You've Got To Be Kitten

Midlife Magic & Mystery #1

by Corrine Winters

A Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery

They say life begins at forty.

When Ruby returns to the small coastal town she’d left twenty years ago, she’s overwhelmed with melancholy. After all, it’s where her fiancé dumped her at the altar.
That’s why all Ruby wants to do while in town is settle up and leave. But things get dangerous when Ruby’s ex- fiancé is found dead in his office. Ruby is the prime suspect and must solve the case in order to clear her name.

Fortunately, she’s not alone.

Her feline familiar Rumpus is there to back Ruby up to the hilt. If only he could avoid making snarky comments and one liners while they do it!

Handsome Police Chief John Miller is there to lend his capable hands…though like everyone else in Fiddler’s Cove, he might be more than he seems.

One thing’s for sure. If Ruby doesn’t find the killer soon, she might just be their next victim!

Join Ruby Rivers as she unravels the mysteries of growing older, finding love, and catching the bad guys.

There’s no need to be ashamed as long as she remembers one thing…

Hex over forty is perfectly natural.

Author’s Note: Join Ruby on a magical mystery adventure, where she discovers far more than she set out to find. Is she just nostalgic, or are the cozy shores of Fiddler’s Cove calling her home? Will she ever find the real killer? Does John Miller think of her as a friend, or something more? Find out in this paranormal women’s fiction cozy mystery with a kitten familiar with more magic, ghosts, and mysteries than you can shake a wand at.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, Cozy, Humor, Witches

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2021

Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 not a bad debut.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the new Midlife Magic and Mystery series. When Ruby River’s deceased uncle leaves her a haunted lighthouse back in her hometown, she hesitantly returns to Fiddler's Cove to get things settled and put it on the market. She had avoided coming here for 20 years because the memories of being left at the altar by her ex-fiancé, Roger Abernathy, were too painful. Ruby is accompanied by her familiar, Rumpus, and her familiar trainee, Rufus. She goes to her ex’s office to finally get closure on what happened.

The following day, Ruby gets a visit from John Miller, the Chief of Police (and one of the merfolk). Apparently her ex was murdered and everyone except John thinks she did it. She most definitely won’t accept that and is determined to clear her name and find the killer. Fortunately, John allows her to work with him on the case. Will they be able to track down the murderer and the missing jewelry, valued at $1 million, from the safe?

This story is well-written and has great characters, including the two familiars who are her companions. The light touch of humor is perfect. And I liked the comfortable way John and Ruby worked together. Hmmmm, a little magic of their own going on there? Grab your copy and enjoy this new series. It’s off to a wonderful start!

[LE Eastman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

I was looking forward to this series. I love witches and talking cats. I was glad the main character was older. The author really let me down. Nothing was really settled. I guess she wanted a cliffhanger but it just felt like a waste of time. I liked the cats but this was a very thinly disguised romance novel. Get over your high school angst already. Sad and annoying. No real mystery. Could have been so much better.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also ‘borrowed’ it via Kindle Unlimited since I’d rather review the published work. As I’ve said before, I always give honest reviews whether people appreciate them or not.

This is the first story of the Midlife Magic and Mystery series by Author Corrine Winters. Ruby’s uncle recently passed away so she has just returned to the coastal town of Fiddler's Cove. She hadn’t returned in twenty years or so, since her ex-fiancé humiliated her by leaving her at the altar. Yeah. Her uncle left her his lighthouse among other things, and she has to get everything settled. Ruby is there with her familiar Rumpus and her familiar in training Rufus. Ruby only has Rufus until a new witch comes, or something like that. Anyway, she’s enjoying town and sees her ex so she follows him to his office. She confronts him about their past and basically gets her closure. It was a fun moment, for me anyway.

Next thing she knows, the Chief of Police, John Miller, is at her door asking her where she was during a time frame because her ex was dead! John doesn’t think she did it, but now the whole town thinks she came back and murdered him. Ruby decides she’s not going to take that lying down and must go and do some detective work herself. This was an interesting story and universe, some magical some normal. I haven’t read anything from Ms. Winters before, so this was all new to me. I liked the story, the characters and I loved the familiars. I was a tad confused about Ruby in that we aren’t really told what she does for a living and why she suddenly thinks she can do detective work. Regardless, I did like the story, enough that I want to read some of Ms. Winters other books. Yes, Ruby and John seem to be hitting it off and yes, Ruby solves the whodunit.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KITTEN is the first book in the Midlife Magic and Mystery series. This is a spin off of the Hex in the City and Blair Burrows makes a cross-over appearance.

I love all of the 80s pop-culture references and this was a fun, paranormal, cozy-mystery. I love that Ruby Rivers is an older protagonist. She has a past and a lot of baggage, but it isn’t all thrown at the reader too fast.

Her two familiars, Rumpus and Rufus are absolute gems and made the books even more enjoyable.

On the other hand, if you haven’t read any of the previous series, you will be a bit lost in some of the Hex in the City references.

Well written and moderately paced, this was a lot of fun to read. I look forward to reading more of Fiddler’s Coves newest residence and her familiars.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: YOU'VE GOT TO BE KITTEN
Series: Midlife Magic and Mystery #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal, Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 16+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Corrine Winters

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby has gone home to Fiddler's Cover due to the death of her uncle. Ruby hopes that no one will recognize her now, of course they do. Ruby has her hands at her Uncle's home and his hording. Ruby also has a visit from the Chief of Police John Miller, she can't believe how much he has changed. Ruby decides to take her two cats to the bake off. She sees a person she last expected, her ex-fiancé. Ruby is able to finally able to confront him. Ruby is later informed she is a suspect in his death. Ruby will have her hands full trying to find the murder, deal with the haunting and other things.

This was a really good first book to the series. There will be twist and turns that occur through out the book, you will not know just who committed crime. You will see Ruby change over the course of the book, than how she was. Looking forward to see what happens next for Ruby.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this authors books and could not wait to start this new series... and it shines bright like the rest of them. Ruby returns to her hometown with her familiars Rufus and Rumpus, to follow up on her uncles lighthouse that was left to her. While there, she has it out with the ex that left her at the altar so many years ago, which was a great scene. However, she meets the chief of police, John, the next day when he comes to talk to her about her ex being dead and she is a suspect.

The characters are terrific and quirky. The romance is a slow build and they work together well. Rumpus is quite vocal and snarky and the clues to the case keep coming. Loved the town, the situations and the support that follows the outcome. Can not wait for the next book in the series. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very amusing start to the series. Ruby may be "middle aged" but she doesn't act "old". I particularly like her for having the courage/heart of confronting her ex... and giving him something to remember her by! The mystery began well and ended well, the middle was a little long, but with all the other things going on, I can kinda get why. I love snarky, sassy Rumpus and I absolutely am head over heels for sweet, scaredy cat Rufus (I want both of them!) and I will really be sad if we don't get to see more of Rufus continue in the series. Seeing as how he has his own witch now. Which leaves you waiting for book 2, by the way lol. John has a very interesting story so far and I can't wait to learn more about him. And I hope Blair gets center stage at some point (with Felix!) also as I believe they, too, will have quite a story. Welp, off to read book 2!

[Judy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby heads back to her hometown with her two familiar cats, Rumpus and Rufus to clean out the lighthouse that was left to her as an inheritance from her uncle. While there, she sees her ex-fiancé who left her at the altar and has a heated conversation with him. The next day, he’s found dead and guess what, the Police Chief is knocking on her door. As she assists the Police Chief, she learns some interesting things about him as well as he somehow knows that she’s a witch.

There seems to be a spirit that is haunting the lighthouse and even with all her magic, Ruby finds that she is not able to send the spirit on. She enlists the help of Blair from NYC hoping the two can remove him.

Read on to find out who killed the ex-fiancé and all the other characters in this story.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this new series.

First I want to say I ADORE RUFUS AND RUMPUS!!!!

Now on to the story, I really enjoyed the story, but again Rumpus was such a character with his smart mouth and his teasing of Rufus.

Ruby Rivers is in her 40's and is coming back to her hometown for the first time in a very long time. She came back to her uncle's lighthouse which happens to be haunted. No details sorry....

It is a mystery and moves along at a fairly good pace. It kept me reading into dinner time and my own cats let me know they were very unhappy with my not feeding them promptly at 5 pm. Yes, they can tell the time.

All in all, this was a fun story, kept my attention, and had a lovely pair of cats to make my day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby and her two familiars return to her hometown, to take care of her uncle's estate, an old lighthouse, starting with banning an apparition, the chaos of the house is more difficult. When the man who left her at the altar many years ago is killed - small town gossip remembers that she had a reason to kill him. Finding the killer becomes paramount to most other things, except maybe finding out more about the cute sheriff, who has changed for the better since his school days.
A good starter book into a new series, with a set of interesting characters, including some very talkative familiars. A well-written, but typical cozy mystery with a touch of paranormal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

an extraordinary and entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series

This is an extraordinary new paranormal women’s fiction series. A fun cast of characters in a uniquely entertaining storyline. Ruby is a witch. She grew up in a small coastal town but after events with a fiancé in her early years she abandon her hometown move to New York and became part of the society scene of New York. For many years she did her own thing and lived a life in the big city. Then one day she had to return home to take care of the estate of her uncle who had racer. Things change lives change and new beginnings seem to be happening. Read on and enjoy the adventure of a great new series and a fun new adventure.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ruby heads to her hometown to sell the property she inherited from her uncle, she discovers more than a little nostalgia and a lot of surprises

A nerdy boy from her past is a hot Chief of Police. Terrors from her teen years mostly did not improve- but Ruby finds herself feeling more like herself, and discovers dome new pals in old and new acquaintances

A demon bound spirit, an extra familiar and troubles connected to the ex who left her at the altar add spice to what promises to be the beginning of a new series of fun reading and a new chapter in the adventures of Ruby 2.0

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and quirky book.

Ruby returns to her hometown 20 years after her fiance left her at the alter. She come to take care of (and try to sell) the lighthouse she inhereited from her uncle. But her ex-fiance is found dead in his office and Ruby is the prime suspect.

Ruby has her feline familiar Rumpus but he makes snarky comments and one liners! The Police Chief John Miller is there to lend his capable hands…though like everyone else in Fiddler’s Cove, he might be more than he seems. He sure is different than he ws in high scholl!

If Ruby has to find the killer before she becomes their next victim!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart Cats
When Ruby returns to the small coastal town she’d left twenty years ago, she’s overwhelmed with melancholy. After all, it’s where her fiancé dumped her at the altar.
That’s why all Ruby wants to do while in town is settle up and leave. But things get dangerous when Ruby’s ex- fiancé is found dead in his office. Ruby is the prime suspect and must solve the case in order to clear her name.
This is a good book. Smart cats are truly meant to be.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story and I've got to say Rumpus the feline familiar has got to be one of my favorites, felines are the best at being smart alecs Rufus is another enjoyable feline familiar. Ruby returns home, but would rather get her things and go after the events that had happened there. But after the murder of her ex-fiancé, she now has to prove her innocence and prevent herself from being next. Can't wait to see how this series progresses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book. I love Ruby’s familiar, Rumpus, and temporary familiar, Rufus. Their back and forth bickering and snark is so cute! Then there was Busta Kapp, a thug who is so bad at being bad that it’s hilarious! He’s not a main character, or even one that will show up again, but really added the giggles! Ruby and John are good together. I like reading about them getting to know each other better and learning each other’s secrets. Totally enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ruby returns to Fiddler’s Cove, she finds the lighthouse she inherited haunted. The police chief turns into a love interest, and together they figure out who killed Ruby’s ex-fiancé. Very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next book! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical and witty story with great characters. Wonderful characters with interesting dialogue and good interaction. Intriguing and interesting characters including a cat! Fantasy and magic are everywhere. Some twists and turns with plenty of drama thrown in. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This is a great book! I enjoyed reading it so much. The story just draws you in, I happily read all day, between chores. A really good author, there’s more than just one thing going on, so it stays interesting. I actually got it because of the title lol, so clever, glad I did! Thank you for a great read!

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby went home to clean up the lighthouse she inherited and to sell it but she got pulled in with the sheriff John a murder. Plus had to get rid of the evil apparition haunting the lighthouse finally got him a smaller size. Things might be working out for them! Love your book Corrine Winters!

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was ADORABLE!

I loved this one! You got me to cry, laugh and jump for joy! Ruby is one very smart witch!

(on a side note, there are quite a few typos throughout the book. But they didn't detract from the story.)

[Bonnie Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Starting a new series can be hard. I love indulging in the feel of new characters and the lives they lead. On the other hand I can be disappointed by the second book because I don't feel a connection with the characters. This series feels like a keeper.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

You've Got to Be Kitten
By Corrine Winters
This is a light hearted paranormal cozy mystery with a witch coming back to her home town with two cats. Not any big plot twists but a fun easy read to unwind! Enjoyed the characters and the cats!

[Darlena D Doak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively good

I enjoyed this book but found it hard to follow at times. Not sure how much I really liked it. Just not my cup of tea.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and a little different

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Roger and why??? ‘Dig up the past and all you get is dirty.’ I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[dianne Snow-Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

It was almost the first book I have read with mostly all witches. In reality it's not my kind of book but it was a cute story

[Deborah Benson nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The witch and the cop

Was a great book. I'm loving the series already. Great characters and love the cats. Keep up the good work.