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Magical Midway #2

Life on the Lion

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A missing mentalist.
A magical ultimatum.
To save the family business, one witch must pull something spectacular out of her hat.

For newly-minted witch Charlotte, moving from the human realm to life in the magical circus is still a tightrope walk. But when the crooked Witches' Council passes a law that gives her a week to hand over two of her friends, she wonders if she's in for a big fall. To make matters worse, one of the humans in question goes missing before she can even think up a plan.

As she sorts through the clues, she fights off her feelings for the kind and handsome Gunther. With time running out, she can't ignore the possibility that her crush could somehow be involved in the plot against her family. To protect her business and her life, she'll have to find the carny, guard her heart, and hold off the Council before it's far too late.

Life on the Lion is the second book in the hypnotizing Magical Midway paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like eccentric characters, show-stopping magic, and twisty mysteries, then you’ll love Leanne Leeds’ crowd-pleasing whodunit.

Buy Life on the Lion to step under the big top for a captivating supernatural mystery today!


The Magical Midway Paranormal series contains an overarching paranormal plot that builds from one book to the next. While each book's mystery can be read and appreciated as a stand-alone, the series should be read in order to be fully enjoyed.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2018

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About the author

Leanne Leeds

50 books99 followers
Leanne Leeds is an enchanting storyteller who spins magical tales of mystery, humor, and heart. Her whimsical contemporary paranormal mystery novels whisk readers away to a world where magic feels familiar and adventure waits around every corner.

With a charming voice and sprinkle of good-natured wit on every page, Leanne crafts stories as unexpected as they are captivating. Her quirky characters and serendipitous events intersect in delightfully unforeseen ways, delivering a reading experience as cozy as it is enthralling. Whether reading her paranormal cozies or paranormal women's fiction, readers will find a touch of enchantment in each word.

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5 stars
130 (59%)
4 stars
58 (26%)
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31 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,531 reviews76 followers
December 21, 2019
4.5 Stars... I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series... Charlotte and crew get caught in the political machinations of the Witches Council... To save her friends, Charlotte will have to battle deep prejudice and her own social isolation to truly embrace the Ringmaster power and lead her people to freedom... With unique and fascinating characters and an intriguing storyline, this series takes readers on a journey into the mysterious paranormal circus that is engaging and entertaining... I look forward to how these characters will evolve and all the insanity that will ensue:)
Profile Image for Seraphia.
1,894 reviews26 followers
June 23, 2018
Welcome back to the Midway Circus! Charlotte is back with her friends and family, and things are ever changing. With the abilities of the ringmaster, Charlotte has made her Uncle a part of the land of the living, in his own unique way. While this does have an upside, it also has a very noticeable downside…now things seem to be back to how they were…when he was alive. All the paranormals turn to him, and her Uncle only comes to her when he needs her to do some ringmaster magic. Fun times, right? Well, while Charlotte sees a positive side to it, as she learns how to use and manipulate her magic as a witch, she’s also not too pleased with it. She is supposed to be the one in charge, right? Well, while she has that issue mulling around in her head, it’s not long before another problem pops up. Those three witches from the Witch’s Council pop back up. They have enacted a new law and are out to bring down the circus once again. They’ve declared that no humans are allowed to live at the circus and that they must be handed over to the witches. Plus, they want the protection that surrounds the Midway to be taken down and all inside to be subjected to their rules and punishment. Sounds like poor Charlotte has a lot on her plate. She needs to come up with a suitable solution to get out of this problem, and it won’t come easy.
Life on the Lion is book two in Leanne Leeds Magical Midway Paranormal Cozy Mystery series. I love that this book picks up right where the first book left off. Charlotte is trying to learn her magical abilities as a witch with the help of Gunther. She’s the official ringmaster, but after a bit of an accident with the carousel, she’s decided to let her Uncle handle things. While she is okay with it, she also on a level doesn’t like it. I will admit that I was a bit annoyed to learn that the Uncle is basically running the show, sans magical abilities, but I felt that he should be trying to teach Charlotte himself what he knows. I love the dynamics of the characters in this story. They are all so unique and engaging. I like how the author introduces new characters gradually and doesn’t just throw them all at the reader at the same time. The storytelling with this book is well done and very engaging from start to finish. I love the surprises and the laughs that are sprinkled here and there in the story.
I enjoyed this story very much, but there are a few things that I didn’t like. I know that Charlotte is still getting used to her role as the new ringmaster, but I feel that she is very lackadaisical. Charlotte doesn’t really make any attempt to getting out there and intermingling with the other paranormals of the circus. Instead, she keeps to herself with the small group of females that she has befriended. I know and understand that she is an introvert, but I also expect her to at least attempt to step into the role of power that she has assumed. I will admit that I was not too pleased with her Uncle not trying to train her himself. He knows so much more about the circus than anyone, and I felt that he should at least be attempting to show her the ropes of what all he knows.
For me, this is a truly enjoyable book and a great addition to this paranormal circus mystery series. I like the combination of characters, the twists, the surprises and how the author develops the story. I look forward to the next book in this series and definitely recommend it to those who are looking for an enjoyable paranormal series. This book will be one you won't want to miss.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. Job well done to the author on this fantastic series! Eager and excited for the next installment!
12 reviews
June 23, 2018
CHANGES ARE COMING!
This 2nd book in the series is another very enjoyable read; just as I did when I got the 1st book, I simply could not put it down until I had finished it! Ms. Leeds certainly knows how to combine the fun and whimsy of magical paranormal circus characters while combing that with some deep, thought-provoking situations and questions about societal norms and whether or not changes are necessary, doable or even possible.
This 2nd book in the series is another very enjoyable read; just as I did when I got the 1st book, I simply could not put it down until I had finished it! Ms. Leeds certainly knows how to combine the fun and whimsy of magical paranormal circus characters while combing that with some deep, thought-provoking situations and questions about societal norms and whether or not changes are necessary, doable or even possible.

Once again, I liked the way the author continues her use of choosing and naming individual characters in such a way that it reflects their qualities or abilities. For instance, in this book we have Ethel ("noble") Elkins (deriving from the Hebrew for a biblical prophet) who identifies herself as a 'norn' ('norn' refers to a general user of magic, while 'Norn' would refer to one of the 3 Norse mythological goddesses who govern our fates) is quite imposing in height (you might say 'regal'), speaks of "the prophecy" involving Charlotte and Gunther and walks with the aid of an intricately jewel-encrusted cane (sounds like something the English monarchs would covet ... lol). (Between her pronouncements and those of Samson, the Astley family's lovingly snarky cat who happens to be their powerful, supernatural guardian, Charlotte and Gunther's relationship is probably due for some upcoming changes; in just what way, we'll have to stay and read book 3 UNBEARABLE MAGIC - I love the title puns the author uses!)

I received an ARC copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,263 reviews8 followers
June 29, 2018
This is a fantastic second book in the series! It;s been a few months since Charlotte took over as ringmaster and Gunther, the son of the rival circus, has been teaching her how to use her magic. Then the three wicked witches, oops, sorry the three council member witches show up demanding her to turn over the two humans in their circus and if she did the circus would be safe, yeah right. From this point on it;s a race for Charlotte to figure out how to not only save her humans but the circus as well. It gets side tracked when one of the humans disappears. Now the clock is ticking and Charlotte is feeling like she;s running in circles.
Fantastic story and love the characters as we learn more about them.
Can;t wait for the next!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2018
Leanne Leeds has written an imaginative, fun, and magically entertaining story. Charlotte is still trying to learn how to run the carnival and with her Uncle still around, she’s fighting to prove that she really is the new ringmaster. When the witches’ council gives Charlotte an ultimatum that would either leave the carnival vulnerable or force her to give up two of her friends to the council for punishment, Charlotte must find a way to save both the Carnival and her friends. I love where the author is taking the story and I especially enjoyed the ending which I belive will open up the storyline quite well. I’m cheering for Charlotte and Gunther and am looking forward to seeing how there relationship develops. I’m enjoying the uniqueness of the series and look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,977 reviews16 followers
June 22, 2018
The second story of the "Magical Midway Circus Mysteries" follows Charlotte taking hold of more responsibilities and power, learning to understanding more of the magical world and at the same time swarting the evil witches and rescuing a kidnapped circus member.
Like the first book the pace is steady, an interestin g mix of "Why did no one tell me?" to funny episodes, when she tries new skills to the thrill of figuring out the mystery of who kidnapped Mark and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Entertaining and difficult to put out of hand once you started the story. It is full of interesting characters, not all nice, but full of individuality.
I honestly loved reading this book and look forward to number 3.

5,054 reviews33 followers
June 22, 2018
for a girl who grew up among humans, being sort of the ringmaster of this travelling magical circus is quite a feat - except when it is boring.

semi-reviving her dead uncle, the previous ringmaster, means she feels more like a magical supply closet, used only for things her no longer truly alive uncle can do, sorting out the witches council, and dealing with learning her powers.

doesn't sound like a great deal of fun, and also sounds tiring.

can she find the joy in her magic? can she save her family and her circus / its people?

a lot of pressure for a young-ish girl.

is there time or possibility for love?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pete.
881 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2018
This is the second book in the 'Magical Midway' cosy mystery series, and it takes over very well from the first book. It is an intelligent mystery story which maintains interest and is fast moving and exciting and features a very clever solution to the Midway's persecution by the Witches Council. It is a fun feel-good read, but which also has some observations on democracy, fairness, inclusivity and relationships.
As befits a cosy mystery there is nothing to offend and it gave me a couple of very pleasant evenings reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,849 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2019
The crime this time is kidnapping.

One of the two humans at the Magical Midway Circus has disappeared. Ringmaster Charlotte needs to find him - partly to help convince her paranormal staff that she is capable of being the boss and Lawgiver.

The Witch Council is still doing its best to shut down the two remaining magical circuses and is using the "No humans allowed" law to achieve this.

Charlotte is also trying to activate thinking in the group - just because it has been done that way, doesn't mean that it MUST continue.

Entertaining story
778 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2022
This is a very nice series. It is not really deep, full of hard philosophical debate or the sort of questions that keep you up at night. Just one woman attempting to better her slice of the world with the help of some interesting side characters. There is a building romance. You just know where it is going, but it isn't happening yet. Good and bad are clearly delineated...I don't think I'd go so far as saying "good and evil" because the bad is not THAT bad. It's been a good read. I hope the series hold up 'til the end.
Profile Image for Karen.
375 reviews
June 25, 2018
I loved book one and I loved this book, what a great series this.it has an original storyline and believable characters that draw you into the story and keeps you reading. Just like the first book I couldn't put this book down. I would advise you read book one to fully understand the story. If you enjoy Cosy Mystery or even Paranormal Romance then you will enjoy this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Relina Skye.
Author 10 books46 followers
December 23, 2018
Life on the Lion (Magical Midway Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Book 2) was written by Leanne Leeds. Charlotte is still trying to get the hang of running the Magical Midway circus when she gets a visit from the witches' council. Since two of the performers are human, the witches' council created a law to try to get Charlotte to hand over the Magical Midway to them.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. It has a unique setting, characters, and plot.
1,351 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2018
This book is awesome and the characters are too die for funny. Charlotte has taken over the circus because uncle Phil died but he's still with them and he still thimks he runs the circus and now the witches council is after them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
17.7k reviews8 followers
June 22, 2018
The suspense, the drama, the danger, the old hurts coming to light, the second book in the series and I can not wait to read the next one. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
13.2k reviews61 followers
June 24, 2018
She is a new witch but she is giving a task which means she has to turn her two friends in. Will she be able to do it? One goes missing and she only has a week to sort it all. Will she be able to do it?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evon Adkins.
47 reviews
June 29, 2018
This book is a nice twist on the paranormal realm. The fact that she married the realm and witches made for a good read. I cant wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Margarita Rose.
939 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2023
Charlotte sees things in a different way. Finding things and different options for rules that are outdated. Facing the possibility of death for two of her circus members she thinks outside the box. Discovering a way to overcome the archaic ways of doing things. Great read.
Profile Image for Jan Sjostrand.
455 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2018
Love the series and the Magical circus. Charlotte and friends make for a fun read and learning along with her is great I highly recommend this series
917 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2019
Magical midway #2

I am really enjoying this game on paranormal and types.. Having a setting where interaction between the paranormal s is really intriguing.
Profile Image for Jena Duffy.
62 reviews
August 10, 2019
Great read

Enchanting series. Enjoyed the characters and the change of pace. I'm new to this author but I am already drawn in! Can't wait to finish this series!
582 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2019
I really enjoy this series

I love the characters and how well thought out they are. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
356 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2020
Fun to read!

This story is very well written with an excellent plot and interesting characters. A great story to read and relax with.
669 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2020
I would give this book 5 1/2 stars if I could rate it that way. Charlotte is back at the Magical Midway along with a circus full of quirky characters that I have fallen for.
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
July 16, 2021
Enjoyed

This was the second book of this series that I have read and enjoyed your characters,humor and the story line are fun to read.
1,078 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2020
I enjoyed reading Life on the Lion. This book is interesting and fun. I like the magical circus setting. I like the characters. The mystery has many twists. I look forward to the adventure of the next book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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