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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
144 books1,903 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 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 20, 2026
This isn’t usually a genre I like, but I wanted to try it for the season. Leighann Dobbs did a really good job with making the book magical, but yet, realistic at the same time. I like the characters and am on to book 2 in the series.
April 2, 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
October 7, 2026
Quick easy read, not a huge mystery who the killer was, but very entertaining.
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.
June 9, 2026
This book was terrific! The characters were wonderful, and the mystery was extremely well done. This Author has been a favorite of mine, but I think this is the first time she has wandered into the magical side of things. I liked it a lot! I can't wait to read the next one.
Amazon synopsis:
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.
Amazon synopsis:
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.
July 9, 2026
This was a great story. Gina's being divorced from her 30 year husband Salvadore. She moves into her aunts cottage a few towns away and one day her former MIL (who died several months earlier) appears to her in her bathroom mirror, and wants Gina to solve her murder. Being haunted by her former MIL, who never thought she was god enough for her son, is rather unnerving. She is followed everywhere and almost has a melt down in the grocery store where she meets Lori, a good friend of Gina's Aunt. Lori explains what is happening and that her aunt had the same ability to speak to ghosts. She is introduced to Jill and Tammy and the 4 become great friends. As time passes Gina also meets Tony, the town detective. It's a fun read and interesting at all the adventures that happen.
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.
September 24, 2026
Dying to Know
Gina is going through a tough time, at 52 she is divorced, moved away from what she knows and suddenly is the recipient of special gifts that are making her crazy. When the special gift leads to the discovery that her ex-Mother In Law had been murdered, things take an interesting spin.
This baby is unputdownable.
Once you start you are hooked and there are so many quotable sayings and high light worthy writings, that you just have to be ready for that and the best part this is just the beginning of Gina’s story with her new gang. Cannot wait to read the rest.
Gina is going through a tough time, at 52 she is divorced, moved away from what she knows and suddenly is the recipient of special gifts that are making her crazy. When the special gift leads to the discovery that her ex-Mother In Law had been murdered, things take an interesting spin.
This baby is unputdownable.
Once you start you are hooked and there are so many quotable sayings and high light worthy writings, that you just have to be ready for that and the best part this is just the beginning of Gina’s story with her new gang. Cannot wait to read the rest.
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.
October 9, 2026
You can’t Pick your ghosts, they pick you
Meet Gina Ferraro, a 52 year old divorced woman who suddenly thinks she’s crazy because her dead mother- in- law is talking to her and wanting a big favor done by Gina. I enjoyed this paranormal mystery very much and know that you dear reader would enjoy it too, I suggest you go out and get your own copy of this book so that you can enjoy the story just like I did.
Meet Gina Ferraro, a 52 year old divorced woman who suddenly thinks she’s crazy because her dead mother- in- law is talking to her and wanting a big favor done by Gina. I enjoyed this paranormal mystery very much and know that you dear reader would enjoy it too, I suggest you go out and get your own copy of this book so that you can enjoy the story just like I did.
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!
June 30, 2026
Look forward to the series
I like the menopause link to their abilities, but for one I wouldn't call them witches or a coven. I like that they each have their control issues with their abilities. Not sure if it is a plot hole, but I don't remember her discussing seeing ghosts with the detective.
I like the menopause link to their abilities, but for one I wouldn't call them witches or a coven. I like that they each have their control issues with their abilities. Not sure if it is a plot hole, but I don't remember her discussing seeing ghosts with the detective.
July 21, 2026
Loved this book so much!
I am so excited that I found a new author and a really fun series. I love that the main character is 52 years old. She's smart and funny and starting a whole new magical life. She's just starting to understand her newfound abilities and has good friends to figure it all out with. I laughed out loud many times. I can't wait to jump into the next book!
I am so excited that I found a new author and a really fun series. I love that the main character is 52 years old. She's smart and funny and starting a whole new magical life. She's just starting to understand her newfound abilities and has good friends to figure it all out with. I laughed out loud many times. I can't wait to jump into the next book!
July 24, 2026
A fun fast pace read
This was a fun story it continued very well and totally did not see the ending coming. So happy I found this new series for me and can't wait to see what's the next adventure. I love when there is a good storyline that flows and a great friendship of women supporting each other.
This was a fun story it continued very well and totally did not see the ending coming. So happy I found this new series for me and can't wait to see what's the next adventure. I love when there is a good storyline that flows and a great friendship of women supporting each other.
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 27, 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.
June 22, 2026
Found family meets fumbled family
Realistic Characters (mostly). A plausible magic theory. A mother on law so nasty she can't stay dead. And hot flashes that pack extra heat. This is a cozy mystery worth reading.
Realistic Characters (mostly). A plausible magic theory. A mother on law so nasty she can't stay dead. And hot flashes that pack extra heat. This is a cozy mystery worth reading.
June 26, 2026
great start for a new series
I’ve read several of leighann Dobbs’s series. I really enjoyed this preview and will be moving on to book 2.
The premise isn’t original but the characters mesh well. Look forward to seeing them develop.
I’ve read several of leighann Dobbs’s series. I really enjoyed this preview and will be moving on to book 2.
The premise isn’t original but the characters mesh well. Look forward to seeing them develop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews