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Starfall Bay Midlife Magical Mystery #1
Dying To Know
Gina Ferraro thought divorce at fifty-two was rock bottom. Then her mother-in-law dropped dead after the announcement dinner and everyone blamed Gina.
Three months later, she's hiding out in her late aunt's coastal cottage, eating cereal for dinner and pretending she's fine. The hot flashes have been brutal. What she doesn't expect? Her dead mother-in-law appearing in the bathroom mirror, demanding justice.
Rosaria Ferraro didn't die of shock. She was murdered. And she's not resting until Gina finds her killer.
Now Gina's hearing ghosts she can't turn off, learning she's part of a long tradition of menopausal mediums, and arguing with a dead woman who still criticizes her hair. The investigation leads straight back to her ex-husband's family, where decades of secrets are about to surface.
Detective Tony Caruso thinks she's either crazy or psychic. He hasn't decided which is worse for his blood pressure. But her tips keep checking out, and he can't stop thinking about her.
Between annoying ghosts, family drama, and a killer who's getting nervous, Gina's starting to realize that fifty-two might not be too late for anything. Including solving a murder, finding her voice, and maybe even falling in love.
For readers who love cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this one's for you: A later-in-life heroine who discovers supernatural powers during menopause, a slow-burn romance with a silver fox detective who doesn't believe in ghosts (yet), and a found family of women who catch you when you fall.
Expect small-town secrets and a second chance at everything!
Three months later, she's hiding out in her late aunt's coastal cottage, eating cereal for dinner and pretending she's fine. The hot flashes have been brutal. What she doesn't expect? Her dead mother-in-law appearing in the bathroom mirror, demanding justice.
Rosaria Ferraro didn't die of shock. She was murdered. And she's not resting until Gina finds her killer.
Now Gina's hearing ghosts she can't turn off, learning she's part of a long tradition of menopausal mediums, and arguing with a dead woman who still criticizes her hair. The investigation leads straight back to her ex-husband's family, where decades of secrets are about to surface.
Detective Tony Caruso thinks she's either crazy or psychic. He hasn't decided which is worse for his blood pressure. But her tips keep checking out, and he can't stop thinking about her.
Between annoying ghosts, family drama, and a killer who's getting nervous, Gina's starting to realize that fifty-two might not be too late for anything. Including solving a murder, finding her voice, and maybe even falling in love.
For readers who love cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this one's for you: A later-in-life heroine who discovers supernatural powers during menopause, a slow-burn romance with a silver fox detective who doesn't believe in ghosts (yet), and a found family of women who catch you when you fall.
Expect small-town secrets and a second chance at everything!
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2026
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
139 books1,877 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 3, 2026
This book felt like a warm hug, and showed that even when in society's eyes you're too old for anything, it's never too late. The only problem i had with this book was that i really wanted to actually find out what the family secrets are, but i guess it's just the beginning of the series. Can't wait for the next book
March 20, 2026
Dying to Know is the first book in the Starfall Bay Midlife Magical Mysteries series written by Leighann Dobbs.
We are introduced to Gina Ferraro three months after her mother-in-law has passed away. She is recently divorced and has moved to a coastal town a few hours away from her family. She is going through menopause and isn’t in a good place mentally about her situation.
Low and behold, her dead mother-in-law, Rosaria Ferraro, appears to her and will not stop badgering her until they find whomever killed her.
There are some funny parts in the story but most are stressed filled for Gina and her new tribe of women helping each other navigate their new found magic abilities.
I liked this story. It was uplifting for me. A fifty-two year old woman has to start over due to a retched husband. She discovers she has some magical abilities and needs to solve the murder of her mother-in-law. Her new friends assist her and the detective isn’t a dork.
I celebrate that Gina’s new found friends are trying to lift her up, teach her how to use/handle her magical abilities, and don’t have any need to tear each other down.
I was given an advanced readers e-copy and am not required to leave a positive review. These are my own opinions.
We are introduced to Gina Ferraro three months after her mother-in-law has passed away. She is recently divorced and has moved to a coastal town a few hours away from her family. She is going through menopause and isn’t in a good place mentally about her situation.
Low and behold, her dead mother-in-law, Rosaria Ferraro, appears to her and will not stop badgering her until they find whomever killed her.
There are some funny parts in the story but most are stressed filled for Gina and her new tribe of women helping each other navigate their new found magic abilities.
I liked this story. It was uplifting for me. A fifty-two year old woman has to start over due to a retched husband. She discovers she has some magical abilities and needs to solve the murder of her mother-in-law. Her new friends assist her and the detective isn’t a dork.
I celebrate that Gina’s new found friends are trying to lift her up, teach her how to use/handle her magical abilities, and don’t have any need to tear each other down.
I was given an advanced readers e-copy and am not required to leave a positive review. These are my own opinions.
May 31, 2026
This was a cute, very quick read. The fmc, Gina, has had a lot of life changes. Menopause is just the latest. Then she sees the ghost of her dead mother-in-law and learns she is a Medium and those hot flashes are more than just a little heat. A midlife crisis meets paranormal powers meets a new group of friends that understand. A police detective as the new love interest. A highly dysfunctional family with enough secrets to sink a small ship. A murder to solve to hopefully get her ex-MIL to walk into the light.
I enjoyed the book. There are some editing issues, misspelled words, and repetitive sections. I do plan to read book 2.
I enjoyed the book. There are some editing issues, misspelled words, and repetitive sections. I do plan to read book 2.
March 2, 2026
Dying to Know by Leighann Dobbs is the first book in the Starfall Bay Midlife Magical Mysteries series.
We meet Gina Ferraro. Three months after her mother-in-law's passes away, her husband divorces her.
She is living in her aunt's house and Rosaria Ferraro ghost shows up and insists she was murdered and that she won't go away until she solves her murder.
This was a fantastic midlife magical story that I really enjoyed.
I loved the characters; I could totally relate to Gina.
Great story, I look forward to the next book in this series.
We meet Gina Ferraro. Three months after her mother-in-law's passes away, her husband divorces her.
She is living in her aunt's house and Rosaria Ferraro ghost shows up and insists she was murdered and that she won't go away until she solves her murder.
This was a fantastic midlife magical story that I really enjoyed.
I loved the characters; I could totally relate to Gina.
Great story, I look forward to the next book in this series.
May 14, 2026
So I loved this book and went to download the next in the series as soon as I finished but it doesn’t come out for like two more weeks. My only complaint is that the times lines are very unclear- in the beginning the mother in law had been dead three months, later in the book it was fourteen months. At one point a marriage is referenced as having been 31 years before the husband died, at another, fifty years. But mostly this book was great very entertaining and it was nice to have characters closer to my age.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dying to Know is the 1st book in the Starfall Bay Midlife Magical Mysteries series.
Three months after Gina Ferraro's mother-in-law's sudden death, her husband announced he was divorcing her.
Rosaria Ferraro, her now deceased mother-in-law appears in her mirror, stating that she was murdered, and will haunt Gina until she helps solve her murder.
Which was not classified as a murder.
There are developed characters, and a solid plotline.
Three months after Gina Ferraro's mother-in-law's sudden death, her husband announced he was divorcing her.
Rosaria Ferraro, her now deceased mother-in-law appears in her mirror, stating that she was murdered, and will haunt Gina until she helps solve her murder.
Which was not classified as a murder.
There are developed characters, and a solid plotline.
April 7, 2026
Great Storytelling
It’s a murder mystery that sets the stage for a series. Fortunately, it’s a complete story by itself. The story tells of Gina’s awakening to her paranormal skills in the context of a complicated family. Rosario, as her dead mother in-law and haunting ghost is a major character who dominates much of the story. Character development is well done. There is a budding romance to add another story arc. It was an enjoyable read.
It’s a murder mystery that sets the stage for a series. Fortunately, it’s a complete story by itself. The story tells of Gina’s awakening to her paranormal skills in the context of a complicated family. Rosario, as her dead mother in-law and haunting ghost is a major character who dominates much of the story. Character development is well done. There is a budding romance to add another story arc. It was an enjoyable read.
May 7, 2026
Great concept
Gina is a newly divorced 52 year old going through menopause, when she finds out she is a medium due to her dead mother-in-law showing up demanding she solve her murder. Gina and her new friends make an excellent detective group and their powers help them work everything out. I enjoyed each of the characters, they were all fun in their own way, and am looking forward to more in this series.
Gina is a newly divorced 52 year old going through menopause, when she finds out she is a medium due to her dead mother-in-law showing up demanding she solve her murder. Gina and her new friends make an excellent detective group and their powers help them work everything out. I enjoyed each of the characters, they were all fun in their own way, and am looking forward to more in this series.
March 28, 2026
Dying To Know
What a completely enjoyable book! That sounds underwhelming but this story has to be read to understand what I mean.
Mystery, paranormal, painful, uplifting, a late in life romance, and a lesson on how friendship can originate from loneliness and need.
Mama Mia just read it!!
What a completely enjoyable book! That sounds underwhelming but this story has to be read to understand what I mean.
Mystery, paranormal, painful, uplifting, a late in life romance, and a lesson on how friendship can originate from loneliness and need.
Mama Mia just read it!!
April 2, 2026
Great characters and a really good start to a new series
Dying to Know was such a fun story filled w
ith relatable female relationships, like hanging out with your best friends, and spirits with intrigue and a murder to boot. Good afternoon read! Recommended and can't wait for the next one in the series!
Dying to Know was such a fun story filled w
ith relatable female relationships, like hanging out with your best friends, and spirits with intrigue and a murder to boot. Good afternoon read! Recommended and can't wait for the next one in the series!
May 28, 2026
Super cute, cozy, closed door mystery surrounding a menopausel newly divorced sleuthing fmc who is befriended by a group of ladies who discover they all have special powers that bloom after a life event. Then our fmc realizes her ex-mother in law was murdered and although they didnt get along her ghost shows up and asks her to help solve her murder. 1st in a series, I will read more. Recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked from the very first page!!
I really connected with all the characters.
Great storyline with LOL moments, and emotions.
Gina is newly divorced, living in her late Aunt's house, and menopausal.
In the midst of a major hot flash, she suddenly sees the ghost of her dead mother-in-law in the mirror. Death has not slowed down her judgemental ways, even though she needs Gina's help to solve her murder.
I really connected with all the characters.
Great storyline with LOL moments, and emotions.
Gina is newly divorced, living in her late Aunt's house, and menopausal.
In the midst of a major hot flash, she suddenly sees the ghost of her dead mother-in-law in the mirror. Death has not slowed down her judgemental ways, even though she needs Gina's help to solve her murder.
April 1, 2026
Dying To Know
This book was exciting, with plenty of action and mystery.
I read the book in one day. I loved all the characters . I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was exciting, with plenty of action and mystery.
I read the book in one day. I loved all the characters . I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more int he series. Getting to know the characters was fun and learning about them and how they become friends was a joy. The light heartedness and laughing in the book along with the seriousness made it a fun read, entertaining and a mystery to solve.
April 16, 2026
review
This is another hit. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out. Perfect cliff hanger ending. Great storyline and you won’t regret reading this all in one sitting!!
This is another hit. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out. Perfect cliff hanger ending. Great storyline and you won’t regret reading this all in one sitting!!
April 16, 2026
Good, needs better editing.
The premise of this book is good, but it needs better editing for timeline continuity. Feels like some important information was missing, so the story didn't flow quite right.
The premise of this book is good, but it needs better editing for timeline continuity. Feels like some important information was missing, so the story didn't flow quite right.
April 28, 2026
You know when you pick out a cozy supernatural murder mystery & it quietly, subtly goes deeper, but still keeps you chuckling & cozy feeling... this is that! I'm only half way through but am totally invested in this journey!
May 19, 2026
a new beginning
I really enjoyed Gina’s journey and her new found abilities. I definitely could relate to her hot flashes! Her new found coven was also a found family and support we all look for.
I really enjoyed Gina’s journey and her new found abilities. I definitely could relate to her hot flashes! Her new found coven was also a found family and support we all look for.
May 22, 2026
Dying To Know book 1
Gina is being haunted by her dead mother- in- law. She is to find who poisoned her. Friends in the neighborhood found her and let her know that she has powers as do the friends. Now put them to use.
Gina is being haunted by her dead mother- in- law. She is to find who poisoned her. Friends in the neighborhood found her and let her know that she has powers as do the friends. Now put them to use.
April 1, 2026
Good read
I enjoyed this first in a new series by a favorite author. Leighann Dobbs has done it again. Thank you Leighann
I enjoyed this first in a new series by a favorite author. Leighann Dobbs has done it again. Thank you Leighann
April 3, 2026
Very good start of new series
Good character development. Intriguing story line , with an interesting ending. Looking forward to the next book of the series
Good character development. Intriguing story line , with an interesting ending. Looking forward to the next book of the series
April 13, 2026
fun read!
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Great characters with unusual talents- a little magic & a little romance.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Great characters with unusual talents- a little magic & a little romance.
May 4, 2026
Love her vulnerability
I loved the coven. They are honest and true and learning about their skills. And I’m glad Rosario will be hanging around a bit longer.
I loved the coven. They are honest and true and learning about their skills. And I’m glad Rosario will be hanging around a bit longer.
May 13, 2026
Very good
Not usually my cup of tea but this was a very good read, could have used a little more humor but overall very well done.
Not usually my cup of tea but this was a very good read, could have used a little more humor but overall very well done.
May 16, 2026
Great clean book for us more “mature” ladies. Great plot and mystery. Loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
May 29, 2026
Loved this one!!!
Looking for an easy feel good mystery, this one is for you. Characters and storyline that draws you in and makes you wish for a Starfall Bay of your own!!!
Looking for an easy feel good mystery, this one is for you. Characters and storyline that draws you in and makes you wish for a Starfall Bay of your own!!!
May 31, 2026
Interesting
There wasn't much to dislike I will recommend it to others. Excited to read the next book which I already have downloaded
There wasn't much to dislike I will recommend it to others. Excited to read the next book which I already have downloaded
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED IT!!!! Read it in one sitting 😂. So excited it’s a trilogy. Love everything about it - starting her new life, her new gifts, her new friends! Ms. Dobbs, you knocked this one out of the park!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews