Well, Sh*t: A Mid-life Murder Rom-Com

by Jane Hinchey

Jo McKenna didn’t even know nipple hair was a thing until she hit fifty. Now it’s a full-time job managing the ecosystem.

One minute she’s shaving her left areola, the next she’s identifying her best friend’s dead husband at the Byron Bay morgue. Awkward, but survivable. Or it would’ve been—if Jo hadn’t buried the bastard in the bush the day before.

Gary Wilson, being the inconsiderate prick he always was, doesn’t stay buried. Instead, he turns up sprawled across a public beach like an unwanted Deliveroo order—very much dead, and very much not where Jo left him.

Now Jo’s neck-deep in suspicion, secrets, and one increasingly attractive homicide detective who really needs to stop showing up with his rolled sleeves and ridiculous forearms.

Detective Sergeant Nate Callahan doesn’t do small-town drama. Or chaotic suspects with smart mouths and a talent for misdirection.

But something about Jo McKenna has his instincts on high alert. She’s hiding something—and he’d bet good money she’d do just about anything to protect her best friend. Even murder.

As threats escalate and the attraction between them simmers dangerously close to boiling point, Jo has to uncover who really killed Gary before someone decides she’s the next problem that needs eliminating.

Well, Sh*t is a Midlife Murder Rom-Com — a laugh-out-loud mystery with a side of grumpy/sunshine romance, menopausal chaos, and the kind of friendship that brings a shovel without asking questions.

ebook

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Jane Hinchey is an Australian author of paranormal cozy mysteries and contemporary romance. She is best known for the Ghost Detective series, featuring small-town secrets, snarky heroines, and a touch of the supernatural. Her books blend mystery, humour, and heart.

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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. A real laugh out loud rom com. As an Aussie, the language was dead on. Only minor annoyance was the overuse of the word twitched but otherwise fantastic read. As someone going through perimenopause, it's refreshing to read about it and relate to it.

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing but love for this book, which kept me guessing throughout its pages. The perimenopausal tropes, the love interest, the best friend - all things to aspire to as we age.

I read it in a sitting. It was hard to put it down!!!

Got the artwork and bookmark package, which made the journey even better!

Jane, keep writting...I need more Jo and Mel in my life!

Enjoy!

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

From cover to cover this book was captivating, I do feel a little biased because I do live in a little town and can vouch that it is infact "everyone is in everyones business".

If you love sarcastic semi-feral women, Jo is your gal.
If you enjoy gruff, no- nonsense blokes, Nates your man.

From night sweats to murder this book is definitely a prized possession in my library.

[Sharon Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG... This was bloody hilarious. As a post menopausal woman, I absolutely laughed my ass off at the descriptions of the symptoms. can't wait for another one in this series. So glad I supported the Kickstarter Campaign.

[Elizabeth Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely spot on! Jane has done it again! Can’t wait for more adventures with Jo, Mel and Nate. Thank you Jane for another wonderful book.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! I was laughing out loud from the very first page. It was refreshing to read about protagonists in their 50s who tell it like it is, and I found them incredibly relatable.

As an Australian, the reader note and glossary gave me a little chuckle, and I enjoyed seeing familiar language and expressions throughout the story. The friendship between Jo and Mel was definitely a highlight. Their loyalty to one another was wonderful, and I couldn’t help but think, what I would give for a friend who would “bury a body” for me! Despite the unfortunate circumstances they find themselves in, these two are an absolute hoot.

The romance between Detective Nate Callahan and Jo added another enjoyable layer to the story, balancing the humour and mystery perfectly. I’m already hoping there will be a second book, because I’d love to spend more time with these characters.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to some reluctance to start this series as I’m trying very hard to keep my reading to only paranormals, but I loved the author’s series before this one, so I had to try. I’m very glad I did! Some of the humor in this will only be understood by those of us who have gone through/are going through menopause, and it’s so spot on. I’m glad I’m not the only one who experiences these things. That aside, this is a fun, captivating mystery with a very feisty main character who is at the stage of her life where she’s IDGAF and proud of it. I am also amused at where the title came from, but you’ll have to read this to find out. If you love this author, you’ll definitely love this series starter. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't remember laughing so hard and so much while reading a book.

Right from the start, you can see this will not be a cozy read.  The main character, Jo McKenna is funny, true, and says what she thinks without holding back.  There is no dull moments whatsoever in the whole book!  There's a murder, mystery, romance and plenty of snarky comments but never mean and Jo has a very strong lovable personality.  And don't forget Mel and Nate who are also very interesting characters.  I sure hope there will be many more books in this series.

I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.

[Shan H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Jane Hinchey. I backed her Kickstarter and have 0 regrets.
This book was so amazing and just such a fun read. I was up cackling at 11 at night cause i couldn't stop reading.
I adored the friendship between Jo and Mel, they are definitely soul friends.
Jo and Nate man were they fire, the snark and banter was so good.
I really hope there will be more stories from Cape Effie and i look forward to reading more books by Jane Hinchey

[Jacqueline H. Tyrrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Jane Hinchey has perfectly captured the ride or die female friendship! Jo and Mel are the image of me and my bestie of 60 years until I lost her almost 3 years ago. I have laughed out loud so many times while reading this book and I'm telling you, if you're on the fence, just buy the book. You'll be so happy you did.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book. I read this book last night and I was up till 5am finishing it. Jo and Mel were hilarious; their friendship was inspiring. If you add in Noah, and the murder you have a perfect setting for a marvelous murder/love story. I pray there will be more books in this series. Definitely recommend reading this book.

[Angela Firuccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these new characters. Jo might be my spirit animal, even though in reality I'm more like Mel. I love that our main characters are all in their 50's! Great adventure. I could not put the book down, but also didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next story and to watch Jo and Nate's relationship develop.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I backed this on Kickstarter after reading the 10 book Ghost Detective Series by Jane within a few days

I was not disappointed, this book has everything and I couldn't put it down. Read the entire book in 2 says!!!!!

Highly recommend this and all of the other books by this author

[Kim Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious! I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend. There aren't many women who won't be able to relate to this. This is the first book in a new series. And I cannot wait for the rest of them.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is one of my new favorite characters. She has sass and a take charge attitude. The mystery is well plotted and the Jo and the other characters are well developed. If you want a good cozy with a kick*ss heroine who will do anything for her best friend, this is the book for you.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Sh*t is a fantastic book. It is hilariously entertaining. The characters are quirky and fun. The mystery has many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

[R. Jetleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, SH*T - this was a fantastic read! My fave of the year!

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had me in tears with laughter
A great rom-com murder mystery that was so easy and so much fun to read.
4.5⭐️

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful rom-com story about a middle aged perimenopausal woman getting herself in the middle of a murder. Witty, relatable and brings all laughter-filled drama.

[Leigh-Ayn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun murder mayhem caper set in an Australian coastal town! Great cast of secondary characters!
Mature main characters that I could relate too.
Slow burn romance.
Just a good fun read!