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What the Spell?: Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries No. 1
Unfairly dumped right before her wedding, can this heartbroken bookworm come to terms with her witchy heritage without getting locked up for murder?
Kinley Paigewright is reeling. But she tries to roll with the punches when a paranormal policeman claims the odd energy that just destroyed her bridal suite means she’s a witch and whisks her off to an enchanted island. And when the jilted bride learns she’s supposed to inherit a snarky sentient bookshop, things seem like they’re looking up…until her obnoxious new upstairs tenant joins the dearly departed.
Pretty sure she doesn’t want to stay at the top of the hunky magical cop’s suspect list, Kinley struggles to find proof of her innocence in a town overrun with puzzles and potions. But unraveling the truth means digging into her absent family’s past, mastering her explosive talents, and trusting an exuberant feline familiar to help rewrite her future.
Can Kinley crack the case before her second chance at happiness vanishes for good?
What the Spell? is the whimsical first book in the paranormal Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series. If you like immersive settings, charming cats, and twice-hexed mischief, then you’ll love Elle Wren Burke’s enchanting tale.
Buy What the Spell? to conjure up a fresh start today!
Kinley Paigewright is reeling. But she tries to roll with the punches when a paranormal policeman claims the odd energy that just destroyed her bridal suite means she’s a witch and whisks her off to an enchanted island. And when the jilted bride learns she’s supposed to inherit a snarky sentient bookshop, things seem like they’re looking up…until her obnoxious new upstairs tenant joins the dearly departed.
Pretty sure she doesn’t want to stay at the top of the hunky magical cop’s suspect list, Kinley struggles to find proof of her innocence in a town overrun with puzzles and potions. But unraveling the truth means digging into her absent family’s past, mastering her explosive talents, and trusting an exuberant feline familiar to help rewrite her future.
Can Kinley crack the case before her second chance at happiness vanishes for good?
What the Spell? is the whimsical first book in the paranormal Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series. If you like immersive settings, charming cats, and twice-hexed mischief, then you’ll love Elle Wren Burke’s enchanting tale.
Buy What the Spell? to conjure up a fresh start today!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2025
130 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 25, 2025
Kinley has been dumped by her fiancé on what was supposed to be their wedding day. She is really angry, and is shocked that her fury is so intense. Turns out that this former foster child is a powerful witch. She is spirited away to Sea Sprite, a magical community invisible to “regular” people where she welcomed by everyone except a surly woman who winds up dead. Kinley is a suspect, so she and her new friends and their animal familiars set out to investigate. The sentient bookstore, the friendly characters and their familiars, and the welcoming setting was a wonderful relaxing escape to a place I’d like to visit. Highly recommended!
February 28, 2026
Very magical
This cozy paranormal mystery tells of Kinley’s return to the magic town of Sea Sprite, where her late grandmother has left her a sentient bookstore and a home. A very unpleasant woman,Denise, is killed almost immediately after Kinley’s arrival, so she and her new friends (and their familiars) set to work solving the mystery. Learning to use her magical powers and reopening the bookstore, while trying to figure out which of Denise’s many enemies killed her. There’s a handsome detective, a delightful small town, and very imaginative types of magical abilities enlivening this story. A fun read.
This cozy paranormal mystery tells of Kinley’s return to the magic town of Sea Sprite, where her late grandmother has left her a sentient bookstore and a home. A very unpleasant woman,Denise, is killed almost immediately after Kinley’s arrival, so she and her new friends (and their familiars) set to work solving the mystery. Learning to use her magical powers and reopening the bookstore, while trying to figure out which of Denise’s many enemies killed her. There’s a handsome detective, a delightful small town, and very imaginative types of magical abilities enlivening this story. A fun read.
January 15, 2026
From the very first time reading the pun of the title, I was hooked on What the Spell?, the whimsical kickoff to Elle Wren Burke's enchanting "Spellbooked Mysteries" series. This paranormal cozy mystery introduces us to Kinley Paigewright, a heartbroken bookworm, as she was just dumped by her fiancé moments before walking down the aisle. Her new life is about to start with a bang, or more like an explosion, from a paranormal incident, when Ryland Fores, a charming and magical detective, whisks her away to the enchanting community of Sea Sprite Isle. Kinley soon discovers that she is a bibliowitch and has inherited a sentient bookshop named Page. When a murder casts suspicion on this newly minted witch, she must untangle the mystery with the help of her exuberant feline familiar, Twilight, and her newly found friend Sylvia, all while trying to remain off the detective's radar.
The charm of What the Spell? lies in its immersive settings, lively dialogue, and the delightfully quirky inhabitants of Sea Sprite Isle. I found myself laughing out loud at the unique humor and was thoroughly entertained by the twice-hexed mischief that unfolded with each twist and turn. The theme of chosen family is subtly woven throughout the story, offering an emotionally strong undercurrent as Kinley navigates her newfound powers and relationships. Twilight, her feline companion, is a standout character, full of personality, and may become one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery felines.
This book is a treasure trove of humor, heart, and magic. With plenty of red herrings and suspects, I was kept guessing until the very end. The secondary characters are seamlessly integrated, adding depth and richness to Kinley's world. The enchanting paranormal elements of What the Spell? are imaginative, entertaining, and exceptionally clever. They not only keep the storyline captivating but also preserve the cozy mystery atmosphere. As a fan of paranormal mysteries, I can confidently say this is one of the best I've read, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, Spell to Pay.
If you're ready for a magical adventure brimming with charm, humor, and intriguing mystery, then this is the book for you. Dive into Elle Wren Burke's world and let this bewitching tale sweep you away to Sea Sprite Isle! Prepare to be enchanted—What the Spell? is a whimsical ride you won't want to miss!
The charm of What the Spell? lies in its immersive settings, lively dialogue, and the delightfully quirky inhabitants of Sea Sprite Isle. I found myself laughing out loud at the unique humor and was thoroughly entertained by the twice-hexed mischief that unfolded with each twist and turn. The theme of chosen family is subtly woven throughout the story, offering an emotionally strong undercurrent as Kinley navigates her newfound powers and relationships. Twilight, her feline companion, is a standout character, full of personality, and may become one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery felines.
This book is a treasure trove of humor, heart, and magic. With plenty of red herrings and suspects, I was kept guessing until the very end. The secondary characters are seamlessly integrated, adding depth and richness to Kinley's world. The enchanting paranormal elements of What the Spell? are imaginative, entertaining, and exceptionally clever. They not only keep the storyline captivating but also preserve the cozy mystery atmosphere. As a fan of paranormal mysteries, I can confidently say this is one of the best I've read, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, Spell to Pay.
If you're ready for a magical adventure brimming with charm, humor, and intriguing mystery, then this is the book for you. Dive into Elle Wren Burke's world and let this bewitching tale sweep you away to Sea Sprite Isle! Prepare to be enchanted—What the Spell? is a whimsical ride you won't want to miss!
June 11, 2025
This is not a good day for Kinley Paigewright. She should be getting married, but instead her fiancé broke up with her. Kinley’s anger gets the best of her, and she cuts up her wedding dress while she’s wearing it. Suddenly she finds herself filled with an unexplained energy and she’s ready to explode. A magical detective appears, and her life is changed forever.
Kinley learns that she inherited a sentient magical bookshop from a grandmother she never knew. She also learns she has magical powers and is a witch. She’s taken away to a magical place called Sea Sprite Isle. The first thing she must do is bond with the bookshop whose name is Page. It’s up to Kinley to make sure the bookshop survives and doesn’t fade away. She even gets a new home, but it comes with a nasty tenant.
After a fight with the tenant, Kinley finds the tenant’s dead body. She quickly learns she is the number one suspect in the murder. It’s up to Kinley, along with her new friends and her adorable kitty familiar, Twilight, to prove her innocence.
This is an enchanting, magical tale. It’s filled with charming characters that I adored. I was hooked right from the start.
It’s a great book to get lost in for a few hours. The author transports you to another land filled with fantasy and magic. Oh, and the kitty familiar is adorable.
A charming first book in a new series. I’ll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kinley learns that she inherited a sentient magical bookshop from a grandmother she never knew. She also learns she has magical powers and is a witch. She’s taken away to a magical place called Sea Sprite Isle. The first thing she must do is bond with the bookshop whose name is Page. It’s up to Kinley to make sure the bookshop survives and doesn’t fade away. She even gets a new home, but it comes with a nasty tenant.
After a fight with the tenant, Kinley finds the tenant’s dead body. She quickly learns she is the number one suspect in the murder. It’s up to Kinley, along with her new friends and her adorable kitty familiar, Twilight, to prove her innocence.
This is an enchanting, magical tale. It’s filled with charming characters that I adored. I was hooked right from the start.
It’s a great book to get lost in for a few hours. The author transports you to another land filled with fantasy and magic. Oh, and the kitty familiar is adorable.
A charming first book in a new series. I’ll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2026
ASIN: B0DSWRTR9P
Publisher: Soaring Moon Books LLC
Publication date: June 11, 2025
"What the Spell" is the first book in the new Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by author Elle Wren Burke. In keeping with 3 previous cozy mystery series (Chatty Cat, Prickly Pear Psychic, and Vampire Pet Boutique), Elle sticks to what she writes best: a solid magical cozy mystery.
What makes this series unique is that Elle asked her fan base to choose from a variety of options that she incorporated into the series. In her newsletters, she would pose a question, e.g., the name of the main character, the type of character, whether she has a familiar, and, if so, what kind? Names of secondary characters and their talent(s) and jobs, name of town/location, names of town businesses, and so on. Then she listed at least 4 options with a link to select what we liked. This went on for several months until Elle felt that she had enough background information to start writing "What the Spell". (We even picked the book title and series title!)
What we didn't know was the actual story, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Burke created a fast-paced cozy mystery that kept me turning the pages. The characters all blend seamlessly into the story line. It's easy to picture and "hear" each of them interact with one another. There are enough twists and turns that I didn't figure out "who done it" until the killer was revealed.
I highly recommend "What the Spell," the first book in the new Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by author Elle Wren Burke.
Publisher: Soaring Moon Books LLC
Publication date: June 11, 2025
"What the Spell" is the first book in the new Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by author Elle Wren Burke. In keeping with 3 previous cozy mystery series (Chatty Cat, Prickly Pear Psychic, and Vampire Pet Boutique), Elle sticks to what she writes best: a solid magical cozy mystery.
What makes this series unique is that Elle asked her fan base to choose from a variety of options that she incorporated into the series. In her newsletters, she would pose a question, e.g., the name of the main character, the type of character, whether she has a familiar, and, if so, what kind? Names of secondary characters and their talent(s) and jobs, name of town/location, names of town businesses, and so on. Then she listed at least 4 options with a link to select what we liked. This went on for several months until Elle felt that she had enough background information to start writing "What the Spell". (We even picked the book title and series title!)
What we didn't know was the actual story, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Burke created a fast-paced cozy mystery that kept me turning the pages. The characters all blend seamlessly into the story line. It's easy to picture and "hear" each of them interact with one another. There are enough twists and turns that I didn't figure out "who done it" until the killer was revealed.
I highly recommend "What the Spell," the first book in the new Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by author Elle Wren Burke.
April 6, 2026
What the Spell?, by Elle Wren Burke
Elle Wren Burke is a "magical creative genius"! No matter which of her series I have read, they have each been enjoyed tremendously! And this book was exceptional!! Each of the characters were perfectly developed and flowed right along where needed.
Our main character, Kinley, expected to get married and the groom's mother conducted all the wedding plans - including the bride's horrific wedding gown! However, just before the wedding the groom tells Kinley he cannot marry her because she is "too broken"!!
Well, what's a gal's normal response? To have a major meltdown!! Only problem is Kinley managed to destroy the venue's bridal suite, her horrific wedding gown, and the bridesmaid dresses!!
Next thing she knows is she is being accused of " performing magic in front of humans", by Detective Ryland Fores of the MBI, then swept away along with Midnight, his pocket dragon familiar!!
They teleported from Portland, Oregon to a nearby secret island full of magical beings.
Turns out that Kinley is a missing witch who has inherited a sentient bookshop, and a kitten familiar named ...
Second day on the island and Kinley is accused of murdering her tenant!!!
This book was so hard to put down and now I am ready to start reading book three!! If you enjoy paranormal books, this truly is a MAGNIFICENT series that I highly recommend!!
Thank you, Elle, for another FANTASTIC, THRILLING READ!!!
💝🤗💖
Leona E...
Elle Wren Burke is a "magical creative genius"! No matter which of her series I have read, they have each been enjoyed tremendously! And this book was exceptional!! Each of the characters were perfectly developed and flowed right along where needed.
Our main character, Kinley, expected to get married and the groom's mother conducted all the wedding plans - including the bride's horrific wedding gown! However, just before the wedding the groom tells Kinley he cannot marry her because she is "too broken"!!
Well, what's a gal's normal response? To have a major meltdown!! Only problem is Kinley managed to destroy the venue's bridal suite, her horrific wedding gown, and the bridesmaid dresses!!
Next thing she knows is she is being accused of " performing magic in front of humans", by Detective Ryland Fores of the MBI, then swept away along with Midnight, his pocket dragon familiar!!
They teleported from Portland, Oregon to a nearby secret island full of magical beings.
Turns out that Kinley is a missing witch who has inherited a sentient bookshop, and a kitten familiar named ...
Second day on the island and Kinley is accused of murdering her tenant!!!
This book was so hard to put down and now I am ready to start reading book three!! If you enjoy paranormal books, this truly is a MAGNIFICENT series that I highly recommend!!
Thank you, Elle, for another FANTASTIC, THRILLING READ!!!
💝🤗💖
Leona E...
April 9, 2026
Dumped just before her wedding, Kinley Paigewright unleashes magic she didn’t know she had, destroying the bridal suite. Sure that she’s dreaming when a handsome police officer with a dragon appears, she’s in for a shock when he portals her to Sea Sprite Island, and she learns that she’s the long lost heir to a sentient bookstore, Page. Raised in foster care, Kinley has always longed for a home, and the welcome she receives from most of the residents of Sea Sprite is a comfort. Unfortunately, one person is not happy to make her acquaintance, the tenant above the bookstore, and Kinley’s argument with her comes back to bite her when the woman turns up dead on her porch the next morning. With the help of her new found, Clueless obsessed familiar, Twilight, and a wonderful group of new friends, Kinley is determined to thwart a murderer’s plans to ruin her new life.
Elle Wren Burke kicks off a new series with What the Spell?. Using her own experience with chronic illness, Ms. Burke has created another engaging heroine who is relatable and capable despite being plagued by migraines. An ethnically and supernaturally diverse cast of supporting characters are given depth and substance that makes them feel well established. Kinley and Ryland’s budding friendship hints of a future romance, and her other new friendships are very heartfelt. The world building is nicely developed, especially with creating Page’s powers and personality. The familiars are all endearing and I loved Twilight’s exuberance and fashion trendsetting. The mystery flows smoothly and while it is wrapped up, there is an overarching mystery about Kinley’s parents and what drove them from Sea Sprite. This paranormal cozy hits all the right notes and leaves you eager for more.
Elle Wren Burke kicks off a new series with What the Spell?. Using her own experience with chronic illness, Ms. Burke has created another engaging heroine who is relatable and capable despite being plagued by migraines. An ethnically and supernaturally diverse cast of supporting characters are given depth and substance that makes them feel well established. Kinley and Ryland’s budding friendship hints of a future romance, and her other new friendships are very heartfelt. The world building is nicely developed, especially with creating Page’s powers and personality. The familiars are all endearing and I loved Twilight’s exuberance and fashion trendsetting. The mystery flows smoothly and while it is wrapped up, there is an overarching mystery about Kinley’s parents and what drove them from Sea Sprite. This paranormal cozy hits all the right notes and leaves you eager for more.
May 23, 2025
This is a great book. It kept me reading until after midnight just to find out “who-dun-it”! We meet Kinley as she is frantically cutting up her ghastly wedding dress! She’d just been told the marriage was off because of her migraines. But things go somewhat pear shaped as she finds herself going pink & sort of exploding. Then a man appears in the room saying he’s from the MBI & she’s in trouble for using magic in front of humans! When he realises she has no idea what he’s talking about she gets teleported to the nearest magical town, Sea Sprite Isle. She is immediately accosted by Denise, who, it turns out, is her tenant. What Kinley threatens to do to Denise comes to be! She is led to her front door by a cat, Twilight. Twilight has been waiting for Kinley for decades. Kinley can hear her talking which is slightly alarming at first. Then she has to come to terms with the inherited bookshop with the magical being who runs it & she has to bond with. She very slowly learns about her magic & with the help of some new friends & Ryland, the MCI man, she discovers who killed the horrid woman.
February 16, 2026
Good
When Kinley accidentally releases magic after she's dumped on her wedding day, she finds herself in a whole new world where magic actually exists, and she is the proud owner of her family's sentient bookstore.
Unfortunately, she also finds herself the prime suspect in the murder of a tenant she had an argument with, just minutes after her arrival!
With a new familiar and an old bookshop to help, and a slew of new friends to stand beside her, Kinley is determined to ferret out the truth.
A fun paranormal cosy mystery, with a hint of (slow burn) romance, found family, and sentient/magical buildings.
This one has a Clueless obsessed cat, a bookshop with personality and power, an adorable miniature dragon who is the familiar to an attractive detective, and a lot of other quirky characters.
It's a fast paced read, with a side helping of magical adventure, but quite light-hearted.
If you enjoy paranormal cosy mysteries, cosy urban fantasy, and talking familiars you will probably enjoy this book!
When Kinley accidentally releases magic after she's dumped on her wedding day, she finds herself in a whole new world where magic actually exists, and she is the proud owner of her family's sentient bookstore.
Unfortunately, she also finds herself the prime suspect in the murder of a tenant she had an argument with, just minutes after her arrival!
With a new familiar and an old bookshop to help, and a slew of new friends to stand beside her, Kinley is determined to ferret out the truth.
A fun paranormal cosy mystery, with a hint of (slow burn) romance, found family, and sentient/magical buildings.
This one has a Clueless obsessed cat, a bookshop with personality and power, an adorable miniature dragon who is the familiar to an attractive detective, and a lot of other quirky characters.
It's a fast paced read, with a side helping of magical adventure, but quite light-hearted.
If you enjoy paranormal cosy mysteries, cosy urban fantasy, and talking familiars you will probably enjoy this book!
June 3, 2025
From page one this story literally explodes into action. A truly different way that Kinley discovers magic and her powers. To say how, I believe would to splash a spoiler, but I will say when she is taken to the magic town of Sea Sprite Island. She is brought to Sylvie, a friend of her grandmothers by the handsome Detective Flores. His familiar is a cute pocket sized dragon, Midnight. Her life and literally everything about it is changed forever. She is introduced to the book store (it hold a plethora of secrets) and is confronted by a woman who rents a floor above the book store. It gets quite loud and angry. In a moment of anger Kinley says she would love to stuff pages of a journal in her mouth.Now she has to find who took her literally and drops Denise off on Kinley's front door, dead with pages of a journal in her mouth. Now she has to find the murderer in a place where she knows no one, let alone the powers of the islanders.
June 9, 2025
Kinley Paigewrite’s fiancé broke off their wedding shortly before the service. When Kinley’s magic flares, a blond man appeared threatening to expose and write a ticket for her use of magic in front of humans. Not knowing what he is talking about, Kinley soon learns that he is from the Magical Bureau of Investigation (MBI), whatever that is, and when she is suddenly thrust into the magical town of Sea Sprite she is disoriented and stunned. What is Detective Fores talking about? What magic? Kinley knows nothing about magic although soon she will discover so much about who she is and that she, in fact, is magical. This charming, entertaining and engaging book kept me reading well into the night. I want more stories with Kinley, her new familiar, and I am excited about her desire to learn more about who she is in this magical world she just discovered. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 20, 2025
First and foremost I would like to thank Elle Wren Burke for the Arc copy of What The Spell?
In this book we follow Kinley Paigewright on the day of her wedding, where she is dumped by her fiancé. Kinley is so upset that she combusts with magic and shreds her wedding dress. In poofs detective Hunky McHunkerson who declares Kinley a witch and portals her away to the magical community of Sea Sprite Isle.
In Sea Sprite Isle Kinley learns that she has inherited a sentient book shop and home from her recently deceased grandmother. During this time a murder ensues and Kinley is led on a who-dun-it with her new friends, found family and familiars.
I absolutely loved reading about Sea Sprite Isle and all the friends both old and new Kinley met in the book. I loved all the witchy hijinks, twilight and of course cannot forget about page!!
I would absolutely recommend and cannot wait to see what other mysteries await in the next installment.
In this book we follow Kinley Paigewright on the day of her wedding, where she is dumped by her fiancé. Kinley is so upset that she combusts with magic and shreds her wedding dress. In poofs detective Hunky McHunkerson who declares Kinley a witch and portals her away to the magical community of Sea Sprite Isle.
In Sea Sprite Isle Kinley learns that she has inherited a sentient book shop and home from her recently deceased grandmother. During this time a murder ensues and Kinley is led on a who-dun-it with her new friends, found family and familiars.
I absolutely loved reading about Sea Sprite Isle and all the friends both old and new Kinley met in the book. I loved all the witchy hijinks, twilight and of course cannot forget about page!!
I would absolutely recommend and cannot wait to see what other mysteries await in the next installment.
June 25, 2025
This book grabbed my attention from the first paragraph. When Ainsley's fiancé leaves her at the altar, she becomes so angry that she starts to see stars. This magical intervention changes her destiny from being a boring Marketing Director married to a mama's boy, to a witch living on a magical island running a magical bookstore. Since Ainsley spent her life growing up in foster care, finding out she had had a family seems to be almost as much of a shock as finding out that magic exists.
However, when the wicked witch above her bookstore is found murdered and it looks like Ainsley is the prime suspect, Ainsley must figure out who did it before Ainsley learns about magical jail.
Filled with found family, a snarky sidekick, and Ms. Burke's signature punny world-building, this was a fun read and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I read an advanced reader copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
However, when the wicked witch above her bookstore is found murdered and it looks like Ainsley is the prime suspect, Ainsley must figure out who did it before Ainsley learns about magical jail.
Filled with found family, a snarky sidekick, and Ms. Burke's signature punny world-building, this was a fun read and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I read an advanced reader copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
March 24, 2026
I like plots with magic, witches and bookstores. This was a pretty straightforward murder mystery with some humor. But, I am not a fan of talking familiars, especially when they are snide, superior or worse, an airhead.
Kinley tears up her wedding gown and the hotel room when she learns her fiancé has cancelled the wedding. A magical cop pops in to fix things and to take her away. Her grandmother has died and left her a sentient bookshop. Her parents have been missing for decades. Along with the bookshop, she gets a vicious tenant and a talking cat, who grates on my nerves. The cat, Twilight, is channeling Cher from the 1995 film Clueless and squeals and asks for slumber parties, makeup sessions, and begs for a yellow plaid scarf. Yeah, it's fiction, and the writer can tell her own story, but Twilight is the deal breaker. So it's a fun and fast read, and this is Book 1 so more to come, but eh, that cat.
Kinley tears up her wedding gown and the hotel room when she learns her fiancé has cancelled the wedding. A magical cop pops in to fix things and to take her away. Her grandmother has died and left her a sentient bookshop. Her parents have been missing for decades. Along with the bookshop, she gets a vicious tenant and a talking cat, who grates on my nerves. The cat, Twilight, is channeling Cher from the 1995 film Clueless and squeals and asks for slumber parties, makeup sessions, and begs for a yellow plaid scarf. Yeah, it's fiction, and the writer can tell her own story, but Twilight is the deal breaker. So it's a fun and fast read, and this is Book 1 so more to come, but eh, that cat.
July 14, 2025
Discovering a whole new life.
Kinley Paigewright literally explodes with magic when her fiancé dumps her on their wedding day. She is accosted by Ryland Flores of the Magical Bureau of Investigation for using magic in front of humans. Once the use of magic is explained as an accident since she didn't know it existed, and he finds out who she is, he whisks her to Sea Sprite Island. There she meets several new friends who try to explain her family history and help her figure out her magic abilities. When the disagreeable woman renting space from her is found dead on her porch she becomes a suspect in the murder. With the help of her newfound friends, a sentient bookstore, and her feline familiar she sets about solving the mystery, and driving Ryland crazy.
I received an ARC of this book through bookfunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kinley Paigewright literally explodes with magic when her fiancé dumps her on their wedding day. She is accosted by Ryland Flores of the Magical Bureau of Investigation for using magic in front of humans. Once the use of magic is explained as an accident since she didn't know it existed, and he finds out who she is, he whisks her to Sea Sprite Island. There she meets several new friends who try to explain her family history and help her figure out her magic abilities. When the disagreeable woman renting space from her is found dead on her porch she becomes a suspect in the murder. With the help of her newfound friends, a sentient bookstore, and her feline familiar she sets about solving the mystery, and driving Ryland crazy.
I received an ARC of this book through bookfunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2025
What the Spell is a new book in the brand new Spellbooked Magical Cozy series by Elle Wren Burke.
This was such a fun and well written story.
We meet Ainsley who learns about her magic in a haphazard way.
I really enjoyed the bibliomagic, which is really unique. The characters are so well written.
Ainsley is vulnerable and its so endearing how long her familiar has been waiting for it.
The sentient bookstore, Page, is a character in itself and a well written one.
The mystery is well written. I am really excited about this new series, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
This was such a fun and well written story.
We meet Ainsley who learns about her magic in a haphazard way.
I really enjoyed the bibliomagic, which is really unique. The characters are so well written.
Ainsley is vulnerable and its so endearing how long her familiar has been waiting for it.
The sentient bookstore, Page, is a character in itself and a well written one.
The mystery is well written. I am really excited about this new series, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
February 22, 2026
Wow
This was a really fun cozy mystery set on a magical island. I like that the main character is in her 30s. She has a background in PR and a reason she's not leaving loved ones back in the mundane world. She's smart and flawed and clueless about magic.
She meets a handsome magical detective first, but this is very slow burn. She's not ready for a new relationship, and is a murder suspect.
There are so many clues for the murder! It might be possible to figure it out before Kinsey. There are also a tight group of friends who adopt her and lots of other quirky characters in town.
This was a really fun cozy mystery set on a magical island. I like that the main character is in her 30s. She has a background in PR and a reason she's not leaving loved ones back in the mundane world. She's smart and flawed and clueless about magic.
She meets a handsome magical detective first, but this is very slow burn. She's not ready for a new relationship, and is a murder suspect.
There are so many clues for the murder! It might be possible to figure it out before Kinsey. There are also a tight group of friends who adopt her and lots of other quirky characters in town.
April 13, 2026
Witches and shifters and familiars, oh, my!
Oh, and let's not forget the fairies. I loved this book! It kept me laughing throughout the pages. Kinley is left at the altar, and her magic literally explodes out of her. But instead of being arrested for using magic she finds herself on the magic island of Sea Sprite, the new owner of a sentient book shop, and with a feline familiar.
The characters are all fascinating and some of them have very unique personality traits that kept me laughing. Magic, witches, shifters, fairies, and some wonderfully unusual familiars. I highly recommend this entertaining and hysterically funny book to other readers.
Oh, and let's not forget the fairies. I loved this book! It kept me laughing throughout the pages. Kinley is left at the altar, and her magic literally explodes out of her. But instead of being arrested for using magic she finds herself on the magic island of Sea Sprite, the new owner of a sentient book shop, and with a feline familiar.
The characters are all fascinating and some of them have very unique personality traits that kept me laughing. Magic, witches, shifters, fairies, and some wonderfully unusual familiars. I highly recommend this entertaining and hysterically funny book to other readers.
May 31, 2025
If I could rate it higher than a 5 I would! If the opening scene, with Kinley’s magic literally exploding out of her, doesn’t grab you right in, I don’t know what will. Although Kinley’s magic has a real good reason to be acting like it is. When she ends up in a magical town and gets her familiar, who is in love with the movie Clueless and the color pink, things get even crazier and funnier. I just have to mention the cleaning spell. I laughed so hard that I snorted. I cannot wait for more of this new series.
July 10, 2025
Elle Wren Burke wasted no time diving into the action in this story. I really loved the world-building in this book. The descriptions are so vivid I felt like I was there experiencing the hidden island with Kinley.
I did feel that the description of the setting took time away from the mystery. The mystery itself was puzzling and strong and I did not figure out the whodunnit. I just wanted more time spent on it.
I really enjoyed getting to know diverse cast of characters and their familiars, although there are a lot of them. Between all of the main characters and their familiars, I did have a difficult time remembering who everyone was. I highlighted (in my Kindle) each one as they were introduced, but it would have been helpful to have a list of all of them at the beginning of the book that I could refer back to.
Overall the writing in this book is strong, especially with regards to the world-building, but there are multiple uses of language that I prefer not to read, especially in a cozy. There is no swearing, but some of the strong language took me out of the story. I would have enjoyed it even more without that language.
I enjoyed What the Spell? enough that I definitely want to read the next installment when it is released.
Check out my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
Thank you to author, Elle Wren Burke for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I did feel that the description of the setting took time away from the mystery. The mystery itself was puzzling and strong and I did not figure out the whodunnit. I just wanted more time spent on it.
I really enjoyed getting to know diverse cast of characters and their familiars, although there are a lot of them. Between all of the main characters and their familiars, I did have a difficult time remembering who everyone was. I highlighted (in my Kindle) each one as they were introduced, but it would have been helpful to have a list of all of them at the beginning of the book that I could refer back to.
Overall the writing in this book is strong, especially with regards to the world-building, but there are multiple uses of language that I prefer not to read, especially in a cozy. There is no swearing, but some of the strong language took me out of the story. I would have enjoyed it even more without that language.
I enjoyed What the Spell? enough that I definitely want to read the next installment when it is released.
Check out my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
Thank you to author, Elle Wren Burke for providing me with an ARC of this book.
December 30, 2025
Fantasy upon fantasy
With every page you got a new magic moment or a new magic person not to mention fabulous familiar. The mystery was a mystery and the solution was perfection. Who wouldn’t want to be on a magical area with sea sprites and shifters and witches and fairies and people who care deeply for others. Who wouldn’t want to be able to go to a bookstore that can tell exactly what book your heart wants? I look forward to more in the series. Oh, and the revenge on a dastardly ex fiancé was perfect.
With every page you got a new magic moment or a new magic person not to mention fabulous familiar. The mystery was a mystery and the solution was perfection. Who wouldn’t want to be on a magical area with sea sprites and shifters and witches and fairies and people who care deeply for others. Who wouldn’t want to be able to go to a bookstore that can tell exactly what book your heart wants? I look forward to more in the series. Oh, and the revenge on a dastardly ex fiancé was perfect.
February 12, 2026
This story is awesome!! I want to live on this magical island and be a bibliomancy witch. All of Kinley's magical friends are amazing and funny and they each have different magical skills. But her familiar Twilight is a hoot and I laughed, but enjoyed her vicious thoughts. The magical detective, Ryland is really cool and I want a dragon like his. I cannot wait to read the next story and other stories in this series. It's just too bad there have to be mean and nasty people in the magical world.
May 22, 2025
What a wild ride from the opening explosion (literally) of pent up magic to being (literally) transported from a travesty of a relationship to a world with so much potential and belonging to the story hook (not a cliffhanger!) with the very last scene.
I really enjoyed the world building and the friendships and the familiars and (squee!) a sentient bookstore!!!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
I really enjoyed the world building and the friendships and the familiars and (squee!) a sentient bookstore!!!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
June 10, 2025
Engaging, funny, and brilliant worldbuilding - what a delightful book! I love the story and the characters, especially the familiars (Twilight and Midnight are simply adorable), and my favourite part of the book is when Kinley bonds with Page. Absolutely captivating, I cannot wait to see where this series leads us!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
June 12, 2025
When the groom cancels the wedding at the last moment, the bride-to-be starts a magical explosion. What a fun book! Quirky characters that will make you smile and laugh, an introduction into magic that is just magical and a storyline that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. A fantastic book to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
June 20, 2025
A wonderful start to a magical new series!
After a dramatic beginning, this book takes us on an adventure to a hidden community of magic full of wonderful characters. It's so fun and satisfying to see Kinley find her feet, and such a blast meeting her new friends! I love the imagination and creativity that went in to crafting this world. It's such an inspiring and supportive place to spend some time. <3
I'm already looking forward to the next installment! :D
After a dramatic beginning, this book takes us on an adventure to a hidden community of magic full of wonderful characters. It's so fun and satisfying to see Kinley find her feet, and such a blast meeting her new friends! I love the imagination and creativity that went in to crafting this world. It's such an inspiring and supportive place to spend some time. <3
I'm already looking forward to the next installment! :D
August 30, 2025
Excellent story by an amazing author
This is an intriguing take on a favourite trope of a character finding out that she isn't an orphan and has magic.
I loved the word pictures of Sea Sprite Island and all the themed business's. The best part though is the magic of "bibliomancy", how amazing and exactly what any dedicated reader would need.
I can't wait to see the next installment.
This is an intriguing take on a favourite trope of a character finding out that she isn't an orphan and has magic.
I loved the word pictures of Sea Sprite Island and all the themed business's. The best part though is the magic of "bibliomancy", how amazing and exactly what any dedicated reader would need.
I can't wait to see the next installment.
January 3, 2026
This is a fun paranormal book to read! It has great characters that are quirky and funny. The familiars are adorable!
The book starts right off with a bang and keeps you entertained throughout the book. it keeps you guessing who the murder is and why with all the twists and turns until the very end of the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal cozy mysteries. I can't wait for the second book to be released!
The book starts right off with a bang and keeps you entertained throughout the book. it keeps you guessing who the murder is and why with all the twists and turns until the very end of the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal cozy mysteries. I can't wait for the second book to be released!
May 26, 2025
I think I have found a new series to read! This is going to be a great series if every book is as good as the first one. I love all the characters but Page is my favorite. Nothing better than great characters and a murder to solve. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2025
What the Spell? is a fantastic paranormal cozy mystery. Right from the beginning, it is fun and engaging. It is impossible to put down. This is a wonderful new series. I love the magical town and the quirky characters. The mystery is complex and has many twists and surprises. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
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