Midnight Magic (Familiar Kitten Mysteries #2) by Sara Bourgeois

Midnight Magic (Familiar Kitten Mysteries #2) Reviews

• 
  ♏ Gina Baratono☽

  This book has two of my favorite themes: cats and witches. It is the second book in the Familiar Kitten Mysteries series by Sara Bourgeois.
  
  In this sequel to "Black Magic Kitten", Kinley Skeenbauer and her shop, Summoned Goods & Sundries, are quite busy preparing for The Midnight Magic Festival coming soon to the little town of Coventry. Her quaint shop is the newest one to open in Coventry, and she has made sure to stock up on decorations for the festival.
  
  Of course, her magical fur baby Meri is helping too.
  
  There's just one little problem that is quickly becoming a big problem, one Astra Argent, a new witch in Coventry who has become a royal pain in Kinley's side since she opened a shop that is competing with Kinsley's, and is located across from hers to boot. Astra has named her establishment "The Summoning Scroll" and isn't any more fond of Kinsley than Kinsely is of her.
  
  As if that isn't enough, Astra turns up dead as a door nail and is found sitting on Kinsley's front porch. Since everyone knows the two were at odds, Kinsely finds herself the chief suspect in a murder.
  
  This series is well written and quite an enjoyable read.
• 
  Leeanne

  I read this book so fast, I have no clue where the time went. I was enjoying most of it until I got to the ending, where I got a little lost.
  
  I didn’t really mind the whole love triangle thing between Kinsley, Thorn and Azriel. Thorn became kind of annoying, and if he had handled the situation differently then I doubt it would have gone on so long. I kind of enjoyed learning more about Azriel, even if he was sort of lying part of the time. He’s a very interesting character and I’m interested to find out where he and Kinsley will go from here.
  
  I am really disappointed that Meri was barely part of this story. He only accompanied Kinsley on her adventures a few times. He is mostly only mentioned when he’s eating bacon, asking for bacon, or Kinsley is remembering to get some extra bacon with her meals to give to Meri later. There is brief mention of the fact that he seems to be stuck as a kitten forever, or at least until Kinsley and her family can find a way to reverse the spell.
  
  Speaking of Kinsley’s family, they still haven’t become real characters in this series. Lilith was mentioned several times, as if we should know who she is and what her relationship is with Kinsley. I don't recall meeting her in the first book, and I only remember her being mentioned at the end of that book. I think she’s Kinsley’s cousin, but I’m not entirely sure, and this was never explained. The whole thing with Uncle Brody is confusing. I hate how this is written as if we should already know Kinsley’s history, the Skeenbauer history, and all her family members. We don’t!
  
  I’m most excited to learn about the magic in Coventry, and what exactly makes Kinsley “the strongest witch in the world.” I wish this would be explained because she’s always reminding her adversaries who they’re “dealing with," and then they kind of get scared and back away a bit. I hate not knowing what’s so scary about her. Could we get this figured out, please? And what about her whole being “head of the Skeenbauer Coven”? Could we meet this Coven? I hope that these many questions of mine will be addressed in the next book or two.
  
  ”After all, head of the Skeenbauer Coven, whatever that meant, and the most powerful witch anyone had ever heard of, whatever that meant, had to put on a good show when she blew her top. Fireworks, as Viv had described.”
  
  My favourite part of this book was actually when Kinsley performs some necromancy to bring back Azriel’s dog, Tangerine. Even though he was using the situation to get closer to Kinsley I really enjoyed that part.
  
  ”I focused all my attention on thinning the veil and murmured words of chaos that I’d only ever heard Lilith use. I’d seen her reach out to the shadows a few times as a child, and I knew which words were the key. Words that cannot be written down bit must only be whispered in the quiet of the night.”
  
  I read the end of this book twice because I still can’t figure out how Kinsley figured out where to go to find Viv. I understand how it all clicked into place once she saw the statue of Viv, but how did she know that Jemma stole her? How did Jemma even steal her and get her to drink the garden gnome potion in the first place? And why steal Viv? Jemma just doesn’t make any sense, even though I don’t think she’s supposed to. This ending was rather far-fetched for me, and there are too many unanswered questions about how something like this could be going on without anyone noticing.
• 
  Megan

  This was interesting. I didn't expect to not like it because I've read the first book but I forget how easy her books are too read.
  Thorn is getting annoying, I wish the author would decide, the cop or the vampire. I was warming to the vampire but now I'm not sure who is the decent character they're both acting like jerks.
  The actual murder mystery was an interesting one. Not exactly shocking but a good twist all the same.
• 
  L.A.L.

  Meh. Like book 1, this book suffers from being a bit too short. It's hard to do any real world-building or character development in only 9 chapters. And it's too bad because this might be a decent series if it was fleshed out some more.
  
  A quick and easy read, 2.75 stars rounded up to 3 for its potential.
• 
  Dharia Scarab

  Warning spoiler alert... Read at your own risk.
  
  I wanted to like this series, I really did, but Kinsley was just irritating in that meddling cozy mystery way where she kept messing with evidence and expected her law enforcement bf to clean up the mess.
  
  Also not a fan of how the author kept having her flipping back and forth between the two guys in the same book, Then repeating the pattern in each of the first three books, only to paint one as the villain that manipulates her, proposes and “marries” her, only to disappear the next morning after searching parts of the house and of course dropping a bun in her oven. All in the last part of the book.
  
  The book 4 tries to white wash all the controlling, dismissive, and jealous behavior of the remaining guy so they can get back together. I pretty much skimmed through book 4, just to see if the author redeemed the way book three’s ending went down in flames, but unfortunately it was not to be.
  
  If I bother with anymore of the series, it will probably be just to check out if the relationship fiasco gets corrected. And only if it’s on KU.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Emily Pennington

  The Midnight Magic Festival in Coventry is fast approaching, and Kinsley Skeenbauer has been invited to participate, providing swag bags and decorations from her new shop, Summoned Goods & Sundries. She and her kitten-sized familiar, Meri – a victim of Kinsley’s spell-gone-wrong 6 months earlier -- are ready to make this festival the best ever! However, a new witch, Astra Argent, just moved in and opened an identical shop – selling Kinsley’s most popular products but at a sale price -- to put them in direct competition! Instead of admiring Kinsley’s products all this time, the back-stabber had been spying to add the same ones to her own store! Kinsley was so angry that actual flames were about to shoot out of her! With a smirk, Astra told her she was intending to give away Kinsley’s welcome gift basket as a raffle item for her own store! Unfortunately, Kinsley got so angry that she threatened Astra in front of everyone and told her she would make her regret it.
  
  Kinsley arrives for work the next morning and discovers her shop windows smashed, the decorations she made destroyed, and the swag bags stolen. When she finds Astra's wallet among the shattered glass, she confronts her and someone called Thorn, figuring this was not going to go well. Since Kinsley took the wallet to Astra to confront her, it could no longer be used as evidence that it was found in her damaged store.
  
  When Astra is later discovered dead on Kinsley's front porch with her body posed in the rocking chair holding a cocktail in her hand, it does not look good for Kinsley! Who wanted to kill the new witch? And why did they want to frame Kinsley for the murder? Will Kinsley be able to figure out who did this before she ends up in jail for a crime she didn’t do! And when will she have time to work on her boyfriend troubles?
  
  I am so glad to have this wonderful series to read. The story line was good and the characters just what the reader would expect. Grab your copy and test your skills by trying to figure out the murderer before Kinsley does!
  
• 
  Jerry Walch

  I confess that I’m not into the cozy mystery genre, but it hooked me on this series after being asked to read and review Black Magic Kitten, the first book in the Familiar Kitten Mysteries Series. Sara Bourgeois has created characters that come alive on the pages—witches and their familiars; vampires and “normals.” Of all the characters, my all-time favorite is “Meri,” the talking familiar kitten. Meri started out as a full-grown cat in Book one until Kinsley cast a spell over him that turned him into a kitten. Kinsley tried to reverse that spell, but every attempt ended in failure. Poor Meri seems destine to remain a kitten for the rest of his life.
  
   Midnight Magic begins with the grand opening of another store across from Kinsley’s, selling the same things that Kinsley is selling. When Kinsley confronts her about this, Astra, the new witch, hires the vampire motorcycle gang to smash Kinsley’s store windows and steal all the decorations and gift bags that Kinsley had prepared for the Midnight Magic Festival. Astar also has them plant her wallet and ID in the rubble to frame Kinsley for stealing them. The plot thickens when Astra turns up dead on Kinsley’s front porch.
  
   How will it all end? You must read this story for yourself to find out. I’m diving into Book 3, Sympathetic Magic.
  
• 
  Sassy Beta Reading & Review

  This is book 2 of the series and it was fantastic! I love the characters, the story line, every thing about this book. It is a well written, cozy mystery with a bit a mayhem, mischief, and splash of romance. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but each story is progressive and I highly recommend reading the books in order. If you have not read the first series as well, I recommend you go back and do that also!
  
  The one thing that let me down a wee bit was the solving of the mystery,. Once it was all coming together, it was done rather abruptly without really any explanation or telling us the thought process. Just kinda of left hanging on why the guilty party did what they did, and what lead up to it.
  
  Overall though, this was a great read and I can not wait for more from this series. I loved the first series and hated to see it end, but so glad we get this one that hints of things and people from the past series.
  
  Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
  
  Would I recommend this book? Yes
  
  Would I read more from this author/ Yes
  
  Sassy Beta Reading and Review
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Anne-Marie

  Loved it!
  Kinsley is awaiting the reveal of the new store across from hers...what could it be?
  Once the reveal is done Kinsley is shocked and confused...will it effect her business?
  And poor Meri, Kinsley's familiar, he is still a kitten and nothing is changing that....but he is still his sarcastic self...love him!
  Kinsley preps for the Midnight Magic Festival but something is awry...one morning she finds her windows broken at her shop, a wallet belonging to the new witch in town among all the glass, and her decorations and swag bags for the festival has been stolen...
  Poor Kinsley cannot catch a break...
  Now there is a dead witch and Kinsley may be the only suspect in her death...considering where the body was found...
  Kinsley has to solve this murder with the help of her friends...
  I love this series which is a spinoff of the Wicked Witches of Coventry series...if you like clean, fun books then both series are for you. I would start with the Wicked Witches of Coventry series if you are going to read Familiar Kitten Mysteries...it will give you more insight in the town of Coventry
  Highly recommend if you like cozy mysteries..
  
• 
  Susan Otto

  Awesome book about a witch and her cat
  
  Kinsley is a powerful witch who has trouble with mysteries, she always want to solve them. Thorn is her human sheriff boyfriend who tries to keep her from danger.
  
  Azriel is a vampire who tries to trap her. Extra is a new witch who doesn't like her. Of course, some ghost tries to trap her, also. Will she solved the puzzling mysteries plaguing her and finally fall in love with Thorn?
  
  The characters are feisty relatable, and intriguing. The puzzling plot is a fast paced drama With it surprising twist. This book has some additional characters that are unique that are bought into the witches circle but not into the coven. These intriguing books are fast becoming a favorite of mine and so I will continue reading the series. I just love the cat Meri that has been turned into a kitten because of a blooper as a result of Kinsley's magic. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Highly recommended for fun, lighthearted read with this kitten with a love of bacon.
  
  bookwormsuzy
• 
  G.S. Renfrey

  This starts out as a fun series. It's imaginative and most of the characters are appealing with reasonable chemistry. The kitten, Meri, it the best of them but alas, he doesn't get enough read/play -time. The first book I found to be the best and rated it as a 5 star. This second book was good and a fun read, but I didn't find it as good as the first. I would rate it as a 4.5 Star.
  
  I found my interest in the series waning with each book (I'm only up to #4 at this writing so that may change). The main character, Kinsley, proves to be annoying as the books progress as she makes too many dumb decisions to be charming or in any way appealing and ultimately I didn't find her believable. Kinsley creates too much drama for herself and those around her so she's the kind of friend you might find troubling to have unless you're into that sort of thing. I'm not and it's not what I like in a cozy mystery. This may just be me, though, and the first two books are fun and worthwhile reads. I highly recommend them and that you decide for yourself RE the subsequent books.
• 
  Darla Taylor

  It's almost time for the Midnight Magic Festival in Coventry, and Kinsley Skeenbauer is excited to be participating. She's providing swag bags and decorations for the event. However, problems arise when Astra Argent, a new witch in town, opens a competing store in town. When Kinsley's store is vandalized and the stuff for the festival is stolen, it seems that Astra's the culprit but there may be more to the picture. And when Astra's body is found on Kinsley's front porch, things really take a turn for the worse.
  
  This is the second book in a new series and it's great. It's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you won't. I was caught up from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. Full of intrigue and mystery, this book is definitely an enjoyable read. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book although I do suggest that you read the first book in the series before reading this one.
• 
  Mike Lewis

  The next generation in this supernatural cozy mystery series
  
  This is the next generation in this particular story and supernatural cozy mystery series. Well the first set of books has ended the new leader of the coven is growing up and learning the ropes and becoming stronger. Like her mother before her she still must solve murders and mysteries and other issues with her friends family and loved ones. Extraordinarily entertaining and well worth reading. Also you still have that awesome familiar Mary and he has been changed but still the same. Radon to find out.
• 
  Catherine

  Good witch, bad witch?
  
  Kinsley is honoured to do swag bags for Coventry's Midnight Magic Festival. But Astra, a new witch in town, decides to open a rival shop across from Kinsley's. If that's not bad enough, the vampire, Azriel, calls in his favour sending Kinsley into an emotional tailspin. When Astra is found dead on Kinsley's porch she knows she has precious little time to clear her name before the festival.
  I can't wait for the next book in this series. The characters are well written and there's always a twist in the plots. Good stuff!
  
• 
  Jess

  Such a cute book. I love following the life of Kinsley and Meri. The relationship between Kinsley and Thorn gets put to the test in the second installment of the familiar kitten mysteries. I like the fact that the author has brought Vampires into the story and the use of dark magic. I can only imagine what will be next for Kinsley after performing necromancy. I'm expecting some sort of darkness to overtake her.
  
  No worries of any triggering content which is great. It is very hard to find a non triggering book these days.
• 
  Christine

  ARC review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm Coventry Kinsley owns summoned goods and sundries . Her cat meri has been changed to be a kitten again. she still with thorn but their relationship is challenged . There is a new murder we get to find who did it and there is so much more . Each story takes you into more about this town and the people awesome story can't wait for more.
• 
  Heidi

  Fun, Lazy Day Read
  
  The story was entertaining, the characters were interesting, the familiar was funny. All the necessary ingredients to make for a fun, entertaining and light magical read. Curl up on your couch with a blanket and a cup of tea and read the book in one sitting. That's my idea of a really good light read. If that's what you are looking for then this is the Book for you. Guaranteed to lighten your mood and even possibly a laugh or two.
• 
  Glenda

  Great Cozy Mystery Series
  
  Book 1 of the Familiar Kitten Mysteries got my attention and then I had to try book 2. After finishing book 2, I plan to read 3, 4, or however many Sara will write. She creates a town where I would love to visit and characters of whom I would love to meet. Good fun!
• 
  Robin Resch

  The dark side
  
  When a new business just like Kinsley's opens up just across the street from her shop Kinsley doesn't take to kindly to the new owner. When Kinsley's shop is broken into the first person she thinks of is the owner of the new shop, but how to prove it. When she turns up dead Kinsley just prove that she did not kill her.
• 
  Neena Christianson Martin

  The dark side.
  
  Kinsley is having a really bad week. A new witch has just opened an identical shop to Kinsley's right across the street and is badmouthing Kinsley to all the customers, someone has broken all her businesses windows and robbed the star, and she's once again the prime suspect in a murder. A typical week in Coventry!
• 
  Christina M Condy

  Another great story with Kinley and Meri.
  
  Meri is just so darn adorable, snarky, and moody, and just everything he should be.
  
  I won't go into details but suffice it to say, another murder happens, and Kinley needs to clear her name.
  
  And I really want to know what is going on with Azriel, what is he? I mean I realize he's a vampire, but he's something more I can just feel it.
• 
  Sandra

  Didn't like this as much as the first one for a couple of reasons. Firstly because we have the dreaded love triangle (DLT) rearing its head and secondly because the DLT takes up more page time we get less of Meri who doesn't have much pf a role to play and nothing of the delightful quirks of Kinsley's house.