“Somebody’s been killing girls.”

Powerful. What a powerful, terrible, beautiful, frightening, empowering novel. That is what it’s like being a woman, at times, and this novel captures it perfectly. The Change is a contemporary novel with fantasy elements, but I firmly believe my friends who don’t like fantasy novels will LOVE this book. Especially my menstruating friends; this book has taken menstruation and menopause and turned them into superpowers for these women. Rage turned into super strength, a woman’s intuition turned into a supernatural ability to see the dead, the metamorphosis of menopause turned into innate power. Beautifully, thoughtfully done, Kirsten Miller. This doesn’t mean that other people can’t enjoy this novel, they absolutely can. It’s just that a topic that people usually view as taboo (for some ridiculous reason) is made to be the driving force of this novel. It is just the starting point, and then the book is completely taken to new heights from there. As I read it, it was done with a subtle hand. I didn’t go into the book knowing what the basis was, and I was in awe at the genius when realization overcame me.

“The epiphany came as the blood flowed freely down her legs. She should never have tried to fight it. How many years—how much energy—had she lost trying to control something that could not be controlled? How long had she feared being outed as female? How much frustration had she endured, inhabiting a world that wasn’t designed for her kind? How long had she prayed to be seen and accepted as more than a body? How hard had she tried to fix things that simply refused to be fixed? So much fury had built up inside Jo.”

These powers lead Jo, Nessa, and Harriet to each other… and to dead girls. This story takes in an “Epstein island” type of turn. They discover that there is a community where a bunch of rich men live, where women are disappearing from. When the police prove to be little help, the women use their powers to investigate and the road it leads them down is a crazy one.

“Every variety of girl was represented. Rich girls, poor girls, good girls, badasses. It was the makings of a formidable army. She would teach them everything. She would make them invincible. This was the generation that would finally turn the tables. Maybe when their own daughters were born, they wouldn’t need to spend their days fighting fear.”

Though there are very sad themes in this novel surrounding the mistreatment of women from a young age, there’s also so much empowerment. I loved the above quote and moment in this novel; it reminded me of the first time I watched Buffy Summers train a league of slayers. An absolutely iconic moment in my memory that has stayed with me, and I think this book will do the same. I also loved that the author turned mundane moments in our lives into something mystical and omnipotent. Cooking, fitness, gardening, and more.

“Think of it as a recipe for the last thing you’ll ever need to bake,” Harriett told her. “But the truth is, Ms. Rocca—and I suspect deep down, you know this—every recipe is a spell. And all cooks are witches.”

I could quote this whole book but I’d love for you to read it for yourself! The Change is relevant and so easily devoured. It is a mystery, a thriller, a fantasy novel, and a declaration of love for the innate power of women all wrapped in one. There’s so much more to this novel than I could ever put into words. Thanks to William Morrow on Netgalley for providing me with a review copy!

✨ The Change ✨⁣
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⁣Ohhhhhhh I really enjoyed this book! ⁣
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⁣Three women unite to take down those responsible for committing heinous acts against young girls. Harriet, known as the neighborhood with, is a former executive who now has a passion for gardening. Jo, a former hotel executive, now owns her own gym where she channels her rage through intense workouts. Finally- there is Nessa, a former nurse, and who heads dead people. The book alternates between each of their perspectives and backgrounds. ⁣
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⁣It reminded me a little bit of the sarcasm in The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires… Add in some magical realism bits and a murder mystery and you get The Change. Super unique and witty! ⁣
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⁣This book is long (480 pages), but kept me entertained and interested! I loved the female empowerment and enjoyed this story. ⁣
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⁣Four stars! Read this if you’d like to kick the ass of some neighborhood creep! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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⁣Thank you to @netgalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for a complimentary copy of The Change in exchange for my honest review.

The description of this book made me want to read it. Three women who previously had never met, find themselves drawn to each other. Nessa has a gift for hearing the voices of the dead. Harriett, recently divorced and passed over for a top job, has found her calling as a talented gardener with a tendency to grow plants that can destroy those who have done wrong. Jo has an intense power that heats up into a volatile strength and heat. When they discover a dead girl on the beach, they decide to take things into their own hands when they seem to get nowhere with the law.
As I started to read the book, I was occasionally put off by how almost every man is portrayed as an absolute evil predator. It was definitely a very feminist novel with a strong push of anti-men. However, the writing and the plot were really good, and I found myself enjoying it despite the man hate. It was a long book, but I never got bored or wanted to stop reading. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book with strong female characters and who enjoy mysteries with a suspenseful edge to them. I received an e-book from NetGalley.com.

“Every recipe is a spell, and all cooks are witches.”

This quote stuck with me due to my love for cooking but isn’t necessarily significant to this book. This story is a true delight and a fun twist on feminism. In their own ways, the three main characters are relatable.

The book surrounds the mystery of missing girls that are discovered through Nessa’s ability to sense dead women. As the clues of how these girls died unfolds, Harriet’s unique power for “natural” revenge starts impacting people in the community. When the “Bad Guys” start to get upset with the women’s discoveries, Jo is there to protect them with her strength.

This book is full of magical realism that is a pure delight in this suspenseful book. The author does a great job weaving the lives together of the witches, the bad guys and the dead girls. There is an underlying lesson to daughters of women to trust their instincts and fight for themselves. The only real drawback was the length of the book.

4.5 stars – Rounding to 5 stars for Goodreads.

Thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the patriarchy revenge fantasy we all need right now! I loved these characters and never wanted this book to end.

The change is a witchy middle aged Craft magical realisim murder adventure! It hooked me in from page one and the story flew by. Strong girl power vibes and a fun and light darker book (if that makes any sense!)

Kirsten Miller's novel, "The Change," is an utter delight. It's a fun, feministic romp of a story with just the right touch of magic, and it was the perfect pick-me-up read while I recover from COVID.

The three lead characters -- Nessa, Jo, and Harriet -- are lovable and extremely relatable. Harriet is the most intriguing by far, and I loved the grayness of her moral compass. She always left me guessing, and I often wondered whether I should truly be rooting for her.

The story moves along at a punchy pace -- I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The novel does feel a little long, though, and I think some pages could've been chopped from it. But this is a minor complaint, really, because I enjoyed every minute I spent with these three ladies.

I would be ecstatic if Miller one day returns to these characters. If she doesn't, no big deal. "The Change" is nothing short of satisfying, all on its own.


My sincerest appreciation to Kirsten Miller, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions included herein are my own.

I loved this book. As a late-40s woman I love the idea of superpowers that come with “the change”. This book was so fun and satisfying. Well-written, unforgettable characters, original and fascinating plot. Highly recommend!

What a powerful book! Magical realism is not my genre but this also included themes of female friendship and female empowerment. It was a long book (over 500 pages), but seemed to keep my interest rather well. The book was quite violent and graphic at times. But it was all part of the story and had to be there. A lot of the characters were not likeable but... once again, it was all part of the story.

I really liked the cover art too. It was bright and really made me want to read and request this book.

Short synopsis: Three women discover they get more than they bargained for when they hit menopause. When the buddy of a young girl is found the women band together to use their powers to find who is responsible.

My thoughts: This is full of magical realism with a twist of mystery and thriller. I was pulled right in to this one from the first few chapters. Although it is a long one (almost 500 pages) it reads really quickly. It has a little bit of everything, Badass women, witchy powers, murder mystery, and a fight against men who do wrong.

I loved the relationships these women built with each other, and how they used their abilities to make a better world. There were good reminders in the lessons taught to the daughters of the women about trusting their instincts and fighting for themselves.

Read if you’re a sucker for:
* Strong female protagonist
* Plants used to harm or heal
* Mystery and suspense
* Magical realism

Harriet Osborne is a character who hits you right out of the gate and instantly inspires. Jo, Art, and Lucy have a strong family bond. Celeste is in search of *something.* Nessa is summoned by voices. There are so many different threads to pull in this book, and they are all fresh and uncommon. It's rare to find a book like this, and if you are interested in women finding power, this might be the book for you.

I heartily enjoyed this rare book of middle aged woman who cope with the change in their lives with friendship, love, & laughter.

More like a satirical exploration of women at midlife and the changes that brings on
After reading this book you’ll wish there were real people like the characters: Nessa, Jo and Harriett…and maybe want to burn your bra all over again. Wink! OK for starts, this is a mystery with some woo-woo paranormal stuff thrown in. As women in business Jo and Harriett reached their proverbial glass ceiling with no help from their male counterparts. Each handle their change in different ways but they all end up finding each other for a task none could have ever expected. There will be LOTS of twists, revelations and surprises. Ends well for some but not so much for others.
This was well-written (I only found a very few errors in my ARC) and fast-paced but I couldn’t get over the male bashing that takes place: over and over and over again. Yes, I’m sure the things attributed to the bad men could be real and yes, your ex could be atrocious, but I have sons too. I wouldn’t want them to be smeared with the same paint brush. Also, as a mother I was touched by some very poignant moments in this book. Overall, this was a fascinating book to read, but I wish there had just been less man-hating. The rest of the story is great. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley.

Thank you to William Morrow for the eARC of The Change!
In Mattauk, NY three women discover that with the "the change" they are also able to access powers that allow them to help other women in trouble. When the body of a young woman is discovered the women are compelled to find out what happened to her, and avenge her death.
This book was a complelling mystery that I could not put down!

Tough women, magic, humor and a dash of mystery. This book had some powerful quotes throughout the book on heavy topics, but threw in some witty banter as well to help balance it out. I enjoyed hearing the backstories of each women and how they came to be…badass! I’d recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery and is looking to dive into magical realism.

One of my favorite books of the year! This has been a blast as it has been a bookclub pick for many of my local groups.

When I started this I loved it so much and thought it was easily going to be my favorite of the year. About 60% in and it started to fall flat for me. I’m seeing this trending with other books I’ve read lately so maybe it’s just me. But let’s talk about what I loved. I loved the fantasy concept of women getting special powers once they go through menopause. As a woman of that age, I’m like sign me up!! 😂 Menopausal superheroes? Hell yes. Also loved the satirical writing style. There were parts that made me laugh at their outrageousness while also covering some serious topics. The murder mystery part was basic, so don’t expect anything shocking there. Overall it was satisfying in the end.

If you love bad-ass woman and watching them come into their own and harness their power, you will love this story. It's very reminiscent of Witches of Eastwick, and I can definitely envision this being a killer option for making into a movie. I'd certainly watch it. When I grow up, I want to be the perfect blend of these three (and sometimes four) ladies. I have never been the loudest advocate for women owning their glory simply because they are women. I personally believe it's more of personal empowerment than female empowerment, but these women make me want to ROAR!!!!

Thank you William Morrow for gifting me an eARC of this book to review via NetGalley. This book was a cool concept, and it taps into two topics popular with women right now: serial killer mysteries and fighting the patriarchy. Three women discover that menopause is not the end, it is the third phase of life, and during this phase, some discover they have superpowers. The three women find each other and work together to uncover the source of the mysterious deaths of young girls in the area. I hope this becomes a series, and it will absolutely make excellent tv!

In a country where being a woman is starting to be scary, The Change is the perfect screw the patriarchy, burn it all down girl power book! I loved the characters, their friendship, and their struggles. It was part mystery, part comedy, part women's fiction and just a wonderful read!