced, and full of that cozy charm, it is the perfect cozy read for spooky season or not! I loved it and recommend it!
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.
June 12, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Magical Midlife in Retrograde series. This cozy was a hit for me. Poor Mercury. She has the worst luck with things happening and people dying on her watch. This murder mystery was a fun romp with quirky characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I sure wish she would give Cormac a chance.
June 21, 2025
Mercury in Retrograde Book 4 of Magical Midlife in Retrograde by JB Aspen continues to entice and amuse. Mercury just can't catch a break but her friends are there for her and what a bunch of characters they are!! I thoroughly enjoy this quirky cozy!.
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.
June 12, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked revisiting the series and seeing how Mercury is doing. I liked this Halloween mystery and how she solves it. It was an enjoyable story to dive into.
June 25, 2025
This was lovely. I really enjoyed the premise and the characters in this. The inn seems like a cool place. I want to go back to the beginning of the series.
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.
June 30, 2025
Mercury in Retrograde amuses and entices, as do all the books in the Magical Midlife in Retrograde series by JB Aspen. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
August 4, 2025
Keep these books coming! I love this series!!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews