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Well, Sh*t
Jo McKenna didn’t even know nipple hair was a thing until she hit fifty. Now it’s a full-time job managing the ecosystem.
One minute she’s shaving her left areola, the next she’s identifying her best friend’s dead husband at the Byron Bay morgue. Awkward, but survivable. Or it would’ve been—if Jo hadn’t buried the bastard in the bush the day before.
Gary Wilson, being the inconsiderate prick he always was, doesn’t stay buried. Instead, he turns up sprawled across a public beach like an unwanted Deliveroo order—very much dead, and very much not where Jo left him.
Now Jo’s neck-deep in suspicion, secrets, and one increasingly attractive homicide detective who really needs to stop showing up with his rolled sleeves and ridiculous forearms.
Detective Sergeant Nate Callahan doesn’t do small-town drama. Or chaotic suspects with smart mouths and a talent for misdirection.
But something about Jo McKenna has his instincts on high alert. She’s hiding something—and he’d bet good money she’d do just about anything to protect her best friend. Even murder.
As threats escalate and the attraction between them simmers dangerously close to boiling point, Jo has to uncover who really killed Gary before someone decides she’s the next problem that needs eliminating.
Well, Sh*t is a Midlife Murder Rom-Com — a laugh-out-loud mystery with a side of grumpy/sunshine romance, menopausal chaos, and the kind of friendship that brings a shovel without asking questions.
One minute she’s shaving her left areola, the next she’s identifying her best friend’s dead husband at the Byron Bay morgue. Awkward, but survivable. Or it would’ve been—if Jo hadn’t buried the bastard in the bush the day before.
Gary Wilson, being the inconsiderate prick he always was, doesn’t stay buried. Instead, he turns up sprawled across a public beach like an unwanted Deliveroo order—very much dead, and very much not where Jo left him.
Now Jo’s neck-deep in suspicion, secrets, and one increasingly attractive homicide detective who really needs to stop showing up with his rolled sleeves and ridiculous forearms.
Detective Sergeant Nate Callahan doesn’t do small-town drama. Or chaotic suspects with smart mouths and a talent for misdirection.
But something about Jo McKenna has his instincts on high alert. She’s hiding something—and he’d bet good money she’d do just about anything to protect her best friend. Even murder.
As threats escalate and the attraction between them simmers dangerously close to boiling point, Jo has to uncover who really killed Gary before someone decides she’s the next problem that needs eliminating.
Well, Sh*t is a Midlife Murder Rom-Com — a laugh-out-loud mystery with a side of grumpy/sunshine romance, menopausal chaos, and the kind of friendship that brings a shovel without asking questions.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2026
About the author
Jane Hinchey
109 books948 followersJane Hinchey is an Australian author of paranormal cozy mysteries and contemporary romance. She is best known for the Ghost Detective series, featuring small-town secrets, snarky heroines, and a touch of the supernatural. Her books blend mystery, humour, and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 10, 2026
Well, Sh*t
by Jane Hinchey
Synopsis /
Jo McKenna didn’t even know nipple hair was a thing until she hit fifty. Now it’s a full-time job managing the ecosystem.
One minute she’s shaving her left areola, the next she’s identifying her best friend’s dead husband at the Byron Bay morgue. Awkward, but survivable. Or it would’ve been—if Jo hadn’t buried the bastard in the bush the day before.
Gary Wilson, being the inconsiderate prick he always was, doesn’t stay buried. Instead, he turns up sprawled across a public beach like an unwanted Deliveroo order—very much dead, and very much not where Jo left him.
Now Jo’s neck-deep in suspicion, secrets, and one increasingly attractive homicide detective who really needs to stop showing up with his rolled sleeves and ridiculous forearms.
Detective Sergeant Nate Callahan doesn’t do small-town drama. Or chaotic suspects with smart mouths and a talent for misdirection.
But something about Jo McKenna has his instincts on high alert. She’s hiding something—and he’d bet good money she’d do just about anything to protect her best friend. Even murder.
As threats escalate and the attraction between them simmers dangerously close to boiling point, Jo has to uncover who really killed Gary before someone decides she’s the next problem that needs eliminating.
My Thoughts /
I first became aware of this book when the author, Jane (and yes, I'm imagining she and I are on a first name basis) began a Kickstarter campaign for it. To be brutally honest, I’d never heard of an author running a Kickstarter campaign for a novel. Yes, I am officially revealing my age, and yes, I clearly still think books are delivered by carrier pigeon. But after the initial shock wore off, I realized it’s actually a brilliant idea—even if I still don't quite understand how the internet works.
"But Look Ma, I'm Tech Savvy" - and hey, I actually do know what a "pre-order" is, so I clicked that button like a total digital prodigy.
This book spoke directly to my warped, drier-than-the-Simpson-Desert Aussie sense of humour. First up, the title: Well, Sh*t It is the ultimate Swiss Army Knife of the Australian language. Two tiny words, a million different meanings. You can deploy it for winning the lotto, witnessing a car crash, or calling out a politician's speech. It’s linguistic poetry, really.
This is the first instalment in the new Cape Effie Cozy Mystery Series - a (somewhat) slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine romance rom-com mixed with small-town drama and a cozy-mystery type murder. Oh, and I should also mention its full of hot flushes, brain fog, and the over indulging of coffee, carbs and alcohol. ☕🍕🍷
Joanne (Jo) McKenna thought trading her soul-crushing crime reporter gig for the sleepy coastal vibes of Cape Effie would mean swapping dead bodies for data tracking her next hot flush. Instead, her ride-or-die best friend, Melanie Wilson, completely derails her peace by dropping a fresh corpse into her lap, forcing Jo to casually bury Melanie's husband in the bush—only for the bloke to inconveniently wash up on a public beach the very next day.
I'd buried my best friend's husband. Lied to a detective. And was now sitting in a crime scene wearing a toddler-sized t-shirt. But sure. Everything's fine. Totally fine.
You've done nothing wrong. Aside from murdering your husband. But other than that, you're golden.
Now, a grumpy homicide detective with suspiciously magnificent forearms is breathing down her neck, leaving Jo to juggle menopausal chaos, a local murder investigation, and the sheer logistical nightmare of explaining how Melanie's dead husband managed to migrate from a shallow grave to the surf.
Read this if you're not scared of laughing out loud, giving into your urge for coffee, wine and carbs, or, sweating in public! 👙💄🍷🍾
Now that I'm a pre-order specialist I literally want to hit that button for book #2 now!
Synopsis /
Jo McKenna didn’t even know nipple hair was a thing until she hit fifty. Now it’s a full-time job managing the ecosystem.
One minute she’s shaving her left areola, the next she’s identifying her best friend’s dead husband at the Byron Bay morgue. Awkward, but survivable. Or it would’ve been—if Jo hadn’t buried the bastard in the bush the day before.
Gary Wilson, being the inconsiderate prick he always was, doesn’t stay buried. Instead, he turns up sprawled across a public beach like an unwanted Deliveroo order—very much dead, and very much not where Jo left him.
Now Jo’s neck-deep in suspicion, secrets, and one increasingly attractive homicide detective who really needs to stop showing up with his rolled sleeves and ridiculous forearms.
Detective Sergeant Nate Callahan doesn’t do small-town drama. Or chaotic suspects with smart mouths and a talent for misdirection.
But something about Jo McKenna has his instincts on high alert. She’s hiding something—and he’d bet good money she’d do just about anything to protect her best friend. Even murder.
As threats escalate and the attraction between them simmers dangerously close to boiling point, Jo has to uncover who really killed Gary before someone decides she’s the next problem that needs eliminating.
My Thoughts /
I first became aware of this book when the author, Jane (and yes, I'm imagining she and I are on a first name basis) began a Kickstarter campaign for it. To be brutally honest, I’d never heard of an author running a Kickstarter campaign for a novel. Yes, I am officially revealing my age, and yes, I clearly still think books are delivered by carrier pigeon. But after the initial shock wore off, I realized it’s actually a brilliant idea—even if I still don't quite understand how the internet works.
"But Look Ma, I'm Tech Savvy" - and hey, I actually do know what a "pre-order" is, so I clicked that button like a total digital prodigy.
This book spoke directly to my warped, drier-than-the-Simpson-Desert Aussie sense of humour. First up, the title: Well, Sh*t It is the ultimate Swiss Army Knife of the Australian language. Two tiny words, a million different meanings. You can deploy it for winning the lotto, witnessing a car crash, or calling out a politician's speech. It’s linguistic poetry, really.
This is the first instalment in the new Cape Effie Cozy Mystery Series - a (somewhat) slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine romance rom-com mixed with small-town drama and a cozy-mystery type murder. Oh, and I should also mention its full of hot flushes, brain fog, and the over indulging of coffee, carbs and alcohol. ☕🍕🍷
Joanne (Jo) McKenna thought trading her soul-crushing crime reporter gig for the sleepy coastal vibes of Cape Effie would mean swapping dead bodies for data tracking her next hot flush. Instead, her ride-or-die best friend, Melanie Wilson, completely derails her peace by dropping a fresh corpse into her lap, forcing Jo to casually bury Melanie's husband in the bush—only for the bloke to inconveniently wash up on a public beach the very next day.
I'd buried my best friend's husband. Lied to a detective. And was now sitting in a crime scene wearing a toddler-sized t-shirt. But sure. Everything's fine. Totally fine.
You've done nothing wrong. Aside from murdering your husband. But other than that, you're golden.
Now, a grumpy homicide detective with suspiciously magnificent forearms is breathing down her neck, leaving Jo to juggle menopausal chaos, a local murder investigation, and the sheer logistical nightmare of explaining how Melanie's dead husband managed to migrate from a shallow grave to the surf.
Read this if you're not scared of laughing out loud, giving into your urge for coffee, wine and carbs, or, sweating in public! 👙💄🍷🍾
Now that I'm a pre-order specialist I literally want to hit that button for book #2 now!
September 11, 2026
Lighthearted fun!
I read a fabulous review by Fleur and went off to purchase the e-book straight away, started reading this unique, hilarious, out there book and after reading the first few pages knew it was from down under - never thought I’d feel nostalgic for IGA, RSL or Bunnings 😂. I lived and worked in Oz for 14 years and this book brought back so many wonderful memories of my time in that beautiful part of the world, and of a dear friend who is so much like Jo!
Just a gentle heads-up, this book may not appeal to the under 40s readers out there.
The characters are colourful and so full of fun. Jo is priceless, with her amusing throw away quips and succinct, pithy comments. She is intelligent and had been a big name in journalism in Sydney a few years before. She assists her bestie and partner in crime, Mel, in hiding Mel’s husband’s body. There ensues chaos, banter and confusion.
Nate is calm, firm and confident and obviously tall, broad and good looking by the way most of the women in the small town keep coming on to him - he is a Detective Sergeant on secondment from the City to small town Cape Effie. There is sizzling chemistry between Nate and Jo as well as deep suspicion.
This is a light hearted fun read that feels like it may become the first in a series. I do hope so because Nate and Jo are addictive.
I read a fabulous review by Fleur and went off to purchase the e-book straight away, started reading this unique, hilarious, out there book and after reading the first few pages knew it was from down under - never thought I’d feel nostalgic for IGA, RSL or Bunnings 😂. I lived and worked in Oz for 14 years and this book brought back so many wonderful memories of my time in that beautiful part of the world, and of a dear friend who is so much like Jo!
Just a gentle heads-up, this book may not appeal to the under 40s readers out there.
The characters are colourful and so full of fun. Jo is priceless, with her amusing throw away quips and succinct, pithy comments. She is intelligent and had been a big name in journalism in Sydney a few years before. She assists her bestie and partner in crime, Mel, in hiding Mel’s husband’s body. There ensues chaos, banter and confusion.
Nate is calm, firm and confident and obviously tall, broad and good looking by the way most of the women in the small town keep coming on to him - he is a Detective Sergeant on secondment from the City to small town Cape Effie. There is sizzling chemistry between Nate and Jo as well as deep suspicion.
This is a light hearted fun read that feels like it may become the first in a series. I do hope so because Nate and Jo are addictive.
September 27, 2026
Cute rom-com set in Australia. Loved the characters. Some thing on the lighter side sometimes is a necessary read.
September 2, 2026
That was excellent!
Jo, Nate, & Mel are brilliant main characters - looking forward to future books in the series involving these three.
The storyline had just the right balance between tense action and light moments.
Finally, the humour was just what I needed (though some of the best definitely can't be quoted in reviews ...).
"Our local hospital doesn't even have a functioning vending machine, let alone somewhere to chill a corpse."
"I feel like I've got 'killer' tattooed on my forehead."
"You don't," I assured her. "Your forehead's too wrinkly."
"Not planning a marathon, Detective. Though if a bottle of gin jogs past, I might reconsider."
I grabbed this on KU as soon as I could as I've enjoyed several of Jane's other books and it looked interesting. Really glad that I did!
Jo, Nate, & Mel are brilliant main characters - looking forward to future books in the series involving these three.
The storyline had just the right balance between tense action and light moments.
Finally, the humour was just what I needed (though some of the best definitely can't be quoted in reviews ...).
"Our local hospital doesn't even have a functioning vending machine, let alone somewhere to chill a corpse."
"I feel like I've got 'killer' tattooed on my forehead."
"You don't," I assured her. "Your forehead's too wrinkly."
"Not planning a marathon, Detective. Though if a bottle of gin jogs past, I might reconsider."
I grabbed this on KU as soon as I could as I've enjoyed several of Jane's other books and it looked interesting. Really glad that I did!
October 7, 2026
Brief summary:
Jo and Mel are best friends. They accidentally kill Mel’s husband, or so they thought. Turns out that he was actually murdered. Detective Nate Callahan is investigating the murder. He falls for Jo, who is also dealing with menopause. This book was funny and quirky. It kinda reminds me of the Stephanie Plumb series because Jo somehow gets herself tangled in one mishap after another. I guess this is the 1st book in the series, no 2nd book is listed yet or if/when that will happen.
***FYI… this is my opinion, not necessarily a review. I usually forget about a book and its plot/characters etc as soon as I start a new book. Writing a little review will help (future) me to remember why (past) me did or did not like the book, and without giving away too much of the plot for anyone who stumbles across my review/opinion.
Jo and Mel are best friends. They accidentally kill Mel’s husband, or so they thought. Turns out that he was actually murdered. Detective Nate Callahan is investigating the murder. He falls for Jo, who is also dealing with menopause. This book was funny and quirky. It kinda reminds me of the Stephanie Plumb series because Jo somehow gets herself tangled in one mishap after another. I guess this is the 1st book in the series, no 2nd book is listed yet or if/when that will happen.
***FYI… this is my opinion, not necessarily a review. I usually forget about a book and its plot/characters etc as soon as I start a new book. Writing a little review will help (future) me to remember why (past) me did or did not like the book, and without giving away too much of the plot for anyone who stumbles across my review/opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Squeal! I loved this book. Jo is a hoot. I love her descriptions of her menopause symptoms and her ability to carry on like nothing happened when she does something dumb. (Sort of like a cat. Nothing to see here.) She and Mel are obviously besties, the way they take care of each other. I mean who else would bury the body for you but your bestie? When Jo flashed the whole town to give them something else to talk about, I almost chocked! Nate was also a great character. He tried so hard to remain professional, to no avail. He sort of grows on you, like a song you're not sure you like until you understand the lyrics are awesome. I hope Jane is planning on writing more books about these three.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
September 26, 2026
I need a Jo in my life!
Being honest, I wanted a book to read that was a different genre to my normal types of book. As an English/Australian with a super dry sense of humour I found myself laughing so much at this book that my grown-up kids thought I was having a stroke! Hysterically funny, completely relatable, very addictive, I just could not put this book down. I am going to have to give myself time to grieve the end of this brilliant book before I binge the rest of this amazing authors work.
Completely recommend this book especially to menopausal women that are finding menopausing a bloody chore. Enjoy and remember we are all in it together, except the burying bodies part…..maybe x x x x
Being honest, I wanted a book to read that was a different genre to my normal types of book. As an English/Australian with a super dry sense of humour I found myself laughing so much at this book that my grown-up kids thought I was having a stroke! Hysterically funny, completely relatable, very addictive, I just could not put this book down. I am going to have to give myself time to grieve the end of this brilliant book before I binge the rest of this amazing authors work.
Completely recommend this book especially to menopausal women that are finding menopausing a bloody chore. Enjoy and remember we are all in it together, except the burying bodies part…..maybe x x x x
August 20, 2026
Cute romantic comedy mixed with a murder mystery. It does have the stereotypical comedy of errors, namely a body that was never checked and wasn’t actually dead. Also, the word menopausal was used way too much. No woman would ever walk up to a man and say “I am menopausal.” It is like saying a woman is mean because she is on her period, women can’t control themselves if they are on their period or menopausal.
September 12, 2026
Absolutely amazing
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are well thought out and oh so much fun. Jo is hilarious I love that we are the same age. While I was reading it I laughed out loud at some of the situations Jo and Mel get into. The detective is a keeper. Blundstones are the best boot out there living in the USA sporting mine. When I read about border security it was on my tv. Read this book it’s amazing I can’t wait for the next.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are well thought out and oh so much fun. Jo is hilarious I love that we are the same age. While I was reading it I laughed out loud at some of the situations Jo and Mel get into. The detective is a keeper. Blundstones are the best boot out there living in the USA sporting mine. When I read about border security it was on my tv. Read this book it’s amazing I can’t wait for the next.
September 20, 2026
disappointing
I had to stop reading once I saw how extensively the author uses AI elsewhere in her creative work. I’m not claiming this book was written using AI, because I have no way of knowing that. But as a reader, it left me wondering how much of what I was reading came from the author’s own creativity and how much, if any, began with a prompt. Once that doubt was there, I couldn’t lose myself in the story anymore, so I put the book down.
I had to stop reading once I saw how extensively the author uses AI elsewhere in her creative work. I’m not claiming this book was written using AI, because I have no way of knowing that. But as a reader, it left me wondering how much of what I was reading came from the author’s own creativity and how much, if any, began with a prompt. Once that doubt was there, I couldn’t lose myself in the story anymore, so I put the book down.
September 17, 2026
what a treat
Great characters, a murder and a bit of grown up romance. A mature crazy female former reporter, her recently widowed bestie and a new detective in town. The murder mystery thread weaves through the story of friendship, the investigation and a new romance. Looking forward to Jo’s next book
Great characters, a murder and a bit of grown up romance. A mature crazy female former reporter, her recently widowed bestie and a new detective in town. The murder mystery thread weaves through the story of friendship, the investigation and a new romance. Looking forward to Jo’s next book
September 18, 2026
Fantastic
Oh wow..!! This book was so great. Being Australian myself, just made it funnier. And if you're not Australian, don't worry, you are in for a treat.
This is my first book from this author and disappointed I hadn't discovered her sooner.
So funny and incredibly well written.
Oh wow..!! This book was so great. Being Australian myself, just made it funnier. And if you're not Australian, don't worry, you are in for a treat.
This is my first book from this author and disappointed I hadn't discovered her sooner.
So funny and incredibly well written.
October 1, 2026
This book is flippin brilliant!
Jo, a 50+ woman and her best mate Mel are in a spot of bother.
The body of Mel's husband is found dead in the beach.
Problem with that is it's not where Jo buried him!!!!!
I lmao, held my breath, girly signed and swooned over Detective Callahan, and just thoroughly enjoyed a darn good romp!
Jo, a 50+ woman and her best mate Mel are in a spot of bother.
The body of Mel's husband is found dead in the beach.
Problem with that is it's not where Jo buried him!!!!!
I lmao, held my breath, girly signed and swooned over Detective Callahan, and just thoroughly enjoyed a darn good romp!
October 12, 2026
Well, Shit....
This book served it's title perfectly. I wanted to read it solely based on the title and premise, and it didn't disappoint! The perimenopausal banter, quick whit, realistic, relatable things the characters experienced, the whole nine. I loved it all. This is an easy and fun read that had me absolutely giggling and getting looks from my husband across the room. Definitely recommend!
This book served it's title perfectly. I wanted to read it solely based on the title and premise, and it didn't disappoint! The perimenopausal banter, quick whit, realistic, relatable things the characters experienced, the whole nine. I loved it all. This is an easy and fun read that had me absolutely giggling and getting looks from my husband across the room. Definitely recommend!
October 14, 2026
A series worthy of continuing!
This book was an absolute riot! This one is a midlife murder mystery rom-com with snarky humor, small-town secrets, and a grumpy, handsome detective.
I ate this up!!
Perfect for readers who love a cozy mystery with a little romance, witty banter, unconventional heroines, and a murder investigation that comes with a healthy dose of absolute chaos 😂
This book was an absolute riot! This one is a midlife murder mystery rom-com with snarky humor, small-town secrets, and a grumpy, handsome detective.
I ate this up!!
Perfect for readers who love a cozy mystery with a little romance, witty banter, unconventional heroines, and a murder investigation that comes with a healthy dose of absolute chaos 😂
September 2, 2026
This novel is filled to the brim with laugh out loud moments, and a murder mystery included. What a great read this was, with characters you'll love. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. Another winner for Jane Hinchey, and I'm definitely looking to this being a series with many novels.
September 11, 2026
Fantastic!
I have read so many of Jane Hincheys' books and loved every one. She is a wonderful author. This one I laughed throughout the entire book, it was so funny. I can't wait for the next one.
I have read so many of Jane Hincheys' books and loved every one. She is a wonderful author. This one I laughed throughout the entire book, it was so funny. I can't wait for the next one.
September 18, 2026
Loved this book
What a great read!!! This book has banter, humor, suspense, mystery and romance. Characters are great. Plot was excellent. I hope there are many more Cape Effie books to come.
What a great read!!! This book has banter, humor, suspense, mystery and romance. Characters are great. Plot was excellent. I hope there are many more Cape Effie books to come.
October 6, 2026
I really, really enjoyed this book. If I could I would give it more stsrs. It had the mystery thrillers you want. But the thing about this book was that ever chapter was new, you didn't know what the next chapter was going to be about and all you did know was that you were not going to put it down.
Read
October 24, 2026Great book for older crowd
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was really
nice having a Rom-Com for those of us oler than 40. I wish there were more like it. I am going to recommend to all my girlfriends.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was really
nice having a Rom-Com for those of us oler than 40. I wish there were more like it. I am going to recommend to all my girlfriends.
September 16, 2026
Hilarious
Can't wait for next book. Perfect humor for an older woman of an uncertain age. Lovely new series to look forward to.
Can't wait for next book. Perfect humor for an older woman of an uncertain age. Lovely new series to look forward to.
September 17, 2026
Enjoyable read with laughter out load moments
September 18, 2026
Absolutely amazing
This book is amazing it's funny. It's about middle aged friends and menopause. There's a romance but not to much, just the right amount. It's the perfect book.
This book is amazing it's funny. It's about middle aged friends and menopause. There's a romance but not to much, just the right amount. It's the perfect book.
September 23, 2026
Couldn’t get past the first three pages. Crass :(. More than I expected
September 26, 2026
Book grabbed my attention and had a few part where I actually laughed out loud. It was like a hallmark romcom murder mystery. Love highly recommend!
September 26, 2026
3.5 stars
Definitely had some funny moments. More of a hallmark rom-com story
Definitely had some funny moments. More of a hallmark rom-com story
September 30, 2026
3.5 stars
September 30, 2026
I loved this and keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a series. I laughed so much
October 2, 2026
Yep....found myself chuckling, smiling and flat-out laughing!! I really enjoyed this book! Give yourself a break from the psychological thrillers, come on over and laugh a bit!
October 3, 2026
well shit!! I loved it 10⭐️
Omg……. When is the next book coming out? Can’t wait for the next instalment 😁. Please don’t keep us all hanging for too long.
Omg……. When is the next book coming out? Can’t wait for the next instalment 😁. Please don’t keep us all hanging for too long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews