Read time: 4 minutes
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 234 pages
⏱ 5 hours
🎁 ARC provided by BookSirens
🏷️ Publisher: KC Freeman Professional Editing
📅 Published: September 23, 2025
🧿 Genre: Paranormal Cozy
book Blurb:
Abby McBride is not living her best magical midlife, unless juggling hot flashes, brain fog, and demanding ghosts counts. After decades of suppressing her psychic abilities to maintain suburban perfection, everything implodes during a Halloween party when spirits at 125 Magnolia Lane refuse to stay quiet. Now Abby must confront her past, her powers, and her fear of being seen as “different” to protect her family and friends from spectral destruction. Equal parts spooky and funny, Psychic in Suburbia blends haunted hijinks, dysfunctional friendships, and a heroine who’s officially done playing nice.
Let’s talk about the book:
In all honesty, I went in expecting a dead body. Nope. No corpse in sight. Instead, K.C. Freeman delivers pure paranormal cozy mystery with a darker, broodier edge that somehow stays cozy thanks to Abby’s sharp wit.
This midlife psychic awakening hits different: our heroine is a relatable middle-aged mom haunted by childhood trauma that forced her to bury her gifts. That fear of being “different”? Gut-wrenchingly real for anyone who’s ever hidden parts of themselves.
Freeman balances tone beautifully. The paranormal elements are creepy, crawly, dark, and brooding, but somehow still funny. Abby’s internal narration and reactions add warmth and humor that shift the story firmly into cozy territory. Watching her choose bravery when everything is on the line is deeply satisfying, and the layered mystery (even without a corpse) kept me turning pages.
There were a few pacing dips and moments where I wanted just a touch more mystery structure, but Abby’s wit and heart pulled me through. This is midlife magic done right.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, with a small caveat. If you’re going in expecting a traditional cozy mystery with a body, this might throw you off (it definitely did for me at first). But once expectations are reset, Psychic in Suburbia delivers a moody, character-driven paranormal cozy with humor, heart, and a very relatable midlife heroine. It’s creepy without being overwhelming, funny without undercutting the darkness, and emotionally grounded. Not a standout favorite, but a solid, enjoyable read that worked better than I expected.
If you loved this,
You must give these a shot…
- Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
A psychic MC who’d really rather not be psychic, paired with snark, danger, and a surprisingly emotional core. It leans more mystery than cozy, but the reluctant-gift energy and sharp humor make this a great next stop. - The Change by Kirsten Miller
Not cozy, but wildly cathartic. Midlife women discovering supernatural powers and using them in very satisfying ways. If Abby’s late-blooming bravery resonated, this one delivers that same “fine, I’ll handle it myself” energy. - The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais
Older women, buried secrets, found family, and magic that’s messy and emotional. This is warm where Psychic in Suburbia is broody, but the heart and humor align beautifully. - A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
Dark paranormal chaos with laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more absurd than cozy, but if you appreciated Freeman’s ability to make creepy situations funny, this scratches that same itch. - The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
For readers who want paranormal elements with humor and personal stakes, minus the murder. It’s lighter, romance-forward, and fun—but still centers magic, emotional baggage, and supernatural consequences.
✨ If you like your paranormal reads spooky but still character-driven, and preferably starring adults who’ve lived a little, this list should keep your TBR happily haunted.
Brave Secrets & Suburban Ghosts
Do you need a dead body to enjoy a cozy mystery, or are you team “creepy vibes over corpses”? Let’s talk paranormal cozies in the comments.
book Links:
Want to purchase this or any of your favorite books while supporting a local bookstore? Consider purchasing using the sites below. These sites work with independent local bookstore owners to fulfill your book orders. #SupportLocal
indiebookstores.ca
Bookshop.org
Goodreads
Follow K. C. Freeman for her latest book news on her author page
🎄 Psst… Don’t Miss Our Christmas Cozy Giveaway!
I’m hosting a special Holiday Free Book + Giveaway sponsored by cozy mystery author Jodie Morgan, and it’s happening between December 13 to December 23, 2025!
Every visitor can claim a FREE copy of Gifts of Goodwill, and you can also enter to win a free copy of Recipe for Revenge, a culinary cozy mystery delivered to winners on Christmas Eve.
(Freebie + giveaway entry available exclusively on the giveaway blog page.)
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