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Familiar Kitten Mysteries #7
Jack-O-Lantern Magic
Halloween hijinks abound! The Halloween Festival in Coventry is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, but when a prop in the haunted house attraction turns out to be a real dead body, Kinsley has to solve the crime one spell at a time.
Jack-O-Lantern Magic is book seven in the Familiar Kitten Mysteries cozy mystery series. You'll find no swearing, gore, or adult situations, but you will find magic, mystery, and a hint of lighthearted mayhem
Jack-O-Lantern Magic is book seven in the Familiar Kitten Mysteries cozy mystery series. You'll find no swearing, gore, or adult situations, but you will find magic, mystery, and a hint of lighthearted mayhem
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2020
976 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
233 books343 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 22, 2025
Alright. I’m done with Thorn. I don’t care what his excuse is anymore. He’s a douche. But! Besides that, this book was just cute. Okay, and besides the murder too. I can’t get enough of Meri, really. I want him! But the setting is equally as good (Halloween being my favorite time of the year). And every girl needs a Dorian figure in their life. He is always down with getting into shenanigans with Kinsley. The best part was the ending. Twisted! This is a great series and one of my favorite cozy series, but the ending to this book literally has me on pins and needles waiting for the next one!
November 16, 2021
Although I still can't figure out why she wants to marry Thorn, he is a psychological abuser ...
October 29, 2020
Twitchy murder mystery
The series started out entertaining but has lost it the heroine is very self centered, won't listen to anyone about anything but gets mad if anyone else gets mad or objects. Both hero's are duds, with one a huge whimp the other a deserter, possibly attempted to murder her so uck
The series started out entertaining but has lost it the heroine is very self centered, won't listen to anyone about anything but gets mad if anyone else gets mad or objects. Both hero's are duds, with one a huge whimp the other a deserter, possibly attempted to murder her so uck
February 2, 2021
I like the series because I like light reading paranormal cozies (especially those with a cat as one of the main characters) but the relationship of the main character with her sociopathic, narcissistic fiance is really getting on my nerves. I hope she stops catering to him and puts him in his place otherwise I don't know if I can continue reading the series, it's too frustrating and so far getting worse. Thorn leaving her at the altar and then not returning phone calls and texts for days is pretty major and in the next book she forgives him inside of 5 minutes with very little discussion. He constantly assumes things about the main character and then reacts without ever simply asking her. He just storms off like a child refusing contact. It's abusive. I hope Kinsley figures that out. She might be much better off alone if he can't pull it together and grow up.
The cat is awesome.
The cat is awesome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
Kinsley is helping build the haunted house for Halloween and Dorian shows up, he's doing a piece on the festival and the process for his paper. He lends her a hand for a minute before suggesting they both finish up and go for dinner. She invites Viv and Ursula but Viv has a date with a doctor. She neglects to ask Thorn so she texts him her plans instead.
At dinner they see the other folks who are working on the house and Ursula wonders why they didn't ask Kinsley to go with them. They actually had but Dorian had asked first. There's an altercation at the table between James Governor and Simon Barlow, she knows James but not Simon, he's new in town. Thomas wouldn't let things escalate and says one or both has to go. James looked embarrassed but throws money on the table and leaves. Simon however stays. Before Thomas leaves he asks Kinsley to meet with the electrician in the morning as he has an early meeting. Kinsley agrees although she's not pleased about getting up so much earlier.
The day starts off weird as the ghost in the courthouse does something it never has; it leaves the building and is coming after Kinsley. For the first time Meri is no help and they run to the haunted house, someone left the gate unlocked so they got in quickly, as Kinsley goes for a light, she trips over what she thinks is a pile of props. It wasn't, it's a body, Simon Barlow's body. As she's calling it in, the electrician shows, and he acts weird about seeing the body wanting pictures of it. He tries to run off when Jeremy arrives, but he doesn't get far.
Of course, Kinsley isn't going to stay out of the investigation, without being able to work on the house she's got plenty of time and Dorian is a willing sidekick.
While Kinsley is expecting Thorn to get upset over her getting involved in another investigation, she didn't expect him to leave town with only a text. A family matter that he doesn't want her to help with, and then he doesn't update her at all. With the wedding coming up this just adds to Kinsley's growing doubts.
There are plenty of suspects in this one, and interesting clues. I have to say I didn't see that one coming and I certainly didn't expect the ending. Wow!
At dinner they see the other folks who are working on the house and Ursula wonders why they didn't ask Kinsley to go with them. They actually had but Dorian had asked first. There's an altercation at the table between James Governor and Simon Barlow, she knows James but not Simon, he's new in town. Thomas wouldn't let things escalate and says one or both has to go. James looked embarrassed but throws money on the table and leaves. Simon however stays. Before Thomas leaves he asks Kinsley to meet with the electrician in the morning as he has an early meeting. Kinsley agrees although she's not pleased about getting up so much earlier.
The day starts off weird as the ghost in the courthouse does something it never has; it leaves the building and is coming after Kinsley. For the first time Meri is no help and they run to the haunted house, someone left the gate unlocked so they got in quickly, as Kinsley goes for a light, she trips over what she thinks is a pile of props. It wasn't, it's a body, Simon Barlow's body. As she's calling it in, the electrician shows, and he acts weird about seeing the body wanting pictures of it. He tries to run off when Jeremy arrives, but he doesn't get far.
Of course, Kinsley isn't going to stay out of the investigation, without being able to work on the house she's got plenty of time and Dorian is a willing sidekick.
While Kinsley is expecting Thorn to get upset over her getting involved in another investigation, she didn't expect him to leave town with only a text. A family matter that he doesn't want her to help with, and then he doesn't update her at all. With the wedding coming up this just adds to Kinsley's growing doubts.
There are plenty of suspects in this one, and interesting clues. I have to say I didn't see that one coming and I certainly didn't expect the ending. Wow!
November 12, 2020
Sara Bourgeois has taken the cozy mystery genre to a new level with the Familiar Kitten Mystery Series. These stories have something for everyone. We have ghosts, demons, familiars, witches, werewolves and demons for those who are into witchcraft and horror. We have murders, serial killers and psychopaths without the gore, for those into murder and mayhem. Then, last but not least, we have romance.
In Jack-o'-lantern Magic, the bodies continue to pile up around Kinsley. She’s a real body magnet. As she becomes embroiled in yet another murder investigation and walks where even angels fear treading her relationship with sheriff Thorn, who finance becomes even rockier. After running off and leaving her alone with no explanation, Kinsley is thinking about calling the wedding off. At the 11th hour, Thorn pulls up in her driveway and they work out their irreconcilable differences. The wedding is still going to happen after the Haunted House Festival.
On the night of the wedding, everything seems to go great until the minister gets to that part where he says, “If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace,” and…. Well, you are going to have to read this installment of the Kinsley-Thorn saga to find out what happened. I’m off to read Yule Be Magical, Book 8 in the Familiar Kitten Mystery Series. Well, I will read it when it arrives on my Kindle Cloud Reader, I have it on pre-order.
In Jack-o'-lantern Magic, the bodies continue to pile up around Kinsley. She’s a real body magnet. As she becomes embroiled in yet another murder investigation and walks where even angels fear treading her relationship with sheriff Thorn, who finance becomes even rockier. After running off and leaving her alone with no explanation, Kinsley is thinking about calling the wedding off. At the 11th hour, Thorn pulls up in her driveway and they work out their irreconcilable differences. The wedding is still going to happen after the Haunted House Festival.
On the night of the wedding, everything seems to go great until the minister gets to that part where he says, “If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace,” and…. Well, you are going to have to read this installment of the Kinsley-Thorn saga to find out what happened. I’m off to read Yule Be Magical, Book 8 in the Familiar Kitten Mystery Series. Well, I will read it when it arrives on my Kindle Cloud Reader, I have it on pre-order.
August 20, 2021
Kinsley is pathetic
For a series about the most powerful witch in the world, there is little to no magic in this series.
I simply cannot believe the way these books treat women. Either the author is a man posing as a woman or the author has zero self-esteem, has male trust issues (or has been hurt REALLY badly multiple times by a man) and it escapes into her books.
The main character is so pathetic. She has bounced around with men, (which is okay, hell, I love reverse harem stories) but even after they treat her like crap, she keeps going back to them. It’s like, why? No one in their right mind would put up with that. Yes, it does happen in real life, but seriously, don’t we read books to escape real life?
No one in these stories has a good healthy relationship (other than Kinsley’s Mom and Dad). The gay couple is on the rocks, the Reggie is scared of her relationship, and Kinsley’s cousin and her other friend Viv both have horrible taste in men (really?).
At this point, the only thing that could salvage this series is a 3rd man showing up and being a true gentleman, accepting Kinsley of all her quirks and being supportive and loving.
The kitten is fun. I keep reading for the kitten, but the other stuff is really not worth your time.
For a series about the most powerful witch in the world, there is little to no magic in this series.
I simply cannot believe the way these books treat women. Either the author is a man posing as a woman or the author has zero self-esteem, has male trust issues (or has been hurt REALLY badly multiple times by a man) and it escapes into her books.
The main character is so pathetic. She has bounced around with men, (which is okay, hell, I love reverse harem stories) but even after they treat her like crap, she keeps going back to them. It’s like, why? No one in their right mind would put up with that. Yes, it does happen in real life, but seriously, don’t we read books to escape real life?
No one in these stories has a good healthy relationship (other than Kinsley’s Mom and Dad). The gay couple is on the rocks, the Reggie is scared of her relationship, and Kinsley’s cousin and her other friend Viv both have horrible taste in men (really?).
At this point, the only thing that could salvage this series is a 3rd man showing up and being a true gentleman, accepting Kinsley of all her quirks and being supportive and loving.
The kitten is fun. I keep reading for the kitten, but the other stuff is really not worth your time.
November 24, 2020
I love this series. Each book started being a stand alone read, and concerning the overall mystery in the books they are. BUT, there is also an underlying mystery that has been in the past few books that has not been solved, so if you have not read the previous books, you may be a bit lost. So, I do recommend reading the previous books before reading this book. However, the series is so good, you will enjoy reading the whole series any way. It is worth the read.
This is actually a spin off series and I loved it as well. If you want to start at the very, very beginning, it's best to start off with it. Loved it!
Written as a 1st person, single pov with completed mystery ending. To say there is romance, would be a stretch. There is a touch of it there, but things never seem to go smoothly. Also part of the needing to read the previous books to understand what is going on.
Good story line, love the characters, engaging dialogue, and cute familiars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is actually a spin off series and I loved it as well. If you want to start at the very, very beginning, it's best to start off with it. Loved it!
Written as a 1st person, single pov with completed mystery ending. To say there is romance, would be a stretch. There is a touch of it there, but things never seem to go smoothly. Also part of the needing to read the previous books to understand what is going on.
Good story line, love the characters, engaging dialogue, and cute familiars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series with an extraordinary cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. The town of Coventry is home to a family of witches as well as a few other random witches along with many humans. The town has a spell over it that keeps the humans from seeing any magic done by the witches. Kinsley is the head of the skeenbore family. She is a young woman who owns her own business is pregnant and engaged to the local sheriff to get married.
Like her mother before she has a knack for finding dead bodies and getting involved in solving the mystery. Sometimes to the ire of her future husband. An entertaining mix of characters and unique situations along with her familiar Mary a cat who appears to be a kitten but it’s decades old. Follow long as they solve mysteries murders into the crimes in their town. Check it out
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series with an extraordinary cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. The town of Coventry is home to a family of witches as well as a few other random witches along with many humans. The town has a spell over it that keeps the humans from seeing any magic done by the witches. Kinsley is the head of the skeenbore family. She is a young woman who owns her own business is pregnant and engaged to the local sheriff to get married.
Like her mother before she has a knack for finding dead bodies and getting involved in solving the mystery. Sometimes to the ire of her future husband. An entertaining mix of characters and unique situations along with her familiar Mary a cat who appears to be a kitten but it’s decades old. Follow long as they solve mysteries murders into the crimes in their town. Check it out
July 22, 2021
It's Halloween and there's no doubt that the town is going to celebrate big! They didn't, though, count on a dead body in the 'haunted' house. There's a ghost in the courthouse that ends up hurting Meri, the cat. Then there's a mirror that could be the source of their problems.
She's attacked by a ghost and told she will get in trouble if she breaks into a house. Thorn has some explaining to do about his behavior and there's an interrupted wedding.
It seems the town hall ghost is going to be a problem and there's the question of whether or not Thorn and Kinsley can work out their problems. The characters remain interesting, there's a good variety in the types of murders that take place and there are questions left to answer. Another good book in the series.
She's attacked by a ghost and told she will get in trouble if she breaks into a house. Thorn has some explaining to do about his behavior and there's an interrupted wedding.
It seems the town hall ghost is going to be a problem and there's the question of whether or not Thorn and Kinsley can work out their problems. The characters remain interesting, there's a good variety in the types of murders that take place and there are questions left to answer. Another good book in the series.
October 22, 2020
Another great addition to the Familiar Kitten Mysteries!
It's almost Halloween in Coventry and Kinsley is helping build a haunted house for the residents in town...
Things are going a little strange for Kinsley....Thorn has gone away to help his sister and is acting really off!
But Kinsley kind of brushes off Thorns behaviour and she continues work on the haunted house...she falls over one of the props but the prop is actually a dead body. Kinsley goes into detective mode and helps to solve another murder in Coventry.
Kinsley and Thorn are about to get married but someone from Kinsley's past crashes the party...
Do they get married? You'll have to read the book to find out
I highly recommend this series if you love cozy mysteries. If you like witches this series is a great one to read....clean, no swearing, and no adult situations...perfect for ages 14 and over...
It's almost Halloween in Coventry and Kinsley is helping build a haunted house for the residents in town...
Things are going a little strange for Kinsley....Thorn has gone away to help his sister and is acting really off!
But Kinsley kind of brushes off Thorns behaviour and she continues work on the haunted house...she falls over one of the props but the prop is actually a dead body. Kinsley goes into detective mode and helps to solve another murder in Coventry.
Kinsley and Thorn are about to get married but someone from Kinsley's past crashes the party...
Do they get married? You'll have to read the book to find out
I highly recommend this series if you love cozy mysteries. If you like witches this series is a great one to read....clean, no swearing, and no adult situations...perfect for ages 14 and over...
May 31, 2025
Really like the series
I enjoy characters and most of the plot points. I'm not really crazy about problems between Kinsley and Thorn. There's too much time spent in Thorn going off in a huff and trying to control Kinsley's decisions. It seems to be okay at the end of each book with problems from previous books being solved until they aren't. It bothers me that because they are the same or very similar problems to those previously encountered. There are thirty-three books in the series and since this is only seven, I'm keeping on keeping on. I really recommend the series, I'm just hoping problems are caused by other things and not just Thorn.
I enjoy characters and most of the plot points. I'm not really crazy about problems between Kinsley and Thorn. There's too much time spent in Thorn going off in a huff and trying to control Kinsley's decisions. It seems to be okay at the end of each book with problems from previous books being solved until they aren't. It bothers me that because they are the same or very similar problems to those previously encountered. There are thirty-three books in the series and since this is only seven, I'm keeping on keeping on. I really recommend the series, I'm just hoping problems are caused by other things and not just Thorn.
February 27, 2021
Once again the bulk of the story is fleshed out with details but the ending just gets phoned in. The author simply tells us what happened instead of giving it a full complement of detail. Perfunctory endings are her stock in trade. The skeleton is there but he's just got so little meat and no fat on his bones. It's all just tension and gristle at the end of the story. I'd love to get in there and collaborate to make these nicely imaginative stories really rich and meaty to give the reader the payoff she deserves. Alas. (Earwax.)
December 2, 2020
Great, quick read!
Great story, I love Meri. Lots of typos though, which is unfortunate. I also noticed some inconsistencies from the last book to this one (Its mentioned in the last book that Dorian and Isaac rent their house outside Coventry....but this one opens with talk of them selling it?) and honestly, it's not the first time I've noticed inconsistencies in these books. Small, but noticeable.
Great story, I love Meri. Lots of typos though, which is unfortunate. I also noticed some inconsistencies from the last book to this one (Its mentioned in the last book that Dorian and Isaac rent their house outside Coventry....but this one opens with talk of them selling it?) and honestly, it's not the first time I've noticed inconsistencies in these books. Small, but noticeable.
July 13, 2022
A good mystery
I give this 3 stars because of the murder mystery, and I love the kitten. He's the best character. Kinsley , I find to be selfish and does not listen to other people about the danger she is facing. I do not Thorn, the hero. He does not treat her well, at times. The ending does not surprise me. I have more books in this series, I hope Kinsley finds a better man in one of them.
I give this 3 stars because of the murder mystery, and I love the kitten. He's the best character. Kinsley , I find to be selfish and does not listen to other people about the danger she is facing. I do not Thorn, the hero. He does not treat her well, at times. The ending does not surprise me. I have more books in this series, I hope Kinsley finds a better man in one of them.
January 29, 2023
Ok. I need a break from these books that can be read in two hours. I also need a break from how wreckless Kinsley is with her pregnancy. She had her first marriage end in part because she couldn't have children. Now she's pregnant and keeps getting injured. Now, the vampire is back in her life, and at the end of the end of the book, she has feelings when she sees him. I may revisit this series later, and I may not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Paranormal
"Halloween hijinks abound! The Halloween Festival in Coventry is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, but when a prop in the haunted house attraction turns out to be a real dead body, Kinsley has to solve the crime one spell at a time."
This is a paranormal mystery. I don't like it much but it was okay. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
"Halloween hijinks abound! The Halloween Festival in Coventry is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, but when a prop in the haunted house attraction turns out to be a real dead body, Kinsley has to solve the crime one spell at a time."
This is a paranormal mystery. I don't like it much but it was okay. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 28, 2020
Will they?
Spoiler alert! Not a big fan of Thorn. Was really hoping that he would have gotten the boot by the end of the book, but sadly he did not. Enjoyed the story, but would really like to know what is going on with the mirror shadow and the other spirt. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Spoiler alert! Not a big fan of Thorn. Was really hoping that he would have gotten the boot by the end of the book, but sadly he did not. Enjoyed the story, but would really like to know what is going on with the mirror shadow and the other spirt. Looking forward to reading the next book.
October 29, 2020
Great story!
I love this series. Kinsley is a little quirky but also lovable and strong. There is just enough paranormal to keep me engaged yet it not so over done that it frightens me to death. Plot flowed well and was well thought out. Ending was a cliff hanger leading to the next episode which is why the four stars and not five.
I love this series. Kinsley is a little quirky but also lovable and strong. There is just enough paranormal to keep me engaged yet it not so over done that it frightens me to death. Plot flowed well and was well thought out. Ending was a cliff hanger leading to the next episode which is why the four stars and not five.
November 1, 2020
What an ending! Kinsley continues to solve murders in Coventry. Although this book does not feature a lot of magic, the story still pulls the reader in. Lillith is ultimately my favorite Auntie with her quirks and antics.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2020
Too many problems so little time
Kinsley tries to solve everyone’s problems and ends up being involved with murder, mayhem, and almost becoming a victim herself. Thanks to Meri, Vivian, and Dorian to keep her safe. Big surprise at her wedding to Thorn . Great read. Ready for the next saga.
Kinsley tries to solve everyone’s problems and ends up being involved with murder, mayhem, and almost becoming a victim herself. Thanks to Meri, Vivian, and Dorian to keep her safe. Big surprise at her wedding to Thorn . Great read. Ready for the next saga.
March 24, 2021
Wow! This book has me just totally floored! The whole thing with the murder and then finding out who was the murderer. THEN, the whole thing with how Thorn was acting towards Kingsley. I mean, just wow! And then the way the book ended! Talk about a cliffhanger! Wow!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2022
Sheriff loves witch as usual another body is found!
Coventry is getting ready for the Halloween festival! A body turns up! This witch wants to find out who killed this man! The Sheriff wants his fiance to quit investing murders! That is his job! Hope there are those who enjoy this series!
Coventry is getting ready for the Halloween festival! A body turns up! This witch wants to find out who killed this man! The Sheriff wants his fiance to quit investing murders! That is his job! Hope there are those who enjoy this series!
June 4, 2023
Drama Mama
There is too much drama. I mean it’s just so much. Also, Kinsley has had very little to no character development in the last three books. Neither has Thorn. In this book it’s like they both regressed. Way to Viv though! A bad man died, but you helped take his killer down.
There is too much drama. I mean it’s just so much. Also, Kinsley has had very little to no character development in the last three books. Neither has Thorn. In this book it’s like they both regressed. Way to Viv though! A bad man died, but you helped take his killer down.
January 23, 2025
best one yet
I haven’t loved this series so far because of the writing and Kinsley’s emotional immaturity when it comes to relationships but the storyline is good so I kept pushing and this one I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Kinsley act like a strong independent woman more and the writing is better.
I haven’t loved this series so far because of the writing and Kinsley’s emotional immaturity when it comes to relationships but the storyline is good so I kept pushing and this one I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Kinsley act like a strong independent woman more and the writing is better.
October 24, 2020
ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Kinsley is following up on another murder as sheriff thorn her fiancee is having issues . . Awesome story
October 30, 2020
A ghoulish Halloween treat ending with a nasty trick!
I enjoyed this Halloween thriller. It had several little twists to it and more details about some of the newer characters. The ending is a definite cliff hanger and Halloween mystery!
I enjoyed this Halloween thriller. It had several little twists to it and more details about some of the newer characters. The ending is a definite cliff hanger and Halloween mystery!
November 3, 2020
Enjoyed
I have enjoyed reading this series of books. Looking forward to the next one which is conning out soon. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes mystery along with a little humor and a cute kitten.
I have enjoyed reading this series of books. Looking forward to the next one which is conning out soon. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes mystery along with a little humor and a cute kitten.
November 9, 2020
The cauldron is bubbling over
Troubled relationships, death and disappointment . seems so many are balance and death, mortal and region ship looming in the foreground..... Meri is the rock the little guy ales is, mini but mighty.
Troubled relationships, death and disappointment . seems so many are balance and death, mortal and region ship looming in the foreground..... Meri is the rock the little guy ales is, mini but mighty.
December 8, 2020
If you love kittens and a little paranormal influence in your life you may enjoy this series. Each mystery reveals a little more about this spooky kitten’s family. Once you start you want to read each book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews