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The Meowing Medium #1
Secrets of the Specter
A Haunted Mystery, A Magical Cat & A Modern-Day Candlestick Maker
I’m Mags McAllister, and I am an honest-to-goodness modern-day candlestick maker. I work in my family’s shop in the historic district of Larkhaven, Georgia, and also make a pretty penny from sharing videos of my process online.
My life is simple, quiet, and all mine… until a white cat with mismatched eyes shows up outside my shop and refuses to leave. When I take him home, things get really weird. As in, I can now see things and people that were never there before.
It gets even freakier when a voiceless spirit introduces herself to me via a handwritten letter. This specter claims that I share her name and will also share her fate if we can’t solve the mystery that’s haunted our town since 1781… and quickly, because she won’t be able to maintain her strength for much longer.
Talk about a cold case! Can I actually find a way to free my eighteenth-century counterpart? Or has my new feline companion just signed my death warrant by opening my eyes to the secret supernatural plane in our otherwise sleepy small town?
I’m Mags McAllister, and I am an honest-to-goodness modern-day candlestick maker. I work in my family’s shop in the historic district of Larkhaven, Georgia, and also make a pretty penny from sharing videos of my process online.
My life is simple, quiet, and all mine… until a white cat with mismatched eyes shows up outside my shop and refuses to leave. When I take him home, things get really weird. As in, I can now see things and people that were never there before.
It gets even freakier when a voiceless spirit introduces herself to me via a handwritten letter. This specter claims that I share her name and will also share her fate if we can’t solve the mystery that’s haunted our town since 1781… and quickly, because she won’t be able to maintain her strength for much longer.
Talk about a cold case! Can I actually find a way to free my eighteenth-century counterpart? Or has my new feline companion just signed my death warrant by opening my eyes to the secret supernatural plane in our otherwise sleepy small town?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
165 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Molly Fitz
68 books2,050 followersMolly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.
Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.
Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 4, 2021
I was really looking forward reading this and it did not let me down! We meet Mags a candlestick maker who takes in a white cat, a magical cat who now allows Mags to see and hear ghosts and Now there’s a very very old mystery to be solved. It’s a cute and exciting mystery filled with intrigue and even a little romance!
January 14, 2022
Een kaarsenmaakster uit een klein stadje in Georgia wordt geadopteerd door een kat (met oogjes in verschillende kleuren) en kan vanaf dat moment een spook zien. Dat spook draagt haar op om een mysterie uit de Amerikaanse revolutie op te lossen.
Ik vond dit een heel leuk, ontspannend boek om te lezen, een soort cozy mystery/ghost story met een vleugje romantiek.
Ik vond dit een heel leuk, ontspannend boek om te lezen, een soort cozy mystery/ghost story met een vleugje romantiek.
October 13, 2021
Living a quiet life, running a Candle Making store is plenty. Then a certain strange cat comes along, and everything changes. Intriguing, strong characters and more to keep you reading and wanting another book.
March 6, 2024
I liked it but I’d rather borrow the next 2 from KU.
July 20, 2022
So, after reading 3 true crime books, I was ready for some "light" reading. My go-to light reading is cozy mysteries with a witch or a ghost or both. This book had both along with a cute kitty cat!
At first, I thought the writing was pretty superficial and that the story wouldn't amount to much, but hey, Amazon had it for the kindle for free so it's not like I paid a lot for it. :)
I still think the story could have been "fleshed" out a bit more but for the genre, it was pretty good. I had the wrong culprit almost up to the end so there was at least one red herring. :)
I'm not sure about the main character. She seems sort of "dumb". I mean, if your front door has been forced open and someone just followed behind you as you drove home, why in the world would you even enter the house before you called the cops?
The rest of the characters aren't fleshed out enough yet to even make them interesting.
Still, I liked the book enough to buy the next two. (Of course, that might be because of the picture of the gorgeous kitty cat on the covers. :) I'm a sucker for cats in books. I'm hoping the author "hits her stride" and the books improve as the series goes on. If not, I will stick with the 3 I've already bought and leave it at that.
At first, I thought the writing was pretty superficial and that the story wouldn't amount to much, but hey, Amazon had it for the kindle for free so it's not like I paid a lot for it. :)
I still think the story could have been "fleshed" out a bit more but for the genre, it was pretty good. I had the wrong culprit almost up to the end so there was at least one red herring. :)
I'm not sure about the main character. She seems sort of "dumb". I mean, if your front door has been forced open and someone just followed behind you as you drove home, why in the world would you even enter the house before you called the cops?
The rest of the characters aren't fleshed out enough yet to even make them interesting.
Still, I liked the book enough to buy the next two. (Of course, that might be because of the picture of the gorgeous kitty cat on the covers. :) I'm a sucker for cats in books. I'm hoping the author "hits her stride" and the books improve as the series goes on. If not, I will stick with the 3 I've already bought and leave it at that.
November 3, 2021
I probably should give it a 3 but I'm giving it a 4 since I want to read the next book.
This mystery is so tightly written that it goes right from point A to point B. The lack of complexity means that the red herring is a bright, flashing, neon red and you know it for what it is. Everything in the book is obvious and predictable. That is why this book was so short and only took a little more time than my lunch break. I read it then and finished it fairly quickly once I got home from work. No time at all.
But the characters were good and it was well written, aside from being to straight forward for a mystery.
My biggest complaint is probably that it is setting the stage for a love triangle. I hate love triangles. I don't mind a little bit of romance in my mystery but there should not be so much that you think it should be marketed as a romance. There wasn't in this case. And avoid love triangles. They always drag on too long and interfere with the mystery part of the book in the long run. 'Will they or won't they' and love triangles work a lot better on the t.v. screen than in a series of books.
This mystery is so tightly written that it goes right from point A to point B. The lack of complexity means that the red herring is a bright, flashing, neon red and you know it for what it is. Everything in the book is obvious and predictable. That is why this book was so short and only took a little more time than my lunch break. I read it then and finished it fairly quickly once I got home from work. No time at all.
But the characters were good and it was well written, aside from being to straight forward for a mystery.
My biggest complaint is probably that it is setting the stage for a love triangle. I hate love triangles. I don't mind a little bit of romance in my mystery but there should not be so much that you think it should be marketed as a romance. There wasn't in this case. And avoid love triangles. They always drag on too long and interfere with the mystery part of the book in the long run. 'Will they or won't they' and love triangles work a lot better on the t.v. screen than in a series of books.
October 14, 2021
This is the first book in a new series and it is a fun, quick read. Mags McAllister, the candlestick maker, has her life turned upside down as soon as a white cat crosses her path. There is mystery as well as a little romance, with an historical nod to the Revolutionary War that threads throughout both. As this is the first in the series, the end leaves you looking forward to Mags' next adventure. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
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 25, 2021
This is book one of the Meowing Medium series and the main character is candle maker Mags or Maggie (Margaret) McAllister, who works in their family shop, Colonial Candles, along with her aunt Linda who took her in after both of her parents died in a car accident. They work in the historic district of Larkhaven, Georgia and while they don’t get many tourists coming to stay in their small town, they get a lot who are passing through usually on their way to Florida, for the theme parks or to visit elderly relatives. In her spare time or when the shop isn’t too busy, Mags also makes short videos to post on social media, all about candle making, dipping, shaping and carving, which earns her a decent income. She also has a large following and often does demonstrations instore as well, for any passing customers and fans. When a white cat, with one blue and one gold eye, turns up at the shop in the middle of a thunderstorm, she believes it is a stray and attempts to take it to the nearby vet practice, to see if it has been microchipped. On the way she has a car accident, having tried to avoid the figure of a woman in the middle of the road. The cat disappears by the time the ambulance has finished with her and allowed her to go home, only for the cat to be waiting at her house when she gets home!
She awakes in the middle of the night to find the same woman in her bedroom, obviously a ghost as she is kind of see through. She can’t speak, but has something held out in her hand that she obviously wants Mags to take. The short letter is very old and addressed to mags, by her full name, and is tells her that she is in danger and that unless she can solve the murder of the spectre in front of her, then she will also die! This spectre has been hanging around members of her family for about two hundred years, since 1781. She shares the same name and Mags may well share the same fate if she doesn’t figure out who killed her and why. Somehow the cat she thought was a stray is linked to this spectre of her ancestor and disappears often. When the cat does come back, she finally manages to get him to the vet and she meets the new vet, Dr Wes, who asks her out for dinner! Maga hadn’t been interested much in the family history until now, but has to seek out al she can find out about their family and why the other Margaret was killed. She soon finds it is linked to an old Civil War spy ring and some papers Margaret’s brother Nathan Hale, was supposed to have. It seems someone wanted those papers then and were willing to kill to keep whatever was on them secret! It seems history is repeating itself, as dangerous occurrences seem to be happening around Mags and someone has made it plain they are after something. Parts of the mystery are uncovered, while a series of almost deadly events try to stop her actions. A bit of romantic interest from the vet and also close contact with the handsome new Officer Don, certainly help to spark up her love life. Her aunt Linda knows more than she is letting on, and they will work together to solve part of the mystery, but still more to come. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She awakes in the middle of the night to find the same woman in her bedroom, obviously a ghost as she is kind of see through. She can’t speak, but has something held out in her hand that she obviously wants Mags to take. The short letter is very old and addressed to mags, by her full name, and is tells her that she is in danger and that unless she can solve the murder of the spectre in front of her, then she will also die! This spectre has been hanging around members of her family for about two hundred years, since 1781. She shares the same name and Mags may well share the same fate if she doesn’t figure out who killed her and why. Somehow the cat she thought was a stray is linked to this spectre of her ancestor and disappears often. When the cat does come back, she finally manages to get him to the vet and she meets the new vet, Dr Wes, who asks her out for dinner! Maga hadn’t been interested much in the family history until now, but has to seek out al she can find out about their family and why the other Margaret was killed. She soon finds it is linked to an old Civil War spy ring and some papers Margaret’s brother Nathan Hale, was supposed to have. It seems someone wanted those papers then and were willing to kill to keep whatever was on them secret! It seems history is repeating itself, as dangerous occurrences seem to be happening around Mags and someone has made it plain they are after something. Parts of the mystery are uncovered, while a series of almost deadly events try to stop her actions. A bit of romantic interest from the vet and also close contact with the handsome new Officer Don, certainly help to spark up her love life. Her aunt Linda knows more than she is letting on, and they will work together to solve part of the mystery, but still more to come. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 19, 2022
Reviewed at Paranormal-y Romantic
Secrets of the Specter begins The Meowing Medium series with a story that has more twists than a pretzel, just as much saltiness at times, and is as satisfying as a huge, warm pretzel dipped in hot mustard. I had fun with this one, and the rest of the series has been moved further to the top of my TBR pile because of that enjoyment.
Mags might think her life is rather mundane right now, sure, she’s a candlemaker which is unique, along with her aunt runs a candle shop catering to the tourists traveling through to the other magic in Florida, she might also know everyone in this sleepy, gossipy town and would swear that nothing exciting or unusual ever happens to her or to the town. Well. She’d be wrong on that because once she rescues a pure white cat with one blue eye and one brown eye her life will never be the same again. And maybe that’s a good thing, should she survive that is. Because that cat is far from normal and the lady she almost ran over on the way to the vet (for said cat) didn’t have to worry about being hit by a car for she’s already dead… ghostly dead.
From start to finish, Secrets of the Specter kept me in suspense and in laughter at the antics of some of the characters. While there are touches of danger, and definitely a very old mystery to be solved, for the most part, I breezed through this one with more than a few chuckles. The story flows smoothly from two authors I’ve enjoyed previously, with plenty of clues (not all are obvious), and the feeling of urgency, Mags and crew captured my imagination. And now I need (no, really do need) to find out what happens next in Gifts of the Ghost. I had fun, and whether that enjoyment comes from a new release or one that has been on my TBR pile doesn’t really matter when the story is good, engaging, and keeps me focused until the final page. Love a good puzzle? Then you’ll want to get started on this series yourself.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Secrets of the Specter begins The Meowing Medium series with a story that has more twists than a pretzel, just as much saltiness at times, and is as satisfying as a huge, warm pretzel dipped in hot mustard. I had fun with this one, and the rest of the series has been moved further to the top of my TBR pile because of that enjoyment.
Mags might think her life is rather mundane right now, sure, she’s a candlemaker which is unique, along with her aunt runs a candle shop catering to the tourists traveling through to the other magic in Florida, she might also know everyone in this sleepy, gossipy town and would swear that nothing exciting or unusual ever happens to her or to the town. Well. She’d be wrong on that because once she rescues a pure white cat with one blue eye and one brown eye her life will never be the same again. And maybe that’s a good thing, should she survive that is. Because that cat is far from normal and the lady she almost ran over on the way to the vet (for said cat) didn’t have to worry about being hit by a car for she’s already dead… ghostly dead.
From start to finish, Secrets of the Specter kept me in suspense and in laughter at the antics of some of the characters. While there are touches of danger, and definitely a very old mystery to be solved, for the most part, I breezed through this one with more than a few chuckles. The story flows smoothly from two authors I’ve enjoyed previously, with plenty of clues (not all are obvious), and the feeling of urgency, Mags and crew captured my imagination. And now I need (no, really do need) to find out what happens next in Gifts of the Ghost. I had fun, and whether that enjoyment comes from a new release or one that has been on my TBR pile doesn’t really matter when the story is good, engaging, and keeps me focused until the final page. Love a good puzzle? Then you’ll want to get started on this series yourself.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
May 20, 2023
"Secrets of the Specter" is the captivating first book in "The Meowing Medium" series by L.A. Boruff. The story revolves around Mags McAllister, a modern-day candlestick maker living a simple and content life in Larkhaven, Georgia. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious white cat with mismatched eyes appears outside her shop and refuses to leave.
Upon taking the cat home, Mags discovers that she has gained the ability to see things and people that were previously invisible to her. Things become even stranger when she receives a handwritten letter from a voiceless spirit who shares her name. This spectral entity reveals that they share a common fate and that they must solve a long-standing mystery that has haunted their town since 1781. Time is of the essence, as the spirit's strength is waning, and Mags risks sharing her fate if they fail to unravel the secrets that bind them.
As Mags delves deeper into the enigma, she realizes that she has been introduced to the secret supernatural realm that coexists with their seemingly ordinary small town. With the help of her newfound feline companion and the spectral presence guiding her, Mags must navigate the complexities of the past and present to set both herself and the spirit free.
"Secrets of the Specter" combines elements of mystery, the paranormal, and small-town charm to create an engaging and immersive reading experience. L.A. Boruff skillfully weaves together a tale of ancient secrets, otherworldly connections, and the struggle for liberation from the supernatural forces that bind them. Prepare to be enthralled by Mags' journey as she uncovers the truth behind the spectral mysteries that have haunted their town for centuries.
Upon taking the cat home, Mags discovers that she has gained the ability to see things and people that were previously invisible to her. Things become even stranger when she receives a handwritten letter from a voiceless spirit who shares her name. This spectral entity reveals that they share a common fate and that they must solve a long-standing mystery that has haunted their town since 1781. Time is of the essence, as the spirit's strength is waning, and Mags risks sharing her fate if they fail to unravel the secrets that bind them.
As Mags delves deeper into the enigma, she realizes that she has been introduced to the secret supernatural realm that coexists with their seemingly ordinary small town. With the help of her newfound feline companion and the spectral presence guiding her, Mags must navigate the complexities of the past and present to set both herself and the spirit free.
"Secrets of the Specter" combines elements of mystery, the paranormal, and small-town charm to create an engaging and immersive reading experience. L.A. Boruff skillfully weaves together a tale of ancient secrets, otherworldly connections, and the struggle for liberation from the supernatural forces that bind them. Prepare to be enthralled by Mags' journey as she uncovers the truth behind the spectral mysteries that have haunted their town for centuries.
December 26, 2022
Wow I loved this story so much, so I had to find the other books in the series.
Secrets of the Specter is a wonderful, haunted story. Mags McAllister is a modern-day candlestick maker. She makes candles and sells them in her store run by her aunt. Mags also does videos of her making candles to post on social media to help sell them. One day she is out in inclement weather when she finds a beautiful white cat with 2 different coloured eyes. No collar and it's pouring rain so she takes the cat to the candle store to get it out of the rain. Little does Mags know that the cat is actually magical and is going to turn Mags world upside down.
Full of intrigue and mystery, Mag decides to keep Mr. Cat, that is what she is calling it. Now Mags is seeing a ghost and the ghost needs help. The ghost hands Mags a letter from the 1700's introducing herself and telling Mags she has to solve the ghosts murder, or it will happen again to Mags. Kind of creepy but it pulls Mags into a family genealogy search that leads her to the revolutionary war.
Fast paced story that I read in a night and got the other 2 books in the series. I really love stories like this. They are clean and a quick read. Good for ages 10 to senior adult. I love a good ghost story and this one doesn't disappoint.
Highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Booksprout and the authors for allowing me to read a digital copy for an honest review. These are my words and my words alone. From the heart.
Secrets of the Specter is a wonderful, haunted story. Mags McAllister is a modern-day candlestick maker. She makes candles and sells them in her store run by her aunt. Mags also does videos of her making candles to post on social media to help sell them. One day she is out in inclement weather when she finds a beautiful white cat with 2 different coloured eyes. No collar and it's pouring rain so she takes the cat to the candle store to get it out of the rain. Little does Mags know that the cat is actually magical and is going to turn Mags world upside down.
Full of intrigue and mystery, Mag decides to keep Mr. Cat, that is what she is calling it. Now Mags is seeing a ghost and the ghost needs help. The ghost hands Mags a letter from the 1700's introducing herself and telling Mags she has to solve the ghosts murder, or it will happen again to Mags. Kind of creepy but it pulls Mags into a family genealogy search that leads her to the revolutionary war.
Fast paced story that I read in a night and got the other 2 books in the series. I really love stories like this. They are clean and a quick read. Good for ages 10 to senior adult. I love a good ghost story and this one doesn't disappoint.
Highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Booksprout and the authors for allowing me to read a digital copy for an honest review. These are my words and my words alone. From the heart.
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book but be prepared you will want to get the next book, to see how it ends. There are two stories running throughout the book and although they are part of the same story only one gets solved, leaving it set up for the next book. I liked the fact that this book is a spin off from the authors main series The pet whisper and in fact the two main characters are cousins and we have met her before. It's an interesting start to a new series that has the potential to be a fun and interesting series. I did find it unusual that the ghost didn't talk or that there was no reason given but the cat antics made up for that.
Mags stumbles on a very unusual looking cat out side her family run candle shop and her life changes forever. The same night she tries to take him to the vet in a thunderstorm she is forced to drive off the road in order to avoid hitting a woman. I wouldn't have made any difference if she had, as the lady has been dead for years. The ghost of her name sake has sort her out she was murdered and unless Mags finds out who killed her she will face the same fate. After someone tried following her home, a break in and a fire breaks out in the candle shop Mags believes the ghost might just be on to something. To save her and her aunt's lives she might just have to look to the past for the answers.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Mags stumbles on a very unusual looking cat out side her family run candle shop and her life changes forever. The same night she tries to take him to the vet in a thunderstorm she is forced to drive off the road in order to avoid hitting a woman. I wouldn't have made any difference if she had, as the lady has been dead for years. The ghost of her name sake has sort her out she was murdered and unless Mags finds out who killed her she will face the same fate. After someone tried following her home, a break in and a fire breaks out in the candle shop Mags believes the ghost might just be on to something. To save her and her aunt's lives she might just have to look to the past for the answers.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 6, 2021
SECRETS OF THE SPECTER is the first book in the Meowing Medium series. Though each cozy mystery will stand on its own, these books will be best enjoyed in the order of release.
Great first story in a new series from a pair of my favorite authors. Though from the stories I know each of them for doing previously, I would have never guessed they even knew each other. Their work is seamless. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and I hope there are many, many books in the years to come.
This cat may not talk, but he gets his point across, and he steals every scene he is in. His mismatched eyes are not the only unique aspect of his character. I don’t want to say more because that would spoil your discovery of the story. Just know that I love him.
Did I solve “who” before it was revealed? Yes. Did I know “why?” Not exactly and it was a well thought out twist.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: SECRETS OF THE SPECTER
Series: Meowing Medium #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Molly Fitz
Great first story in a new series from a pair of my favorite authors. Though from the stories I know each of them for doing previously, I would have never guessed they even knew each other. Their work is seamless. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and I hope there are many, many books in the years to come.
This cat may not talk, but he gets his point across, and he steals every scene he is in. His mismatched eyes are not the only unique aspect of his character. I don’t want to say more because that would spoil your discovery of the story. Just know that I love him.
Did I solve “who” before it was revealed? Yes. Did I know “why?” Not exactly and it was a well thought out twist.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: SECRETS OF THE SPECTER
Series: Meowing Medium #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Molly Fitz
May 3, 2024
Mags McAllister and her aunt run their family’s candle shop in a small town in Georgia. Everything is going smoothly until a beautiful white cat starts following Mags everywhere. She decides to let her stay in her house, but then strange things start happening. An 18th century ghost appears to her and just happens to have the same name as Mags. She has no idea what is happening, but she’s scared when the ghost claims she needs to solve her murder or Mags might meet the same fate.
Although the ghost died in the 18th century, Mags does everything she can to help find the ghost’s killer. However, danger lurks at every corner and Mags fears for her life as well as those she loves.
This is the first in the Meowing Medium cozy mystery series. I always adore this author’s work and this one is no exception. The series gets off to an exciting start and left me wanting more.
The characters are written well. The storyline runs smoothly from page one until the end. It’s one huge jigsaw puzzle that Mags needs help to figure out. Oh, and of course, there’s a cat! You know that immediately wins me over :)
Overall, this is a great beginning to the series. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Although the ghost died in the 18th century, Mags does everything she can to help find the ghost’s killer. However, danger lurks at every corner and Mags fears for her life as well as those she loves.
This is the first in the Meowing Medium cozy mystery series. I always adore this author’s work and this one is no exception. The series gets off to an exciting start and left me wanting more.
The characters are written well. The storyline runs smoothly from page one until the end. It’s one huge jigsaw puzzle that Mags needs help to figure out. Oh, and of course, there’s a cat! You know that immediately wins me over :)
Overall, this is a great beginning to the series. I’m looking forward to reading more.
October 20, 2021
Mags life takes a bit of turn when a stray cat with different eye colors comes into her life. She is visited by an ancestor that tells her she was murdered and she is next. Mag decides to figure out just what happened to her, she finds some interesting clues. Things really start to get bad with someone trying to hurt her. Mags also meets a new guy but she isn't sure it isn't him. Will Mags find out who is after her before it is too late or will she be the next one.
Mags is an interesting character as she is a candle maker, she really is not all that social in a way. She slowly comes out of her shell as the book goes on. The characters in this book are interesting and add a rich back drop to the series. Wes and Don definitely add a like extra to Mags storyline. This was well written, with some interesting twists and turns. You are completely drawn in the world the author created and will not stop reading until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mags is an interesting character as she is a candle maker, she really is not all that social in a way. She slowly comes out of her shell as the book goes on. The characters in this book are interesting and add a rich back drop to the series. Wes and Don definitely add a like extra to Mags storyline. This was well written, with some interesting twists and turns. You are completely drawn in the world the author created and will not stop reading until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
Book #: 66
Title: Secrets of the Specter
Author: Molly Fitz
Series: Meowing Medium #1
Format: kindle, goodreads giveaway
Pub Date: First published October 12, 2021
Started: 10/19/23 Ended: 10/22/23
Awards: none
Categories: 2023 Book, First Book in a Series, Book with Cat on the Cover, A Book with a Non-Human Character
Rating: *** three out of five stars
I won this in a goodreads giveaway. It's an easy read. Unfortunately, the other books in the series aren't available thru the library. Margaret McAllister is a candlestick maker living and working in a historical district of her town. Her family has lived there for generations. She finds an all-white kitten with mis-matched eyes who follows her home over an impossible distance. Strangely enough, now that the kitten has moved in with her, Maggie can see ghosts, including the ghost of one of her ancestors who shares the same name as her. The ghost wants Maggie to solve her murder and complete her mission. Not easy to do since she was killed in 1776. And still more difficult since someone is trying to kill her and stop her from completing the mission.
Title: Secrets of the Specter
Author: Molly Fitz
Series: Meowing Medium #1
Format: kindle, goodreads giveaway
Pub Date: First published October 12, 2021
Started: 10/19/23 Ended: 10/22/23
Awards: none
Categories: 2023 Book, First Book in a Series, Book with Cat on the Cover, A Book with a Non-Human Character
Rating: *** three out of five stars
I won this in a goodreads giveaway. It's an easy read. Unfortunately, the other books in the series aren't available thru the library. Margaret McAllister is a candlestick maker living and working in a historical district of her town. Her family has lived there for generations. She finds an all-white kitten with mis-matched eyes who follows her home over an impossible distance. Strangely enough, now that the kitten has moved in with her, Maggie can see ghosts, including the ghost of one of her ancestors who shares the same name as her. The ghost wants Maggie to solve her murder and complete her mission. Not easy to do since she was killed in 1776. And still more difficult since someone is trying to kill her and stop her from completing the mission.
October 14, 2021
So good! What a fun read!
“What if I failed to solve the ghost’s mystery in time? Would I really die as a result?”
What an original concept! It intrigued me, excited me! I absolutely loved it! Lighthearted, fun, and the easy flow of this story made this the ultimate pageturner! This was the kind of book you shouldn’t start before going to bed, because you’re going to want to keep reading!
I love the old-fashioned craftsmanship of making candles! Lots of history in this book, too, which connects to the ghost that appears in Mags’ life. It really added another layer to the story. And I love Ms. Cat! Yes, I know the real name, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
And also a supporting role for Angie, from the Pet Whisperer P.I. Series!
Don’t expect everything to be solved, though. One aspect of the mystery is left for the next book(s)! Five stars all the way!
“What if I failed to solve the ghost’s mystery in time? Would I really die as a result?”
What an original concept! It intrigued me, excited me! I absolutely loved it! Lighthearted, fun, and the easy flow of this story made this the ultimate pageturner! This was the kind of book you shouldn’t start before going to bed, because you’re going to want to keep reading!
I love the old-fashioned craftsmanship of making candles! Lots of history in this book, too, which connects to the ghost that appears in Mags’ life. It really added another layer to the story. And I love Ms. Cat! Yes, I know the real name, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
And also a supporting role for Angie, from the Pet Whisperer P.I. Series!
Don’t expect everything to be solved, though. One aspect of the mystery is left for the next book(s)! Five stars all the way!
October 11, 2021
Mags McAllister makes homemade candles for a family store in her hometown of Larkhaven, Georgia. When a white cat with mismatched eyes shows up, so does the ghost of a woman named Margaret who is a family ancestor. And she wants Mags to solve her murder which happened in the late 1700's before Mags herself is killed.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review. This is the first book in a new series and it was excellent. This quick, fun read was well-written with wonderful characters and it captured small town life. The story was engaging and it drew me in from the beginning, keeping me hooked until the end. The mystery will definitely keep you on your toes and guessing. The book is a fantastic collaboration of these two authors and I'm looking forward to more from this series. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review. This is the first book in a new series and it was excellent. This quick, fun read was well-written with wonderful characters and it captured small town life. The story was engaging and it drew me in from the beginning, keeping me hooked until the end. The mystery will definitely keep you on your toes and guessing. The book is a fantastic collaboration of these two authors and I'm looking forward to more from this series. I highly recommend this book.
October 13, 2021
A Past Murder Seeks Justice in the Present
I've wondered what's happened to Mags Macallister since her adventure with Angie Russo & Octo-cat. This book satifyingly answers that question plus starts Mags on her own adventures. When a cat with two different coloured eyes is caught in a storm, kindhearted Mags comes to the rescue. But whenever she mentions the vet, kitty disappears. When a centuries old mute ghost appears & hands Mags a letter saying 'Find my killer', chaos ensues. A fire breaks out in the candle shop but it's of suspicious origin. Megs in a mess but will she be able to get justice for the murdered spectre? Plus will she ever get her kitty to stay around long enough to visit the fascinating British vet? This is a sweet read for a truly nice heroine & her quest to see justice done.
I've wondered what's happened to Mags Macallister since her adventure with Angie Russo & Octo-cat. This book satifyingly answers that question plus starts Mags on her own adventures. When a cat with two different coloured eyes is caught in a storm, kindhearted Mags comes to the rescue. But whenever she mentions the vet, kitty disappears. When a centuries old mute ghost appears & hands Mags a letter saying 'Find my killer', chaos ensues. A fire breaks out in the candle shop but it's of suspicious origin. Megs in a mess but will she be able to get justice for the murdered spectre? Plus will she ever get her kitty to stay around long enough to visit the fascinating British vet? This is a sweet read for a truly nice heroine & her quest to see justice done.
October 23, 2021
Fun Start to a New Series . . .
Mags McAllister is a candlestick maker in Georgia. She has a simple, quiet life. But finding a white cat with mismatched eyes hanging around her shop in a storm changes her whole life. She takes him home and begins to see strange things, like the voiceless relative’s ghost giving her a handwritten letter with a mystery from 1781. She must solve this mystery because the ghost cannot maintain her strength much longer. The ghost had been murdered and Mags must find the killer or she will suffer the same fate. The suspicious fire in her candle shop gives credence to that possibility. Figuring out who is after Mags and who murdered the ghost in 1781 is turning into a priority! Will she prevail?
This is a fun new series that I am already enjoying. I look forward to the next in the series to see what direction the author will take this.
Mags McAllister is a candlestick maker in Georgia. She has a simple, quiet life. But finding a white cat with mismatched eyes hanging around her shop in a storm changes her whole life. She takes him home and begins to see strange things, like the voiceless relative’s ghost giving her a handwritten letter with a mystery from 1781. She must solve this mystery because the ghost cannot maintain her strength much longer. The ghost had been murdered and Mags must find the killer or she will suffer the same fate. The suspicious fire in her candle shop gives credence to that possibility. Figuring out who is after Mags and who murdered the ghost in 1781 is turning into a priority! Will she prevail?
This is a fun new series that I am already enjoying. I look forward to the next in the series to see what direction the author will take this.
January 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read cozy mystery. It was entertaining, well written and had good characters and a decent mystery. The pages just seemed to fly by and I was engrossed in the world that the authors have built.
I did feel that the mystery aspect was probably the most simple part of the book and that more time was devoted to developing the world, the fact the sleuth can now see ghosts and getting to know the characters. But I loved Mags, the mysterious Mr. Cat and Aunt Linda, so I didn't mind.
Imagine ghosts coming to you to solve their long dead mysteries? It's going to be a wild ride and Mags is a wonderful new character to help solve them.
Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries. I will read more of the series and more by the authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did feel that the mystery aspect was probably the most simple part of the book and that more time was devoted to developing the world, the fact the sleuth can now see ghosts and getting to know the characters. But I loved Mags, the mysterious Mr. Cat and Aunt Linda, so I didn't mind.
Imagine ghosts coming to you to solve their long dead mysteries? It's going to be a wild ride and Mags is a wonderful new character to help solve them.
Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries. I will read more of the series and more by the authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2023
The first book of the trilogy gets off to a rollicking start with a persistent cat, a long dead ghost and all the danger and close calls one could want in a cozy mystery. Mags McAllister was an enjoyable female sleuth, slightly inept at times but always moving towards the right track. The supporting cast of characters were fun and believable and suitable foils for Mags' exploits.
Not being American I wasn't aware at first the the Culper spy ring was a real thing back during the Revolutionary War. I like books that pepper the story with little nuggets of truth in them and I enjoyed going down my own exploratory rabbit hole and learning more about it.
A quick, entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what ghosts Mags has to contend with next. Thanks for my complimentary copy, which I elected to review.
Not being American I wasn't aware at first the the Culper spy ring was a real thing back during the Revolutionary War. I like books that pepper the story with little nuggets of truth in them and I enjoyed going down my own exploratory rabbit hole and learning more about it.
A quick, entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what ghosts Mags has to contend with next. Thanks for my complimentary copy, which I elected to review.
December 24, 2023
I picked this book because I love cats and I’m happy to see them featured in stories!
I thought the story was easy to read and pretty fun overall!
There’s definitely crime going on, but the tone of the novel is light.
The only reason I removed a star is I did not understand the Revolutionary War plot. Now maybe this is a mark against my intelligence and not the author. But I just finished the book and I really couldn’t tell you why Maggie Sr was significant to the story.
And I really don’t understand why Kim wanted to cover up that her ancestor helped George Washington during the Revolutionary War. It’s an American novel. So, wouldn’t helping the Americans be considered a good thing?
Like I said, this is probably more of a reflection on me and my inability to sort out the plot. I overall really liked the book and the characters.
I thought the story was easy to read and pretty fun overall!
There’s definitely crime going on, but the tone of the novel is light.
The only reason I removed a star is I did not understand the Revolutionary War plot. Now maybe this is a mark against my intelligence and not the author. But I just finished the book and I really couldn’t tell you why Maggie Sr was significant to the story.
And I really don’t understand why Kim wanted to cover up that her ancestor helped George Washington during the Revolutionary War. It’s an American novel. So, wouldn’t helping the Americans be considered a good thing?
Like I said, this is probably more of a reflection on me and my inability to sort out the plot. I overall really liked the book and the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
This is a spinoff of the Octo-Cat series focusing on Mags McAllister, Angie's candlemaking cousin.
Mags finds a cat outside her shop that seems to have a strange ability to disappear and reappear, and then she starts getting haunted by a ghost. The ghost she finds out is a relative from revolutionary times that was murdered after her involvement in a spy ring. The problem is she doesn't know who killed her, and she has chosen Mags to help her find the truth so she can rest easy in the afterlife. It turns out Mags uncovers a major family secret her aunt has been keeping from her, but as her and her aunt become targets, the secrets begin coming out.
I really enjoyed this book. However, I bought this sometime back as an ebook and did not get the rest of the series, and now the rest of it is not available. You can occasionally find physical copies, and I got lucky and was able to secure a copy of the whole series, at the upcoming readers convention in my area from L.A. Boruff who is bringing me a signed copy! So now I just impatiently wait for next month!
Mags finds a cat outside her shop that seems to have a strange ability to disappear and reappear, and then she starts getting haunted by a ghost. The ghost she finds out is a relative from revolutionary times that was murdered after her involvement in a spy ring. The problem is she doesn't know who killed her, and she has chosen Mags to help her find the truth so she can rest easy in the afterlife. It turns out Mags uncovers a major family secret her aunt has been keeping from her, but as her and her aunt become targets, the secrets begin coming out.
I really enjoyed this book. However, I bought this sometime back as an ebook and did not get the rest of the series, and now the rest of it is not available. You can occasionally find physical copies, and I got lucky and was able to secure a copy of the whole series, at the upcoming readers convention in my area from L.A. Boruff who is bringing me a signed copy! So now I just impatiently wait for next month!
October 13, 2021
Imagine being approached on several occasions by a ghostly apparition and then being handed an ominous note by said apparition that holds a deadly threat. I feel fairly certain I would not handle it nearly as well as Mags McAllister.
Mags was introduced by Molly Fitz as Angie Russo’s cousin in the Octo-cat series. “Secrets of the Spectre” is the first book in a new series combining a mysterious cat and the supernatural. Author, Molly Fitz is in her element in this genre and with co-author L.A. Boruff, this team appears to have real magic. This story is a well-written mystery with a few twists adding to the excitement. I received a free copy of this book for my voluntary honest review. I enjoyed this story very much!
Mags was introduced by Molly Fitz as Angie Russo’s cousin in the Octo-cat series. “Secrets of the Spectre” is the first book in a new series combining a mysterious cat and the supernatural. Author, Molly Fitz is in her element in this genre and with co-author L.A. Boruff, this team appears to have real magic. This story is a well-written mystery with a few twists adding to the excitement. I received a free copy of this book for my voluntary honest review. I enjoyed this story very much!
October 14, 2021
"History sometimes needed to be rewritten."
Mags McAllister, proprietor of Colonial Candles, has a lot of things going on. She and her family have lived in Larkhaven Georgia for many generations. And there's a lot more behind that history than what meets the eye . A cat with some rather "spooky" vibes arrives, and with her a ghost... and history that just might change how everyone views heros.
But just who can you trust? Can you trust your friends, or family, or the ghost prompting this whole weird thing?
Without giving up any more of the story all I can say is it's worth picking up. Molly and LA Boruff have a neat twist on history with a great mystery here. More please . Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
Mags McAllister, proprietor of Colonial Candles, has a lot of things going on. She and her family have lived in Larkhaven Georgia for many generations. And there's a lot more behind that history than what meets the eye . A cat with some rather "spooky" vibes arrives, and with her a ghost... and history that just might change how everyone views heros.
But just who can you trust? Can you trust your friends, or family, or the ghost prompting this whole weird thing?
Without giving up any more of the story all I can say is it's worth picking up. Molly and LA Boruff have a neat twist on history with a great mystery here. More please . Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
October 30, 2021
A Candlestick maker, A Cat with mismatched eyes and A Ghost!!!
Mags McAllister, a candlestick maker in Georgia, decides to take in a mysterious stray cat with mismatched eyes then strange thing starts to happen. A ghost show up and tell Mags that she need to solve a murder from 1776 otherwise Mags life will be over soon.
This is a great fun book, it's a page turning enjoyable easy reading cozy mystery full of mystery, action, twist and turn with delightful characters and some romance, it keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder. I really like this book and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mags McAllister, a candlestick maker in Georgia, decides to take in a mysterious stray cat with mismatched eyes then strange thing starts to happen. A ghost show up and tell Mags that she need to solve a murder from 1776 otherwise Mags life will be over soon.
This is a great fun book, it's a page turning enjoyable easy reading cozy mystery full of mystery, action, twist and turn with delightful characters and some romance, it keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder. I really like this book and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2021
I am hooked on this new series about a candle maker, Mags, who finds a white cat with different colored eyes outside during a storm. Once she brings in the cat, she starts to see a mute ghost that was murdered in 1781. Her namesake must find out who the killer is and why it happened or the current Mags will be next. The whole thing - characters, storyline, mystery, feline and locale are fantastic. I love when animals, paranormal and mysteries all come together so this is a definite high mark for me. Can not 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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Mags grew up with aunt Linda because her parents were killed in an accident. She made videos of her making different candles at the candle shop they owned but it caught on fire, her and her aunt got it out before the firemen got there. The fire was after the first Margaret contacted her to find the papers proving a family was selling war (Revolutionary War) to the British. She wanted the papers found and given to someone to read them and the proof out to the public. Mags had her house broken into and then aunt Linda’s house burned to get rid of the papers. Good book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
Nice Cozy.
While I loved the characters and the setting and the overall mystery, I found the plot had some nagging hole and while there is a necessity to believe that the supernatural is part of our everyday lives, that usually requires solid roots in other aspects, and those are quite wobbly here. Some of the interactions with the law are too absurd and everything feels too childish. I'm a fan of Molly Fitz and usually love when she collaborate with other Authors, it is a very smooth affair, but not here.
Still, the story has captured my attention and I will definitely read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I loved the characters and the setting and the overall mystery, I found the plot had some nagging hole and while there is a necessity to believe that the supernatural is part of our everyday lives, that usually requires solid roots in other aspects, and those are quite wobbly here. Some of the interactions with the law are too absurd and everything feels too childish. I'm a fan of Molly Fitz and usually love when she collaborate with other Authors, it is a very smooth affair, but not here.
Still, the story has captured my attention and I will definitely read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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