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The Bloomin' Psychic #2
Life's A Birch
Life's a birch and then you die in a canal wearing days-of-the-week underpants.
Forty-two-year-old Mia Thorne is settling into her new life in the small riverside town of Newberry, Pennsylvania. Part of her misses the bright lights of the big city, but Mia is determined to make the best of the cottage she inherited and its surroundings gardens, as well as her blossoming love life. Residents like Scarlet and Patrick have welcomed her with open arms and encourage Mia to embrace her special abilities with the same enthusiasm. Even Ophelia seems to have accepted her presence, although Mia’s convinced the ornery cat would be perfectly content to suck out her soul if she dared to leave the bedroom door unlocked at night.
When a body is discovered in the canal outside Scarlet’s house and the police suspect foul play, Mia rushes to her friend’s aid. Between a creepy birdwatching group and a set of adult twins that seem straight out of The Shining, Mia ends up with a list of suspects as long as Rapunzel’s hair. Unfortunately, Detective Derek Fairfax and Chief Tuck are determined to keep Mia away from the investigation under the guise of being, you know, the actual members of law enforcement--but Mia’s specialty is denial, and she’s more than happy to ignore their orders.
Can Mia identify the killer before it’s too late or will Scarlet find herself up a canal without a paddle?
Life's A Birch is the second book in The Bloomin' Psychic series. If you missed it, be sure to check out Petal to the Metal, the first book in the series.
Forty-two-year-old Mia Thorne is settling into her new life in the small riverside town of Newberry, Pennsylvania. Part of her misses the bright lights of the big city, but Mia is determined to make the best of the cottage she inherited and its surroundings gardens, as well as her blossoming love life. Residents like Scarlet and Patrick have welcomed her with open arms and encourage Mia to embrace her special abilities with the same enthusiasm. Even Ophelia seems to have accepted her presence, although Mia’s convinced the ornery cat would be perfectly content to suck out her soul if she dared to leave the bedroom door unlocked at night.
When a body is discovered in the canal outside Scarlet’s house and the police suspect foul play, Mia rushes to her friend’s aid. Between a creepy birdwatching group and a set of adult twins that seem straight out of The Shining, Mia ends up with a list of suspects as long as Rapunzel’s hair. Unfortunately, Detective Derek Fairfax and Chief Tuck are determined to keep Mia away from the investigation under the guise of being, you know, the actual members of law enforcement--but Mia’s specialty is denial, and she’s more than happy to ignore their orders.
Can Mia identify the killer before it’s too late or will Scarlet find herself up a canal without a paddle?
Life's A Birch is the second book in The Bloomin' Psychic series. If you missed it, be sure to check out Petal to the Metal, the first book in the series.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2021
677 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Chase
206 books1,489 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 7, 2021
Mia is slowly settling into her new life; a life that is completely different to any life that she's lived before. She's living in a small town, she's unemployed (though given she's extremely capable and will no doubt find a job quickly enough), and she has made some genuine friends.
The second book has taken more of a paranormal turn, which I like! The writing explores lots of different themes in a frank and honest manner; because Mia herself was brought up in a household where her mother forbade her from embracing anything that was different out of the norm. As such, Mia is having a lot of realisations, but she is surrounded by people who are both supportive and patient which is something that Mia is still getting used to.
In this book, Scarlet, one of Mia's new best-friends, has been accused of murder, and Mia takes it upon herself to investigate. Of course the hot-cop Derek is unapproving of her meddling, and he tells her so frequently when he's not being a big giant flirt. This is problematic because Mia has the hots for Derek's decidedly hotter (mostly because he's nicer) brother Dane.
I found the story lagged a little; it didn't hold my attention to read in one sitting, but I enjoyed the ending none-the-less (though I had guessed the murderer quite early on the book, not because the story was poorly written [it wasn't] or because there were too many clues [there weren't]; I suppose I've seen and read a LOT of cozy mysteries, so I'm always like, 'Means, motive, opportunity' in the back of my head, and this one just made a lot of sense to me quite early on).
Looking forward to the third installment!
The second book has taken more of a paranormal turn, which I like! The writing explores lots of different themes in a frank and honest manner; because Mia herself was brought up in a household where her mother forbade her from embracing anything that was different out of the norm. As such, Mia is having a lot of realisations, but she is surrounded by people who are both supportive and patient which is something that Mia is still getting used to.
In this book, Scarlet, one of Mia's new best-friends, has been accused of murder, and Mia takes it upon herself to investigate. Of course the hot-cop Derek is unapproving of her meddling, and he tells her so frequently when he's not being a big giant flirt. This is problematic because Mia has the hots for Derek's decidedly hotter (mostly because he's nicer) brother Dane.
I found the story lagged a little; it didn't hold my attention to read in one sitting, but I enjoyed the ending none-the-less (though I had guessed the murderer quite early on the book, not because the story was poorly written [it wasn't] or because there were too many clues [there weren't]; I suppose I've seen and read a LOT of cozy mysteries, so I'm always like, 'Means, motive, opportunity' in the back of my head, and this one just made a lot of sense to me quite early on).
Looking forward to the third installment!
July 8, 2024
Okay, hear me out... The first book rubbed me the wrong way in many ways, but this one was - I'm happy to say - better!
Mia doesn't spend half the book complaining about things - she actually gets shit done! And that really was an improvement for the better.
She's still a bit shallow and needs to mature the hell up, if you ask me, but the scenery and her new friends are perhaps influencing her for the better.
The murder mystery was fun.
All the batshit-crazy bird-watchers made Mia seem like the sane person in the room for the first time in the series, and ....... that's really saying something. 🤣
I'm quite pleased that I liked this one better than the first one, because now I have a new cosy series to add to my list. I will absolutely return for book 3.
Mia doesn't spend half the book complaining about things - she actually gets shit done! And that really was an improvement for the better.
She's still a bit shallow and needs to mature the hell up, if you ask me, but the scenery and her new friends are perhaps influencing her for the better.
The murder mystery was fun.
All the batshit-crazy bird-watchers made Mia seem like the sane person in the room for the first time in the series, and ....... that's really saying something. 🤣
I'm quite pleased that I liked this one better than the first one, because now I have a new cosy series to add to my list. I will absolutely return for book 3.
December 4, 2024
Lol 😆 this book is hilarious but good lord the mc has ADHD infused with speed 🤣 and her mother messed her up bad. So bad that she pushes away any changes or notions that she's a witch. Wish she would get it together. It just goes to show how bad a parent can mess up their kids.. only peeve is its supposed to be a paranormal book but the mc won't look around the house or try to do any magic she makes jokes and shys away from it but it's still a good read
January 10, 2022
These mysteries get better with each book! Looking forward to the next one!
September 13, 2025
Narrator's vocal fry was very distracting, irritating and drove me up a wall. It made me strongly dislike this audiobook.
May 12, 2021
Delightful
Fun and quick paced with just enough silliness and cats thrown in. Love the cover art and book titles. Looking forward to #3.
Fun and quick paced with just enough silliness and cats thrown in. Love the cover art and book titles. Looking forward to #3.
April 30, 2022
The heroine in this series doesn't work very well. She's meant to be 42 but she has aches and pains more suited to being at least 15 years older. All her supposed friends and family call her old and diss her which doesn't sit with the rest of the story
July 22, 2021
Another Quick, Witty And Entertaining Read
So far these two in the series have been quite enjoyable. They read quickly, without a lot to muddle up the story.
I do think these should be tagged more as mystery romance adventures with a slight twist of the paranormal involved. Not quite so much about Mia developing her “talents,” but rather the murder mysteries she seems to get involved in and definitely more about the “slow-burn” (someone else’s description-not mine) romance that’s slowly budding open, within the book series. I tend not to enjoy the romantic side of books dragging out and at times taking over the storyline, but this one seems to lend some strength to it.
It can become confusing and befuddling when you start mixing too many genres. I’m hoping this is one that it doesn’t stand in the way of the storyline being strongly developed.
Very few typos or grammatical errors which is a rarity in the Ebook world of today.
I appreciate the fact too that there’s not a lot of filler and backstory to add pages to the final release. I don’t care to read a book that has one or both of these qualities. If I’m reading the second, or third, or even fourth, the likelihood that I’ve read the previous one/s is pretty much there. It’s more unlikely that someone picked up book 2 out of nowhere and needs to have all the previous scenes, relationships, and course of events so thoroughly delved into.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
So far these two in the series have been quite enjoyable. They read quickly, without a lot to muddle up the story.
I do think these should be tagged more as mystery romance adventures with a slight twist of the paranormal involved. Not quite so much about Mia developing her “talents,” but rather the murder mysteries she seems to get involved in and definitely more about the “slow-burn” (someone else’s description-not mine) romance that’s slowly budding open, within the book series. I tend not to enjoy the romantic side of books dragging out and at times taking over the storyline, but this one seems to lend some strength to it.
It can become confusing and befuddling when you start mixing too many genres. I’m hoping this is one that it doesn’t stand in the way of the storyline being strongly developed.
Very few typos or grammatical errors which is a rarity in the Ebook world of today.
I appreciate the fact too that there’s not a lot of filler and backstory to add pages to the final release. I don’t care to read a book that has one or both of these qualities. If I’m reading the second, or third, or even fourth, the likelihood that I’ve read the previous one/s is pretty much there. It’s more unlikely that someone picked up book 2 out of nowhere and needs to have all the previous scenes, relationships, and course of events so thoroughly delved into.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 8, 2021
Friends united..
Mia's settling into small town life in great aunt Hazel's cottage regretting that she never got to meet her in person.. still searching for a job, building friendship with Scarlet and Patrick, who helped her when she was accused of murdering Grace, and still hankering after Dane Fairfax. So when Patrick rushes over and drags her to Scarlet's house because there's trouble afoot and it appears that now Scarlet is in the same boat having discovered the body of Bernard Simms in the canal. Doesn't help that Bernard is an old client of Scarlet's who refused to settle his final bill for her landscaping services which according to Detective Dale Fairfax gives Scarlet plenty of motive.
With burgeoning skills and no knowledge of the paranormal Mia's trying to figure things out while saving Scarlet, but her need to be normal and fit in means she's struggling to admit to herself that she has any powers at all. With Dane's ex girlfriend back to visit a dying friend Mia's, conspiracy nuts hiding in plain sight as a birdwatching club, Clive and his crazy crocheters, MaryAnn and a 90 year old witness who seems determined to blame Scarlet Mia has plenty of fun trying to work out who really killed Bernard but when she works out the truth will she be the next person in their sights?
Mia's settling into small town life in great aunt Hazel's cottage regretting that she never got to meet her in person.. still searching for a job, building friendship with Scarlet and Patrick, who helped her when she was accused of murdering Grace, and still hankering after Dane Fairfax. So when Patrick rushes over and drags her to Scarlet's house because there's trouble afoot and it appears that now Scarlet is in the same boat having discovered the body of Bernard Simms in the canal. Doesn't help that Bernard is an old client of Scarlet's who refused to settle his final bill for her landscaping services which according to Detective Dale Fairfax gives Scarlet plenty of motive.
With burgeoning skills and no knowledge of the paranormal Mia's trying to figure things out while saving Scarlet, but her need to be normal and fit in means she's struggling to admit to herself that she has any powers at all. With Dane's ex girlfriend back to visit a dying friend Mia's, conspiracy nuts hiding in plain sight as a birdwatching club, Clive and his crazy crocheters, MaryAnn and a 90 year old witness who seems determined to blame Scarlet Mia has plenty of fun trying to work out who really killed Bernard but when she works out the truth will she be the next person in their sights?
March 23, 2022
This is book #2 in the Blooming Psychic series and is called Life's a Birch. Though I didn't think it was as funny as the first book, it was still entertaining with the same wild, fun characters.
Mia is settling into her new life and living in the house she inherited from Aunt Hazel. She was absolved of any connection to the murder in book #1, but this time one of her new friends is being accused of murder. An elderly lady happens to see Mia's friend "pushing" a dead body into the canal by her house. The friend said she noticed the body and was actually "pulling" the body to shore, so just who is right?
Mia is bold and determined again, to play detective and find out exactly who is responsible for this new murder. She's still riding Aunt Hazel's scooter, has no job, and is working on her psychic abilities and garden full of weeds. Her plans are still to stick out this year in Hazel's house and then sell it.
I loved the characters, the hilarious dialog between the characters and the friendships that Mia forms in her new town. She's attracted to Dane, the lawyer, yet his brother Derek, seems to also be attracted to Mia (unless he's just trying to make Dane jealous).
This is a fast, easy read and a continuation of Mia's story that will give you some smiles and keep you interested in the mystery.
Mia is settling into her new life and living in the house she inherited from Aunt Hazel. She was absolved of any connection to the murder in book #1, but this time one of her new friends is being accused of murder. An elderly lady happens to see Mia's friend "pushing" a dead body into the canal by her house. The friend said she noticed the body and was actually "pulling" the body to shore, so just who is right?
Mia is bold and determined again, to play detective and find out exactly who is responsible for this new murder. She's still riding Aunt Hazel's scooter, has no job, and is working on her psychic abilities and garden full of weeds. Her plans are still to stick out this year in Hazel's house and then sell it.
I loved the characters, the hilarious dialog between the characters and the friendships that Mia forms in her new town. She's attracted to Dane, the lawyer, yet his brother Derek, seems to also be attracted to Mia (unless he's just trying to make Dane jealous).
This is a fast, easy read and a continuation of Mia's story that will give you some smiles and keep you interested in the mystery.
May 11, 2021
Entertaining Paranormal women’s fiction series
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Mia was and advertising sales person in New York most of her life until one day she got fired by her crappy boss and her crappy boyfriend dumped her and kicked her out of their apartment. On that same day her mother calls her and start ragging on her as well. In the conversation her mother mentions that her great aunt on her father side has left her an inheritance in a small town a couple streets north of New York City. With nothing else going on in life she packs up and heads out. Once there she soon realizes things are not quite what they seem to be. Her great aunt was a local legend in the small town. She was apparently something of an all-around paranormal/witch. Now Mia is starting to come into the same type of powers. With the help of a couple of new friends she is learning how to use them as well as helping solve mysteries around town even though the local police aren’t happy about it. Very entertaining with a quirky bunch of characters that she will fall in love with and be entertained by to the end. Check it out
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Mia was and advertising sales person in New York most of her life until one day she got fired by her crappy boss and her crappy boyfriend dumped her and kicked her out of their apartment. On that same day her mother calls her and start ragging on her as well. In the conversation her mother mentions that her great aunt on her father side has left her an inheritance in a small town a couple streets north of New York City. With nothing else going on in life she packs up and heads out. Once there she soon realizes things are not quite what they seem to be. Her great aunt was a local legend in the small town. She was apparently something of an all-around paranormal/witch. Now Mia is starting to come into the same type of powers. With the help of a couple of new friends she is learning how to use them as well as helping solve mysteries around town even though the local police aren’t happy about it. Very entertaining with a quirky bunch of characters that she will fall in love with and be entertained by to the end. Check it out
March 16, 2025
good
Now she’s settling in to her new home and town, Mia is beginning to find out that she has a number of special gifts of her own.
It’s something she feels might just be useful, because another body has turned up, and this time it means Mia’s new friend Scarlet is getting the blame!
Note: there is a short story available from the author, that takes place in the weeks that happen between the first book, and this one, and the reader may prefer to read that before this book.
This book picks up about a month after the first one leaves off, and Mia is still coming to terms with her new life. She’s understandably skittish, even as she starts to come out of her shell, and this is reflected in her interactions with the people she meets.
She is finally taking charge of her own destiny, and trying to keep her mind open, and sometimes, that’s a lot easier said than done (there are one or two incidents in this book that prove the case!).
It’s a fun read, with enjoyable characters, and a cosy setting (despite the murder). I’m quite fond of Sheriff Tuck, and Dane; while Patrick and Scarlet make great friends; I’m looking forward to seeing how they all handle Mia’s difficult mother!
This is a good series for fans of paranormal cosy, and paranormal women’s fiction.
Now she’s settling in to her new home and town, Mia is beginning to find out that she has a number of special gifts of her own.
It’s something she feels might just be useful, because another body has turned up, and this time it means Mia’s new friend Scarlet is getting the blame!
Note: there is a short story available from the author, that takes place in the weeks that happen between the first book, and this one, and the reader may prefer to read that before this book.
This book picks up about a month after the first one leaves off, and Mia is still coming to terms with her new life. She’s understandably skittish, even as she starts to come out of her shell, and this is reflected in her interactions with the people she meets.
She is finally taking charge of her own destiny, and trying to keep her mind open, and sometimes, that’s a lot easier said than done (there are one or two incidents in this book that prove the case!).
It’s a fun read, with enjoyable characters, and a cosy setting (despite the murder). I’m quite fond of Sheriff Tuck, and Dane; while Patrick and Scarlet make great friends; I’m looking forward to seeing how they all handle Mia’s difficult mother!
This is a good series for fans of paranormal cosy, and paranormal women’s fiction.
June 17, 2025
Mia is getting acclimated to the slower pace of life in Newberry, PA, although she still needs a job, and her great-aunt Hazel’s garden still needs lots of work. At least she has some new friends, Scarlet and Patrick, a potential boyfriend in attorney Dane Fairfax, and hellcat Ophelia seems to be accepting her. Things are going well until a body is found in the canal near Scarlet’s home and Scarlet is tabbed as the primary suspect. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Mia starts nosing around in hopes of finding a more viable suspect or two for the police to focus on. What she encounters is a conspiracy-minded birdwatching group, a creepy set of twins, a snarky knitting circle, and a ghost. The police would prefer that Mia stay out of it, because a killer may just kill again to keep a secret.
As fresh and funny as the first in the series. Mia is a hoot, and I love how she rolls with whatever fresh hell life deals her. The plot moved at a good pace, and characters were well-developed.
Lots of fun, four stars
As fresh and funny as the first in the series. Mia is a hoot, and I love how she rolls with whatever fresh hell life deals her. The plot moved at a good pace, and characters were well-developed.
Lots of fun, four stars
May 8, 2021
So much fun! Mia is back and she's discovering her powers - whatever they may be. Things are heating up between her and Dane and of course there's another murder to be solved. Especially when her friend Scarlet is the top suspect. She's also trying to find a job and oh yeah, her mother is coming to visit in the next book.
I love the characters. Mia is so amusing but not as amusing as her friends. Those two are hysterical. But Mia is a magnet for trouble and ends up involved with a conspiracy theorist group posing as birdwatchers, but they believe the birds aren't real, but rather are drones disguised as birds. Dane is impossibly handsome but messes up when he says something to Mia that leads her to believe them dating is all part of the sibling rivalry between him and hos brother, Officer Derek. And Derek can't help himself from hitting on Mia every time he sees her. It all makes for good fun with the added bonus of the mystery of who killed Bernard?
I love the characters. Mia is so amusing but not as amusing as her friends. Those two are hysterical. But Mia is a magnet for trouble and ends up involved with a conspiracy theorist group posing as birdwatchers, but they believe the birds aren't real, but rather are drones disguised as birds. Dane is impossibly handsome but messes up when he says something to Mia that leads her to believe them dating is all part of the sibling rivalry between him and hos brother, Officer Derek. And Derek can't help himself from hitting on Mia every time he sees her. It all makes for good fun with the added bonus of the mystery of who killed Bernard?
May 28, 2021
This is the second book in the Blooming Psychic series. Mia Thorne is trying to settle into her new life in the small riverside town of Newberry, Pennsylvania. She somewhat misses the city life but she inherited a cottage and its surrounding gardens from an aunt she never knew. She has some special abilities but is still not sure what they are.
A body is discovered in the canal and MIa tries to solve the murder because one of her friends, Scarlet, is the prime suspect. Of course, the law enforcement doesn't want her meddling in the investigation but she does anyway!
Authors - please note! This plotline is as common and as annoying as mosquitos in the summer - try something else!
I may or may not read the next one in the series. I do like this author but still not sure about this series.
A body is discovered in the canal and MIa tries to solve the murder because one of her friends, Scarlet, is the prime suspect. Of course, the law enforcement doesn't want her meddling in the investigation but she does anyway!
Authors - please note! This plotline is as common and as annoying as mosquitos in the summer - try something else!
I may or may not read the next one in the series. I do like this author but still not sure about this series.
December 20, 2022
Lighthearted diversion
This is lighthearted entertainment, and Book Two is even better than the first. Mia has greatly improved with better acquaintance; she's acting her age, no longer aimless, and more open to her gifts. That last is particularly important since her abilities seem to be expanding. Training with Virginia should have the additional benefit of providing background history. The supporting players are gradually becoming clearer, as are the relationships. The murder mystery is orderly and has elements of pathos and senseless waste, and while the culprit is unexpected, he/she makes an odd kind of sense. There are unanswered questions to (hopefully) be addressed in future volumes, such as What purpose does Ophelia serve, and What purpose does the garden serve, and How much does Mia's mom know/suspect? Book Three looks to be quite interesting!
This is lighthearted entertainment, and Book Two is even better than the first. Mia has greatly improved with better acquaintance; she's acting her age, no longer aimless, and more open to her gifts. That last is particularly important since her abilities seem to be expanding. Training with Virginia should have the additional benefit of providing background history. The supporting players are gradually becoming clearer, as are the relationships. The murder mystery is orderly and has elements of pathos and senseless waste, and while the culprit is unexpected, he/she makes an odd kind of sense. There are unanswered questions to (hopefully) be addressed in future volumes, such as What purpose does Ophelia serve, and What purpose does the garden serve, and How much does Mia's mom know/suspect? Book Three looks to be quite interesting!
October 21, 2025
Mia is getting used to her life in Newberry, figuring out her powers, enjoying friends Scarlet and Patrick and the possible romance with Dane.
But when a body is found in the canal and Scarlet is the prime suspect, Mia starts investigating. There are a multitude of alternate suspects as far as she’s concerned. There is the birdwatching group who believes that birds are actually drones so the government can spy, and the victim’s secretary who dresses troll dolls in Princess Diana dresses. And of course, the victim’s brother who is dressed in a crocheted rainbow onesie.
This book has a nice little mystery, some strange powers and great characters. There were parts where I was actually laughing out loud.
But the murder leads to some darker spots, troubled relationships, arguments – almost too many leads to follow but Mia does.
This is a quick, easy, fun read.
But when a body is found in the canal and Scarlet is the prime suspect, Mia starts investigating. There are a multitude of alternate suspects as far as she’s concerned. There is the birdwatching group who believes that birds are actually drones so the government can spy, and the victim’s secretary who dresses troll dolls in Princess Diana dresses. And of course, the victim’s brother who is dressed in a crocheted rainbow onesie.
This book has a nice little mystery, some strange powers and great characters. There were parts where I was actually laughing out loud.
But the murder leads to some darker spots, troubled relationships, arguments – almost too many leads to follow but Mia does.
This is a quick, easy, fun read.
August 9, 2024
Very cute! Not as great as the first one... though I do adore the world created here, it feels the character of the killer is never introduced until late in these books. The prospective killers seem to be trotted out one-by-one; after they are proven not to be a suspect, a new prospect is trotted out. So you would never be able to guess in the beginning who the killer is in the beginning because they haven't been introduced yet. However, the books are still charming, and I love Mia's character and running interior dialogue, as well as the quirky other characters showing themselves around town. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this one or something. But I still enjoyed it!! On to the next soon. :)
April 24, 2021
Life's A Birch is Book Two in the Bloomin' Psychic Series by Annabel Chase.
Mia is starting to settle into her new life in Newberry, PA and her cottage and garden's that she inherited . She's made some friends, Scarlett and Patrick, and has a new man in her life.
All is going well ..until its not and a body is found in the canal outside Scarlet's house.
Mia is investigating even though the police would rather she didn't.
Did I mention the birdwatching group?
This was an absolutely fantastic story with wonderful characters that will make you laugh out loud.
The mystery is fantastic and kept me guessing.
I cannot wait to read more in this amazing series!
Mia is starting to settle into her new life in Newberry, PA and her cottage and garden's that she inherited . She's made some friends, Scarlett and Patrick, and has a new man in her life.
All is going well ..until its not and a body is found in the canal outside Scarlet's house.
Mia is investigating even though the police would rather she didn't.
Did I mention the birdwatching group?
This was an absolutely fantastic story with wonderful characters that will make you laugh out loud.
The mystery is fantastic and kept me guessing.
I cannot wait to read more in this amazing series!
May 14, 2021
Annabel has outdone herself once again. This is the second book of this series and it had me laughing my head off. Mia has to get Scarlett off the murder suspect list and so she gets involved in the murder investigation. She also finds out more about her abilities and herself and she finds out that her garden is not dead but as her abilities grow, so does her garden. My favorite character is Mia. The characters are full of life and consistent, and the plot is flowing. If you want to find out what happens at the end, I hope you don't expect me to tell you, I highly recommend you all getting this book, it is worth getting the book. Thank you
August 27, 2025
Another fantastic installment in the series. I am warming even more to the characters and the magic that surrounds them.
The love interest is nice and I am interested to see where it goes. I liked that this book didn't just focus on the main characters but introduced more of the towns inhabitants and gave us more of an insight into the town itself which sounds amazing and someplace I would love to live.
Only slight criticism is that the ending seemed a wee bit rushed and with the book only being 222 pages long that could be why. However, that aside after some longer reads I am enjoying this quick read series that is all about the cosy murder vibe
The love interest is nice and I am interested to see where it goes. I liked that this book didn't just focus on the main characters but introduced more of the towns inhabitants and gave us more of an insight into the town itself which sounds amazing and someplace I would love to live.
Only slight criticism is that the ending seemed a wee bit rushed and with the book only being 222 pages long that could be why. However, that aside after some longer reads I am enjoying this quick read series that is all about the cosy murder vibe
May 8, 2021
Hilarious and plenty of scratching head trying to figure out who committed murder.
I loved this! I read Wet My Pants first in Seasoned Magic Anthology. I really loved this. I enjoyed reading how Mia came into her powers. I absolutely lobe Dane. I can't believe she even entertains Derrick! His speedy comments & the way he acts like Mia can't do anything would totally make me run the other way. The suspect list is long and keeps Mia running all over town. She does finally go to am interview. The next book should be a hoot with her parents coming for a visit!
I loved this! I read Wet My Pants first in Seasoned Magic Anthology. I really loved this. I enjoyed reading how Mia came into her powers. I absolutely lobe Dane. I can't believe she even entertains Derrick! His speedy comments & the way he acts like Mia can't do anything would totally make me run the other way. The suspect list is long and keeps Mia running all over town. She does finally go to am interview. The next book should be a hoot with her parents coming for a visit!
January 24, 2022
This is a great sequel to Petal to the Metal. Mia starts dabbling a lot more in the psychic aspects of her inheritance, and it begins to play a distinct role in her second murder mystery. It's also nice that she acknowledges that it's not so much that she is better at crime solving than the professionals, it's that she has access to information that they don't. Her motivation this time is to clear the name of her friend, Scarlet. It's a lot of fun, and both Mia and the reader get to meet a lot more of the colorful characters that populate Mia's new hometown.
July 3, 2024
I bought the boxed set which is mainly the reason I'm continuing the series. I don't mind it! It's very mild mystery without much excitement in relationships or happenings really. Even when the killer is found out it's very mellow and undramatic. It's a fine read! Just nothing exciting.
There's also not a whole lot about Mia developing her psychic abilities. Or what she plans to do with them. And with only one book left I'd have thought the second book would delve further into the psychic world but I don't mind that the stories are rather shallow. It's a quick, witty read.
There's also not a whole lot about Mia developing her psychic abilities. Or what she plans to do with them. And with only one book left I'd have thought the second book would delve further into the psychic world but I don't mind that the stories are rather shallow. It's a quick, witty read.
August 23, 2025
I‘m still not warming much to this series. It’s okay, don’t get me wrong. But I miss a spark that draws me in and keeps me interested. Instead I get heroine Mia who carries way too much selfdoubt to be funny, is often in denial of the obvious and boy her mummy issues …
The case too had a weak motive and felt constructed.
We do have a nice small town and a few quirky characters with a sprinkle of magic. Not enough though. I like the magic in your face when I‘m reading something in the paranormal world, not barely there.
Oh well, only one book to go before I can move on.
The case too had a weak motive and felt constructed.
We do have a nice small town and a few quirky characters with a sprinkle of magic. Not enough though. I like the magic in your face when I‘m reading something in the paranormal world, not barely there.
Oh well, only one book to go before I can move on.
May 25, 2021
Another cute and entertaining read. Mia is settling into life in a small town after living in New York her entire life. She's also settling into her psychic powers. When Scarlet discovers a body, and is the primary suspect in his death, Mia stands up for her friend, who helped her through the same situation.
This is a paranormal women's fiction, but without a lot of the paranormal in it. It mostly focuses on the mystery. Definitely worth reading, when you want a light hearted and fun mystery, and a quick read.
This is a paranormal women's fiction, but without a lot of the paranormal in it. It mostly focuses on the mystery. Definitely worth reading, when you want a light hearted and fun mystery, and a quick read.
March 27, 2023
Well this was not so delightful. There was hardly any character development from the first book, and if anything the characters all became worse versions of themselves. The murder plot was a little cruel and expected, and... well. Cozy mystery or not, it does become difficult to empathize with characters who live in a supposedly idyllic world where murders have become of an aspect of everyday life. The series is fine but I don't think I will be continuing.
March 7, 2024
Life is a Birch
Ms. Chase has a knack of hooking you with her characters and story, is a subtle way. She always has colorful and unique characters that, keep you in stitches and my notes are all these witty sayings sprinkled all over the story. Very entertaining.
Mia is growing her craft and her confidence with the help of Patrick and all the cases, she keeps working on. All of them entertaining.
Ms. Chase has a knack of hooking you with her characters and story, is a subtle way. She always has colorful and unique characters that, keep you in stitches and my notes are all these witty sayings sprinkled all over the story. Very entertaining.
Mia is growing her craft and her confidence with the help of Patrick and all the cases, she keeps working on. All of them entertaining.
March 31, 2024
Fun read
This is a another fun read by Annabel Chase! It is quick and fast-paced. It grabs you in the first chapter and keeps up the momentum to the end! Mia Thorne, the main character, is attempting to start life over by moving to a small town in Pennsylvania from New York city. She has a knack for solving crimes, but can get herself in a little hot water along the way!! And there's a really good looking lawyer in the mix!!
This is a another fun read by Annabel Chase! It is quick and fast-paced. It grabs you in the first chapter and keeps up the momentum to the end! Mia Thorne, the main character, is attempting to start life over by moving to a small town in Pennsylvania from New York city. She has a knack for solving crimes, but can get herself in a little hot water along the way!! And there's a really good looking lawyer in the mix!!
May 9, 2021
Life’s A Birch: Then You Die
How do you solve a problem like Mia? The woman has serious cosmic juice; if only she’d believe in herself. One of her best friends is a suspect in a murder case. Will the cops find the real killer? Not if Mia gets there first. See if you can figure it out the way I did. A must read!
How do you solve a problem like Mia? The woman has serious cosmic juice; if only she’d believe in herself. One of her best friends is a suspect in a murder case. Will the cops find the real killer? Not if Mia gets there first. See if you can figure it out the way I did. A must read!
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