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It's time to find out for whom karma tolls! Witches, murder, losers, and revenge set the stage for Karma Inc from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melanie James. Book 1 of the Karma Inc Files has it all--quirky characters, lol dialouge, a little mystery, and a mobster! Reality TV has never been so 'real' ... really!

A Laugh Till It Hurts Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Spin-off.

Witches, Werebears, and Imps. Oh my!

Waiting for Karma is fine--for the patient. But for the rest of us, it sure would be nice to give Karma a little nudge every once in a while.

Was it one too many dates that turned out to be losers or liars? Was it a problem with two-faced backstabbers? Or maybe a problem with the so-called customer service centers! There comes a day when enough is really, truthfully, enough already. For Kelly and Esmeralda, two snarky single witches, that day was yesterday. After applying their witchcraft to dish out a little magical payback, they realize they have a penchant for the dark art of revenge. And who's to say a witch can't make a few bucks with a talent like that?

Doing the odd job was fun and gratifying. Then along came an unusual client with a pitch for an idea, Karma Inc Reality TV. The witches set up shop in the sleepy little town of Caldron Falls, Wisconsin. By enabling the good citizens to settle old scores, they hoped to transform the town into a virtual coliseum of televised revenge. It doesn't take long before a few inconvenient and unexpected dead bodies to pile up. To complicate matters, Caldron Falls just happens to have more than its fair share of paranormal creatures, not to mention a Chicago mobster seemingly bent on taking over the town.

Can Esmeralda and Kelly solve the rash of unexplained deaths before they get the blame and end up behind bars? What will Marie Laveau and the Witches Union have to say about this? And as any fool knows, Karma carries a round-trip ticket.

Content Notes: Paranormal Romantic Comedy, Reality TV, Witches, Chick Lit. Karma Inc contains adult language and situations, and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

Previously Published: (2015) Melanie James, Black Paw Publishing

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2015

193 people are currently reading
553 people want to read

About the author

Melanie James

69 books820 followers
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She's doing what she loves, by writing paranormal comedy, steamy paranormal, and contemporary romance books. Melanie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women's Studies. She is working on her Master's Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Melanie is married to a wonderful man who supports her dreams and goals. She has two children, three step-children, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and an adorable grand-baby.

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5 stars
190 (37%)
4 stars
154 (30%)
3 stars
106 (20%)
2 stars
43 (8%)
1 star
19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Ian.
1,431 reviews183 followers
November 11, 2015
This book takes me back to my childhood.

Specifically to me sitting in the back of a beige Ford station wagon driving to Red Rock for the Christmas Holidays.

Constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"

My parents repeated response, "Not long now."

I read 75% of the book when I finally realised I just wanted it to finish.

I'm not saying it's terrible...I mean BMWs aren't terrible but I still find them boring.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
September 18, 2015
Book: Karma Inc
Author: Melanie James
Publication Date: 7/14/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
If you have ever read the Literal Leigh series by this author you will know why it’s a laughing pee your pants kind of book. In this book, we get Kelly and Esmeralda who decided to open a new business together. What better than making sure Karma gets a little shove at whom she needs to aim her fury at? However, things do not always go as they seem and Kelly now faces charges by none of other than the Witches Union. Can Gertie, Marie, and Esmeralda get her out of the mess she is in? Add many of the other characters and Hunters parents and you get one heck of a big ole mess.

Absolutely loved this book. Esmeralda doesn’t have a lot of friends but she is a good one to Kelly. These two are hilarious. So if you like a good paranormal but with some comedy added then this I highly recommend to you.
Melanie James
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,201 reviews86 followers
March 28, 2017
This started slow and I wasn't sure I was going to like the MC. Basically Kelly has a horrible date and is rear-ended on her way home and that leads her to "black" magic for karma. But when they moved for a "reality tv karma show" it got much more interesting. That town and residents have lots more stories in them. I did really like Gertie, she was fun.
Profile Image for Michelle Monroe.
559 reviews51 followers
July 19, 2015
Karma is served!!

Ever wanted to see Karma do her thing? Of course you have. We often dream of seeing those that have wronged us get served a big ol dose of Karma. Well, now you can sit back, laugh and watch Karma do her thing with Karma Inc.

Kelly, a witch in training, has done exactly that. Now she is on trial for using 'black magic', follow her story as she retells of how Karma Inc. all got started.

It starts out that Kelly has a really bad date, the guy is a real douchebag and when she finally leaves his butt and heads home, she gets rear ended...and the guy who hit her drives off. A hit and run on top of a horrible date make Kelly wish she could do a little payback.

When her friend Esmeralda (Ezzy) comes for a visit, she says she has just the thing Kelly needs...and old trunk she 'borrowed' from the Witches Union. Inside is a frog statue, but it is not just any old statue. Nope, an Imp reides inside and all they have to do is say the spell to release him and between him and the two witches, they can serve up some justice!

**“Karma. Pfff. Karma’s overrated. It takes too long to show up. By then, you’ll miss out on seeing the look on their face when they realize Karma just paid a visit. Where’s the sadistic enjoyment in learning about it third or fourth hand? No, I want front row seats. I don’t just want to gloat, I want to experience some of that frickin’ schadenfreude!”

Barney, the Imp, assures Kelly and Ezzy that they can indeed have front row seats. With the help of his little magic crystal ball, they can watch Karma being served in real time on their t.v. And boy, does Karma do her job! Soon Gertie (Another friend of Kelly's) and Randy (Kelly's brother) is in on the plans of serving up Karma. They then decide that they should not be the only ones getting justice, so they take out an ad on Craigslist to offer their services to those that need help.

Thats how they meet Gisele, she pretended to be a customer. When she reveals that she knows about magic and what they are doing, she says she won't tell the Witches Counsil if they cut her in. But she wants more, he evnisions making Karma Inc a reality t.v. show. This exites everyone and soon they are moving to Cauldron Falls, Wisconsin for the summer. Small town, lots of drama, so many wrong doings, perfect for the witches and their plans!

Follow along on their journey and watch Karma do her thing!

But is it worth it, in the end? You have to read the story to find out. And you will have some laughs along the way, and may just find a romance in there too!
13 reviews
June 11, 2017
Loved it

Great imagination ! Kept me interested while I read waiting for docor visits. I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for sonya.
84 reviews
December 31, 2019
Liked this more than Leigh books just because I don’t like Leigh that much but enjoy the other characters. This one had some funny moments like actually funny moments....Barney!!!!
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
January 22, 2021
Although I did like this there was a lot of swearing, innuendos and even some sex that I am not sure was actually needed and I didn't really think was funny but the characters thought themselves highly amusing.. I am also not sure which category this book should come under audible has it under humour & satire, I could see why it might be funny but it misses the mark for me. I have also seen it under romance and while there is a love interest and sex I wouldn't call it a romance. The story starts of slow and the main character is on trail (for what I don't know) and then processed to tell us what happened under a truth serum. Okay on to what I did like, the characters were interesting and with a talking biker dressing frog certainly varied , I especially liked Gertie. Once the mystery got under way I enjoyed it more but I confess with the accent the narrator used I had worked out the twist with one of the characters. I did like the spell casting for the karma part of the story but found the idea part of it was better than the practice. I think I will probably give book two ago just to see what it is like.
After a bad date ends with the pizza guy crashing into her car before driving off, Kelly has had enough and plots with her friend Esmeralda to get her revenge, using magic they have always been told to stay away from. When this turns out so well The pair decided to go into business helping other people get the justice they deserve. With help from friends they set up the business and start to do well. Until a client called Gisele talks them into moving to Caldron Falls to star in a Reality tv show dishing out there own and unique karma. But things are not all that they appear in the sleep town and it seems that someone has gone to a lot of hard work to set Karma Inc up for murder. Will Kelly and her friends be able to work out what is going on before it's to late?
I really liked the narrator, as she used some really good accents for the characters. I especially liked Gertie's which is probably why I liked her so much as a character.
I was given this free review copy audiobook for audiobooksunleashed at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Catherine.
933 reviews
July 8, 2017
I really liked this book.
It's time to find out for whom karma tolls! Witches, murder, losers, and revenge set the stage for Karma Inc from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melanie James. Book 1 of the Karma Inc Files has it all--quirky characters, lol dialouge, a little mystery, and a mobster! Reality TV has never been so 'real' ... really!

A Laugh Till It Hurts Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Spin-off.

Witches, Werebears, and Imps. Oh my!

Waiting for Karma is fine--for the patient. But for the rest of us, it sure would be nice to give Karma a little nudge every once in a while.

Was it one too many dates that turned out to be losers or liars? Was it a problem with two-faced backstabbers? Or maybe a problem with the so-called customer service centers! There comes a day when enough is really, truthfully, enough already. For Kelly and Esmeralda, two snarky single witches, that day was yesterday. After applying their witchcraft to dish out a little magical payback, they realize they have a penchant for the dark art of revenge. And who's to say a witch can't make a few bucks with a talent like that?

Doing the odd job was fun and gratifying. Then along came an unusual client with a pitch for an idea, Karma Inc Reality TV. The witches set up shop in the sleepy little town of Caldron Falls, Wisconsin. By enabling the good citizens to settle old scores, they hoped to transform the town into a virtual coliseum of televised revenge. It doesn't take long before a few inconvenient and unexpected dead bodies to pile up. To complicate matters, Caldron Falls just happens to have more than its fair share of paranormal creatures, not to mention a Chicago mobster seemingly bent on taking over the town.

Can Esmeralda and Kelly solve the rash of unexplained deaths before they get the blame and end up behind bars? What will Marie Laveau and the Witches Union have to say about this? And as any fool knows, Karma carries a round-trip ticket.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
September 27, 2020
Reviewed at Paranormal-y Romantic

If you’ve read the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries series (which I have) then you’ll love dropping back into that world — if you have not, never fear, you can step into the Karma, Inc. Files world right at this point without a bit of trouble. Karma, Inc. begins the, well, the Karma, Inc. Files series which is a spin-off of the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries series. It’s an older series, but when you’re reading it for the first time it’s all new to you.

I had fun with this story. Imagine the ability to use your magical powers to dish out karma to those who truly deserve it – get paid for that service – and take it all on the air in a new reality television show. Yep, karma’s a… witch and she’s in town ready to rock ‘n roll on some folks who have not been as kind as they should have been to others. But Caldron Falls isn’t exactly your average, totally human small town. No, this location has far more than its fair share of paranormal residents – and things are about to get deadly.

I absolutely love the friendship between Kelly and Esmeralda (Ezzy), these girlfriends certainly have each other’s backs. Add into the mix some new friends (or not), some of the gang from the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries, flashbacks to tell some of this tale, romance on the horizon for our girls, black magic repercussions, and dead bodies. What’s not to love? Oh, and an imp who I adore.

As with any title that has a mystery involved I’m very vague on details in reviews. So, the simple fact is that I enjoyed myself with Kelly and friends, the story gave me more than a few chuckles, as well as keeping me entertained during this pandemic lifestyle I’m living. I’ll be continuing this series because it was a fun read for me, and I don’t need any other reason than that.

I own a Kindle edition of Karma Inc
63 reviews
July 14, 2024
2,5🌶️

This is a paranormal hilarious read. This book is a pick me up, make me laugh comedy.

An apprentice witch breaks the rules and has to face the witch council. This story is told in a series of flashbacks, starting with the whole idea of giving Karma a helping hand.It is a mix of whodunit, mystery thriller and love story. Quite good fun with several noticeably funny moments, an interesting paranormal cast of characters and an entertaining story line, this comes highly recommended.

I really enjoyed Kelly and Esmeralda's friendship, they were perfectly at ease with each other. The combination of Kelly and Esmeralda equals double trouble... 😄. Add a little money, karma and imps into it and you have a lethal combination. I really enjoyed their imaginations, but Barney is by far my favorite.

This is Kellys story, a witch in training that has a bad date, lets correct that... a horrible evening. Her friend Esmeralda (Ezzy) comes to the err, rescue. Little do they know that Karma comes at her own pace, and she does not come without a cost.

A business venture, a magic ball, and someone to target, what could go wrong? Well add in a new "customer" with a plan of her own, and things start to get out of hand.

Moving to Caldron Falls, Wisconsin, for the summer, starting a tv show. Everyone is enthusiastic, until things happen that put Kelly on the wrong side of the Witches Union. Can Ezzy, Gertie and Marie help prove Kelly is being falsely charged?


„I may have even pumped my paw in the air subtly of course."

„My jingling keys set off a chorus of hyperactive Chihuahuas."


„What? Don't judge me. You have no idea how hard it is for a frog to drink."


„If the shoe fits, wear it, a**hole."

„The sight of his bare chest made me want to lick the skin right off of him."
Profile Image for Lizzy.
202 reviews
November 7, 2023
A hilariously fun story

Everyone deserves a little Karma every now and then. A coven from Chicago decide that they are tired of getting let down with no consequences to those that are the worst offenders. Karma Inc is founded with the purpose of letting Karma loose on people that deserve it, in our time not Karma's. But when things start to go very wrong, Ezzy, Kelly and Barney (the Imp) enlist everyone they know to help put things right. Mix the Imp, a hippy couple, warebears, water spirits and a demon on a rampage and you have the makings of a fabulous story. The laughs keep rolling 'til the very end.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,660 reviews27 followers
January 3, 2019
Finding a little bit of Karma and a new main squeeze in the country

I love this book! The motley crew of Karma Inc are a riot! The more people they pick up along the way, the funnier they get. Not to fear though, they use their powers for good. Until they meet someone new, but the crew of Karma Inc won’t be oppressed for long. They root out the evil in their midst and save the day all while making new friends and finding out that Werebears are the perfect mates for witches. I can’t wait to see what this coven gets into next.
2,311 reviews11 followers
July 4, 2020
Not to be missed!
Well, I needed something to get me out of my rut (this Covid-19 Lockdown business began to get to me) and this book did the trick).
I just love Melanie James' sense of humor. It talks to me and I respond - without a doubt. So, thank you Melanie!
The way she writes conjures up pictures in my mind and it is like watching a really good movie. Just wonderful.
The characters and what they get up to and get away with is another thing I can't help but admire.
Just loved the whole thing and am happily recommending it as not to be missed!
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
August 14, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title. (Audible.com)

A trial of witch for the charge of black magic in front of the witches' council becomes a fascinating revealing of the events through a truth spell laid on the accused by her mentor.

For some reason, whether it was the narrator's tone or the slow story,I found it hard to progress through this book in one sitting, like I normally do.

I am about to read the second in the series to see if it gives the same response.
Profile Image for Holly.
591 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2019
I love the way Melanie writes! Every story I've listen to so far held my attention and kept me in almost constant laughter. Karma Inc. is no exception. The main character is just awesome. She's funny, smart, and is witty. I love how she and her friends bring karma to those that deserve it. However, when a string of deaths start she turns into detective mode to see if it's her magic that's doing it. This book is such a fun read! I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Laura.
2,494 reviews82 followers
December 19, 2020
Ohh man this was a fun listen. It was interesting at the beginning and loving the whole see Karma in action. Haha that was great. I really love Barney. For me, he made the book great. Towards the middle the pacing was a bit slow as it was setting up the arc but overall it was a fun listen with enjoyable characters.

The narrator, Hollie did a great job portraying all of the characters. It was easy to follow and listen.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
June 10, 2017
I was pulled in from the beginning of 'Karma Inc.'. I loved the storyline. The way it played out had me laughing and shaking my head at the characters and scenarios. What an array of personalities. They cracked me up. Kelly, Ezzy, Gertie, Randy, Barney, Gabe and quite a few more are very entertaining. I look forward to reading more of the 'Karma Inc. Files Series'. A great add to your tbr list.
152 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2017
Rarely a five star

Well done since it was cleverly written backwards I enjoyed it immensely. Fast paced with its backstory inside the storyline I was able to relax and just enjoy the story as a story without the terrors of what if. Great read highly recommended for entertaining aspects. Well done.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
November 25, 2017
Karma

Excellent humorous story! I loved the whole frog/imp/gnome character. You add a somewhat crazy frog/imp with Kelly and friends stir well and let the fun begin. Yes, karma can be a bitch. Try not to laugh too much but I throughly enjoyed this book and I do recommend it to you!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,012 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2019
A good story with a host of interesting characters. My favourite being Gertie who had me chuckling throughout.
I like the whole Karma inc service idea, pointing Karma in the direction of those that need a dose, how great would that be? :-D
Overall an enjoyable read or listen if you have the audio book.
3 reviews
May 31, 2018
Brilliant

Thoroughly enjoyed highly recommend vacant wait to read more about this wacky group of characters. Many surprises and chuckles mixed together with cliff hanger chucked into the mix
1,769 reviews23 followers
November 1, 2018
Wallowing gang bang

What a rush, hippie, witches, nymphs,werebears, water sprites, talking black cats,and more. One tissle and tussle,a little curce and your on yours way to a lot of magic and mayhem. Messing with carma will always bite you in the assssssssssentuals.
Profile Image for Diane.
43 reviews
January 30, 2019
Loved it

I really enjoyed this book, white witches playing with black magic to meet out karma to the deserving, mix in a pack of Chihuahuas , cats, an imp, an evil spirit and some shifters and you have a great story , can't wait to read the next one
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,390 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2021
Oh how I loved this book. It is a little bit different of a story about witches and all the trouble they can get into (and some of them are quite comical). This is a new series for me that I will definitely keep listening to.
Profile Image for Junell.
15 reviews
March 12, 2022
A good Read

A quick paced, constantly entertaining tale that fits perfectly into a romance or paranormal category. This book was a delight and it’s going straight to my read again & again pile.
969 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2023
Enjoyable read

This was a fun, funny and entertaining caper. The characters were interesting and likeable. There were some hilarious moments which had me laughing out loud.

Worth reading.
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,694 reviews35 followers
June 11, 2017
Entertaining

Some magic and some mayhem with laughs along the way in the entertaining story. A it of mystery within o get solved as well.
Profile Image for Sharon Smith.
186 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2017
A good read and very entertaining. Looking for more from this author. A good escape.
102 reviews
August 21, 2017
Really enjoyed this book!!

This is a very entertaining with humor and twists and turns to keep you on your toes to see what will happens next.
53 reviews
August 25, 2017
Charming

I liked the characters personalities. It's a light hearted mystery with a lot of little twists. Can't wait to see what they do next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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