What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ink That Bleeds
The Mystic Bookstore is keeping a secret. In fact, the whole town is.
Amihan Chanthara is ready for a new beginning when she arrives in the little harbor town of Wolfsound, Washington, nestled in the San Juan Islands. Settling in as the new owner of the town bookstore is easy. Figuring out who killed the bookstore’s previous owner is not.
The town sheriff has asked the sexy, ill-tempered werewolf, Lucien Allard, to help investigate and Ami is torn between heady attraction and irritation as the bookstore continues to be the center of the murder investigation.
Is the killer human or supernatural? Why was the previous bookstore owner murdered? Is Ami next?
Every new friend could be the murderer and even the one theoretical witness can’t tell anyone what happened. Will Ami survive long enough to learn what it means to be chosen by the mystic bookstore as its new Scribe?
Amihan Chanthara is ready for a new beginning when she arrives in the little harbor town of Wolfsound, Washington, nestled in the San Juan Islands. Settling in as the new owner of the town bookstore is easy. Figuring out who killed the bookstore’s previous owner is not.
The town sheriff has asked the sexy, ill-tempered werewolf, Lucien Allard, to help investigate and Ami is torn between heady attraction and irritation as the bookstore continues to be the center of the murder investigation.
Is the killer human or supernatural? Why was the previous bookstore owner murdered? Is Ami next?
Every new friend could be the murderer and even the one theoretical witness can’t tell anyone what happened. Will Ami survive long enough to learn what it means to be chosen by the mystic bookstore as its new Scribe?
190 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2023
About the author
Piper J. Drake
33 books626 followersPiper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2024
The Ink That Bleeds is a cozy lighthearted paranormal romance with a splash of mystery.
When Amihan gets a letter that she inherited a bookstore on an island in the pacific northwest, it pulls her back to the small town she grew up in. The previous shop owner was murdered, and Amihan teams up with the town sheriff and her past academic rival, Lucien, to solve the case.
This is the type of book you could spend a sunny afternoon devouring on the porch, or a cozy night in by the fireplace. Fast paced with lovable characters, I finished this book in one sitting!
I loved the diversity between these two covers. There was ample BIPOC rep, as well as trans rep with our supporting main character sheriff Mel. The plot was engaging and the lighthearted romance had me blushing and smirking at certain moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy short mysteries, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and paranormal romance.
4.5/5⭐️
When Amihan gets a letter that she inherited a bookstore on an island in the pacific northwest, it pulls her back to the small town she grew up in. The previous shop owner was murdered, and Amihan teams up with the town sheriff and her past academic rival, Lucien, to solve the case.
This is the type of book you could spend a sunny afternoon devouring on the porch, or a cozy night in by the fireplace. Fast paced with lovable characters, I finished this book in one sitting!
I loved the diversity between these two covers. There was ample BIPOC rep, as well as trans rep with our supporting main character sheriff Mel. The plot was engaging and the lighthearted romance had me blushing and smirking at certain moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy short mysteries, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and paranormal romance.
4.5/5⭐️
March 16, 2026
Had trouble putting it down, just wanted to keep reading. my only issue with it is that the story ended too quickly and that the author might not be able to finish the series due to her progressing cancer.
But even knowing that it was worth the read and i wish i had a (book)store and town like that.
But even knowing that it was worth the read and i wish i had a (book)store and town like that.
September 14, 2023
4⭐️
0🌶
It is every book lovers dream to inherit a bookstore in a cute little PNW island town. Till you find out the previous owner was murdered.
This was a delightful novella. It was short and sweet while at the same time didn't feel rushed. I enjoyed meeting all the characters and especially enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. But of course my favorite was the bookstore corgi. I might be biased since I also have a corgi of my own.
Overall, this was a cute read with a really good mystery.
0🌶
It is every book lovers dream to inherit a bookstore in a cute little PNW island town. Till you find out the previous owner was murdered.
This was a delightful novella. It was short and sweet while at the same time didn't feel rushed. I enjoyed meeting all the characters and especially enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. But of course my favorite was the bookstore corgi. I might be biased since I also have a corgi of my own.
Overall, this was a cute read with a really good mystery.
September 19, 2024
The Ink That Bleeds crosses paranormal romance with a cozy bookshop mystery in an entertaining manner. Our heroine Ami is burned out and decides to make a fresh start in the small island town where she grew up after learning that the bookstore was bequeathed to her. When she arrives she discovers that the previous owner was murdered, and soon Ami is wrapped up in helping the local law enforcement on the case.
Wolfsound, Washington, isn’t your typical small town, as Ami soon discovers. The mayor is a vampire and the guy who makes her heart beat faster is a werewolf. I like that Ami is thoughtful and not overwhelmed by all of the news. She’s accepting of all and has great instincts. While her romance with Lucien progresses quickly, they do share a past, but unfortunately Ami can’t recall what it is. Lucien may be grumpy, but he wants to do right by Ami, so he is up front about who and what he is.
Overall, The Ink That Bleeds is entertaining, although it’s a bit simple. Characters are quickly introduced with an implication there is more to their stories; however, we don’t learn more in this book. I also felt there are a few plot holes and unanswered questions. I see this is listed as book one of a series, so perhaps more will be established with coming titles.
My Rating: B-
Wolfsound, Washington, isn’t your typical small town, as Ami soon discovers. The mayor is a vampire and the guy who makes her heart beat faster is a werewolf. I like that Ami is thoughtful and not overwhelmed by all of the news. She’s accepting of all and has great instincts. While her romance with Lucien progresses quickly, they do share a past, but unfortunately Ami can’t recall what it is. Lucien may be grumpy, but he wants to do right by Ami, so he is up front about who and what he is.
Overall, The Ink That Bleeds is entertaining, although it’s a bit simple. Characters are quickly introduced with an implication there is more to their stories; however, we don’t learn more in this book. I also felt there are a few plot holes and unanswered questions. I see this is listed as book one of a series, so perhaps more will be established with coming titles.
My Rating: B-
January 20, 2024
Cute, small-town paranormal mystery with a romantic subplot set on a (fictional) island in the Pacific Northwest; the FMC, who is human, inherits a bookstore, only to find herself working with the locals to solve the mystery of the previous owner's murder... including the overprotective werewolf MMC. There's a bit of a second-chance vibe going on; the FMC lived on the island as a child but had her memories magically blurred when she left since the magical islanders are very protective of their privacy. There is plenty of diversity - the FMC is of Thai-Filipino ancestry, several other characters are non-white, the sheriff (the MMC's best friend) is non-binary - and the setting is fun. The mystery is nothing special but it's a great setup for a series.
September 28, 2023
I totally forgot to write a review. My goodness. I finished it and I had a whole setup on what I was going to write. What an amazing read.
Every book that deals with a bookstore is a win for me. Could it be because I love reading. And I love books.
But the story is short but it’s amazing. I love reading about all the characters. And the mystery surrounding the bookstore.
Every book that deals with a bookstore is a win for me. Could it be because I love reading. And I love books.
But the story is short but it’s amazing. I love reading about all the characters. And the mystery surrounding the bookstore.
November 10, 2023
Cozy, like a tasty baguette. It reads for young teens for sure (was expecting more new adult), but it’s very cute and certainly an enjoyable for younger audiences getting into paranormal romance. (Got this as an ARC months ago at an author event, so it’s not something I would’ve picked up for myself and am still glad to have read something light and airy.)
June 11, 2026
Very cute cozy. Great start to a series!
June 11, 2026
this was cute - interesting world, good characters. I would certainly have read more, if there had been any....
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews