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Midlife Magic #1
The Key
Midlife A loss of self-confidence and feeling of anxiety or disappointment that can occur in early middle Oxford Dictionaries
Martina Spencer hits her fortieth birthday and retires from the homicide department at Las Vegas PD. Along with her adopted K-9, Backup, she hits the road not knowing or caring where she'll end up.
Her adventures take her to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where her life blossoms in ways she never imagined.
Martina Spencer hits her fortieth birthday and retires from the homicide department at Las Vegas PD. Along with her adopted K-9, Backup, she hits the road not knowing or caring where she'll end up.
Her adventures take her to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where her life blossoms in ways she never imagined.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2022
235 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2023
Fast-paced and engaging read
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I decided to read this first of three books. It grabbed my interest right away, and kept me reading until it stopped! I would normally say "until the end" but in truth it wasn't 'the end' but a pause. I will be reading the rest of the series to see how it goes, or how it ends. I liked the way the author started each section with a heading telling the reader the next location. It reminded me of how I would imagine a police report might read in order to move things along. Can't wait to read more from this author.
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I decided to read this first of three books. It grabbed my interest right away, and kept me reading until it stopped! I would normally say "until the end" but in truth it wasn't 'the end' but a pause. I will be reading the rest of the series to see how it goes, or how it ends. I liked the way the author started each section with a heading telling the reader the next location. It reminded me of how I would imagine a police report might read in order to move things along. Can't wait to read more from this author.
March 13, 2024
fun but juvenile
This was an enjoyable adventure but it was a little juvenile and all over the place. The 40 yr old, retired detective (seems young to say retired, I thought you needed 25 years of service ) meets and has 3 diff men fall madly in love with her in the span of a week, inherites a lot of money , stops a violent crime every time she goes out and oh yeah as an after thought she’s some kind of a witch w special inherited powers she rarely used and never bothers to explain. Needs more depth.
This was an enjoyable adventure but it was a little juvenile and all over the place. The 40 yr old, retired detective (seems young to say retired, I thought you needed 25 years of service ) meets and has 3 diff men fall madly in love with her in the span of a week, inherites a lot of money , stops a violent crime every time she goes out and oh yeah as an after thought she’s some kind of a witch w special inherited powers she rarely used and never bothers to explain. Needs more depth.
August 10, 2024
The Pulitzer Prize is safe from this author's clutches. The book does have something going for it—it provides a lesson in plot silliness, juvenile prose, and an idea of romance from a 1960s Young Adult novel. I completed reading it, hoping that the author would explain more about the first crime we encountered. No dice. One good thing is going for it: "Backup," the protagonist's Rottweiler companion. Sorry, I do not usually write negative reviews, but this book is a waste. Mac, do not quite your day job.
April 1, 2023
While I enjoyed the basic premise of this book, I found myself annoyed with the timelines. In my opinion, not enough thought was given to not only travel times but also what would or would not be open and available over the July 4th weekend. Then there is also the will reading with no mention of probate or taxes to be paid.
I liked Martina's character, and her retired K9 Backup, I also liked Gator and I think they needed more time together.
I really don't think I'll continue this series.
I liked Martina's character, and her retired K9 Backup, I also liked Gator and I think they needed more time together.
I really don't think I'll continue this series.
July 17, 2023
The part of the book up to meeting Gator and and finding out how much he cared for her was excellent. Then, unfortunately, for me it felt like a To-Do list; Martina went here, met a person, then did a thing, then went there, met a person, then did a thing. I don’t mind the feel of the old TV show “Dragnet,” and “Just the facts, ma’m,” but the middle and ending of this book didn’t flow like I’m used to.
September 4, 2023
I loved that this is a story about 40 year olds and not 20-somethings! But, the story was too story so there was no character development and a lot of loose ends. Just needed more to go from a good quick read to a "very good" book. It is a series so more about the characters and a plot might be forthcoming. In this book it just feels like watching a retelling of someone's week without substance or depth.
October 15, 2024
A newly retired cop with lots of decisions to make
This is a quick read And with some interesting characters And it seems like when She is more She is more confused and has many more decisions and things to do. I like this story It had me guessing all the way through it.. I like this somebody didn't portray retirement is a easy lifestyle that is care-free. There were several confusing parts to the story 2 men different personalities both cops.
This is a quick read And with some interesting characters And it seems like when She is more She is more confused and has many more decisions and things to do. I like this story It had me guessing all the way through it.. I like this somebody didn't portray retirement is a easy lifestyle that is care-free. There were several confusing parts to the story 2 men different personalities both cops.
October 10, 2022
Key
I have to say that it was good to see that you are still continuing with your style of telling your stories. I think it's going to be an interesting new series. Again another strong mature and female lead character. Can't wait to see how the story continues. Thank you for giving me something good to read.
I have to say that it was good to see that you are still continuing with your style of telling your stories. I think it's going to be an interesting new series. Again another strong mature and female lead character. Can't wait to see how the story continues. Thank you for giving me something good to read.
December 12, 2022
The Key
Carolina Mac is my favorite Author and as usual she didn't disappoint me. I love the story, magic and it's characters. I liked the strong lead being a woman. It's adventure and romance with some magic to make it perfect. Going now to get the next read in this series. Bravo !!!
Carolina Mac is my favorite Author and as usual she didn't disappoint me. I love the story, magic and it's characters. I liked the strong lead being a woman. It's adventure and romance with some magic to make it perfect. Going now to get the next read in this series. Bravo !!!
January 13, 2023
interesting
This was a unique read, more in line with the tone of an 80’s cop drama without all the actual drama. It was a bit dry and sparse in detail or emotion, drifting from one scene to the next without the smooth transitions I’ve come to expect. It wasn’t bad by any means, just a touch stilted.
This was a unique read, more in line with the tone of an 80’s cop drama without all the actual drama. It was a bit dry and sparse in detail or emotion, drifting from one scene to the next without the smooth transitions I’ve come to expect. It wasn’t bad by any means, just a touch stilted.
August 20, 2023
Not the book for me.
Amazon synopsis:
Martina Spencer hits her fortieth birthday and retires from the homicide department at Las Vegas PD. Along with her adopted K-9, Backup, she hits the road not knowing or caring where she'll end up.
Her adventures take her to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where her life blossoms in ways she never imagined.
Amazon synopsis:
Martina Spencer hits her fortieth birthday and retires from the homicide department at Las Vegas PD. Along with her adopted K-9, Backup, she hits the road not knowing or caring where she'll end up.
Her adventures take her to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where her life blossoms in ways she never imagined.
December 14, 2023
Quick and Enjoyable Read!
I really enjoyed this book. Martina is a strong, very likeable, and smart character. The story was interesting, and I liked the other characters for the most part, especially Gator. I think it took me less than an hour to read this book, and now I am moving on to book 2. I can't wait to see how things develop in the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. Martina is a strong, very likeable, and smart character. The story was interesting, and I liked the other characters for the most part, especially Gator. I think it took me less than an hour to read this book, and now I am moving on to book 2. I can't wait to see how things develop in the next book!
January 7, 2024
So far this series is very well written and the storyline is very intriguing. Although Martina is a witch she doesn’t use her powers that much. I’m a fan of her Rottie Backup. Just bought the next book because she has two live guys vying for her attention and I hope Brad wins after the way Lance treated her. Plus she just got her first PI client.
July 8, 2024
Doing things her way
Martina is retiring and can't wait to get away with her dog backup. When they stopped for a walk they ran into a truck driver, and they hit off, but something tragic happened and now she is determined to find the person that did this and a little magic wouldn't hurt either.
Martina is retiring and can't wait to get away with her dog backup. When they stopped for a walk they ran into a truck driver, and they hit off, but something tragic happened and now she is determined to find the person that did this and a little magic wouldn't hurt either.
September 23, 2022
retired detective
She had retired after 20 yrs and was ready for a adventure.. where who knows. So she loaded up her keep her retired K9 and hit the road. Well, to be honest not sure if I like it r not.. read the next not sure..
She had retired after 20 yrs and was ready for a adventure.. where who knows. So she loaded up her keep her retired K9 and hit the road. Well, to be honest not sure if I like it r not.. read the next not sure..
October 22, 2022
Carolina never disappoints
This one was different, but not. Set in the world of Law and Order Martina has a little something extra to help her. Nice introduction to the players, looking forward to finding out more.
This one was different, but not. Set in the world of Law and Order Martina has a little something extra to help her. Nice introduction to the players, looking forward to finding out more.
April 10, 2023
Fun Read
Martina is a retired cop. A friend is murdered and she involves herself in the investigation. Two possible romantic interests come into her life. Desire, confusion, and reality ensue. I like the humor, romance, and action. I look forward to the next book.
Martina is a retired cop. A friend is murdered and she involves herself in the investigation. Two possible romantic interests come into her life. Desire, confusion, and reality ensue. I like the humor, romance, and action. I look forward to the next book.
April 21, 2023
Good Book
I like the book but only rated it this low because nothing is better than the books with Blacky in them. These characters are pretty good though. It’s not a bad review I am writing. I just enjoyed your others more.
I like the book but only rated it this low because nothing is better than the books with Blacky in them. These characters are pretty good though. It’s not a bad review I am writing. I just enjoyed your others more.
May 26, 2023
My first book by this author and definitely not my last. Loved this book, it has humor, love, loss and a main character who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Plus it's got magic thrown in the mix.
June 9, 2024
Mediocre at best. I will say I liked that she was the maturity level you'd expect at 40 but the plot was thin, Magick miniscule, and chemistry between her and any MMC was lacking.
Would not reread
Would not reread
June 23, 2024
Great right up to the totally anticlimactic end.
It is a prequel but even so the end was totally without color, flair, or interest. But what came before is really good. Gonna be a great series but an author this talented could do a stand up job on an ending.
It is a prequel but even so the end was totally without color, flair, or interest. But what came before is really good. Gonna be a great series but an author this talented could do a stand up job on an ending.
November 24, 2024
I was enjoying this book, though not my norm, but it ended abruptly. I honestly thought it was a mistake. Perhaps the second in the series will answer the questions left, but I'll move on to my next adventure.
March 5, 2025
Excellent
A new to me author and a new genre. It was really good. I enjoyed the characters, their interactions and the heroine’s unusual abilities. I am looking forward to more by this author!
A new to me author and a new genre. It was really good. I enjoyed the characters, their interactions and the heroine’s unusual abilities. I am looking forward to more by this author!
September 23, 2022
A little intrigue, a little majik
Looks like I'm going to be keeping up with another Carolina Mac series. Enjoyed the set up. Can't wait to see where this one is going to lead.
Looks like I'm going to be keeping up with another Carolina Mac series. Enjoyed the set up. Can't wait to see where this one is going to lead.
October 3, 2022
Pick this up and it was cute. Retired cop and her dog
May 27, 2023
This was first book by this author , I loved the main character is a strong woman over 40’s and it was delightful read got to get the other two books now
February 29, 2024
Great plot. Some character traits felt unusual, but overall, I enjoy this character collection.
January 15, 2025
Great Story & Characters!
This will leave you wanting more! It’s a wonder story with great characters! Can’t wait to start the next in the series!
This will leave you wanting more! It’s a wonder story with great characters! Can’t wait to start the next in the series!
February 12, 2025
It’s Magic
Good story of a determined woman starting over. A little bit of everything in this short story. Mystery, Romance and Magic.
Good story of a determined woman starting over. A little bit of everything in this short story. Mystery, Romance and Magic.
Read
November 21, 2023DNF @ 20%
Found the pacing irritating and the MC to have no characterization beyond a mid-life crisis born of negativity and dissatisfaction. There was a single mention of her magic but no actual fantasy so far. If the LI is this “Gator” character they’ve formed a very random instant connection. On a technical level it’s acceptable but uninspired.
Found the pacing irritating and the MC to have no characterization beyond a mid-life crisis born of negativity and dissatisfaction. There was a single mention of her magic but no actual fantasy so far. If the LI is this “Gator” character they’ve formed a very random instant connection. On a technical level it’s acceptable but uninspired.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews