Magic Diary

by Leena Maria

Magic is messy. So is midlife. Luckily, she’s good at both.

Nora’s fresh out of a failed marriage, stuck in a one-bedroom flat with nothing but a mattress on the floor, a chipped coffee mug, and a lot of unanswered questions. So naturally, a mysterious diary shows up. One that writes back.

Now she’s being recruited by a group of magical midlife women who solve supernatural mysteries, wear wine-stained cardigans like armor, and have opinions about everything—including her ex.

Before she can say “magical midlife crisis,” she’s chatting with dragons, dodging dark forces, and discovering that life after forty might just be when the magic begins.

Turns out, she might just be the last huntress of her line—armed with coffee, sarcasm, and a dragon in her handbag.

Because when life gives you lemons… hex your ex and join a magical detective agency.

If you love found family, cheeky spells, talking creatures, and heroines who are done playing nice, you’ll love Magic Diary—the first adventure in the Magical Midlife Detectives series.

Witchiness beginner.
Inner peace meh.
Chaos working on it.
Shapeshifter eye optional, but highly recommended.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2025

About the author

Leena Maria writes novels that have one thing in common: ancient Egypt. Though her studies have been academic, the books celebrate the power of imagination. History is definitely not dry in Leena’s novels!

Leena’s Egyptology studies:

Certificate in Egyptology 2012 (University of Manchester, 3 years)

Diploma in Egyptology 2014 (University of Manchester 2 years)

MA Egyptology 2019-

Shorter courses:

Warfare and Weapons in Ancient Egypt 2015 (University of Manchester)

Ancient Superpowers of the Near East 2015 (University of Liverpool)

Ancient Egypt – a History in Six Objects 2015 (University of Manchester)

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do appreciate stories of middle aged women developing magic powers but there are better examples than this book. She discovers a magic Diary (yes, really) and meets other witches. She seems completely innocent to main stay fantasy based animals and really out of the pop culture loop. Not very engaging story.

[Carlotta Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

Slow pace. Very odd worldview for someone not born before 1950. I’m trying to imagine a 40 yo woman today who would be this June Cleaver-ish and I’m drawing a blank. I’m glad the MC is beginning to realize her own power, buts just too odd to continue to the next book.

[Sheree Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

fresh concept

Wonderful new series. Descriptive text brings the characters to life and the writing perfectly draws the scene around you. Can’t wait for the next book. It will definitely be an all nighter.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Nora’s week started off bad, before it got worse, and she found herself heading for divorce, and unemployed.
With a bad marriage behind her, she is ready to stand up for herself and move on, a goal which is helped by the arrival of a magical diary, and the witches that write in it.

This is a contemporary fantasy, featuring a newly minted witch in her midlife years, and a group of older women whose magic enables them to help others.
It’s a fast paced, and slightly irreverent take on magic, with an enjoyable premise and an entertaining story.
This is for the PWF readers who enjoy magical mysteries, Greek and Egyptian mythology, and the notion that a woman in her forties can have a new beginning and still make her mark on the world.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, portions of this seemed to draw heavily from the Linzi Day series - the colored doors, the sentient house, the different "worlds". Nora's reaction to anything related to sex was way over the top. She was married for a number of years and still blushes when someone mentions sex? Also - the entire group seems to focus on Hot Guys. They hate being pigeon holed/objectified but didn't hesitate to do it themselves. The detective work/ planning was a bit weak with very little investigation or any training/prep for Nora at all. Just sort of a jump into the deep end situation. Not certain where the Asmodeus or Gorgon paths are going either. I might go for Book 2, but won't be rushing it.

[Kim Vogel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled to finish this book, which is why it got 2 stars. I couldn’t get connected to the main character due to her inability to act like an adult. She was impulsive, hormonal, illogical, and somewhat annoying. Oh, kind of like many teenagers!

The plot went from one catastrophe to the next. Usually due to a stupid move by the main character. I wanted to yell at her to smarten up on several occasions- on others, I could predict what was going to happen before it did. Hello! Think first, act second.

I also struggled with the many similarities to Linzi Day’s Gretna Green series and found myself wondering if this was meant to mirror it. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it also can be unoriginal.

I am trying to read the second book and am finding many of the same issues. Might be a DNF….

[Cyn Mittel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

This is a fun ride!!! This trend of older ladies is so refreshing, although I would hardly count 40 as midlife these days! I am 70 and I’m not as frail as some of these characters!

[Vicky · Rating 1 out of 5]

sick of this AI Poop

Wish kindle unlimited would ban AI garbage that has so obviously never been edited. This is a waste of time , had no plot and made no sense.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read of this first book in this new paranormal women's fiction series. I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and the sentient House was a really nice twist.

[Susan Warr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure for midlife

Just a fun reminder that life doesn’t end at midlife and women do have power. If you like paranormal adventures, you will love this. Great read!

[Jean O'Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough. The rules about handling "cases" seem a bit contrived, as does the diary writing. But held my attention and I'll probably get book 2.

[Cbennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a page turner!

Interesting storyline, well developed characters and fast paced. Onto book two because I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!

[Maelstrom_xo]

DNF @ 3%

[Michelle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, and different to a lot I’ve read. I would say it has a lot of potential, but I would like to see more depth to the world building and the characters moving forward, it had a feel of a novella, quite surface.

That being said, I did enjoy it and I will read book 2.