A Happier Medium: A Novel

by Annie England Noblin

When murder rocks a quirky small town, a shopkeeper enlists the help of her grandmother’s ghost to find a killer in a delightful paranormal cozy mystery of supernatural sleuthing and down-to-earth romance.

In the New England coastal town of Consternation Springs, Birdie Briscoe runs Happy Medium, a psychic shop she inherited from her grandmother Leonora. And she’s running it directly into the ground. In a town built on mystical gifts, Birdie has none. No visions, no readings, no connection to the other side. Just a struggling shop full of crystals and tarot cards, a geriatric cat with an attitude, and the quiet certainty that Leo would be horrified if she could see what’s become of Happy Medium.

Then Leo’s ghost shows up. Opinionated as ever and full of unsolicited advice, Birdie’s grandmother has thoughts about the shop, about the handsome Finn Avery renovating the tavern across the street, and about the gifts Birdie has been too afraid to claim. But then a devastating nor’easter tears through Consternation Springs, and Birdie’s friend Sierra is found murdered in its aftermath. To uncover the truth, Birdie enlists the help of Leo’s spirit, not to mention a few other lingering ghosts.

Suddenly, Birdie sees ghosts everywhere—and they’re talking. With Finn at her side, a network of restless spirits lighting the way, and her grandmother’s voice in her ear, Birdie sets out to unmask a killer. Along the way, she might just discover that the gift she thought skipped her didn’t skip her at all—it was simply waiting for her to be ready.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Fiction, Contemporary, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Romance

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

Writer. Mother. Wife. Bulldog enthusiast. Curly hair afternoon.

Reviews

[BookishKB]

👻🔮 A Happier Medium 🔮👻

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Paranormal Mystery
• Amateur Sleuth
• Grandmother's Ghost
• Magical Shop
• Small Town Setting
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: December 1, 2026
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
I was really excited to read this book considering we are almost into spooky season and I have read many books with this same bookcover style, cozy murder mystery and a person that can see ghosts. I love this type of book but I will say one of the things that I did not love about this book was the language.. wow it is absolutely disgusting language.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much, Netgalley, for sending me the eARC of this book, I loved it!

There is something incredibly comforting about a cozy mystery set in a quirky little town, especially when you add ghosts, a grumpy cat, a struggling little shop, a handsome love interest, and a grandmother who refuses to let death stop her from giving unsolicited advice. This story had all of those elements, and honestly, that combination was hard for me to resist.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to Birdie Briscoe. She is not the typical confident, gifted heroine you might expect from a story centered around a psychic shop. In fact, Birdie is almost the opposite. She has inherited Happy Medium, a shop filled with crystals, tarot cards, and all things mystical, but she herself has no apparent psychic abilities. While everyone around her seems to have some kind of supernatural gift, Birdie has spent much of her life believing that she simply missed out.

That aspect of her character really stood out to me because, beneath all the paranormal elements, Birdie's story is actually about self-doubt and the fear that there is nothing extraordinary about you. She is struggling not only to keep her grandmother's shop alive but also to figure out who she is without constantly comparing herself to the people around her.

And then comes Leo.

Birdie's grandmother Leonora is probably one of my favorite parts of the story. The fact that she returns as a ghost and is still just as opinionated, interfering, and full of advice as she was in life adds such a wonderful layer of humor and emotion. I loved the idea of a grandmother who refuses to let something as insignificant as death keep her from meddling in her granddaughter's life!

Her relationship with Birdie gives the paranormal aspect of the story a surprisingly emotional heart. Leo isn't simply there to help solve a murder. She represents Birdie's connection to her past, her family, and the legacy she has inherited. Through Leo, Birdie is also forced to confront some of the things she has been avoiding about herself.

The murder mystery gives the story its momentum. When Birdie's friend Sierra is found murdered after a devastating nor'easter, the cozy little world of Consternation Springs suddenly becomes much darker. What I enjoyed was that the supernatural elements weren't simply decorative. The ghosts actually become part of the investigation, creating a really fun twist on the traditional cozy mystery format.

Birdie suddenly finding herself surrounded by ghosts who have opinions, information, and unfinished business made the investigation both entertaining and unpredictable. There is something wonderfully amusing about a heroine who didn't even believe she had a gift suddenly realizing that the dead may have quite a lot to say to her.

I also enjoyed the small-town setting. Consternation Springs feels like one of those fictional places where everyone knows everyone, everyone has an opinion about everyone else, and secrets are practically part of the local architecture. The quirky characters, supernatural atmosphere, coastal setting, and eccentric shop create exactly the kind of cozy environment I look for when I want an entertaining escape.

And then there is Finn Avery.

I particularly appreciated that the romance doesn't completely take over the mystery. Finn is there as a supportive presence and adds warmth to Birdie's journey without making the entire story revolve around their relationship. Their connection feels grounded and down-to-earth, which works beautifully against the more fantastical elements of the plot.

The romance also gives Birdie another reason to step outside the protective little world she has created for herself. Watching her gradually become more confident—not just romantically, but personally—was one of the most satisfying aspects of the story.

What ultimately makes this book more than just a fun paranormal mystery for me is its underlying message about being ready to discover the person you were always meant to become.

Birdie spends so much time believing that she doesn't have a gift because she doesn't experience it in the same way as everyone else. Her journey reminded me that sometimes we are so busy looking for what we think we are supposed to have that we fail to recognize what is already inside us.

I loved that the story connects supernatural abilities with emotional growth. Birdie's gift isn't simply a convenient plot device for solving a murder. It becomes part of her journey toward accepting herself and her connection to her family.

The combination of murder mystery + ghosts + grandmotherly interference + small-town eccentricity + romance + personal discovery makes this a very enjoyable cozy read. It has enough mystery to keep you guessing, enough humor to keep things light, and enough emotional depth to make the characters feel more meaningful than simple archetypes.

And I have to mention the geriatric cat with an attitude because any cozy mystery featuring an old, grumpy cat automatically gets bonus points from me. The cat fits perfectly into the eccentric atmosphere of Happy Medium and adds another little bit of personality to Birdie's world.

Overall, this was the kind of story I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy paranormal cozies but don't necessarily want something frightening or overly dark. The ghosts are mysterious rather than terrifying, the romance is sweet and grounded, and the mystery provides enough intrigue without losing the comforting atmosphere that makes cozy mysteries so addictive.

What I loved most was that beneath all the ghosts and murder, this is ultimately a story about family, belonging, grief, courage, and learning to trust yourself.

Birdie begins the story convinced that she has been left without the one thing that seems to define everyone around her. By the end, her journey suggests something much more beautiful: sometimes the thing we think we are missing is simply something we haven't learned how to recognize yet.

A charming, quirky, atmospheric paranormal cozy with a lovable heroine, an unforgettable ghostly grandmother, a sweet romance, and just the right amount of mystery. If you enjoy small-town cozies with a supernatural twist, this one definitely deserves a place on your reading list.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I have two main impressions of this read, depending on whether you’re someone who reads for the vibes or tends to be more fixated on the technical writing. I’ve been trying to focus more on the overall vibes of a book rather than whether every little thing is technically “correct,” but this one left me a bit split.

I was thrilled to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio, as this cozy paranormal mystery was just what I needed right now. And it absolutely delivered on the vibes! It’s cute and quirky, with characters you can’t help but root for, and there’s a certain comfort in its predictable plot. It’s fairly easy to figure out the culprit, and there really isn’t anything particularly surprising along the way. Honestly, I find enjoyment in that because sometimes you just want to turn your brain off and go along for the ride without having to work too hard for it.

The ghostly paranormal element is endearing and makes this a great choice for anyone wanting to dip their toes into “spooky season” reading without venturing into anything too scary. While the paranormal aspect isn’t explored all that much, there’s also a touch of romance woven in, making this a genre mashup that I think will satisfy quite a few readers.

On the flip side, when I started paying closer attention to the actual prose, the experience wasn’t nearly as successful. The incessant dialogue tags became overwhelming and distracting, to the point where every conversation pulled me out of the story. Nearly every line of dialogue was followed by “he said,” “she said,” “Amber replied,” and so on. There was no real variation, and the repetition became hard to ignore. Setting aside the fact that so many of these tags simply weren’t needed, they also weren’t adding any context, emotion, or depth to the dialogue itself. If this were a new author, I might be inclined to give it a little more grace, but that isn’t the case here. Having read several of Noblin’s previous works, I know this isn’t typical of her writing, which unfortunately made me hyperfocus on it even more.

Ultimately, I tried to drown it out as best I could and found myself wondering whether the editor might be partly to blame. Perhaps, given that this was the author’s last work, the editor didn’t want to make too many changes? I honestly don’t know, but I can tell you that as a reader, I shouldn’t be sitting here pondering these things instead of enjoying the story. And yes, I realize I’m being a bit hyperfixated on this particular issue, but it genuinely impacted my experience and took away from my overall enjoyment.

There were also quite a few aspects of the story that felt rather thin and would have benefited from a little more attention and development, although unfortunately, that wasn’t something that could be addressed at this point. That being said, I absolutely loved the setting! While it wasn’t overly descriptive, I could feel the New England atmosphere coming through in the characters’ behaviors and the little contextual clues sprinkled throughout. You see why I’m so torn! There’s so much about this book that worked for me, but there were also things that kept pulling me out of the experience.

As I mentioned, I read this in audiobook format, narrated by Caroline Hewitt, who did a fabulous job. Her pacing is comfortable at 1x speed, but the narration also holds up really well when sped up without losing her tone or clarity. The production is well done, too, with a smooth overall experience and none of those noticeable edits that can sometimes pull you out of an audiobook. Hewitt also does a stellar job with her male voices and differentiating between the various characters, and her voice felt age- and tone-appropriate for the FMC, Birdie Briscoe.

I will say, though, that while the audiobook itself is excellent, the format makes those repetitive dialogue tags even more noticeable. Hearing “he said” and “she replied” over and over again made it much harder to tune them out. For readers who tend to focus more on the technical side of writing, I’d actually suggest the ebook or physical edition, as it may be easier to skim past those tags and stay immersed in the story.

So, if you’re someone who can get lost in the cozy vibes of a story and isn’t too concerned with picking apart the writing, this really is a fun read. If you’re the type of reader who tends to notice and fixate on the technical details, you may find some aspects more frustrating, but I still think there’s enough here to make it worth giving a chance. It really is as simple as that. This one just reminded me that sometimes a book can deliver exactly the experience you’re craving while still leaving you wishing a few things had been done differently.

[Nikita ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy

I absolutely LOVED this book! It is the perfect cosy, magical, wholesome read for autumn!

Birdie is a young woman living in Consternation Springs, a small town on the East Coast. She believes herself to be pretty ordinary, which is not ideal when she inherits her grandmother's shop who was anything but ordinary. Consternation Springs is known for having residents who have special "gifts" and Birdie's grandmother, Leo, was a renowned psychic. It was expected that Birdie would develop the gift when she was a young child, but sadly this never happened. Having lost her parents at a young age, Leo was the only family Birdie knew and with her gone, Birdie has never felt more lost. As she desperately tries to keep the shop afloat, one of her closest friends is found murdered just a few shops along from her own. As if she didn't already have enough going on, Leo suddenly appears as a ghost in the shop one afternoon and an extremely handsome chef opens up a restaurant across the street. Now Birdie has to tackle a new psychic ability, her head strong grandmother's ghost and an unexpected crush all while trying to solve her friend's murder!

This is exactly the kind of book I wanted to read as we go into September! I love anything with witchy vibes, and while this book was a little bit more subtle, I still enjoyed the plot and the magic. Birdie is not a perfect character, but that is what makes her so relatable. She is fiery and spontaneous and doesn't always listen to the advice given by others, but she is also quick to apologise when she is wrong and will stand up for people she loves. I really loved the different relationships in this book. Normally I don't really like insta-lust, but while Birdie and Finn found each other instantly attractive, I liked that their relationship took time to build. Lucy, Finn's daughter, is a typical moody teenager, and I love how she slowly comes out of her shell as the story progresses. It is also nice to see how her relationship with her dad and Birdie evolves throughout the book. How could I possibly write a review without mentioning Leo?! She was my favourite character, with her wit and hilarious dialogue. I could clearly picture her popping up at random times and surprising Birdie, while then also giving her the advice she needed. The actual murder mystery part of the book was fun and an added layer to the story. It was fairly predictable as to who the murderer was, but that was what I was expecting going into this book.

A very fun, cosy and cute book! I would definitely recommend it to people who love books like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna or Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions regarding this book are my own

[Just Blue Through Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of A Happier Medium by Annie England Noblin. And thank you to to Annie's family for moving forward with the publication of this delightful novel following Annie's passing; I'm sorry that there won't be more books in the town of Consternation Springs.

This is a very cute, very cozy paranormal mystery. England Noblin adds a bit of an edge to the usual formula with a romance that is very much on the page and a little bit spicy, while also allowing her characters to swear a bit more than we normally see in this genre. It was a refreshing way of reading about another charming town and I think gave it a bit more character and a bit more of a modern vibe. I also liked the premise of the town being full of thieves and mystics as a historical framing.

The book description is very much on track with the actual story, so I won't try and rewrite it for readers. I will say England Noblin juggles multiple storylines -- a developing romance, solving a murder, running the town fair/town council issues, searching for lost treasure, training a teenage helper, dealing with a newfound gift of talking to ghosts -- really well, and the story flows easily. The murder isn't so much a major mystery and can be solved fairly early, as can the location of the gold, but I don't believe the mysteries are meant to be the main plots and a lot more is built around Birdie herself and her journey to accepting her place in Consternation Point and creating a life she feels comfortable in.

I do wish there had been a bit more about the exact nature of the paranormal gifts of the town - we learn about Leo and we see a power develop for Birdie, but we don't see a lot of magic outside of the two of them even though it is said that the town has many people with gifts. I wonder if maybe that would have been a development for future novels or something else, but knowing a bit more about town gifts instead of the town fair and seeing Birdie work to develop her gift and what she could do with it overall would have been really cool (I really liked Meg Cabot's The Mediator series as a teenager, so I can't seem to let go always wanting that same gift and feeling from any book with a protagonist who is interacting with ghosts).

Overall a very cute novel, and one that is both humorous and a bit whimsical, while also talking through some darker topics and the loss of a family member. It's a great addition to the genre.

[Lili's Book Notes · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Are you okay, honey? You're as pale as a ghost." A ghost, a ghost. Okay, so she was the only one who could see her dead grandmother sitting tacitly in the chair. Wait, was she smiling at her?”

A Happier Medium is set in Consternation Springs, a town filled with spirituality. The story follows Birdie, who at first seems like an ordinary woman running a small local shop, until she discovers that she can see and communicate with her grandmother's ghost. 👻

Although a murder does take place in the book, it happens around a third of the way in. I didn't mind this at all, as it gave me plenty of time to settle into Consternation Springs, get to know the characters and become invested in the town before the mystery really got going.

The interactions between all the characters felt very natural. Although the book touches upon the loss of loved ones, this was handled with a lovely sensitivity. Overall, there was a wonderful warmth to the relationships throughout the book, which added so much to the cosy feeling. I also loved the idea of having a grandparent's ghost there to guide you when you need them most — I would have loved that kind of guidance myself. 💛

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the way the chapters moved between Finn and Birdie. Having each chapter clearly tell you whose thoughts you were following made the different perspectives really easy to keep track of. There are also several storylines developing alongside each other, but they never felt confusing or overwhelming. I enjoyed seeing the different threads unfold and gradually come together.

I found myself wishing there had been more room to explore Birdie’s gift and the wider world of Consternation Springs. There was so much potential in both, and I could easily have imagined this becoming a wonderful series, with more time to see Birdie discover and develop her abilities and to explore the town and its unique spiritual traditions. Knowing that this was the author’s final novel makes me especially appreciate the glimpse we were given into this world, although I would have happily spent more time there.

Overall, A Happier Medium was a charming, cosy and enjoyable read, with likeable characters, several easy-to-follow storylines, a touch of mystery and a lovely balance of humour and emotion.


Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Annie England Noblin and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Minor spoilers below.

Favourite tropes:
- Witchy small town vibes - why aren’t there more small towns obsessed with witchcraft and spirits in real life?
- Cosy murder mystery - at no point did I feel stressed for the survival of the main characters (which is what I want from this genre)
- Ancient cat who almost definitely isn’t actually a cat

This short and sweet book is perfect as the days get shorter and blankets become an essential item. The story contains two POVs - Birdie and Finn. Birdie owns a shop in Consternation Springs selling tarot cards and other mystical items. It once belonged to her grandmother, who had a talent for communicating with spirits which Birdie distinctly lacks, leaving her feeling lost. Meanwhile Finn is new in town having decided to open a restaurant in a building that has been in his family for generations. Conveniently, his restaurant is right across the road from Birdie’s shop! I wonder what will happen next…

Accompanied by a whole host of characters and Barf the cat (who is older than anyone can remember), the duo are drawn into a murder mystery. As the tension between Birdie and Finn grows, town secrets are revealed and the identity of the killer is unveiled, with the help of a ghost or two.

I would classify the book as ‘easy to read’. It’s easy to pick it up when you have a few minutes to read and while there were a few different storylines, it was a light, entertaining read. However, there were possibly too many plot points for such a short book, which meant that some of the minor plot points felt somewhat underdeveloped. Overall, the steady pacing and storyline kept me entertained throughout.

There are some really touching moments, touching on themes of grief and loneliness. In particular, the ending is heartwarming and a beautiful way to wrap up the story.

[Shanley McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books you enjoy, and then there are books that completely pull you into their world. Happier Medium was one of those reads for me.
From the moment I stepped into this charming small town, I wanted to wander every street, browse every quirky shop, and stay just a little longer. The setting felt so vivid that it became a character all on its own.
Birdie was such an easy heroine to root for. Coming from a family with a long history of seeing ghosts, discovering her own abilities later in life turns her world upside down. When a friend's murder leaves her searching for answers, the mystery unfolds with just the right balance of intrigue, heart, and humor.
Finn was everything I love in a romantic lead. A devoted single dad and chef preparing to open his restaurant in a historic family building, he brought so much warmth to the story. Watching his relationship with Birdie develop felt natural, and his daughter Lucy completely stole my heart. Their growing friendship added an extra layer of sweetness that made this story even more memorable.
This book blends paranormal mystery, romance, and small-town charm so effortlessly that I found myself completely immersed. I could picture every storefront, every conversation, and every ghostly encounter. It's the kind of story that makes you wish the town was real so you could visit for yourself.
If you love cozy small towns, lovable characters, a touch of the supernatural, and romances that leave you smiling, this is one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Mikeilla reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin my review, I want to express my deepest condolences to Annie's family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing her final story with us. I hope the book brings comfort to the many readers who will need it.

This is great pick-me-up book after stressful days at work.

I have to admit that I chose the book mainly for the cover and title and just skimmed over the blurb. By the time I started reading, I completely forgot that it's a ghostly murder mystery. So imagine my surprise when it happened and the investigation started. It didn't add much to the experience for me because the "mystery" was very on the nose and even in cozy fantasy I would like to keep guessing at least for a while.

If we were to remove the murder from the book and instead spend more time exploring Birdie's powers and her relationships, it would've been a 5 star read for me.

The characters are nicely detailed with their own voices. I especially loved the character of Leo and her connection with Barf.

There is some slight spice, which I didn't mind because I'm used to more explicit scenes in my books, but it could throw someone off since it's not mentioned in the blurb and I think most people wouldn't expect it from such a book.

Overall, I had a great time and closer to the publication date I will add it to my book recommendations because it is a great pick for a wide group of readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Happier Medium is an utterly charming paranormal cozy that blends small‑town eccentricity, ghostly guidance, and a touch of romance into a story that’s just plain fun to sink into. Birdie Briscoe is the kind of heroine you root for immediately — she’s trying to keep her grandmother’s psychic shop alive despite having zero actual psychic ability, and her mix of determination and self‑doubt feels wonderfully real.

Consternation Springs is full of personality, and the book makes great use of its mystical reputation. When Birdie’s grandmother Leo shows up as a very opinionated ghost, the story really finds its stride. Leo’s commentary is sharp, funny, and full of love, and watching Birdie navigate her suddenly very crowded supernatural world is delightful. The murder mystery that follows the nor’easter adds just enough tension to keep the pages turning, but never overshadows the warmth at the heart of the story.

The romance with Finn is sweet and grounded — a nice counterbalance to all the ghostly chaos — and Birdie’s gradual discovery of her own gifts gives the book a lovely emotional thread. It’s ultimately a story about stepping into who you were meant to be, even if it takes a few spirits to nudge you there.

Light, cozy, and full of charm, A Happier Medium is a delightful read for anyone who loves their mysteries with heart, humour, and a sprinkle of the supernatural.

With thanks to Annie England Nobin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quirky, cute, and full of heart! I loved spending time in Consternation Springs with Birdie, her opinionated grandmother's ghost, and the wonderfully eccentric characters who made this little town feel so special.

This is definitely a true cozy mystery. The stakes never felt particularly high, but honestly, they didn't need to. The friendships, found family, humor, and supernatural elements carried the story beautifully. Sometimes you just want a mystery that makes you smile, and this one absolutely delivered!

I was actually a little sad when I finished because I would have loved to see these characters return in a series.

Then I reached the author's note and learned that Annie England Noblin had tragically passed away earlier this year following injuries sustained in a car accident. It completely caught me off guard and made finishing such a lovely book incredibly bittersweet.

Afterward, I learned that her novel Christmas in Blue Dog Valley has been adapted into a Hallmark Christmas movie, premiering **November 21 at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel**! 🎄❤️

I wanted to share that here because if you enjoy this book as much as I did, there's another wonderful way to celebrate Annie's stories and the legacy she leaves behind.

A beautiful reminder that while an author's life may end far too soon, the stories they create can continue bringing joy to readers and viewers for years to come. ❤️

[Corinne Soares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy little mystery has so many of my favorite things: magical realism, found family, small town charm, and, of course, a murder mystery!

Birdie has inherited her late grandmother's psychic shop in the quirky town of Consternation Springs. There's just one problem: Birdie doesn't seem to have any psychic abilities of her own. But when her grandmother's ghost makes an unexpected appearance and a local woman is murdered, Birdie finds herself navigating some newfound abilities while trying to unravel the mystery.

I listened to this one and found it to be a cozy, easygoing read. While I did predict whodunnit, I still enjoyed watching the mystery unfold. The found family and relationships were some of my favorite parts of the story, adding a really sweet and heartwarming element.

There are also some thoughtful themes surrounding grief and the different ways people process loss. I especially appreciated how Birdie's journey toward accepting her magical abilities was woven together with her experience of grieving her grandmother.

Overall, a charming, cozy mystery with a little magic, a little murder, and a lot of heart. A great pick for readers who enjoy their mysteries on the lighter side!

I was saddened to hear that the author passed away earlier this year and am honored to have read her final book. May she rest in peace.

Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Alexis Prieto · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Happier Medium was such a quirky, entertaining read! It blends mystery, humor, and the paranormal into a story that kept me smiling from beginning to end.

The main character has no idea she has the ability to see and communicate with the dead until strange events start unfolding around her. As she begins to understand her gift, she finds herself using it to help solve a crime in her small town. I loved watching her grow into her abilities while trying to navigate a world that suddenly became much stranger than she ever imagined.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the interaction between the characters with supernatural gifts and those without them. Their conversations and reactions created plenty of funny, heartfelt, and believable moments. The ghosts themselves were another highlight—they weren't scary, but instead were charming, sympathetic, and full of personality. I found myself genuinely caring about their stories.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, lovable characters, a touch of humor, and ghosts that are more heartwarming than haunting, A Happier Medium is definitely worth picking up. It was a fun, lighthearted escape with just the right amount of mystery and magic.

Publication Date: December 1, 2026
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Melanie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Happier Medium is cozy, funny, and just spooky enough to keep things interesting. Birdie Briscoe is trying to keep the psychic shop she inherited from her grandmother afloat despite having no psychic abilities of her own. Then her grandmother’s ghost appears, a friend is murdered after a nor’easter, and suddenly Birdie can see spirits everywhere. It is a fun paranormal mystery with a surprisingly tender center.

I have a real soft spot for cozy mysteries, especially when they come with a quirky small town and an unusual shop, so Consternation Springs worked for me immediately. I also liked Birdie’s relationship with her grandmother Leo. Even as a ghost, Leo is opinionated, interfering, and very invested in Birdie’s life, including the handsome man renovating the tavern across the street.

The murder gives the story structure, but I enjoyed Birdie slowly realizing that the ability she thought had skipped her may have been there all along just as much. The ghosts, geriatric cat, romance, and small-town eccentricity all fit together nicely without overwhelming the mystery. Knowing that Annie England Noblin passed away before the book’s publication also made reading what appears to be her final novel feel especially bittersweet.

My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.

[Jessica Tedesco · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley and brilliance publishing for this ALC of A Happier Medium.

This story follows Birdie who has inherited her grandmothers psychic medium shop in a small town known for it's openess to the spirit world. Birdie develops her families power to speak to spirits just as someone in the town is brutally murdered. Birdie uses her new powers to find out more details and hopefully uncover the murderer. During this time Birdie is developing a budding relationship with Finn who has inherited his family's tavern across the road from Birdie's shop. The spirits have endless secrets, hidden treasures, murder clues and a taste for late 90s Britney Spears.

This book was a fun, light hearted cozy mystery meets romance novel. I loved the premise of a psychic medium investigating murders. (In fact I've been hunting for more books with this premise!). The characters were lovable including the ghosts, Leo was curmudgeonly and sassy which I loved. I also really loved Lucy and Olives friendship. I do think this book suffered a little bit of an identity crisis. It felt like it couldn't decide between being a romance book or a cosy mystery and in turn we didn't get to dive into either deep enough to flesh out either storyline and get invested.
That aside, overall this story was entertaining and sweet and a unique premise that I appreciate a lot!

[Kim L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy paranormal mystery filled with ghosts, romance, humor, and so much heart.

Birdie inherits her grandmother's psychic shop despite not believing she has any psychic abilities until her grandmother comes back as a ghost with plenty of opinions. From there, the story becomes a charming mix of solving a murder, discovering hidden gifts, falling in love, and finding the courage to embrace who you really are.

What I loved most wasn't actually the mystery; it was the emotional depth. Beneath all the quirky small-town charm and ghostly fun is a beautiful story about grief, family, and moving forward after loss. I laughed throughout the book, but it also caught me completely off guard with how emotional it became.

After I finished reading, I learned that Annie England Noblin passed away just months before, which made this story feel even more meaningful. I'm incredibly grateful that her family and publisher shared this final novel with readers.

If you love cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, lovable characters, found family, and a sweet romance, I absolutely recommend picking this one up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC!
Pub. date: Dec. 1st 2026
#AHappierMedium #NetGalley

[Renelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐

Thank you to Lake Union and Annie England Noblin for the ARC of A Happier Medium!

Consternation Springs and its community gave me an overview of a small town where everyone knows anyone and everyone, but no one knows who's behind the tragedy that befalls them. Birdie, the book's protagonist, goes through multiple issues all at once while ultimately facing an acceptance of her destiny. It sounds such a large and serious story arc, and it was written beautifully for a cozy mystery.

This was such a nice read for me. Nothing too heavy. What I appreciated was that other themes such as love, acceptance, and loss were tossed in creatively -- enough for the readers to feel sympathy but not deep enough that the vibes derailed from the book's intended genre.

Was quite surprised with the romance where I kindaaaa felt like I was reading light smut but otherwise everything was cohesive! The book was funny in several parts and honestly I enjoyed reading this while tucked in a blanket or in a corner somewhere.

I loved the final chapter about Barf and Leo - finally shedding light on some of the details you might've just shrugged off but actually have cute back stories!

[Kelly · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A Happier Medium, by Annie England Noblin is a cozy paranormal mystery set in the town of Consternation Springs, MA. Birdie Briscoe's grandmother, Leo, was a famous medium. Unfortunately, Birdie doesn't seem to have inherited her gifts, which typically manifest in childhood, so the store Leo founded, Happy Medium, is on the brink of bankruptcy. However, it turns out Birdie is just a late bloomer, and Leo's ghost suddenly appears to her. Birdie is stunned at this turn of events, but when her friend Sierra is murdered, she wonders if her ability to see and talk to ghosts will help solve the crime.

Across the street from Birdie's shop is a restaurant owned by Finn Avery, a descendant of the founder of the town and a widower with a teen daughter who is hoping for a fresh start. Finn doesn't believe in the supernatural, but there is definite chemistry between him and Birdie, and he becomes an ally in her quest to solve her friend's murder.

The book keeps a good pace, the characters are fun, and the dialogue is snappy. It is a little predictable, but it is still an enjoyable, feel-good read. Plus, there is a cat named Barf who is likely much more than just a cat, and he is a great character, too!

Sadly, the author died in May of this year. I would have enjoyed reading more about these characters.

[Mihaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC, and the late Annie England Noblin for writing, and her family for going forward with publishing it.

My rating: 4.5⭐️

A cozy, feel-good book about death, grief, found-family and love. Even the ghosts don't take away from the vibe, but add more of a 'Casper, the friendly ghost' feeling to the book.
It's gentle with the problems arising in its plot, making sure not to put its characters to the wringer. And sometimes, a book needs just that to be a good read.

All the descriptions about the shops made me want to be there, to enter each shop and see the mystical and weird stuff they offer, and maybe go for goat yoga during festivals. It was a relaxing read, and I am sure the author would have added more books after this one, to show us more ghosts and their requests.

A lovely read for sure, will have to check her other published books as well. May the author get the afterlife she wanted according to her beliefs.

[Mishkaat ‎♡‧₊˚✧ ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა ✧˚₊‧♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a straight-up good mix of a cozy, warm setting, friendships, found family vibes, and a bond, along with a murder mystery. As simple as that.
First of all... the cat’s name? It's so fun and unique; I laughed every time it was mentioned. So I love that little detail. Secondly, sassy, witty characters are my absolute fav to read, maybe because I consider myself a little like this as well. The grandmother?? Immediate fav character. She’s a vibrant and sarcastic personality. And the banter between our FMC and her grandmother was so funny to read. Their different personalities shone through, and it was so wholesome to see a friendship-like relationship between the two.
The cast of characters in general are very sweet, cozy, and wholesome to read. The little town vibes, like Gilmore Girls but make it more magical and witchy.
I did find out who the culprit was quite easily, but even then, since the story's well-written, it wasn't boring at all for me.
I recommend this for a light read.
#AHappierMedium
#NetGalley

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh such a bitter sweet read. My first book by this author and so sad that she tragically died recently. I seemed to spend half of May shouting at men overtaking cars and driving straight towards me, to see she was killed in a car accident is just so sad. Sadly enough the book has characters who loose loved ones and how that impacts on them.
The main female character sees ghosts, the main male character is a widow most of the chapters are told from their perspective with one each for his daughter and her grandmother. It is a romance set in an occult town. It reminds me a bit of Glastonbury in the uk. I would say this book is set in America with a definite flavour of this, some words I thought were typos were actually American words I just didn’t know. Whilst it is a romance it’s also a mystery, at times I thought it would get scary so didn’t read before bed but actually it was more suspenseful than scary.
There is some explicit sex which is within a loving relationship, there is not a lot of this focus is more on building the characters and the story.
If you love a romance and a spooky mystery I think this is a very enjoyable book. I think the author could have written more books in this setting. I am going to look for more by this author. I think the cat Barf, might be one of my favourite cats in a book. Oh I also forgot I loved the people complaining about the goats peeing on them during yoga. I definitely found some parts of the book laugh out loud! 🐐

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

[kasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cozy read. I couldn’t put this book down - I stopped at chapter five on Thursday and finished the rest of it today. I would have very much devoured this in one sitting if only I weren’t so busy.

The characters were so quirky, funny, and lovable! Their dynamics between each other were pretty amazing. The themes were in the discourse of grief, the aftermath of loss, and healing. Plus the romance subplot between Birdie and Finn was pretty great too!! The banter was done just right.

Though the mystery aspect shown in the latter parts wasn’t that deep, it was compelling enough as it gave more exposure to how capable Birdie’s ability was, plus her takeaways from it. I wonder how it would turn out for me to have her ability, but I’m a bit scaredy-cat, so I’m not sure about that. Anw I was overall entertained, so that really closes the case for me.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this arc!

[Jeanna Medlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Happier Medium is a fun, emotional cozy mystery that perfectly balances humor, heart, and a little supernatural intrigue. Birdie Briscoe inherits her grandmother’s psychic shop while struggling with grief and self-doubt—and then discovers she’s not only surrounded by ghosts, but that they may have a lot to say. When a storm leads to the discovery of a dead body in Consternation Springs, Birdie finds herself pulled into a mystery where the ghosts become an unexpected and valuable part of the investigation.

I loved watching Birdie grow into herself and learn to trust her instincts. I also appreciated Finn, who supports Birdie without taking over the story or becoming the main focus. Their relationship feels refreshing and balanced.

With its memorable ghosts, small-town charm, humor, and emotional depth, A Happier Medium is a cozy mystery with plenty of heart.

Thank you to Annie England Noblin, NetGalley, and the publisher for this copy to review.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ARC Review~

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this arc.

A Happier Medium is a paranormal contemporary romance and cozy murder mystery. I mean, say no more, I’m in! And it was just so good!

✦ small town
✦ shop owners
✦ ghosts/spirits
✦ single dad

I really loved the characters in this book, especially Birdie and Finn. I liked the dual POV and how we heard the story from both of their points of view. We also had two chapters with two other characters POV towards the end which I also liked!

I also liked the shorter chapters and I would fly through them because I just wanted to see what happened next- I couldn’t get enough! There was a lot going on to keep my attention and interest, yes even a treasure hunt! But the story was very easy to follow.

Overall I found this to be such a cozy and whimsical read and I would recommend it!

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then make sure to check it out when it’s published on December 1st!

[Cristina Mia · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Cozy small town romance, with an addition of playful banter, a pinch of mystery and a spoonful of supernatural? A HAPPIER MEDIUM was the perfect October read.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC, which exceeded my expectations

The writing is simple and flowing, with enough hints along the way to keep the reader captivated and curious about where the plot is going.
The plot is somewhat predictable, but it’s the kind of predictability that one enjoys and finds comforting. Nevertheless, the journey to unveil the story is paved with hilarious, blushy, hot-ish moments.

The characters are all adorable, and their conversations had me giggling throughout the whole book.
I absolutely adored A happier medium. It was a page turner, and I loved how everything tied together.
Hallmark, do your thing and make this a movie already.

On a side note, sincere condolences to the family of Annie England Noblin, who tragically passed away this year.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and entertaining five-star read. This was my first read by this author, but I enjoyed it so much that I do plan on going back to check out their back catalogue, I am only sorry I didn’t find them sooner. I love how Birdie and Leo play off against each other and spark so much it lights the page up. Birdie was a delight, watching her as she comes to terms with her gift, just made me smile so much, and figuring the real story with Barf, that was like an added cherry on top of the Shirley temple. This was a great story that felt wrapped up in the end, and I loved that. I know this is one that will come to mind when people ask for a good story that will make them smile. I hope the author will be sat watching over those she loves and enjoying watching them grow and love after such sadness.

[Abookaday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birdie has spent the last two years trying to keep her late grandmother Leo’s mystical shop, Happy Medium, running, but she can’t shake the feeling she’s letting her grandmother’s legacy down. When chef Finn Avery moves to Consternation Springs with his teenage daughter, Lucy, to reopen his family’s tavern, sparks fly between him and Birdie, while Birdie helps Lucy adjust to her new life.

After a heated town meeting, a local shop owner is found dead, and Birdie’s world gets even stranger when Leo’s ghost suddenly appears. Soon she realizes she can see more than just her grandmother’s spirit, and she’s determined to solve the murder.

This was such a fun cozy mystery with charming characters, a touch of romance, plenty of laughs, and just the right amount of magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something exciting about reading an author’s first book; I hadn’t considered what it’d be like reading someone’s last. I didn't realize this until I reached the end and read the Acknowledgements and author bio, and while it probably shouldn't impact the reading experience, I nevertheless felt saddened by it.

Much of this book is fairly predictable: who killed Sierra, where the lost gold is, how Birdie and Finn come together. It felt like there could be more for each element: more detail about the cozy small town, more about Barf, more development of Sierra. The romance element in particular is a bit thin, with general placeholders of “there’s just something about him/her!” doing some heavy lifting. But it's a quick, enjoyable read, and there’s often beauty in the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.

[An · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to the author's family and to her loved ones. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

This is a cosy paranormal mystery mixed in with some romance, a hint of murder, and some sprinkles of fun moments. Although the murder mystery was predictable, Birdie's journey in solving the murder was the best part of the book. I loved all of the different people from Birdie, to Leo, to Finn, and the other characters mentioned. Even the ghosts were great. I liked that each character had a pretty distinct personality as well. Their interactions truly gave me the feel of a tight knit community. While the book could get serious at times, there were moments that made me laugh.

The development between Birdie and Finn was good and natural. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop from simply being friends to becoming something more. Just a slight heads up for those who prefer to not read any spicy things: there is some slight spice although it was kept short so you can easily skip these scenes without it affecting too much of the plot. The murder mystery itself was also mild enough to keep readers invested in knowing more but not made too intense that you get intimidated or frightened from reading further.

Overall, the entire book was kept lighthearted with hints of paranormal activity, romance and cosy mystery. Consternation Springs brought about a charm that would entice readers to continue reading. This is a great book to read and unwind with after a long day at work.