Spell Binding (Midlife Spirits, Book 11) - HP Mallory

Fantastic ending to this wild and spooky series

This is book 11, the final book in the Midlife Spirits series; a Paranormal Women’s Fiction series of novels from HP Mallory. The book is set in the present day in the Garden District of New Orleans, USA. 

I’ve really enjoyed reading this series. The character development throughout the series has been fantastic. We have seen the main characters grow and change as a result of their experiences. The world building is immersive and wonderfully written. The whole series is filled with different types of magic, from different cultural backgrounds. I loved reading about the Voodoo Loa and the practices associated with that culture and religion. 

This book wraps the series up and ends on a positive note. There is magic. There is suspense. There is action and drama. There are cemeteries and ghosts. The love triangle is resolved. To top it all off, there’s a really cute puppy. What more could you want in a book? 

I’m a little sad to say goodbye to Peyton and Drake. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the wild and sometimes spooky ride that the last eleven books have taken me on. 

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

Book 10: Hauntingly Happy

Book 11: Spell Binding

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Hauntingly Happy (Midlife Spirits, Book 10) - HP Mallory

The Voodoo Who Do What You Don’t Dare Do People

This is book 10 of Midlife Spirits, a Paranormal Women’s Fiction series of novels from HP Mallory. The book is set in the Garden District of New Orleans, USA. There is some romantic interest although there are no scenes of a sexual nature in this book.

This series keeps on getting better. I am so invested in these characters. HP Mallory’s fluid writing style makes it easy to race through the book in an evening. Excellent character development and world building. I have a good practical knowledge of modern western witchcraft but for me these books have really sparked an interest in the Voodoo practices from New Orleans.

This story takes an unusual turn by briefly pulling in some characters from Mallory’s Haven Hollow series for a cameo. It is relevant, so it does work, although I was surprised to see them there. You don’t need to have read the Haven Hollow series to understand their role in this narrative, however if you haven’t read them, I recommend that you do.

As with most of the books in this series, just as you think you know what’s happening and where the story is going, Mallory throws in a curve ball and you head off in a new direction. Although I was confident in some of my predictions, I did not expect the endings I got in these last two books. I cannot wait for book 11.

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

Book 10: Hauntingly Happy

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Midlife Spirits Box Set, Books 7-9 - HP Mallory

The third box set of this fantastic series, full of mystery, malice and manipulation. 

This is the third box set for the Midlife Spirits series and contains books 7-9: Ghostly Gathering, Magic in the Night, and Making Spirits Bright. The books are primarily set in modern day New Orleans, with a trip back to 1910 New York.

Once again I found myself racing through these books. I was fully immersed in that world. These three books are full of mystery, intrigue, malice and manipulations. The character development is outstanding. The world building is incredible. In book seven, Mallory really brought 1910 New York to life for me. We had the opportunity to get to know Drake so much better in that book and Peyton’s connection with him is stronger than ever.

These three books introduce new characters and pull the story in a new, dark but exciting direction. The combinations of both love and heartbreak makes for compelling reading. Peyton’s life is far from the settled and quiet existence she had envisioned for herself when she first arrived in New Orleans. 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 once again. Her visions are getting stronger, there are gaps in her memory and she doesn’t have much time to undo the curses before she reaches the point of no return.

The end of book nine made me shout out loud. I am so invested in these characters. I cannot wait to dive into book ten.

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Midlife Spirits Box Set, Books 4-6 - HP Mallory

The second box set of this fantastic series, full of possessions, time travel and an impossible love. 

This is the second box set for the Midlife Spirits series and contains books 4-6: Bump in the Night, Bone Voyage, and Deadly Intentions. The books are primarily set in modern day New Orleans, with a trip back to 1910.

I raced through the three books in this box set. I couldn’t put them down. This is definitely one of my favourite series of books. The characters really feel as though they come to life on the pages, even the ghosts! I love the way that Mallory writes; I feel drawn into her worlds and I don’t want to leave them.

Peyton’s recent experiences with ghosts, possession and the interference of a local feared voodoo priestess, have left her open to the spirit world around her. She makes broad and foolish promises to Loa Baron Samedi, which could put her life in danger. Her new abilities allow her to investigate mysteries by communicating with the dead and in doing so, she uncovers a previously hidden truth, which could have huge ramifications for her future.

Her attention is torn between Ryan and Drake. She loves them both but it would seem that in reality, she can only have one of them as neither of them want to share. By the end of these three books I felt emotionally attached to all of them. Fortunately, there are more in this series and they are already published. 

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Midlife Spirits Box Set, Books 1-3 - HP Mallory

The first box set of this fantastic series, full of the supernatural, the spooky and the scary. 

This is the first box set for the Midlife Spirits series and contains books 1-3: Afraid of the Dark, A Ghost of a Chance, and Mischief Brewing. The books are set in modern day New Orleans. I know I've reviewed all of these as individual novels but they have just been released as a box set and I love them so much, I thought I'd shout about it.

The books are written in HP Mallory’s usual easy to read and fluent style. The stories are well paced and make the reader feel like they are being taken on a journey. The character development and world building are very good; all the characters are interesting, relatable and have depth. You want to get to know them and their journeys. 

I love this series. It follows the life of Peyton Clark, a 40-something recently divorced woman who inherits an old Antebellum house in the Garden District of New Orleans. For Peyton, this is a sign that she can start afresh, 2000 miles away from her abusive ex. Her new life introduces her to Ryan, her neighbour who is a potential new love interest, as well as Drake, the ghost of a former police officer who haunts her house and her dreams.

The stories are full of the supernatural; ghosts, malevolent entities, witches, warlocks and voodoo priestesses. The books have wonderfully descriptive scenes of frustrated passions, hauntings, possession and a glimpse into the ritual practices of voodoo witchcraft. The story arc which crosses the first three books ends on a dramatic note and leaves the reader itching to dive into book four, which fortunately is published.

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Making Spirits Bright (Midlife Spirits, Book 9) - HP Mallory

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

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Magic in the Night (Midlife Spirits, Book 8) : HP Mallory

Haunted dreams, strange happenings and new faces. Its never a quiet life for Peyton.

This is book eight 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 but there are no scenes of a sexual nature.

As ever, HP Mallory's writing style just pulled me into the story and I raced through it in an evening. If the fact that I’m on book eight hasn’t given it away, I’m really invested in these characters and their journeys. They are well thought out and interesting.

Peyton’s journey back to the past has changed her. Despite the fact that Drake is no longer possessing her and has returned to haunting their house, she is increasingly sensitive to the spirit world around her and is getting a five star reputation for her paranormal investigations. Peyton’s new interest is collecting items with ties to the occult. Her latest acquisition being a porcelain doll which houses a seemingly benevolent spirit. 

Paranormal activity in New Orleans seems to be ramping up and both Peyton and Ryan are being drawn into it, whether they want to be or not. The arrival of a new witch in town, some strange goings on which cannot be explained and a visit from Peyton’s young cousin, who is also sensitive to spirit, all serve to interrupt the developing relationship between Peyton and Ryan. Its never a quiet life for the couple.

As ever, the spectres of Guarda and Baron Samedi lurk in the background, seemingly waiting for their moment. They haunt her dreams and they want something from Peyton but what that could be remains a mystery. 

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

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Ghostly Gathering (Midlife Spirits, Book 7) : HP Mallory

Dark intentions brought to light. A trip to the past could have disastrous consequences for the present.

This is book seven of Midlife Spirits, a Paranormal Women’s Fiction series of short novels from HP Mallory. This book is set in both the Garden District of New Orleans, and New York, USA. There is some romantic interest but there are no scenes of a sexual nature in this book.

Peyton continues her journey through time back to 1910 with Drake by her side. With them being away from her own timeline and her real physical body and Drake being very much beside her in physical form, Peyton is struggling to contain the feelings she has for Drake. She loves him but she is trying to remain true to Ryan. The problem is, the longer she stays in 1910, the harder it is to remember Ryan or her life in her own time.

The event she witnesses while in 1910 will change Peyton forever. Will she be able to solve the mystery she was sent back to investigate? Will she get back to her own time with Drake in tow? Will her actions in the past have had unintended or unforeseen consequences? How can they avoid interference from Voodoo Priestess, Guarda, or Baron Samedi, whose intentions towards both Peyton and Ryan have not become clear yet?

I raced through this book in one evening; I did not want to put it down. We know that Guarda and Baron Samedi are up to something but we don’t yet know what and they remain a threat that none of the main cast of characters is really aware of. I’m waiting for this story arc to play out. I have a feeling it will be here soon.

I really like Ryan’s character but I like Drake more. We know that Peyton and Ryan love each other but Drake also loves her and she loves him, despite there being a century between their lives. Drake’s spirit has been residing in her head for so long that he seems like an integral part of her. In this book, we get to know him and his background and motivations really well. It’s a shame she can’t just have both of them but she has to make a decision and she might not make the right one.

I love the way the characters have really come to life and I’m invested in all their journeys. HP Mallory writes in a well paced style, which draws the readers into her world. She really brought 1910 New York to life for me. I am eagerly awaiting book eight in this series. 

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

Available from Amazon

Deadly Intentions (Midlife Spirits, Book 6) : HP Mallory

This blast to the past could prove more deadly than anticipated.

This is book six 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 are some mild descriptive scenes of a sexual nature.

Nce again, Peyton is hired to solve a mystery using her new found abilities to communicate with the spirit world. Her mission involves crossing paths again with untrustworthy Voodoo Hoodoo Priestess, Guarda. Peyton finds herself back in 1910 with Drake in tow. A very much alive and in the flesh version of Drake. What impact will this development have on her blossoming relationship with Ryan, who at this point in time, hasn’t even been born?

Peyton’s travels through time to solve a mystery, once again throws her headlong into a potentially perilous situation. This book does end on a cliffhanger, with Peyton facing a potential new threat. Is this threat human or supernatural? That remains to be seen.

I flew through this book. It was hard to put down. I really like Ryan’s character but equally, my heart breaks for Drake, who also loves her and waited on the earthly plane for more than a century only to protect her when the time was right. I’m wondering why she should choose; why not just have both? 

I am eagerly awaiting book seven in this series. I love the way the characters have really come to life and I’m invested in their journeys. HP Mallory writes in a well paced style, which draws the readers into her world.

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

Available from Amazon

Bone Voyage (Midlife Spirits, Book 5) : HP Mallory

Spiritual connections and disturbing information.

This novella is book five 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. 

This short story is set just after the events in book four (Bump in the Night). Peyton is hired to solve a mystery using her new found abilities to communicate with the spirit world. During her task, she uncovers a disturbing piece of information regarding Voodoo Hoodoo Priestess, Guarda, which could have an impact on how the rest of the story unfolds.

I am eagerly awaiting book six in this series. I love the way the characters have really come to life and I’m invested in their journeys. HP Mallory writes in a well paced style, which draws the readers into her world.

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

Available from Amazon

Bump in the Night (Midlife Spirits, Book 4) : HP Mallory

Time is running out. Peyton has the opportunity to vanquish the demon but it might cost her everything. 

This is book four 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 are some mild descriptive scenes of a sexual nature.

I absolutely raced through this book. I couldn’t put it down. 

A further visit to the Voodoo Hoodoo Priestess leaves Peyton’s senses fully open to the spirit world and a subsequent meeting with the mysterious and otherworldly Loa of the Dead, Baron Samedi, leads to her remembering her first session with the untrustworthy Priestess.

Peyton finds herself attempting the seemingly impossible in order to save herself and other members of the town from the impending bloodbath at the hands of the demon Axeman. To succeed she promises Baron Samedi anything he wants, which is a broad and dangerous promise to make.

While her relationship with Ryan is progressing well and she does love him, Peyton is finding herself increasingly drawn to Drake, who has become more to her than a haunting spirit residing within her body. The more she learns about Drake, the more she realises that she also loves him, despite the fact that a relationship with him will never be possible.

I love the complex dynamic of the relationship between Peyton, Ryan and Drake; how torn she is between the two men she loves and who both love her. I found myself getting increasingly invested in the story. That ending; I could feel everything Peyton was feeling, I was so drawn in. This story is well paced and beautifully crafted. I can’t wait for the next installment.

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

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Mischief Brewing (Midlife Spirits, Book 3) : HP Mallory

Impending tragedy and a brush with the spirit world. Has our heroine put her own mortal soul in jeopardy?

This is book three 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 but no descriptive scenes of a sexual nature.

Peyton has successfully exorcised the malevolent demonic entity from her home but will it be enough? All signs point to a sudden spike in paranormal activity throughout the town which coincides with the exorcism and it seems as though she has only two days to try and figure out how to stop tragedy from striking the town again.  

The local Priestess and Warlock who helped her before are concerned and seeing no other option, they take Peyton to see a powerful Voodoo Hoodoo Priestess. Can this Priestess be trusted though? Drake, the spirit possessing Peyton, doesn’t think so and he might be right. Is Peyton getting herself too embroiled in local witchcraft and putting herself at risk? Could this Priestess have traded Peyton’s soul? If she has, what is it in exchange for?

Meanwhile, she has to come clean to Ryan about Drake possessing her. How will Ryan react and what will it mean for their fledgeling relationship?

This book has wonderfully descriptive scenes of frustrated passions, hauntings, possession and a glimpse into the ritual practices of voodoo witchcraft. This story arc ends on a dramatic note and leaves the reader itching to dive into book four, which fortunately is now published. 

As ever, HP Mallory’s fluent style of writing draws the reader in. The story is well paced and makes the reader feel like they are being taken on a journey. The character development and world building are good and I find myself further invested in what happens to Peyton, Ryan and Drake. 

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

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A Ghost of a Chance (Midlife Spirits, Book 2) : HP Mallory

A Haunting, A Possession and an Exorcism. Not the settled, quiet life Peyton had hoped for.

This is book two of Midlife Spirits, a new Paranormal Women’s Fiction series of short novels from HP Mallory. The book is set in New Orleans, USA. There is some romantic interest but no descriptive scenes of a sexual nature.

The story is set in the Garden District of New Orleans and follows the life of 44 year old Peyton Clark, who recently moved to the area after divorcing her abusive ex and inheriting an old Antebellum house from her great aunt.

Following the news that her house has recently become home to a malevolent entity, Peyton employs the services of a local Witch and Warlock in an attempt to remove the intruder and close the portal that she and Ryan’s sister had unwittingly opened during a Ouija board session. Is it too late? The entity has already attacked her once and now it wants her. 

Ryan can’t decide how he feels for Peyton. He likes her a lot but his feelings are still tied up in grief for his late wife and he’s struggling to get past the guilt. Meanwhile, Peyton becomes increasingly concerned about the welfare of Drake, her resident ghost; he is the only thing protecting her from the entity but his energies are being depleted by it and its not clear how much longer he can continue. Drastic measures are needed but can Peyton bring herself to go through with them and should she continue to involve Ryan?

This book has wonderful descriptions of paranormal activity, haunting, exorcism and a good dose of frustrated romantic feelings. As ever, HP Mallory’s fluent style of writing draws the reader in. There is a good mixture of fast paced and calm scenes, which help to make the reader feel like they are being taken on a journey. The character development and world building are good and I find myself quite invested in what happens to Peyton, Ryan and Drake. 

The reading order for this series is as follows:

Book 1: Afraid of the Dark
Book 2: A Ghost of a Chance

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Afraid of the Dark (Midlife Spirits Book 1) : HP Mallory

Spooky new PWF series set in New Orleans

This is book one of a new Paranormal Women’s Fiction series, Midlife Spirits from HP Mallory. The book is set in New Orleans, USA. There is some romantic interest but no scenes of a sexual nature.

On the day she receives her divorce papers, 44 year old Peyton Clark also receives the deeds to a property left to her by a previously unknown great Aunt. For Peyton, this is a sign that she can start afresh, 2000 miles away from her abusive ex, in an old Antebellum house in the Garden District of New Orleans. 

The old house is in a bad state of repair but the huge project is just what Peyton needs to pick herself back up again. Within days of her arrival, the area is hit by huge storms; a badly leaking roof and a small electric heater are not a good combination and she is reluctantly rescued from her plight by neighbour, Ryan Kelly, who she persuades to take on the role of building contractor for her. 

The house holds more than she bargained for, however and the renovations disturb a century old ghost; police officer Drake Montague. Despite her skepticism, Peyton is strangely drawn to her ghostly flatmate, who visits her in her dreams and urges her to investigate and learn about a series of grisly axe murders which took place in the area in the early 20th century.

There’s a definite chemistry between Peyton and Ryan; one which she would very much like to explore further. As well as being serious eye candy, he has the advantage of being a real, living person. 

The book is written in HP Mallory’s usual easy to read and fluent style. The characters are relatable and have depth and you want to get to know them and their journey. The ghost and the inclusion of a series of murders which actually happened, give this book an extra edge. Book two will be released very soon and I am looking forward to it. 

Available from Amazon