When Nell Darling moves to a small Aussie mountain town after a messy divorce, she decides her life will be purrfect. But life has decided to be no such thing! Nell discovers a body, buys a mysterious bookstore, and starts to suspect she is losing her mind--all because a local cat, JenniFur, begins stopping by for a chat.
Yet Nell has no time to paws and reflect. Soon she is chasing her tail to solve the murder. Hot on her heels is the dreamy Detective Caspian Cole, who seems to think Nell is mad fur real. But it doesn't matter what Detective Cole thinks, because Nell is about to discover that menopause doesn't mean her life is put on pause.
In fact, menopause is a sign that Nell's has finally begun.
Litter-ally a fun read for women who are coming into their power!
USA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.
This book is my favorite of Morgana Best. I adored JenniFur! I clicked with Nell and enjoyed the rest of the characters. There was a perfect blend of comedy and drama in this mystery. The mystery wasn’t difficult to solve, (though I didn’t see the twist until it was revealed), but I was having so much fun with Nell, JenniFur and Edison I didn’t mind the easier mystery. I thought it was the perfect start for the series as there was a lot going on with Nell. There is a possible love interest with a certain detective. I’m excited for book 2, Signs and Pawtents, with book 3, Start From Scratches, scheduled. I love the play on words in the titles! This book is perfect for those who like their mystery mixed with humor and who enjoy the paranormal. The book is set in Australia so, if you are American, the language is Australian, (there is a fun glossary of words and sayings at the beginning but honestly I had no trouble with the spelling used). I definitely recommend this for a fun trip down under. *I received an advanced electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my enjoyment of the story.*
I am a big fan of the author's Australian Amateur Sleuth series so I was excited to pick up this book. As I am just starting menopause, I figured I’d be able to relate to the main character.
Recently divorced Nell, inspired by a fortuneteller’s reading, buys a bookstore a state away from where she lives in Australia. After driving to her new bookstore and parking in the parking lot, she is accosted by a man who was later found dead in her book store. And as if being under suspicion for the murder isn’t bad enough, menopausal Nell thinks she’s going crazy when the bookstore's cat starts talking to her. Magical hijinks ensue but tracking down the killer comes down to Nell's sleuthing skills. But can she catch a killer as easily as beating a hot flash?
This wasn’t a very complex plot and I figured it out pretty quickly, but I loved "meeting" the colorful townsfolk and Nell is the kind of friend I would love to have. This is definitely shaping up into a series I will enjoy, and if you like a little paranormal mystery, definitely give this one a try
This is a wonderful beginning to a new series by one of my favorite authors. I'm loving all of the new Paranormal Women's Fiction that is coming to the market and this book is a great addition. After Bell's husband leaves her for a younger woman, she decides it's time for a change. But, even she can't believe the changes she's about to make. Even after a fortune teller tells her she will buy a bookstore in another state. But, that's what she does. But, she wonders if she's made a mistake when she arrives there only to be yelled at by a man about a parking space. Then, he is found dead inside the bookstore and the police suspect her. She realizes the only way she's going to prove her innocence is to do some investigating herself. However, she wonders if menopause is making her crazy after a cat starts talking to her. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. It's going to be a lot of fun.
Kept me guessing not only regarding who was the murderer but exactly what the heck was going on! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading the next in the series!
A Midlife CatAstrophe is the first book in a brand new paranormal womens fiction cozy mystery series by Morgana Best.
Nell Darling moves to a small town on a mountain in Australia after a messy divorce. She decides to buy a bookstore with her money from the divorce. She only wanted a perfect happy midlife, but what she got was far from it! She finds a body in her new bookstore and she can talk to the cat, JenniFur that lives there. Not to mention the sexy Detective Cole that is investigating the murder.
This was a fantastic first book in a new series that I absolutely LOVED! The characters are fun and quirky and I love reading about characters over 40 that are starting over. A well written mystery with lots of twists.
If you want to read more about JenniFur, the talking cat, be sure to check out But Wait, There’s Myrrh a prequel Novella that is also a GREAT read.
I was disappointed the main storyline was the same as an episode on "Death in Paradise." However the addition of faire was a nice touch to change it up.
Owning a bookstore, recently divorced, and beginning menopause have Nell wondering if she made the right decision to move to the mountains. Nell and her new friends try to figure out how who murdered Rufus.
A Midlife CatAstrophe by Morgana Best is the first book in the MenoPaws Mysteries series. Recently divorced Nell Darling buys a bookshop in Wild Lime Mountain in Queensland only to find a dead body on her first night. I enjoyed this book and meeeting all the fun quirky characters in the town. Nell discovers that she is able to communicate with her cat Jennifur and is a Bookmarker faerie coming into her powers at menopause. I found this interesting but a bit confusing. I loved the descriptions of the Australian towns with which I am familiar. A fun and unusual cozy mystery.
This was a Fun Read a new series I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.
Starts with a Divorce, Nells Husband has Mistresses not one but many...
So its time to move on..
Moving to wild Lime Mountain New Home. Going to start a new life Its never to late . So Buying a Bookstore Is were this new journey begins. Menopause wont hold Nell Darling Down.
This can only be better for Nell Darling. Nice Drive to her New Town New place. Life is Grand but when you arrive and park. Step out of your car someone is immediately yelling at you someone you've never met. Soon you find out this man is mean to everyone.
This is the welcome you get to new town.. Not long after there's a murder and it's in your bookstore. Making you look guilty because no one is there except you. Because you're apartment is upstairs and this happens in the middle of the night.
Well There's always JenniFur She's the fuzzy cat that keeps you company. There's more to JenniFur than Meets the eye. Jennifer drinks.
This Is book 1 and it was definitely a good read I definitely will recommend this to anyone who likes cosies and of course anyone who likes Morgan Best. I have read many of her books and I have not been disappointed in any of them.
Once upon a time the cat (JenniFur) talked. But only to an unsuspecting woman (Nell Darling) who had abruptly divorced her husband, bought a book shop in the mountains far away in Queensland. It was at this point that things went a little odd. Was it all just menopause? Or was something more happening?
I loved meeting Nell as she moved into a new community and an older bookstore. Wonderful characters abound in her new town-particularly Edison Chester, the odd twins Daphne and Delilah Dimples, and of course JenniFur. There are several others, but one in particular, a Detective, catches Nell's attention.
So many surprises and funny situations. As Nell stumbles around investigating the murder (with "help" from the twins), time and time I laughed out loud. I love Ms Best's sense of humor! Such a delightful book about a time of life many women dread. But don't worry gentlemen. Aside from mentioning hot flashes, this isn't just for women. Its a clean and hilarious read for all! Fantastic start to a new series!
Nell is now a divorced from her cheating husband. She has bought a bookshop in Wild Lime Mountain. She is excited for the new beginning that she has. Nell finally gets to the bookstore, but has unfortunate meeting with one of the residents. Nell meets Edison, the bookstores employee. Nell also meets Jennifur the cat of the bookstore. Nell thinks she is losing her mind when she hears the cats thoughts. Nell is awakened because of Jennifer. Nell learns there is a dead body in her store. Nell makes the shocking discovery, she didn't know it would turn her life upside down.
This was a really cute and interesting story that the author has written. The main character Nell who is newly divorced, sets on on new beginnings. Nell will make some shocking discoveries about herself, the people of the new town she moved too. Nell's story is just starting and can't wait to see what happens next for her.
Another super enjoyable audiobook! This series started off quite strong. I’m never a fan of books where the main character is a suspect, especially since it would make no sense for her to kill the victim.
It’s so nice to see Jennifer still has some part in the story, even if minimal. Nell is not much different from her, and it’s nice to see her coming into her own. I think the two women (or rather, woman and cat) will be a great team, together with their friends.
Just like the other 2 series I read by this author, the love interest is the police person which is a choice, but it makes for a fun read for sure. Nell also has a terrible ex husband, just like Jennifer did, but at least
This book had me shaking my head and laughing alternately! Can you imagine divorcing your no good cheating husband-picking up and moving to a different town--buying a bookstore-then finding out the resident cat could speak-English! Well that is what happened to Nell Darling. And to top it all off--she is woken by said cat who tells her there is a dead body in her store!!
As she and her new friends--all characters in their own right--try to find the killer lots happens that will keep you reading. Of course there is a detective who attempts to stop them from investigating---
Nell literally catches the killer---sometimes menopause can be a good thing!! I can't write too much more or will give away all of the secrets revealed--but if you enjoy a good clean book and need a laugh or three--go get this book and read it!
Interesting concept. An enjoyable book but a little tedious when the characters are brainstorming about the identity of the murderer.
Amazon synopsis: When Nell Darling moves to a small Aussie mountain town after a messy divorce, she decides her life will be purrfect. But life has decided to be no such thing! Nell discovers a body, buys a mysterious bookstore, and starts to suspect she is losing her mind--all because a local cat, JenniFur, begins stopping by for a chat.
Yet Nell has no time to paws and reflect. Soon she is chasing her tail to solve the murder. Hot on her heels is the dreamy Detective Caspian Cole, who seems to think Nell is mad fur real. But it doesn't matter what Detective Cole thinks, because Nell is about to discover that menopause doesn't mean her life is put on pause.
In fact, menopause is a sign that Nell's has finally begun.
“A Midlife Catastrophe” by Morgana Best is an entertaining read with unusual paranormal twists. While I found the story line a bit difficult to follow in the first couple chapters, the story quickly becomes an interesting mixture of colorful characters and multiple possible murder suspects. The reader will travel with Nell, and explore Australian culture, as she begins her new life and career. The older cast of characters is a nice change from most cozy mysteries, and you’ll laugh out loud throughout the book. If you are a fan of the paranormal, and are able to suspend belief for a bit, this kick off book is the beginning of a series that will be enjoyable for many stories to come. I received a ARC copy of the book, but the review is my own opinion.
An interesting paranormal cozy. I definitely recommend it. I enjoyed the talking cat, JenniFur, and how that made Nell think she was losing her mind. Hormones might be needed! A lot of fun. I was hoping this author would someday incorporate a talking animal into one of her paranormal stories. There was also talk of Faeries and Seelies and Nell coming into her powers. The bookstore setting was great and so was the name of the town, Wild Lime Mountain. I liked the ending. It was interesting what happened to the murderer. I look forward to more books in this series and more JenniFur!
The first few pages weren't my favorite part because of Nell's anger at her unfaithful husband.
Nell had been married for a long time and her husband chose to divorce her so he could be with the woman he cheated with and his child. Advice from a fortune teller has Nell moving away and she bought the bookshop that Edison worked in and Jennifer, who turned herself into a cat, roams around in. On her first night there, she discovers a dead body! She can also communicate with the Jennifur! She believes she is going insane or it is menopause~ As Edison, Nell, the cat, and twin old ladies look for the murderer…weird things happen, she discovers wild news about herself and others, and she will have to help solve the case so she does not end up in jail! This book is totally LOL hilarious~
Huh, should have paid more attention. I did not expect that but aside from a bit of repetition, the story was entertaining. I actually thought some of the "magical" parts were going to lead to her being a witch, but no. The cat is a character and a bit annoying, but also kinda funny. Nell is a lot overwhelmed with all of the craziness in her life. Newly divorced from her cheating husband, she buys a bookstore after a fortune teller advises her that she will do so. What she didn't expect was the dead body and consequently being questioned by the police as a suspect. With the help of Edison, JenniFUR the cat, and a few other characters, Nell seeks to solve the murder herself.
I’ve just finished books 1 and 2 of this series and was surprised to discover that I really enjoyed them! I don’t normally read paranormal stories but these were fun, with the storyline proposing that women come into their powers at menopause, sometimes with surprising results! In the first book Jennifer is being attacked and uses her powers to turn herself into a cat, now JenniFur. In book 2, in her menopause, Nell decides to leave her cheating and verbally abusive husband, move far away and buy a bookshop (upon the advice of a medium). Both books are full of zany and interesting characters and are highly entertaining!
Morgana Best did it again! This has been a great first book about a new cozy mystery series, featuring Nelle Darling a divorced woman who bought a bookstore and was looking for a quiet place where she could live, but she finds herself enveloped in a murder and has to find who did it before Detective Cole finds out she's sleuthing. There is also a talking cat and champagne, so this is a great start of a new series with a prequel novella called "But Wait, There’s Myrth" that you should read. Dont think about it, just go and get the books!
Morgana best has done it again! I love every one of her books. After her divorce, Nell moves to a new town. She buys a bookstore and makes friends. She inherited the book store cat and realizes that she can hear the cat talking. Is she going crazy? When a murder happens in her bookstore shes the prime suspect. But since that isnt true she has to solve the murder. Because what else do you do when the cops think you did it? You'll have to read the book to find out more. But i can tell you that it is wonderful and if you like Morgana's other books, you will devour this one as well.
Nell is coming out of a messy divorce from her cheating husband. She buys a bookstore, sight unseen, and moves to her new home above the bookstore. When she arrives and parks her car, a stranger yells at her that she took his space. The same stranger is found dead that same night inside her bookstore! But wait! There is also a cat that talks to her! I great story with fun characters! I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I LOVED IT right from the word go. Such a fun read! I so love this genre. I am a woman going through the change myself, so I love reading about women with whom I can relate! I’m glad it’s being taken out of that taboo zone. Very refreshing. And JenniFur! I mean, say the words talking cat and you have me! Completely! So it goes without saying that I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun cozy with a not-super-young-anymore main character! I’m already looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Nell Darling moves to Wild Lime Mountain to start her new life as a bookstore owner.
She’s newly divorced, has no business experience, and is unsure of everything that may happen.
She also gets into an argument with a stranger as she arrives at her new home, and finds that same stranger dead in her bookstore during the middle of the same night she arrived in town.
Oh yeah, she’s in the early stages of menopause and can hear her cat that came with the store’s thoughts.
Another great start to a new series from an author I’ve come to admire.
I've never encountered a book by Morgana Best that didn't have me ROFL! Nell Darling is *at that age* and has just been suddenly dumped by her controlling husband for a younger model and moved well away from her past where she has fulfilled a dream of owning a bookstore. That is until she finds that she can hear her cat inside her head. Well, that and the murdered man in her shop during that first night (rooms above the shop). And, of course, being treated as the prime suspect by the detectives. Let the hilarious sleuthing begin! Loved it!
I loved it! Nell Darling is a menopausal woman looking to rebuild her life after a divorce. She purchases a bookstore in wild Lime Mountain. She thinks she is going crazy when she hears the cat Jennifer speaking to her. A man is found murdered in her bookstore, leaving Nell desperate to find the killer and clear her name. All around great read, funny and interesting. I’ll definitely be looking for the next book! I received an advance readers copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Of course it's good, Morgana Best wrote it. It's the beginning of a whole new set of books. She almost makes you look forward to menopause. Just when we thought things were starting to slow down, we find out there's a whole lot more ahead of us. I don't believe in telling about the story. I do believe in authors. When I find a good one, they invariably continue to write good books. I haven't been disappointed yet. Take my word for it and get this one. You'll be glad you did
I would recommend reading, "But Wait There's Myrrh" too. It tells you JenniFur's story and it's a cute fast read.
A lot can happen when you go through menopause! Nell finds a new life, new town and new friends after a bitter divorce. But things like a talking cat only she can hear! Is she going crazy? Good thing she has new exceptional friends to help her especially when it looks like she murdered the town menace!
This book was so much fun to read. From the main character, Nell Darling to her cat, JenniFur, and all the characters in between I didn't want to put it down. It starts with Nell getting a divorce and moving. The first night in her new place, the cat wakes her up and tells her there's a body downstairs. Can Nell find the real murderer before she's arrested for it? Definitely worth the read! Five stars
Nell is an amazing character. I love that she’s a mature woman going through menopause because I can so relate to her! Now, if I could only get the ability to hear my dogs speak like she does JenniFur! But, JenniFur was once human, so...Edison and the twins Daphne and Delilah are a fun addition. The twins are definitely quirky which makes them so interesting! Looking forward to reading more in this series.