Midlife is the Cat’s Meow By TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod

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The details…

  • Title: Midlife is the Cat’s Meow
  • Authors: TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod
  • Publisher: Independent Publishers & Authors
  • Publication date: April 4, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook
  • Digital file size: 2279 KB
  • Print length: 284 pages
  • Genre: rom-com/mystical fantasy
  • Themes: family, small town, witches, magic, children, parenting, divorce, ghosts, murder, friends, romance, aging

The blurb from the publisher…

A witch without powers. A secret to die for. A past better forgotten. Who said midlife would be boring?

A few months ago, I thought I had it all. My life as a forty-something suburban mom in Cleveland might not have been stimulating, but sometimes excitement is overrated. Like when FBI agents knock down your door on the hunt for your crook of a husband. Thrilling? Maybe. But I wouldn’t recommend it.

After twenty-five years, I’m returning home without a penny to my name. But there are far worse things than living in your family’s bed-and-breakfast on a remote island in Maine. Being a witch who’s lost her powers, for example. Or having two daughters on the brink of getting their magic and having no idea they’re witches.

To complicate matters, a mysterious group of magical enforcers called the Shadow Council blamed me for my twin sister’s death years ago and banned me from ever returning home. But I have nowhere else to go.

My plan is to keep a low profile, land a job, and get back on my feet. My plan does not include finding a mysterious old trunk in the having a famous author drop dead while staying at our inn, being haunted by his ghost, or having my powers return in scary and unexpected ways.

I can also assure you I have no intention of developing a crush on someone who will have me questioning everything I ever thought I knew about who I am.

Then again, you know what they say about the best laid plans…

If you’re hungry for a paranormal story that celebrates women over 40 and strong female friendships, with snarky humor, quirky family members, a mischievous cat, a murder mystery, time travel, ghosts, and a leather wearing, motorcycle-riding physician who sparks an unexpected midlife sapphic awakening, look no further than Midlife is the Cat’s Meow!

My So-Called Hexed Midlife is a fresh new series of paranormal women’s midlife fiction from the Goldie award-winning writing duo T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.

This series was inspired by the characters and mysteries in the Witches of Pinecroft Cove cozy mystery series, which the authors published under the pen name Nicole St Claire in 2019-2021. The books have been entirely reworked to transform them into sapphic paranormal women’s fiction mysteries, but if you have read the other series, certain circumstances may feel familiar. You are not losing your marbles.

Readers should be aware this book contains mild profanity and a same-sex romance.

My thoughts…

When Markinson and MacLeod get together and cowrite something, my suggestion is just go buy it. It’s going to be good. I’ve yet to read anything of theirs that wasn’t. Over the years they’ve developed a storytelling style that is so appealing, reviewers seldom leave anything below a four star rating.

Successful writing duos like Markinson and MacLeod aren’t easily made. It takes a shared common vision for the writing to work. Moreover, the writers have to have a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow clearly demonstrates that Markinson and MacLeod have what it takes. Their communication and collaboration skills provide readers with yet again another entertaining hit. 

There are some common elements that readers value in their contemporary sapphic fiction, and Midlife is the Cat’s Meow hits on all of the important ones. First and foremost, its characters are compelling, well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Secondly, the plot is engaging and coherent. Last, but not least, it contains a theme that resonates. These may seem a bit basic, but they’re essential, and this duo gets them right. The end result is a story that’s memorable, meaningful and worth reading.

This tale is told in first person from Tallie Shipton’s point of view. The choice is smart because it creates a strong sense of intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if they are directly involved in the story. Furthermore, the perspective effectively conveys Tallie’s emotions and reactions to the events within the story. It’s particularly powerful because Tallie undergoes a bit of a transformation and the readers are able to witness her ups and downs in a more intimate way. Most importantly though, this perspective gives the story personality, a trait many people have come to attach with Markinson and MacLeod’s writing. In fact, it’s the primary reason their books are so much fun to read.

Reader engagement and investment is always a concern in storytelling. However, it’s easily achieved in Midlife is the Cat’s Meow. The plot makes good use of the tension and conflict, driving the story forward quite nicely. These two elements—as well as the twists and turns—are well-balanced and well-crafted. They all work together to create a sense of urgency that keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next. Ultimately, Tallie’s journey is something that feels exciting, organic and satisfying, a winning combination by anyone’s standard.

Final remarks…

Many readers will appreciate this contemporary piece of mystical fantasy. It’s a little different from Markinson and MacLeod’s normal repertoire, but that’s a-ok. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow explores some thought-provoking storytelling that’s unique and fresh. Like any good piece of fantasy, it challenges readers’ assumptions and helps them see the world in new ways. Readers will not only walk away humored by this tale but filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. This is perfect escapism; I highly recommend it.

Strengths…

  • Well-written 
  • Well-collaborated 
  • Entertaining
  • Wonderfully developed characters 
  • Witty
  • Engaging 
  • Easy to enjoy 

This book is available from…

A bit about T. B. Markinson…

TB Markinson is a best selling author who lives in New England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.

Besides being a writer, she is an advocate and proud promoter of sapphic fiction. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast with Clare Lydon and runs the I Heart SapphFic website with Miranda MacLeod.

A bit about Miranda MacLeod…

Originally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you’ll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that’s more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston.

Interested in learning more about them?

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