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Menopause, Magick, Mystery #1
Hormones, Hexes, & Exes
A hidden coven. A menopausal witch. A murder next door.
Discovering that she was a witch was the very last thing Liv Carlton expected on her fiftieth birthday.
Hitting the menopause and suffering hot sweats, a spreading middle, and chaotic hormones, sure, but the power to cast magical spells? No!
Finding out that she wasn’t the only witch in her family, or even her town, made her head spin, but perhaps the worst discovery on that fateful day, was her husband’s infidelity with their much younger, definitely not menopausal, neighbour, Selma Maybrook.
Now, to top it all, she has become the number one suspect in the woman’s murder.
Struggling with her newfound powers, and knowledge that her family are not what they seem, Liv must discover who really killed Selma and clear her name.
If you believe that women grow in power as they age, and hold magic in their hearts, then you’ll love this midlife paranormal women’s fiction mystery with its touch of romance.
Discovering that she was a witch was the very last thing Liv Carlton expected on her fiftieth birthday.
Hitting the menopause and suffering hot sweats, a spreading middle, and chaotic hormones, sure, but the power to cast magical spells? No!
Finding out that she wasn’t the only witch in her family, or even her town, made her head spin, but perhaps the worst discovery on that fateful day, was her husband’s infidelity with their much younger, definitely not menopausal, neighbour, Selma Maybrook.
Now, to top it all, she has become the number one suspect in the woman’s murder.
Struggling with her newfound powers, and knowledge that her family are not what they seem, Liv must discover who really killed Selma and clear her name.
If you believe that women grow in power as they age, and hold magic in their hearts, then you’ll love this midlife paranormal women’s fiction mystery with its touch of romance.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
404 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up!
Now that was fun, a light and fluffy tale of adultery, the menopause, witchcraft and, oh, murder. The subject matter may have been dark but it was told in such a light and amusing manner that I found myself really enjoying the tale. It was like "Bewitched" meets "Miss Marple". Our heroine finds herself coping with a mid life crisis, living with a cheating husband, accused of murder and being told she is a witch. A bit of a lightweight story for me but, still enjoyable.
Now that was fun, a light and fluffy tale of adultery, the menopause, witchcraft and, oh, murder. The subject matter may have been dark but it was told in such a light and amusing manner that I found myself really enjoying the tale. It was like "Bewitched" meets "Miss Marple". Our heroine finds herself coping with a mid life crisis, living with a cheating husband, accused of murder and being told she is a witch. A bit of a lightweight story for me but, still enjoyable.
July 17, 2020
Hormones, Hexes, & Exes is the first book in the humourous Menopause, Magick, & Mystery series and is a fabulous start to this new series.
I loved this midlife paranormal women's fiction mystery story. I wish that I too had magick along everything that comes with that midlife birthday. The characters in this story are charming and fun. The storyline is well crafted and laugh-out-loud funny, engaging my interest from beginning to end with magick, murder, mystery, menopausal mayhem, twists and turns, and suspense.
I cannot wait for the next book in this entertaining series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this midlife paranormal women's fiction mystery story. I wish that I too had magick along everything that comes with that midlife birthday. The characters in this story are charming and fun. The storyline is well crafted and laugh-out-loud funny, engaging my interest from beginning to end with magick, murder, mystery, menopausal mayhem, twists and turns, and suspense.
I cannot wait for the next book in this entertaining series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 20, 2021
I started reading intrigued with the title and all the rave reviews and really enjoyed the first few chapters but then the story started to fall apart. After finding her hubby entangled with their next door neighbor during her fiftieth birthday party our heroine flips out a bit but flips out even more when her aunties inform her that she is a witch. This had all the chances for a really good story but it just seemed to fall flat for me and was a bit scattered in its story.
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September 16, 2021Too many exclamation points and too much fatphobia--and that was only the first 5 pages.
February 8, 2021
I just couldn't get into this book. It seemed to jump all over the place and the thread of the story seemed weak.
March 29, 2025
I found this one thanks to the Popsugar challenge this year and I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, I came away feeling as if the author knew how to write a cozy mystery but was less sure how to handle the paranormal witchy side of things and that bothered me the entire book. The magical worldbuilding left a lot to be desired.
Liv is having her 50th birthday party (with a lot of internalized ageism and fatphobia) and finds out her husband is having an affair with the sexy next door neighbor Selma Maybrook. This also activates her witchy powers. And this is where it almost immediately goes off the rails for me.
As it turns out the four aunts who raised her are all witches and I guess your powers activate once your ovaries deactivate. The blurb says if you believe women grow more powerful with age then this is for you. I'm fine with it but this is news to Liv and I'm like wait you let her go her entire life and never mention this heritage? What? I would feel so betrayed (Liv doesn't) So they bundle her off with them to tell her all about her heritage and to give her space from her philandering husband.
Naturally Selma ends up dead and Liv is the only suspect because the detective seems bad at his job. He was also her high school sweetheart but her aunts are up in arms because his family is cursed and we get an explanation of the witch world including an immortal (?) witch hunter general still out to kill witches (who are also immortal I guess or at least very long lived)
But none of this matters because once Liv decides she has to be the one to clear her name (and in this case I was willing to bend my rule about amateur sleuths needing to work with the detectives vs opposed to them because a cursed detective is an interesting idea) things go further off the rails. The detective and her aunts all but disappear from the story. We see/hear of them a couple times but not again until the end. All the aunts are worried about is if Liv isn't back for the solstice celebration she can never fully come into her powers or into the coven (no real explanation given)
With that in mind, Liv has a time limit on her investigation. You'd think the aunts would help in some manner being witches and all. Nope. I'm like if this solstice celebration is so important why aren't you helping her especially as she can't control her current powers? The only one to step up is her familiar which I won't spoil but it was eye rolling that anyone could miss one important detail about him.
Now the cozy mystery part of it worked well enough and knowing that the witch hunter general is back, it's not hard to guess he has a part in this. I just wish that both the detective (who you know will be the love interest down the road) and the aunts didn't fall out of the plot for much of it. There are several books in this series but I'm on the fence about reading further. It was a good beach read (and I literally read it at the beach) but is also one I'd rather find at the library than buy.
Liv is having her 50th birthday party (with a lot of internalized ageism and fatphobia) and finds out her husband is having an affair with the sexy next door neighbor Selma Maybrook. This also activates her witchy powers. And this is where it almost immediately goes off the rails for me.
As it turns out the four aunts who raised her are all witches and I guess your powers activate once your ovaries deactivate. The blurb says if you believe women grow more powerful with age then this is for you. I'm fine with it but this is news to Liv and I'm like wait you let her go her entire life and never mention this heritage? What? I would feel so betrayed (Liv doesn't) So they bundle her off with them to tell her all about her heritage and to give her space from her philandering husband.
Naturally Selma ends up dead and Liv is the only suspect because the detective seems bad at his job. He was also her high school sweetheart but her aunts are up in arms because his family is cursed and we get an explanation of the witch world including an immortal (?) witch hunter general still out to kill witches (who are also immortal I guess or at least very long lived)
But none of this matters because once Liv decides she has to be the one to clear her name (and in this case I was willing to bend my rule about amateur sleuths needing to work with the detectives vs opposed to them because a cursed detective is an interesting idea) things go further off the rails. The detective and her aunts all but disappear from the story. We see/hear of them a couple times but not again until the end. All the aunts are worried about is if Liv isn't back for the solstice celebration she can never fully come into her powers or into the coven (no real explanation given)
With that in mind, Liv has a time limit on her investigation. You'd think the aunts would help in some manner being witches and all. Nope. I'm like if this solstice celebration is so important why aren't you helping her especially as she can't control her current powers? The only one to step up is her familiar which I won't spoil but it was eye rolling that anyone could miss one important detail about him.
Now the cozy mystery part of it worked well enough and knowing that the witch hunter general is back, it's not hard to guess he has a part in this. I just wish that both the detective (who you know will be the love interest down the road) and the aunts didn't fall out of the plot for much of it. There are several books in this series but I'm on the fence about reading further. It was a good beach read (and I literally read it at the beach) but is also one I'd rather find at the library than buy.
August 30, 2021
A hidden Coven. A menopausal witch. A murder next door. What could go wrong?...
Discovering that she was a witch was the very last thing Liv Carlton expected on her fiftieth birthday. Hitting the menopause and suffering hot sweats, a spreading middle and chronic hormones, sure, but the power to cast magical spells? No! Finding out she wasn't the only witch in her family, or even her town, made her head spin, but perhaps the worst discovery on that fateful day, was her husbands infidelity with their much younger, definitely not menopausal neighbour, Selma Maybrook. Now, to top it all, she has become the number one suspect in the woman's murder....
What a cute little, easy to read, funny little find this is. Recommended to me by the author herself this is the first in a series of books about Liv, the menopausal witch. This is chick lit for witches and I loved it. Relatively short, it didn't take me long to read but it's worth it and women of, how can I say lol a certain age 🙈 will definitely recognise and empathise with poor old, hot flush suffering and middle age spreading Liv.
If you enjoy witchy reads with a hint of detective, a bit of adventure, light, easy and with some good old fashioned romance then you will love this 📖📖📖
Discovering that she was a witch was the very last thing Liv Carlton expected on her fiftieth birthday. Hitting the menopause and suffering hot sweats, a spreading middle and chronic hormones, sure, but the power to cast magical spells? No! Finding out she wasn't the only witch in her family, or even her town, made her head spin, but perhaps the worst discovery on that fateful day, was her husbands infidelity with their much younger, definitely not menopausal neighbour, Selma Maybrook. Now, to top it all, she has become the number one suspect in the woman's murder....
What a cute little, easy to read, funny little find this is. Recommended to me by the author herself this is the first in a series of books about Liv, the menopausal witch. This is chick lit for witches and I loved it. Relatively short, it didn't take me long to read but it's worth it and women of, how can I say lol a certain age 🙈 will definitely recognise and empathise with poor old, hot flush suffering and middle age spreading Liv.
If you enjoy witchy reads with a hint of detective, a bit of adventure, light, easy and with some good old fashioned romance then you will love this 📖📖📖
August 5, 2020
I'm. A. What?
A philandering husband, being a wee bit tipsy, and that demon menopause all combine into the perfect storm. Liv's 50th birthday party isn't going as well as she had hoped. She finds out her husband, of 26 years, is not as she thought AND she's a witch! This is the novel premise of this book. What follows is her dogged attempt to figure out what to do with this knowledge.
Just when you think you know an author and their genres, you are thrown a curve ball. I've read all of her books and was genuinely surprised with this new book. It was fantastic. The characters were fully developed, the plot was outstanding, and I found myself hooked from the first paragraph. I truly recommend this book and I eagerly await the follow-up. Do yourself a favor and read some of her other books and you will witness the seamless jump from genre to genre.
A philandering husband, being a wee bit tipsy, and that demon menopause all combine into the perfect storm. Liv's 50th birthday party isn't going as well as she had hoped. She finds out her husband, of 26 years, is not as she thought AND she's a witch! This is the novel premise of this book. What follows is her dogged attempt to figure out what to do with this knowledge.
Just when you think you know an author and their genres, you are thrown a curve ball. I've read all of her books and was genuinely surprised with this new book. It was fantastic. The characters were fully developed, the plot was outstanding, and I found myself hooked from the first paragraph. I truly recommend this book and I eagerly await the follow-up. Do yourself a favor and read some of her other books and you will witness the seamless jump from genre to genre.
July 18, 2020
A cheeky story about how the change of life can be, and mean, so much more than the end of your baby-making years. The Menopause, Magick and Mystery series is about a woman facing menopause with the awful symptoms thereof (and so well described), coming into her hereditary powers as a witch, as well as being drawn into solving mysteries - and in this book she must solve the mystery of murders to prevent herself from going to jail.
If you are into cozy mysteries along with some paranormal, you will probably enjoy this series - Interesting characters and good flow. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you are into cozy mysteries along with some paranormal, you will probably enjoy this series - Interesting characters and good flow. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2020
Terrific Witchy Mystery
I am a menopausal woman and as soon as I read the title of this book I knew I had to read it even if it’s not the kind of thing I normally read. I’m glad that I did because this book is a lot of fun. What person hasn’t dreamed that they would suddenly find out that they were more than just an ordinary person like Harry Potter does? Well this book takes that idea, applies it to a slightly plump middle aged woman and adds in a murder mystery. I really enjoyed this story.
I am a menopausal woman and as soon as I read the title of this book I knew I had to read it even if it’s not the kind of thing I normally read. I’m glad that I did because this book is a lot of fun. What person hasn’t dreamed that they would suddenly find out that they were more than just an ordinary person like Harry Potter does? Well this book takes that idea, applies it to a slightly plump middle aged woman and adds in a murder mystery. I really enjoyed this story.
July 15, 2020
I received an ARC from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review. This book is absolutely the funniest, most entertaining cozy murder that I've read in a while. I could not put it down! Read in the bathtub until my water was cold because I couldn't put it down to warm up the water. The story is fabulously written with astounding characters. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Enjoy! 📚📚
December 11, 2020
Really nice to have an older witch finding out about her heritage and coming into her powers. A nice change from usual ones I've read about the young adults. I can see the scope for developing some of the characters further and may be interesting to find out more about Garrett. Not sure I would trust Liv's detective skills yet and maybe Lucifer will help her more. I did find her a bit silly letting Pascal back into the house and think she needs to make some hard decisions there.
December 29, 2020
Yes, they are in England. :)
Good characters. Strangely, it took me a good 30 pages to discern what country the story takes place in. The beginning of the book seemed to have been scrubbed & made extremely location neutral. I didn't notice any of the words having the English preferred spellings. Then all of a sudden place names were mentioned & the British u started invading words. It wasn't a deal breaker but it was a bit odd...a bit disconcerting. I'm curious but I can't decide if I will bite the bullet on the 2nd book...
Good characters. Strangely, it took me a good 30 pages to discern what country the story takes place in. The beginning of the book seemed to have been scrubbed & made extremely location neutral. I didn't notice any of the words having the English preferred spellings. Then all of a sudden place names were mentioned & the British u started invading words. It wasn't a deal breaker but it was a bit odd...a bit disconcerting. I'm curious but I can't decide if I will bite the bullet on the 2nd book...
December 27, 2020
Witchy Fun
A light hearted, fun read. I read this book in one sitting and will definitely be following these delightful characters.
I love that the main character is older and is far from perfect with some familiar insecurities. The writing is mildly humorous but in a kindly way.
A light hearted, fun read. I read this book in one sitting and will definitely be following these delightful characters.
I love that the main character is older and is far from perfect with some familiar insecurities. The writing is mildly humorous but in a kindly way.
January 21, 2021
This was a fun cozy mystery. The storyline deals with a 50 year old that found her husband was a cheat and she was a witch within about 24 hours. Then her husband's mistress was killed and guess who they thought killed her? It was the beginning of a new series and I think this was a great beginning.
January 28, 2021
Good Read
Loved the story. Love that all the witches are over 50. Loved the truly old witches charming personalities. Was sad that nobody in the book expressed empathy for the gay couple's sexual preferences. Any opinion that was expressed was negative. Otherwise I enjoyed the book very much.
Loved the story. Love that all the witches are over 50. Loved the truly old witches charming personalities. Was sad that nobody in the book expressed empathy for the gay couple's sexual preferences. Any opinion that was expressed was negative. Otherwise I enjoyed the book very much.
February 10, 2021
Excellent!
On her fiftieth birthday life comes crashing down for Liv.
Finding out her husband is a cheating moron, and he's doing it with their next door neighbour!!!!!!
But then things turn really strange, with her hot flashes she's starting to burn and spark too 😮😮
Great book already onto the second one 😉
On her fiftieth birthday life comes crashing down for Liv.
Finding out her husband is a cheating moron, and he's doing it with their next door neighbour!!!!!!
But then things turn really strange, with her hot flashes she's starting to burn and spark too 😮😮
Great book already onto the second one 😉
August 9, 2021
So getting magic in middle life, makes this just a funny story. Finding out your husband is cheating with the next neighbor isn't great either. Either way, our heroine, with the help of her aunts, finds her magic and a new life. Just so many funny experiences along the way while trying to solve a crime and keep her name clear. Just read it - you'll love it!
July 16, 2020
The story line was good, the character work was terrific and the book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a great series starter and I was highly entertained from beginning to end.
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.
December 24, 2021
Such a fun read. It's nice to have older heroines that have exciting lives, escapades with a bit of murder and witchery thrown in! This is a series and I'm happy to have purchased them all so I can continue on with Livy's life.
February 4, 2023
Fabulous
Loved it! Especially loved the twists in plot and the frog. Efspecially the frog. I'd l.o.v.e. to have the frog skill. The writing was good and the main character was sufficiently fleshed-out for the novel. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Loved it! Especially loved the twists in plot and the frog. Efspecially the frog. I'd l.o.v.e. to have the frog skill. The writing was good and the main character was sufficiently fleshed-out for the novel. I'm looking forward to the next one.
May 31, 2023
Enjoyable story
An enjoyable story about a menopausal women who finds that her husband is cheating with the woman next door. I liked the humour and drama which unfolded during this book.
An enjoyable story about a menopausal women who finds that her husband is cheating with the woman next door. I liked the humour and drama which unfolded during this book.
July 25, 2020
Fun, quick read, Can't wait till Dec 31 for the sequel!!
August 9, 2020
Excellent
Great story telling, and a likeable main character. She knows how to deal with an unfaithful husband, too! Downloading the next one now.
Great story telling, and a likeable main character. She knows how to deal with an unfaithful husband, too! Downloading the next one now.
August 14, 2020
Very readable
So nice to see a witchy book written for those of a certain age and beyond!😀. Recommended. Etc etc etc
So nice to see a witchy book written for those of a certain age and beyond!😀. Recommended. Etc etc etc
August 25, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed this book. This new genre "Women's Paranormal Fiction" has some great writers. I have found some great reads.
I enjoyed this book. This new genre "Women's Paranormal Fiction" has some great writers. I have found some great reads.
September 24, 2020
Hormones, Hexes & Exes
A wonderful book to read. I hated to put it down and read it fast. Now I’m sad it’s over. Love the witches, the storyline and excitement.
A wonderful book to read. I hated to put it down and read it fast. Now I’m sad it’s over. Love the witches, the storyline and excitement.
October 27, 2020
What a charming little story with great characters and storyline to help pass time.
October 31, 2020
Loved it
So happy to have stories of woman of age and not giggling young adult. Love the story and the characters. Very excited about the next book. Thank you.
So happy to have stories of woman of age and not giggling young adult. Love the story and the characters. Very excited about the next book. Thank you.
November 16, 2020
Hormones hex’s and exes
I enjoyed the book, yes I read it to fast but I had to know the ending. It was fun
I enjoyed the book, yes I read it to fast but I had to know the ending. It was fun
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews