Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Witching After Forty #5

A Killer Midlife

Rate this book
Necromancer-witch hybrid Ava Harper has accomplished many things in the year since moving back home to Shipton Harbor. She’s checking things of a bucket list she never knew she had.

Met—and started dating—a hot cop
Caught a murderer. More than once.
Sent a couple of lunatics to Hades with the help of her devilish neighbor.
Visited Paris.
Saved a bunch of shifter kids.
Animated her cat’s girlfriend.
Sold her old house and found closure.
Discovered her aunt’s ghost.
Saved her mother’s ghost from a dark evil blob.

The list goes on and seems to be never ending. Now Ava is faced with a new entity to deal with. Faeries! Who knew? They’ve dropped a bombshell on Ava and her best friend Olivia. While they come to terms with all the insanity their lives have thrown their way, Ava gets more news from her mother.

Mommy dearest learned some interesting and relevant information while in the Inbetween. She has news about Ava’s father that will change the course of Ava’s life and take her down another new, exciting path.

Will this new thread in Ava’s life prove to be more dangerous than she could’ve dreamed of? Maybe. But it’s more likely that the truth about her father will be killer.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2021

385 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Lia Davis

262 books1,567 followers
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.

While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.

Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
973 (62%)
4 stars
428 (27%)
3 stars
138 (8%)
2 stars
13 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Donna.
4,163 reviews57 followers
November 26, 2021
Ava’s life just keeps getting more interesting (as in “…may you live in interesting times”) but she wouldn’t have it any other way. As she picks up more enemies, she also picks up more allies and they are pretty powerful. This romp will keep you guessing and laughing.
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,379 reviews136 followers
July 22, 2023
A KILLER MIDLIFE
Lia Davis

Not my cup of tea!

DNF

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,250 reviews39 followers
December 9, 2021
An edge of your seat, great reading from beginning to end and so hard to put down journey. Really enjoyed this action packed, fun and emotionally thrilling adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting turns.
Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,865 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2025
I am in love with this series. I feel like each book I read is better than the last and in it Ava's life gets so much better, though always facing dangers that only follow her because she is the magical being that she is.
This time it was the traitor fae and some vampires, what's next?
Profile Image for Heather.
1,262 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2021
I really really ❤ this series!!

A Killer Midlife is the next installment to Witching After 40 series which I just adore. I love the characters so much!!

After all the shenanigans that have happened, it's no wonder Ava is so darned tired, except her "cold" seems to be affecting all the ghouls in her charge. She and Drew cement their relationship to share powers but that only seems to make her and Drew sick, and eventually they fall in a pseudo coma. The rest of the gang goes to her rescue and also rescues her father who was presumed dead but was really a captive of the vampires all these years. But there is foul play afoot. Someone has been hexing ava and they have to find out who it is before it ends up even worse!!

Also btw there is a hilarious piece in the beginning that's a "what's happened" by Lucy-fer. Loved it!! Can't wait to read what happens next!!

I recieved an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Stan Hutchings.
1,391 reviews25 followers
November 27, 2021
I skipped from Cookies For Satan to this book and missed a huge amount of backstory. I recommend reading the books in order, preferably binge reading. There are many characters who appear, and often their backstory and relationships are very relevant to this book. I will have to go back and read the ones I missed.
Ava and her varied extended family (more extended every book) are back as Ava is suffering a mysterious ailment. When she suffers, all seven ghouls she energizes also suffer, with upsetting symptoms (hair loss, flesh falling off, etc.). Even forming a bond with Drew doesn't help for long. Something is draining her magic. Her father, long presumed dead, is rescued from the vampires. The efforts of all the extended family are necessary to discover the problem and make it right, although Lucy-Fur and Snoozerton were not much help.
6,029 reviews41 followers
December 16, 2021
With all the craziness that her family got her into, you question how our heroine manages it all. Turns out she kind of likes the crazy.

This is book ten of the series, but, it works pretty well as a standalone. While you will be missing some of the details, the essentials are covered early on.

This is a cozy witch mystery with lots of different paranormal elements thrown in. I am rather fond of this genre, so I have been enjoying this series. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this latest addition and look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
1,190 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2021
Ava is feeling under the weather and she isn't sure what is going on. Everyone is feeling the effects of what she is going through. Everyone gets together to try to figure it out. The come up with a plan to help her, but it really doesn't. When the worse happens, they will have to race to figure it out. Ava also makes a discovery about her father, that really throws her.

This was a really interesting story that had some really great twist and turns, with great reveals. This book kept my interest and I didn't stop reading until I finished. I just could not put it down with everything that was happening. I can't wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2022
I really enjoy this series. It's creative and funny, with plenty of mystery, puzzles, and twists. Ava's life is a serio-comedy of errors that keeps me laughing while also being infused with drama, friendship, and developing romance. That said, it also feels rushed sometimes, like the authors got a new idea they want to explore before they have finished the detail for the previous idea...and then they get another idea, so they flit off again. It is all entertaining, but I feel the story could be improved and leveled-up by providing more detail and depth to events and circumstances. Just my opinion, but there it is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
421 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2021
Ava is half Witch and half Necromancer and she is sick but no one can find the cause. Some of her family and friends think it is because she has seven ghouls draining her energy. But she does not believe that is the cause. Her next door neighbor Luci short for Lucifer ( and yes we are speaking of the real devil or whatever he really is) thinks it is some kind of spell but just can not seem to place it. This is a wonderful story about the love of family and friends and finding the reasons behind her illness. Which is sneaky. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BigGirl BigBooks.
513 reviews44 followers
December 10, 2021
Though the author does give a little back story from time to time you as the reader need to do your part in reading the series in order. I personally like this series for that. The author does not waste time recapping everything with each new novel.
This time around Ava is ill and it sets everything at a tilt. Are supernatural beings zapping her energy or is she ill like us mere mortals get?
Throughout the whole novel, there is plenty of action, new turmoil, and new friends. Even if you are in the midst of a midlife paranormal crisis doesn't mean you don't need new friends who understand you.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2021
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of A Killer Midlife by Lia Davis and L.A. Boruff. This read is part of the Witching After Forty series. We find ourselves experiencing the action packed danger walk that has become Ava's life in this quick read. Making friends and influencing people is a catch phrase that definitely describes Ava, although she seems to be accumulating a host of enemies as well. I enjoyed the read but felt some portions read rushed and I would have liked more detail in some other spots. A fun read that kept me flipping pages.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
6,044 reviews46 followers
December 18, 2021
Ava is sick, run down with cold or flu like symptoms. as she weakens, so do her ghouls- losing hair, flesh, or even more extreme situations

is the drain of so many ghouls too much for her? can her man Drew help?

secrets from the past that touch the family of Ava and of Olivia have far reaching consequences

a threat takes a different shape than expected, and an ally or two make themselves vulnerable to help

more changes, challenges and new discoveries are on the horizon- if they can survive

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,748 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2021
There's never a dull moment for Ava and her crew. When Ava's powers start to fade, Drew steps in to give her a power boost. Ava thinks she'll be ok...but something else is going on. Can the crew figure things out before Ava and Drew (and the ghouls) fade away?

Love this series and all the characters so much! There's danger and stream and family all pulling together to take care of each other. I look forward to reading each new book as it's released.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2021
Loved it

So Ava is ill and as a result all the ghouls are falling apart!! What is wrong and what's the cure?? Things get desperate but amazing things happen in times of desperation. So much goodness!
Lia Davis and L.A Boruff have moved the story on, Olivia is coming to terms with her parentage though she's conflicted about her dad though honestly who wouldn't be! But they have moved the story on, there is so much in the future of this series i can imagine so many storylines, but i bet i don't come up with anything as close to the imaginings of these authors.
Profile Image for Beth.
494 reviews25 followers
December 8, 2021
3.5 stars

Another quick, easy and enjoyable read about Ava and Olivia. Olivia has grown so much and has become such a huge part of Ava’s life, I love seeing their friendship grow. Drew is still on fire as the hottest sheriff bf possible and Ava is one lucky woman to have found love again. I will say that the solution to the problem happened a little quickly and too easily after some of the earlier events but that doesn’t detract from the fun of the book or series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
January 2, 2022
Ava and her friend Olivia are in for a ride in this story. Ava not only finds out about her father, but falls ill and needs to find answers before things really fall apart. Faeries come into play and both sides gain new friends and allies. The characters are growing and getting more complex with each story. The storyline has plenty of drama, surprises, tension, research hunting and much more. Loved the banter and situations that the group gets into. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
739 reviews9 followers
February 6, 2022
This book will have you on the edge of your seat, what is wrong with Ava and how she can be helped. I was definitely surprised by how this book unfolded. I enjoyed the role Luci has been playing in the books. I also really enjoyed Lucy-fur’s parts in this book, just great. So many touching, funny, and intense moments are in this book, it will definitely keep you reading. I highly recommend this book, it definitely offers a lot of new information. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
779 reviews24 followers
May 24, 2022
Ava Harper is a necromancer and has moved back to Shipton Harbor.
She has done a lot in the time she has been home. Dating a handsome cop.
Caught a murderer. Sent a pair of horrible witches to Hades. Saved some kids that are shifters. Discovered her aunt's ghost. Saved her mother from the evil in the In-between.
Just one thing after another!
This time she has to handle some evil Faeries who are plotting to kidnap Ava.
Meanwhile, she learns that her father may still be alive.
Wow! so much going on. Lots of fun and adventure in this creative series!
1,149 reviews17 followers
November 26, 2021
Ava and the gang are back. Olivia has found her parents and come into her powers. Drew and Ava are getting on well everything is looking good. Which meens trouble is just round the corner. This is a great d=story with everthing we have come to expect from this author humour, mystery and adventure. A great read. Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews65 followers
December 5, 2021
So much new information! My brain feels a bit overloaded now. I love every chance we get to come back and check in on Ava and her crew and all their shenanigans. This book did not disappoint. And the little twist at the end has made me more excited than ever to get my hands on the subsequent book to find out what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,288 reviews32 followers
December 6, 2021
I'm loving this series so much!! As you can see there's never a dull moment for Ava and her crew. Ava's life just keeps getting more interesting. With the added action, intrigue, and adventure definitely made for a helluva read. Can't wait for the next book in the series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2021
The is a lot going on with this tale. Mysterious things are happening and I thoroughly enjoyed how long this author kept me in the dark. More life was breathed into supporting characters which I found very interesting and I found out why at the best placement in the tale. I felt so much empathy for the deteriorating effects many of the characters went through. This tale was very easy to breeze through! Love the originality! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
1,774 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2021
Pure magic to read. This series is wonderful, it's so much undiluted fun to read. Ava and her gang are hilarious and seem to stumble from one adventure to the next in the most peculiar ways. There is never a dull moment, and always have so many turn abouts and surprises. This is a wonderful addition to the series, it's so funny watching Luci and Olivia trying to get a handle on their relationship. I can't wait for more.
81 reviews
December 15, 2021
Fun, quick reading, leaving me wanting more.

Neatly done paranormal mystery, with a bit of suspense. I love that these books have a storyline instead of the typical steamy romance with so many plot holes it leaves you skipping 5 pages of sex to get to the next bit of story only to find there is no story. These books are great for light fun quick reading , when a break from reality is called for.
336 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2021
Another Wondeful Fun Paranormal Mystery!!!

A Killer Midlife is Book #10 in a Witching After Forty Series

This is another fun book in the wonderful series. I enjoyed it so much, it's a fun fast paced exciting book full of imagination, adventures and humor that keeps me turning the pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,939 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2021
good

When Ava falls mysteriously ill, it’s down to Olivia to figure out what’s going on.
So not only is she having to deal with her newly discovered heritage, but trying to figure out what is causing Ava’s illness reveals that Ava’s father may be the key
to solving it!
Magical mayhem ensues, with all of Ava’s friends and family involved…

Another quick but enjoyable read in this series, with some intriguing new revelations!
Escapist fun recommended for PWF fans.
Profile Image for Alma Conchas.
369 reviews13 followers
July 23, 2022
Wow, Ava and drew going ghostly was a shock!

Wow, when I started this story I never imagined I would be hearing that Ava and Drew were ghost or more like souls that were brought out of their bodies by a hex. And to see all her family and friends try to heal her was an awe inspiring moment. But the best part for me was hearing Olivia call Lucí dad, I can't wait to see what other mischief this bunch gets into.
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,395 reviews
March 5, 2025
A most interesting adventure ✨️

This is a reread of the series, and I'm enjoying it as much as I did the first time around. Love these quirky characters, and honestly, Luci-fur takes the cake with her uber-self involved personality. Forgot about the new member that joins this magical cohort, so it was almost as good as reading it for the first time again.

Onwards to book 10.

3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews