Reviews

Midlife Is the Cat's Meow by T.B. Markinson, Miranda MacLeod

josb's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 This was a wild ride. Lots of twists and turns with just the right pacing and unresolved aspects to keep interest for book 2. Despite so much happening in the book, I am going to keep this one pretty vague to avoid ruining any of the wacky surprises.

There is a sapphic romance, but it is more of a secondary plot point to the other goings on happening on the island. This worked perfectly since our main is a late bloomer. This gave time for her feelings to develop throughout the book in a relaxed and somewhat natural way. It also didn't diminish the solving of the mystery which was nice.

The biggest factor that made this a win for me was the voice. Our main is a 40-ish mother and takes on more of a hot mess perspective. She wants to be put together, but she is a little messy and wild.

I recommend if you like the characters who are in their 40s but still feel like they need an adult or if you like cozy mysteries and witchy women. 

iriwindel's review

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The premise was so promising, but the execution was a bit all over the place. It felt like several different storylines poorly meshed together and each resolved in underwhelming ways. The main character also got on my nerves for being both dense and with a tendency to blurt out her thoughts. 
When she

accused Celia of being a hooker I almost gave up on the book entirely. It was so glaringly obvious that she was a ghost writer and everyone was so stupidly dense about it that I struggled to believe they were in their 40s. The romance also left a lot to be desire  and the misunderstanding keeping them apart was ridiculous.

I liked the cat, otherwise it would be rated even lower.
All in all a disappointing read, and I won't be continuing with the series.

rora114's review

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

zefrien's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elizatanner's review

5.0

What a great surprise of a book by some terrific authors. I got into the characters right away as they were well written and developed. A few twists and turns that drive the plot in a page turner you wont want to put down. I audibly cracked up when a reference to Hecate came up as I am teaching my students about Macbeth.
I look forward to more in this series!

neencohen's review

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

There is so much deliciousness in this book. A sapphic paranormal cozy mystery. I mean what more could you really want. 

This story is enticing and wonderful. The characters are brilliant and the main character Talulah is the best. She is self deprecating while being completely unaware half the time. She blurts, speaking before she thinks and I am all here for it. 

The humour throughout the book is the best. I found myself smiling and laughing. Highlighting many sections that made me truly giggle. 

I love Tallie’s character growth, the diversity of the side characters, and the mysteries themselves are brilliant. 

Cannot wait to read more of those series.