Once upon a time, Mia Thorne loved birthdays. Then she turned forty and the urge to celebrate ceased. Now that she’s reinvented herself in Newberry, she thinks it might be time to dust off the candles again. Unfortunately, a dead body and a stolen coin disrupt her festive plans.
Can Mia solve the case in time to celebrate another trip around the sun or will her efforts be eclipsed by a killer?
Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
Mia’s constant self-depreciation and aches are getting old. By the 6th book, I expected to see some growth, not the messed-up thought that Dane is only with her because some spell work. It’s like she wants him to break up with her so she can prove a point. The problem with this “40 is the new 20 heroines” trope is that it gets tiring waitibg for the characters to grow some resilience and self love. The constant talk about painkillers and hot pads at the simple idea of reaching across the table for something is getting bad. As someone with chronic pain, it irks me. Menopause symptoms in your early 40s? The crime plot felt forced. Nobody believes there’s a crime but because the chief has a gut feeling so let’s mobilize everyone. The villain revealing himself in the end is just laughable, as there was no reason for him to admit it. He could easily feign innocence and be out of town quickly. Honestly it could be better. At the end, I’m not sure if I will keep reading the series.
This wasn’t up to the standard of the previous books in the series. I found it to be terribly boring, and the pacing was very slow. I’m not sure I’ll continue this series.
I very much enjoy this series, except Mia. The more I read about her the more annoyed I become. She has such low self esteem that it’s pathetic. I can’t stand it. Her self doubt. Ugh.
And I swear she’s one step away from kissing Derek simply because she feels that Dane is too good for her and Derek is more on her level - sleaze.
Ok, I’m adding to what I typed above. I was tired and grumpy when I was reading the book last night and when I did my review. I’m sure anyone would have annoyed me at that point. I re-read the last several pages and it was so sweet. I laughed because one minute Mia was talking to Dane about doing the naked Twister and the next he’s telling her to hold on a sec and… well, I won’t spoil it.
Oh, and in case you haven’t read my other reviews for this series, I’ll mention it here: 42 years old isn’t decrepit! It was only a few years back when I was 42 and I wasn’t even close to menopause (I’m still not close to it) like Mia. I didn’t have achy joints. So many ailments mentioned. It’s almost like the author wants to appeal to the elderly readers, but also the same age that Mia is and then maybe the younger crowd by talking about psychics and including characters like Patrick, but by making such a young character seem older is not appealing to me. That’s just my own opinion though.
Next is the last available book. “Cherry Dead (The Bloomin’ Psychic #7)”. It was barely released on March 7, 2024! Then there is one more book after that, but won’t be published until December 5, 2024 and that one is “Flowering Inferno (The Bloomin’ Psychic #8)” and it’s the last book in this series.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Mia is a woman in her mid-life that Linda New York City had a great job a boyfriend and was sent to ask him to get married when everything fell apart she lost her job she lost her boyfriend who kicked her out of their apartment and she was Broke without a home and no place to go. Her mother called her and mention to her that she had inherited her great aunts house in a little town in Pennsylvania. She decided to take a chance moved up there found out her aunt had had some stipulations that she had lived there for a year and could not sell the house until she live there for a year. She also inherited her aunts cat and come to find out later She had the same abilities as her aunt. A psychic woman with a few other abilities that she’s learning every day. Read on it and follow the adventure of Mia and her friends as they help out in another mystery in their small town. Along with other adventures that go on at the same time and it’s also me his birthday coming up. What’s going to happen who who committed a crime and all the other hoopla that goes along with it. Always entertaining and fun series read check it out.
Mia Thorne is feeling her age, especially with her birthday coming up. All her friends want to throw her a birthday party but she's feeling like it would be in poor taste after a local resident dies suspiciously. I enjoy the characters in this series, especially the neighborhood cast of reoccurring characters.
My biggest issue with this book is how Mia bemoans her age (40ish) and being past child bearing age. As a woman who had her first and only kid at 40, this comment really ticked me off. Loads of women have kids in their 40's. It's fine to say she doesn't want kids, but the way she dwelled on it as a function of her age was annoying.
Overall, Mia feels like she's growing up and this mystery was excellent. Another solid addition to the series.
Mia's birthday is heading closer and she's terrified that somehow celebrating it will break her run of good luck and happiness.
Keeping her busy and distracted is a strange case that Chief Tuck is positive is murder despite absolutely zero evidence to prove it, and a challenge laid down by the Oracle Station, a group of psychics from the other side of the river who are threatening to run her out of town if she fails their tests.
It's all fun and games waiting to see what might grow next...
Still love this series. I just hate that they're so short. Oh, and the wait between books of course. I retain this series better than some of the single books I've read lately.
I think it's time to start moving on from the self doubt, etc or I think this author is gonna start losing some people. I get trying to move past those kind of thoughts, etc is difficult, especially after 40 but some growth is needed. Or it's going to be another Stephanie Plum situation, no growth, same antics over & over.
This was too much like the last one. Guessing almost to the end of the book if it was a murder at all or just old age. The same fears capping Mia‘s personal growth. A predictable culprit. No, this book really wasn’t all that great and on top of that, there was hardly any psychic stuff involved, few scenes with her actual boyfriend whereas many more with his brother and again it felt more like a therapy book than a cozy mystery. I really hope the next book picks back up murder and psychic stuff as the focus, not Mia‘s many insecurities.
...another mystery to solve. While doing so, Mia is "invited" to join a group of psychics. But she must prove herself first. I was proud of her in the way she handled herself. She's such a people pleaser but pleased herself instead. She's growing in leaps and bounds. While doing so, we watch Mia and her worries about another birthday. If course her friends want to celebrate with her! I love this series and can't wait till the next instalment.
Another good entry in the Bloomin' Psychic series! Mia is looking into a murder mystery as a personal favor to the chief, while she also takes on some additional challenges: navigating psychic politics when a new group approaches her and facing down an impending birthday. It was great to see so many familiar faces and favorite (and not so favorite!) characters (and scary dolls)! I'm looking forward to the next book!
I find myself agreeing with another reviewer. The self-doubt and aches and pains are truly impediments to the story moving forward. I'm convinced Mia is going to do something stupid with Derek and mess up her relationship with Dane. Nothing she seems to do is convincing me she is growing up enough (in her 40's) to not try and "give him one more chance". I think I've had enough of this series.
I love, love this series! It has such crazy, kooky characters! Mia, the main character, is adjusting to her new life in a small, town in Pennsylvania after her life in New York imploded! Mia is learning to hone in on her psychic abilities along with her other gifted friends. Mia's relationship with her boyfriend, Dane, seems to be progressing well as long as his cocky brother, Derek stays away. If you like a quick, fun book, you will enjoy this series!!
In Mint Condition, Ms. Chase beautifully delineates Mia's growth as a woman, as a community member, and as a psychic. I love the concept of her reviving garden reflecting her personal growth. And Mia has got to be the most relatable crime-solving psychic heroine ever!
A nice cozy mystery where Mia is searching for clues to whether someone was murdered or actually died of a heart attack as his autopsy report states. Mia is also dealing with insecurities even going so far as to wonder whether Dane was somehow spelled by her late aunt to fall in love with Mia.
It was a fun read and was something nice to read before bed.
I love this book and I love Ms. Chase's excellent sense of humor!! I have never laughed so much. Her stories flow easily and keep you entertained. I never felt like there was a lull in the story or a lot of unnecessary filler. She is a very gifted and creative author. You won't be sorry to buy this book.
Good series. I am enjoying watching Mia grow as a person, a psychic and in her relationship with Dane. Each book has its own mystery which is solved by the end.....while the over all story of het life goes on
A most enjoyable book, I read it in one day, now I have to wait for the next…so worth it. Mia’s ability to seek good in everyone and desire to help make her a great character. All great characters, clever cozy, friendship and some romance! Highly recommend.
This series is such fun to read. The author has developed characters that are such interesting qualities. The storytelling is interesting and grabs the attention.
My rating for this series went from 4 stars to 3 with this book. I enjoy the mysteries and Mia's growth with her magic but, criminy, the imposter syndrome and overall insecurity that Mia continues to display despite her success and support from everyone around her is wearing on me.
I truly enjoyed this story. Mia continues to develop her skills and build a better life with the help of some wonderful friends. This one has great characters, a mysterious death, and some excellent zingers. I look forward to Book 7!
In this book I love the continued chemistry between Mia, Patrick, and Scarlet. The close friendship we all wish for. I also love when Susie the doll pops up. It makes me laugh.
Another awesome addition to this series. I honestly live Mia and all the friends she's made. I also love all the little deaths she's helped solve as she gets more and more accepting of herself!
Glad to see I’m not the only one wishing Mia would grow a spine and get over her insecurities. I realize they aren’t something that disappears overnight, but do we have to be constantly reminded of them? Otherwise I'm enjoying the series and looking forward to the next episode.
The characters in this series are awesome and get better with each book! Mia us very relatable and her new friends are an eclectic mix. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Book 6 has Mia doubting her abilities. There is a murder that seems to not be a murder, mystery, humor, friends, a looming birthday, and new "special" friends. Highly entertaining.
Finally things seem to be coalescing for our Bloomin’ Psychic with the help of her new found community/family. Another case to look into and a new player that wants her to prove herself. Let’s see how new Mia handles the challenges.!
Loved how Mia keeps helping her friends with her skills and how life keeps rewarding her. This mystery was a difficult one to prove, but she kept at it to help her friend. In the end, she reaped what she saw.