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Midlife Spirits #9

Making Spirits Bright

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If 'hot mess' was a zip code, I'd own every property in it...

While my relationship with my boyfriend, Ryan, seems to be falling apart at the seams, there's not much I can do about it because my entire life is pretty much heading the same way.

As if dealing with my temperamental and difficult niece wasn't hard enough (especially when she won't stop arguing with my ghostly roommate), I suddenly find myself the owner of a... dog?

Daschel randomly shows up on my doorstep one day which means I've inherited another responsibility I can't afford.
But Daschel is no ordinary dog... he's intelligent beyond reason, but I'm not sure how or why.

My life is about to get a whole lot weirder when I find myself at The Old Absinthe House where I'm meant to meet with legendary New Orleans pirate, Captain Jean Lafitte. I've come to learn all I can about the deceased children who keep stealing paranormal items and the witch in the French Quarter who's been throwing snakes into bars.

But when Ryan goes missing after my visit to the Absinthe House and I wake up with no memory of the night before, I have a feeling something bad has happened.

Something really bad...

Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2021

53 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

H.P. Mallory

370 books2,811 followers
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!

H.P.

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5 stars
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42 (29%)
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12 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
56 reviews
November 6, 2021
Cliff hanger after cliff hanger

Perhaps it is the publisher that is behind it, however I am really frustrated that as soon as the story seems to get close to a resolution it is literally the end of the book. I thought I could get through the series because I have enjoyed other books by the author. I just don't know that I will be willing to pick it up again in a year when the next installment comes out. It's a nice story, however I do not respect how it's been chopped up. I would like the editor to rethink their approach. This would be a great read IF it was bundled all together. C'est la vie.
Profile Image for Toni Glitz.
295 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
Peyton’s time is running out. Can she break the curse on her before it’s too late?

This is book nine of Midlife Spirits, a Paranormal Women’s Fiction series of short novels from HP Mallory. The book is set in the Garden District of New Orleans, USA. There is some romantic interest and there is one scene of a sexual nature which is not descriptive or explicit.

This book had me gripped. I raced through it in one sitting over an afternoon. I couldn’t put it down. These characters have me hooked and I want to know what happens to them. It’s book nine and their story isn’t over yet. HP Mallory’s easy to read style flows well with the story and her words paint a vivid picture in my mind.

Peyton’s life has gone from busy to chaotic. The recent spate of paranormal activity has come to her doorstep and infiltrated her life. She needs all the friends and all the protection she can get. Can her relationship with Ryan survive this latest onslaught? Especially now that she has admitted to herself that she is in love with Drake and that if Drake were alive, she’s not sure she would choose to be with Ryan over him. How that is going to work out remains to be seen.

Interference from the local voodoo practitioners is coming to fruition. Dark magic has been worked and strange things are afoot. Peyton’s life is about to be turned upside-down again. Her visions are getting stronger, there are gaps in her memory and she doesn’t have much time to undo these curses before she reaches the point of no return.

I am eagerly awaiting book ten.

The reading order for this series is as follows:

Book 1: Afraid of the Dark
Book 2: A Ghost of a Chance
Book 3: Mischief Brewing
Book 4: Bump in the Night
Book 5: Bone Voyage
Book 6: Deadly Intentions
Book 7: Ghostly Gathering
Book 8: Magic in the Night
Book 9: Making Spirits Bright
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,803 reviews46 followers
September 8, 2021
Peyton's life just keeps getting more and more crazy from her relationship with Ryan starting to fall apart , to her temperamental niece and a mysterious dog that just appears one day . Oh and don't forget that someone is trying to take away her house and when Ryan goes missing and she wakes up with no memory of the night before . Peyton must find out what is going on with the deceased children stealing magical items and a witch with a fondness of throwing snakes into bars . Something bad is about happen and Peyton's feeling are never ever wrong.
Lets just say poor Peyton her life is getting more and more complicated each and every day. She seems to be getting dragged into more and more dangerous situations . She is still sassy and strong willed but her powers it seems to be growing more and more . She is still struggling with what is going on and her love for two men . Ryan well he is struggling with what is going on and he knows that there is more going on and is trying not to let it get to him . Now that he knows more and when he has had enough will he finally leave . We also get to meet Captain Jean Lafitte a notorious pirate who wants to live again in Peyton's body . He is up to something even in ghost form . Maggie well she is your typical broody teen ager who well just wants to argue with Drake every moment of every day. There is something more that Maggie is hiding but we just can't figure it out yet . I love these characters so much . I am totally invested and love how complex they are .
This book i sat down and read in an afternoon, once you start you don't want to put it down until you are done. There is so much going on and you want to cheer the characters on. Each character has grown and evolved through out the series . There is a twist at the end of the book that will actually will make you kind of swoon cause you know what could happen in future books . I can't wait for the next book in the series . If you want a great series that is fun to read check out this series . You will love it for your halloween reading .
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,271 reviews58 followers
August 31, 2021
Book 9 is the continuing half of book 8 (formerly book 4 in the Peyton Clark series). Peyton is still having weird visions and dreams, causing discombobulation within her mind. Someone is threatening to take her home away, and by that, Drake’s home. There are ghost children stealing certain artifacts from various placed around New Orleans. Mysterious women keep popping up in Peyton's dreams, visions, and life. To top it all off, Peyton's niece, Maggie, is here for a visit, Peyton becomes a pet owner, and Ryan disappears. There is no end to the weird occurrences in this book.

I love Peyton, Ryan, Drake, Maggie, and Peyton's voodoo friend, Lovie. I enjoy the author's smooth and conversational writing style. The characters are likable and complex. The story is fun yet terrifying. I found this novella completely engaging, fast paced, and I couldn't put it down. The characters have grown throughout the series and the author does a wonderful job writing them. Nothing in the book was resolved, leaving the reader with a cliffhanger ending. I'm excited to read the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book to review.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
970 reviews23 followers
Read
September 4, 2021
Payton has settled into New Orleans now. Well I think in this case New Orleans has decided to keep her. She has so much going on I don't know if you could call her settled there.

Payton is having stronger dreams then ever. It is a wonder if she doesn't go crazy with them alone. Someone or something is threatening to take away her home. There are ghost children stealing artifacts. oh, and lets not forget the strange woman showing up. Yep, everything you need to say she was defiantly in a shoot show.

I can't even with the love triangle in this book. I know we all have a favorite. I am still wishing the finally pick will be Ryan. I can't wrap my head around Drake.

All in all a great book. Who would have know that you would have this much excitement when you get older.
Profile Image for Starla B.
551 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2021
First I have to say...I am so over Ryan. I liked him at first, but with each and every book I just want to punch him. I can understand his frustration with Peyton (it's hard to compete with a ghost), and I want to shake her a fair amount of the time as well, but he gets most of my ire. With that said, I'm still completely invested in this series. I'm interested to see what's going to happen with our new friends, and with the cliffhanger at the end....hoo boy! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,356 reviews26 followers
May 20, 2025
A good short story and continuing with a mysterious dog, Daschel showing up and is very intelligent. The main character finds herself at The Old Absinthe House meeting the New Orleans pirate, Captain Jean Lafitte. There are also a lot more ghosts being mischievous; stealing paranormal items and throwing snakes into bars. Ryan goes missing her visit to Absinthe House and has no memory of what happened and I'm sure this will continue in the next book.


.

Profile Image for Pam Brady.
5 reviews
October 8, 2021
zombi zombi zombi???

What's going on in Peyton's world? It's weird for sure. Hijinx ensue in this installment of Peyton's world. We have a cousin, a witch and a new ghost entering stage left, and some major magicky weirdness. Has Ryan had enough? And will we have Drake in the flesh? Can't wait to find out!!!
18 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2021
Excellant

The story kept me reading deep into the night. Its seems I start and just cannot put my tablet down. I am entranced by the words. I actually feel as if it all is reality.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,909 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2021
I really liked it!

4.5 stars would be more accurate, but I can’t give half-stars. This was another fun read, and that twist! Whoa! I have begun to expect twists in these books, but still, things never go as I think they will, and I like that!
1,190 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2021
There are some major twist and turns for Peyton and Ryan. You will be hooked on this story will not come up for until you read the last page. You will enjoy the rollercoaster ride these characters are on and you will want the next book as soon as you are done.
Profile Image for Michelle Jenkins.
905 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2021
interesting

Interesting crazy series that gives you way to many questions. This book didn’t answer any but gave you more questions. The ending makes you want the next book immediately but it doesn’t come out for a year. Ugh.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,379 reviews
January 17, 2022
Well, that was somewhat expected

Can't say I'm happy, but not surprised. My only concern is that Ryan is no longer possessed and gets his happily ever after. That relationship was doomed and I feel sorry for him. At this point, I am done. Good luck Peyton and gang.
Profile Image for Wendy.
55 reviews
December 1, 2022
Again, fun story with lazy writing. Peyton doesn't know what absinthe is and possible consequences of drinking it? Did the writer forget she has taken absinthe/wormwood twice before?
A good proofreader is really needed for the series, which is a shame because it is a very enjoyable tale.
8 reviews
August 28, 2021
He's back!!!

I've been waiting for drake to be able to hold her once again, there love demands it!! H.p. Mallory has a great rude she takes you on in this series
Profile Image for Terri Pykosh.
15 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2021
Awesome!

Wow! Just wow! For once in my life I'm speechless! This series is turning into a runaway train. If you haven't started reading it,you really need to!
9 reviews
September 1, 2021
Keeps you locked in

I can not wait for the next book. This one kept me engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat.
1,790 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2021
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
12 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
Fabulous series

I loved all the characters in this seri
es (even the bad guys) they came to life and reside in my head now!!! I can't wait for the next book to come out.
719 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2022
Good story, great characters

This is a very good series, built on a clever plot. I'm looking forward to however the situation is resolved.
Profile Image for Jami Kehr.
1,100 reviews15 followers
September 6, 2021
DAAAANG!!! Mallory knows how to grab her readers attention that's for sure!

Peyton and Drake are fire together..but we already knew that right... This is the best book of the series so far! I can't wait for book10 to come out!
1,900 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2021
Peyton continues to struggle with her feelings for Drake and Ryan. Ryan is struggling with wanting a more simple life and less drama. Add even more paranormal ghostly activity and possessing and things get very messy. As her love life and life as a sensitive gets more dicey, Peyton also has Drake's family member attempting to take her home. Always so much going on!
Profile Image for Stephanie Barnes.
456 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2021
Artifacts are being stolen by ghost children. Peyton is having visions. Ryan has been more agitated then usual and arguing with Peyton. Peyton ends up in her garden again and finds she is cursed. A mysterious dog comes to her home. A Montague is insisting the house is his & is fighting in court for it. Peyton's life is in total chaos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Koo Koo .
44 reviews
July 28, 2022
I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!

This series gets better and better. I’m so excited for the next one because Drake is one of my all time favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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