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Spelled in Ink
A Dark Witch. An Art Thief. And An Invisible Killer.
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is running scared.
To get help, Cyn must sell her services to DAFT, a top-shelf supernatural society.
The mission is tricky—find Leonardo da Vinci’s missing formula to protect the witches’ fading psychic powers from modern hi-tech. The last thing she needs is more trouble.
Trouble is what she gets.
Mysterious ongoings at the maestro’s final residence in France throw Cyn’s assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise.
Now Cyn and her new criminal sidekick Dan must solve the puzzle and flush out an invisible foe, who might or might not be an undead Da Vinci.
Of course, the killer strikes again.
And misses.
Given their clashing characters, backgrounds, and a slow-burn romance sparking between them, Cyn and Dan are a team forged in hell. But, hey, a little creative chaos can work wonders...
“Spelled in Ink”, the first book in this suspenseful series of paranormal cozy murder mystery and fantasy novels, will keep you laughing—and guessing—right to the very end. If you like witty and strong female characters as written by Janet Evanovich, Kristen Painter, Helen Harper, and Colleen Helme, this short and fast-paced novel will have you rooting for team Cyn and Dan.
And now go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out why it’s never a good idea to mess with watersprites!
PRAISE for "Spelled in Ink"
"Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it." (Kiki G., Netgalley Reviewer)
"What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide? Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic ..." (Amazon customer)
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is running scared.
To get help, Cyn must sell her services to DAFT, a top-shelf supernatural society.
The mission is tricky—find Leonardo da Vinci’s missing formula to protect the witches’ fading psychic powers from modern hi-tech. The last thing she needs is more trouble.
Trouble is what she gets.
Mysterious ongoings at the maestro’s final residence in France throw Cyn’s assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise.
Now Cyn and her new criminal sidekick Dan must solve the puzzle and flush out an invisible foe, who might or might not be an undead Da Vinci.
Of course, the killer strikes again.
And misses.
Given their clashing characters, backgrounds, and a slow-burn romance sparking between them, Cyn and Dan are a team forged in hell. But, hey, a little creative chaos can work wonders...
“Spelled in Ink”, the first book in this suspenseful series of paranormal cozy murder mystery and fantasy novels, will keep you laughing—and guessing—right to the very end. If you like witty and strong female characters as written by Janet Evanovich, Kristen Painter, Helen Harper, and Colleen Helme, this short and fast-paced novel will have you rooting for team Cyn and Dan.
And now go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out why it’s never a good idea to mess with watersprites!
PRAISE for "Spelled in Ink"
"Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it." (Kiki G., Netgalley Reviewer)
"What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide? Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic ..." (Amazon customer)
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2025
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Lina Hansen
7 books68 followersLINA HANSEN has been a freelance travel journalist, teacher, bellydancer, postal clerk and science communication specialist stranded in the space sector. Numbed by factoid technical texts, she set out to write the stories she loves to read— cozy and romantic mysteries with a dollop of humour and a magical twist. After living and working in the UK, Lina, her husband, and their feline companion now share a home in the foothills of Castle Frankenstein.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 21, 2025
I was intrigued by this book, both by the description and the title of the book. And it definitely gave the same energy as both.
Cyn is an amazing character and I loved how her Indian and British nature came together. I would argue whether she is really witty, but she is likely much more powerful than we have seen in this first book. Dan is giving boy next door vibes in the best way possible. He is kind and he takes care of our girl Cyn when she needs it. Their dynamic was fun and lighthearted but also vulnerable, and their banter really added to the story.
Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it. I also think that the magic system in this and how the white and dark magic differs is really interesting, unlike anything I have read before. I think this is a great start of the story and I am curious to see what the sequel brings!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the eARC of this story :)
Cyn is an amazing character and I loved how her Indian and British nature came together. I would argue whether she is really witty, but she is likely much more powerful than we have seen in this first book. Dan is giving boy next door vibes in the best way possible. He is kind and he takes care of our girl Cyn when she needs it. Their dynamic was fun and lighthearted but also vulnerable, and their banter really added to the story.
Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it. I also think that the magic system in this and how the white and dark magic differs is really interesting, unlike anything I have read before. I think this is a great start of the story and I am curious to see what the sequel brings!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the eARC of this story :)
September 12, 2025
I enjoyed this pacy paranormal heist, featuring cursed dark Witch Cyn, and her not-entirely-willing criminal sidekick Dan, as they track down original magical Leonardo da Vinci documents.
The blurb reference to Kristen Painter's books is a good one; it's definitely got some of that vibe, but also is its own thing. Cyn has depth as a character and a backstory to be filled out in future books. I'm a bit more tepid about Dan; he doesn't put his best foot forward to start with. It's understandable based on his own backstory, but still, he hasn't initially endeared himself to me (or Cyn, some of the time) so it'll be interesting to see him work through that.
It closes in a reasonable place, always a bit tricky with these short snappy series-books ... but I felt it set up the next book without feeling cliffhangery. Keen to see where the story goes next!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
The blurb reference to Kristen Painter's books is a good one; it's definitely got some of that vibe, but also is its own thing. Cyn has depth as a character and a backstory to be filled out in future books. I'm a bit more tepid about Dan; he doesn't put his best foot forward to start with. It's understandable based on his own backstory, but still, he hasn't initially endeared himself to me (or Cyn, some of the time) so it'll be interesting to see him work through that.
It closes in a reasonable place, always a bit tricky with these short snappy series-books ... but I felt it set up the next book without feeling cliffhangery. Keen to see where the story goes next!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
September 15, 2025
I always go on the alert when a book's blurb or, in this case, subtitle goes out of its way to emphasize how funny it is. It's like a second-hand car salesman calling himself "Honest John." And I was right to be cautious in this case; for me, at least, it never got beyond "very mildly amusing," and was never within a thousand miles of "hilarious," nor was the female amateur sleuth notably witty. But maybe I missed something.
Paranormal it is. Cozy... maybe? Someone enjoys a cup of tea at one point, I think. Fantasy, definitely; this is an alternate version of our world in which magic is not only real but publicly known about, though not much trusted, and (in some ill-defined way) starting to wane under the influence of technology. It appears that people who are called "mages," but described at one point as "magically challenged" (so in what sense are they "mages"?), are working to accelerate this shift, and that Leonardo da Vinci was - and perhaps still is - one of them. The worldbuilding is not well defined, and its relationship to the plot is more to provide convenience when needed than to drive events.
The plot itself is unexceptional, and I found the characters bland and generic. Particularly early on, there's a lot of dialog that is maybe supposed to be banter, but because it's so copious, it sucks any tension out of the supposedly urgent situation. The mystery plot is not particularly a focus, and it gets resolved relatively easily, though in a way that leaves a big "why?" to be, presumably, discovered in future books. There are hints that there will be a slow-burn romance between the magic-using first-person narrator and the magic-distrusting academic/burglar, but very little advancement occurs in that subplot in this first book.
All in all, it didn't do much for me, and I was surprised to see the author's extensive list of awards for her other writing at the back of the book. It's mostly decently edited, at least, though with some vocabulary and tense issues (mostly missing past perfect, but some present tense that should be past). I will mention these to the publisher, and they may be fixed by publication.
I received a pre-publication copy via Netgalley for review.
Paranormal it is. Cozy... maybe? Someone enjoys a cup of tea at one point, I think. Fantasy, definitely; this is an alternate version of our world in which magic is not only real but publicly known about, though not much trusted, and (in some ill-defined way) starting to wane under the influence of technology. It appears that people who are called "mages," but described at one point as "magically challenged" (so in what sense are they "mages"?), are working to accelerate this shift, and that Leonardo da Vinci was - and perhaps still is - one of them. The worldbuilding is not well defined, and its relationship to the plot is more to provide convenience when needed than to drive events.
The plot itself is unexceptional, and I found the characters bland and generic. Particularly early on, there's a lot of dialog that is maybe supposed to be banter, but because it's so copious, it sucks any tension out of the supposedly urgent situation. The mystery plot is not particularly a focus, and it gets resolved relatively easily, though in a way that leaves a big "why?" to be, presumably, discovered in future books. There are hints that there will be a slow-burn romance between the magic-using first-person narrator and the magic-distrusting academic/burglar, but very little advancement occurs in that subplot in this first book.
All in all, it didn't do much for me, and I was surprised to see the author's extensive list of awards for her other writing at the back of the book. It's mostly decently edited, at least, though with some vocabulary and tense issues (mostly missing past perfect, but some present tense that should be past). I will mention these to the publisher, and they may be fixed by publication.
I received a pre-publication copy via Netgalley for review.
September 22, 2025
Release: Oct 11, 2025
Author: Lina Hansen
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Rating: 3.75★
Cyn, a dark witch under the shadow of a deadly curse from the goddess Kali, is on the run and desperate for help. Her only option is to work for DAFT, a powerful supernatural organization, taking on a dangerous mission: recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost formula to protect witches’ fading psychic powers from modern technology.
Things quickly go sideways. At Da Vinci’s final residence in France, Cyn stumbles into murder, a magic-hating art thief named Dan, and an unexpected pet tortoise. Together, Cyn and Dan must track down an invisible killer—who may or may not be an undead Da Vinci—while navigating their clashing personalities and a slow-burning attraction.
Packed with mystery, humor, and chaos, Spelled in Ink launches a paranormal cozy murder series that blends wit, suspense, and fantasy, introducing a team you’ll be rooting for from the very first page.
Spelled in Ink is a quick, fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery that blends magic, heists, and a hint of romance. The story follows Cyn, a dark witch under a dangerous curse, and Dan, a reluctant art thief, as they attempt to recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost magical formula. The book has a contemporary, slightly humorous tone, though the comedy felt more mild than laugh-out-loud for me.
Cyn is an engaging protagonist with room to grow across the series, while Dan’s character starts off a bit gruff and unpolished, but the slow-burn chemistry between them shows promise. The plot moves swiftly, though the mystery itself is fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling for future installments.
The worldbuilding is intriguing—magic is fading under modern technology, and mages are active players in that change—but it feels more convenient than fully fleshed out. Overall, this first book sets up an entertaining series with a mix of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and character-driven drama. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid start for readers who enjoy lighthearted paranormal mysteries with a touch of adventure.
Author: Lina Hansen
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Rating: 3.75★
Cyn, a dark witch under the shadow of a deadly curse from the goddess Kali, is on the run and desperate for help. Her only option is to work for DAFT, a powerful supernatural organization, taking on a dangerous mission: recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost formula to protect witches’ fading psychic powers from modern technology.
Things quickly go sideways. At Da Vinci’s final residence in France, Cyn stumbles into murder, a magic-hating art thief named Dan, and an unexpected pet tortoise. Together, Cyn and Dan must track down an invisible killer—who may or may not be an undead Da Vinci—while navigating their clashing personalities and a slow-burning attraction.
Packed with mystery, humor, and chaos, Spelled in Ink launches a paranormal cozy murder series that blends wit, suspense, and fantasy, introducing a team you’ll be rooting for from the very first page.
Spelled in Ink is a quick, fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery that blends magic, heists, and a hint of romance. The story follows Cyn, a dark witch under a dangerous curse, and Dan, a reluctant art thief, as they attempt to recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost magical formula. The book has a contemporary, slightly humorous tone, though the comedy felt more mild than laugh-out-loud for me.
Cyn is an engaging protagonist with room to grow across the series, while Dan’s character starts off a bit gruff and unpolished, but the slow-burn chemistry between them shows promise. The plot moves swiftly, though the mystery itself is fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling for future installments.
The worldbuilding is intriguing—magic is fading under modern technology, and mages are active players in that change—but it feels more convenient than fully fleshed out. Overall, this first book sets up an entertaining series with a mix of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and character-driven drama. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid start for readers who enjoy lighthearted paranormal mysteries with a touch of adventure.
September 26, 2025
Lina Hansen has conjured up something deliciously twisted in "Spelled in Ink"—a world where magic is getting ghosted by smartphones and someone's getting literally ghosted by murder. It's like watching your grandmother's crystal ball get defeated by Google Maps, except with more corpses and considerably better character development.
Cyn is the kind of protagonist you want as your best friend: complex, engaging, and with enough mysterious backstory to keep therapists in business for years. She's got layers like a perfectly crafted croissant, and I'm here for every flaky bit of character development Hansen plans to unfold in future books.
Then there's Dan. Oh, Dan. He starts off with all the charm of a wet sock in a designer shoe—understandably gruff given his own baggage, but still making terrible first impressions left and right. Even Cyn seems unsure whether to hex him or help him half the time. But here's the thing: his rough edges hint at a slow-burn character arc that could be absolutely magical (pun absolutely intended). It's like watching someone try to parallel park a cursed vehicle—painful at first, but you can't look away because you know it's going to get better.
The mystery itself moves faster than a mage trying to cast spells before their phone updates to iOS 47. Sure, it's fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling like unfinished incantations, but that's clearly an intentional setup for the series. The real magic (again, intended) is in Hansen's world-building: a reality where technology is systematically murdering magic, and mages are actively participating in their own mystical extinction. It's both clever and slightly heartbreaking, like watching someone sell their last unicorn to buy a Tesla.
Hansen pulls off that tricky series-starter balancing act—giving us closure without cliffhanger manipulation. The book ends like a good first date: satisfied but definitely wanting more, with just enough intrigue to ensure you'll answer when the next book calls.
Cyn is the kind of protagonist you want as your best friend: complex, engaging, and with enough mysterious backstory to keep therapists in business for years. She's got layers like a perfectly crafted croissant, and I'm here for every flaky bit of character development Hansen plans to unfold in future books.
Then there's Dan. Oh, Dan. He starts off with all the charm of a wet sock in a designer shoe—understandably gruff given his own baggage, but still making terrible first impressions left and right. Even Cyn seems unsure whether to hex him or help him half the time. But here's the thing: his rough edges hint at a slow-burn character arc that could be absolutely magical (pun absolutely intended). It's like watching someone try to parallel park a cursed vehicle—painful at first, but you can't look away because you know it's going to get better.
The mystery itself moves faster than a mage trying to cast spells before their phone updates to iOS 47. Sure, it's fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling like unfinished incantations, but that's clearly an intentional setup for the series. The real magic (again, intended) is in Hansen's world-building: a reality where technology is systematically murdering magic, and mages are actively participating in their own mystical extinction. It's both clever and slightly heartbreaking, like watching someone sell their last unicorn to buy a Tesla.
Hansen pulls off that tricky series-starter balancing act—giving us closure without cliffhanger manipulation. The book ends like a good first date: satisfied but definitely wanting more, with just enough intrigue to ensure you'll answer when the next book calls.
September 26, 2025
Ha, what a fun book! A solid 3-3.5 stars!
I was initially drawn in by the title, because with a title like that, you kind of have to investigate and find out what the book is all about.
The magical system was quite interesting to me. Magic practicers are at odds with modern tech because the frequencies of electrical waves harm or counteract the efficacy of magic (I did have a slight issue with this later down the line because they called Kevlar "hi-tech" when it is literally just carbon fiber and plastic lol). The plot moves very quickly, so I was never bored when I picked up to start reading again. We follow the main character, Cyn, who's working for a shady magic org on a heist to uncover Da Vinci's lost knowledge on a manuscript that will allow magic practicers to work alongside tech. There's a whole cast of interesting characters--I was a big fan of Brenda for her style choices alone lol.
I don't know if I've ever read a heist book before, but this was a fun introduction to the concept that didn't take itself too seriously. We get left on a cliffhanger that makes me wanted to read the next book in the series too!!
There were a few quirks that annoyed me--the constant use of the word "maggots" blegh. And the way Dan (the main man character who also gets wrapped up in the heist and magic world despite not being a fan of magic at all) kept calling Cyn "woman," instead of by her name which felt like a weird choice because he really seems like a chill guy.
Overall, a lot of fun!!
The review is possible because of the ARC generously provided by NetGalley--thank youuuu!
I was initially drawn in by the title, because with a title like that, you kind of have to investigate and find out what the book is all about.
The magical system was quite interesting to me. Magic practicers are at odds with modern tech because the frequencies of electrical waves harm or counteract the efficacy of magic (I did have a slight issue with this later down the line because they called Kevlar "hi-tech" when it is literally just carbon fiber and plastic lol). The plot moves very quickly, so I was never bored when I picked up to start reading again. We follow the main character, Cyn, who's working for a shady magic org on a heist to uncover Da Vinci's lost knowledge on a manuscript that will allow magic practicers to work alongside tech. There's a whole cast of interesting characters--I was a big fan of Brenda for her style choices alone lol.
I don't know if I've ever read a heist book before, but this was a fun introduction to the concept that didn't take itself too seriously. We get left on a cliffhanger that makes me wanted to read the next book in the series too!!
There were a few quirks that annoyed me--the constant use of the word "maggots" blegh. And the way Dan (the main man character who also gets wrapped up in the heist and magic world despite not being a fan of magic at all) kept calling Cyn "woman," instead of by her name which felt like a weird choice because he really seems like a chill guy.
Overall, a lot of fun!!
The review is possible because of the ARC generously provided by NetGalley--thank youuuu!
October 23, 2025
In a world "saturated with electric energy, microwaves, and nanoparticles", magic (otherwise known as the "gift") is being poisoned by technology, and high-level practitioners are becoming a dying breed.
What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide?
Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic meeting up with an American expert on the Renaissance who also happens to be a burglar while both are scoping out Da Vinci's old workshop in the Château du Clos Lucé.
What follows are Cynthia and Dan becoming caught in the political machinations of two rival, yet reluctantly cooperating, magic societies. Cyn and Dan are made to work together to find a piece of the treatise manuscript that would set the magical societies ahead of the mages.
The stakes are high --to prevent technology from wiping out magic altogether.
There's lots going on for readers, who will also be enchanted when the author's background as a travel writer shines through with in depth, vivid descriptions of French landscapes, its people, and the delights of French cuisine.
Throw in a grumpy face-projecting magical recluse, a voodoo queen, a dead body and a tortoise, oh, and water sprites.
The novella ends with an exciting revelation which left me eager to read what comes next!
What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide?
Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic meeting up with an American expert on the Renaissance who also happens to be a burglar while both are scoping out Da Vinci's old workshop in the Château du Clos Lucé.
What follows are Cynthia and Dan becoming caught in the political machinations of two rival, yet reluctantly cooperating, magic societies. Cyn and Dan are made to work together to find a piece of the treatise manuscript that would set the magical societies ahead of the mages.
The stakes are high --to prevent technology from wiping out magic altogether.
There's lots going on for readers, who will also be enchanted when the author's background as a travel writer shines through with in depth, vivid descriptions of French landscapes, its people, and the delights of French cuisine.
Throw in a grumpy face-projecting magical recluse, a voodoo queen, a dead body and a tortoise, oh, and water sprites.
The novella ends with an exciting revelation which left me eager to read what comes next!
September 24, 2025
Have you ever read a book where you almost immediately weren’t sure you were going to like the main character? Unfortunately, this happened with this book. We are immediately dropped into the action in this series opener, where Cyn is supposed to…ahem…free a relic, but things definitely don’t go as planned. Even though I don’t really like Cyn at times, I still enjoyed this book. I was confused in a couple of places, but that also worked itself out. This is a fast-paced, non-stop action, cozy read, and it is engaging. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 28, 2025
This story had some lovely elements to it that I enjoyed. I particularly was a big fan of the water sprites and actually liked that entire chapter the most and wished it had more like it throughout the book.
At the beginning of the book for the first few chapters I had an incredibly hard time with the pacing, it felt slow and it was dragging quite a bit. I wasn't fully engaged or connecting with the characters.
As the story went on I did start to connect with the characters at maybe 100 pages in but I feel it should have happened earlier in the book.
I felt like the murder mystery ending/wrap up was disappointing. It's not my favourite thing when the mystery didn't have anything to do with any of the featured characters or plot in my opinion.
I did really enjoy the banter between Cyn and Dan as well as the sleuthing. I liked the magical elements of the story the most.
I feel as though this book would be best suited for a younger audience. Perhaps YA readers would enjoy this one who are new to the murder mystery genre.
I am sad to say this didn't hit the mark for me as much as I liked. But I can see a lot of potential in future books. I would be happy to try another book by this author.
At the beginning of the book for the first few chapters I had an incredibly hard time with the pacing, it felt slow and it was dragging quite a bit. I wasn't fully engaged or connecting with the characters.
As the story went on I did start to connect with the characters at maybe 100 pages in but I feel it should have happened earlier in the book.
I felt like the murder mystery ending/wrap up was disappointing. It's not my favourite thing when the mystery didn't have anything to do with any of the featured characters or plot in my opinion.
I did really enjoy the banter between Cyn and Dan as well as the sleuthing. I liked the magical elements of the story the most.
I feel as though this book would be best suited for a younger audience. Perhaps YA readers would enjoy this one who are new to the murder mystery genre.
I am sad to say this didn't hit the mark for me as much as I liked. But I can see a lot of potential in future books. I would be happy to try another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
📚Spelled in Ink: A hilarious paranormal cozy mystery and fantasy featuring a witty female amateur sleuth
✍🏻Lina Hansen
Blurb:
A Dark Witch. An Art Thief. And An Invisible Killer.
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is running scared.
To get help, Cyn must sell her services to DAFT, a top-shelf supernatural society.
The mission is tricky—find Leonardo da Vinci’s missing formula to protect the witches’ fading psychic powers from modern hi-tech. The last thing she needs is more trouble.
Trouble is what she gets.
Mysterious ongoings at the maestro’s final residence in France throw Cyn’s assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise.
Now Cyn and her new criminal sidekick Dan must solve the puzzle and flush out an invisible foe, who might or might not be an undead Da Vinci.
Of course, the killer strikes again.
And misses.
Given their clashing characters, backgrounds, and a slow-burn romance sparking between them, Cyn and Dan are a team forged in hell. But, hey, a little creative chaos can work wonders...
“Spelled in Ink”, the first book in this suspenseful series of paranormal cozy murder mystery and fantasy novels, will keep you laughing—and guessing—right to the very end. If you like witty and strong female characters as written by Janet Evanovich, Kristen Painter, Helen Harper, and Colleen Helme, this short and fast-paced novel will have you rooting for team Cyn and Dan.
And now go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out why it’s never a good idea to mess with watersprites!
PRAISE for "Spelled in Ink"
"Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it." (Kiki G., Netgalley Reviewer)
"What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide? Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic ..." (Amazon customer)
My Thoughts:
Cyn, a dark witch under the shadow of a deadly curse from the goddess Kali, is on the run and desperate for help. Her only option is to work for DAFT, a powerful supernatural organization, taking on a dangerous mission: recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost formula to protect witches’ fading psychic powers from modern technology.
Things quickly go sideways. At Da Vinci’s final residence in France, Cyn stumbles into murder, a magic-hating art thief named Dan, and an unexpected pet tortoise. Together, Cyn and Dan must track down an invisible killer—who may or may not be an undead Da Vinci—while navigating their clashing personalities and a slow-burning attraction.
Packed with mystery, humor, and chaos, Spelled in Ink launches a paranormal cozy murder series that blends wit, suspense, and fantasy, introducing a team you’ll be rooting for from the very first page.
Spelled in Ink is a quick, fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery that blends magic, heists, and a hint of romance. The story follows Cyn, a dark witch under a dangerous curse, and Dan, a reluctant art thief, as they attempt to recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost magical formula. The book has a contemporary, slightly humorous tone, though the comedy felt more mild than laugh-out-loud for me.
Cyn is an engaging protagonist with room to grow across the series, while Dan’s character starts off a bit gruff and unpolished, but the slow-burn chemistry between them shows promise. The plot moves swiftly, though the mystery itself is fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling for future installments.
Thanks NetGalley, Lina Hansen Publishing and Author Lina Hansen for the advanced copy of "Spelled in Ink" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LinaHansenPublishing
#LinaHansen
#SpelledinInk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Lina Hansen
Blurb:
A Dark Witch. An Art Thief. And An Invisible Killer.
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is running scared.
To get help, Cyn must sell her services to DAFT, a top-shelf supernatural society.
The mission is tricky—find Leonardo da Vinci’s missing formula to protect the witches’ fading psychic powers from modern hi-tech. The last thing she needs is more trouble.
Trouble is what she gets.
Mysterious ongoings at the maestro’s final residence in France throw Cyn’s assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise.
Now Cyn and her new criminal sidekick Dan must solve the puzzle and flush out an invisible foe, who might or might not be an undead Da Vinci.
Of course, the killer strikes again.
And misses.
Given their clashing characters, backgrounds, and a slow-burn romance sparking between them, Cyn and Dan are a team forged in hell. But, hey, a little creative chaos can work wonders...
“Spelled in Ink”, the first book in this suspenseful series of paranormal cozy murder mystery and fantasy novels, will keep you laughing—and guessing—right to the very end. If you like witty and strong female characters as written by Janet Evanovich, Kristen Painter, Helen Harper, and Colleen Helme, this short and fast-paced novel will have you rooting for team Cyn and Dan.
And now go up and click Read Now or Buy Now to find out why it’s never a good idea to mess with watersprites!
PRAISE for "Spelled in Ink"
"Leonardo Da Vinci's last residence in France as the backdrop of the story gave an interestingly cultural twist to the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of it." (Kiki G., Netgalley Reviewer)
"What if Leonardo Da Vinci had been an unusually gifted mage who'd known how to achieve balance between magic and technology? And what if he'd taken his treatise on the subject and cut up into pieces to then hide? Enter high heel-loving Welsh/Indian witch with her pocket plushy dragon and an allergy to magic ..." (Amazon customer)
My Thoughts:
Cyn, a dark witch under the shadow of a deadly curse from the goddess Kali, is on the run and desperate for help. Her only option is to work for DAFT, a powerful supernatural organization, taking on a dangerous mission: recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost formula to protect witches’ fading psychic powers from modern technology.
Things quickly go sideways. At Da Vinci’s final residence in France, Cyn stumbles into murder, a magic-hating art thief named Dan, and an unexpected pet tortoise. Together, Cyn and Dan must track down an invisible killer—who may or may not be an undead Da Vinci—while navigating their clashing personalities and a slow-burning attraction.
Packed with mystery, humor, and chaos, Spelled in Ink launches a paranormal cozy murder series that blends wit, suspense, and fantasy, introducing a team you’ll be rooting for from the very first page.
Spelled in Ink is a quick, fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery that blends magic, heists, and a hint of romance. The story follows Cyn, a dark witch under a dangerous curse, and Dan, a reluctant art thief, as they attempt to recover Leonardo da Vinci’s lost magical formula. The book has a contemporary, slightly humorous tone, though the comedy felt more mild than laugh-out-loud for me.
Cyn is an engaging protagonist with room to grow across the series, while Dan’s character starts off a bit gruff and unpolished, but the slow-burn chemistry between them shows promise. The plot moves swiftly, though the mystery itself is fairly straightforward and leaves some questions dangling for future installments.
Thanks NetGalley, Lina Hansen Publishing and Author Lina Hansen for the advanced copy of "Spelled in Ink" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LinaHansenPublishing
#LinaHansen
#SpelledinInk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 19, 2025
Spelled in Ink, by Lina Hansen, opens with a sharp, funny mix of magic, murder, and museum burglary. Cyn, a snarky and reluctantly gifted mage, is sneaking through Leonardo da Vinci’s old haunts when her job goes sideways. Cue spells, secret societies, and a charming thief. What starts as a supernatural heist at Château du Clos Lucé spirals into a mystery full of curses, dead bodies, and a centuries-old manuscript. It’s witty, fast, and delightfully chaotic.
Cyn’s voice hooked me from page one. From the moment she’s telepathically arguing with her boss while hiding in a bush, it’s clear she’s both capable and a total mess. She’s smart but allergic to her own magic, sarcastic to a fault, and impossible not to root for. When she mutters, “Maggots, what am I supposed to do?” over a corpse and a runaway tortoise, it’s equal parts absurd and oddly tender, a perfect snapshot of the book’s tone.
Hansen’s writing crackles with energy. Dialogue snaps, world-building slides in seamlessly, and every scene feels alive. The humor lands without derailing the tension; when explosions go off in Da Vinci’s bedroom or whispers rise from behind locked doors, the suspense feels earned. The blend of sharp wit and eerie atmosphere gives the book a rhythm that’s hard to put down.
The world itself feels fresh yet grounded. Magic here isn’t lofty; it’s messy, inconvenient, and often treated like an irritating chore. Cyn’s exasperated take on spellcasting (“Decades of toothache, more likely”) adds a human touch that makes the supernatural elements believable.
Between rival factions, magical science jargon, and Cyn’s chemistry with Dan the burglar, it can be hard to track every thread. But the chaos mostly works in its favor; it feels intentional, like watching a magician perform too fast for comfort but with total confidence. Cyn and Dan’s banter especially grounds the story; when he calls her “Cinderella in jeans,” it’s cheesy but endearing.
Spelled in Ink hits the sweet spot between mystery, fantasy, and comedy. It’s clever, brisk, and charmingly offbeat. Fans of Ben Aaronovitch or Seanan McGuire will love it. If you prefer your heroines scrappy and your magic delightfully unglamorous, this one’s a gem.
Cyn’s voice hooked me from page one. From the moment she’s telepathically arguing with her boss while hiding in a bush, it’s clear she’s both capable and a total mess. She’s smart but allergic to her own magic, sarcastic to a fault, and impossible not to root for. When she mutters, “Maggots, what am I supposed to do?” over a corpse and a runaway tortoise, it’s equal parts absurd and oddly tender, a perfect snapshot of the book’s tone.
Hansen’s writing crackles with energy. Dialogue snaps, world-building slides in seamlessly, and every scene feels alive. The humor lands without derailing the tension; when explosions go off in Da Vinci’s bedroom or whispers rise from behind locked doors, the suspense feels earned. The blend of sharp wit and eerie atmosphere gives the book a rhythm that’s hard to put down.
The world itself feels fresh yet grounded. Magic here isn’t lofty; it’s messy, inconvenient, and often treated like an irritating chore. Cyn’s exasperated take on spellcasting (“Decades of toothache, more likely”) adds a human touch that makes the supernatural elements believable.
Between rival factions, magical science jargon, and Cyn’s chemistry with Dan the burglar, it can be hard to track every thread. But the chaos mostly works in its favor; it feels intentional, like watching a magician perform too fast for comfort but with total confidence. Cyn and Dan’s banter especially grounds the story; when he calls her “Cinderella in jeans,” it’s cheesy but endearing.
Spelled in Ink hits the sweet spot between mystery, fantasy, and comedy. It’s clever, brisk, and charmingly offbeat. Fans of Ben Aaronovitch or Seanan McGuire will love it. If you prefer your heroines scrappy and your magic delightfully unglamorous, this one’s a gem.
November 12, 2025
With the goddess Kali’s death curse hanging over her head, dark witch Cyn is scare. She is a snarky and gifted mage. She sells her services to DAFT. Cyn is sneaking through Leonardo da Vinci’s old haunts when her job goes wrong. The job starts as a supernatural heist at Château du Clos Lucé but mysterious happenings at the maestro’s final residence in France throws her assignment off track, leaving her with a murdered man, Dan the magic-hating art thief—and a pet tortoise. Her job spirals into a mystery full of curses, dead bodies, and a centuries-old manuscript. It’s witty, fast, and delightfully chaotic. Wil she be able to solve the mystery? Will she get rid of her curse?
The author has written a novel that is mystery, fantasy, and comedy. It’s clever, brisk, and offbeat. I loved the character of Cyn with her snarky attitude. If you prefer your heroines scrappy and your magic unglamorous, this one’s perfect! This first novel in this series of paranormal murder mystery and fantasy kept me laughing and guessing. It’s definitely a series I will continue to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written a novel that is mystery, fantasy, and comedy. It’s clever, brisk, and offbeat. I loved the character of Cyn with her snarky attitude. If you prefer your heroines scrappy and your magic unglamorous, this one’s perfect! This first novel in this series of paranormal murder mystery and fantasy kept me laughing and guessing. It’s definitely a series I will continue to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
December 11, 2025
Spelled in ink is a paranormal heist mystery set in an alternate version of our world where people openly acknowledge and believe in mages, sorcery, and magic. The mystery is mild and not the major focus of this novella although it ended with an interesting revelation that builds expectation for the next book in the series. This book almost felt like an introductory chapter: we get a glimpse of everything....just enough to get familiar...but not actually telling us much. The fantasy world wasn't well defined and the mood appears casual rather than intense or serious. I can't say I didn't like the book...but I felt this had the potential to make a much bigger impression if it had been told better. However, it was fun and does have a lot going for it. And there's definitely a lot of potential for the story to get more exciting in the subsequent books.
I thank the publishers and netgalley for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thank the publishers and netgalley for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
I found Spelled in Ink to be whimsical and fun read. The quirky tone and adventure with the characters made it easy to get swept up in the story, and I really enjoyed how lighthearted it was compared to some of the deeper, more thought provoking books I’ve been reading these days.
That said, it definitely read on the younger side of YA—so if you’re looking for something deeply complex, this might not be it. But for me, that worked in its favor. It was fast-paced and a perfect palate cleanser between heavier, more intense reads.
Overall, this was a fun and magical escape. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys light YA adventures with a quirky, weird, Halloween-ish twist- perfect for spooky season coming up.!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc for my honest review!
That said, it definitely read on the younger side of YA—so if you’re looking for something deeply complex, this might not be it. But for me, that worked in its favor. It was fast-paced and a perfect palate cleanser between heavier, more intense reads.
Overall, this was a fun and magical escape. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys light YA adventures with a quirky, weird, Halloween-ish twist- perfect for spooky season coming up.!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc for my honest review!
October 2, 2025
Very mixed opinion on this! It was such a unique plot line, so outrageously strange & random that you can’t not be amused, but if you asked me to explain the book, I’d struggle 😂 the murder mystery aspect combined with cozy(?) fantasy was interesting, but the mystery conclusion was beyond ridiculous, but you can’t help but find amusing. I loved the characters in it & the relationships & banter and at times you’re reading & well into the story feeling like you’re living it, then the next I had no absolutely idea what was going on. Constantly felt like I’d skipped pages or missed something! I LOVED the water sprites, I could have read a full book from their POV! It is definitely a unique read & perfect for a simple autumn read, love a witchy magic vibe. But sadly didn’t quite hit like I wanted it too!
October 4, 2025
Thank you netgally for providing me with an eARC of this book.
Cyn has a Job to do and it was going so well, until she stumbled upon a dead body.
With a fun cast of witches and humans teaming up to find artifacts left by Leonardo da Vinci, this paranormal romp is cute but not always enjoyable.
I am giving this book two stars because, although I found myself being entertained by the story and thoroughly loved some parts. I felt there were aspects missing in the the world-building and the dialogue so much so that I was pulled out of the story on multiple occasions. I couldn't always understand how the magic in this world worked. It seemed to always work when needed and couldn’t work when that was more convenient for the plot, so I didn’t always trust what was happening.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and want something light you might enjoy this book.
Cyn has a Job to do and it was going so well, until she stumbled upon a dead body.
With a fun cast of witches and humans teaming up to find artifacts left by Leonardo da Vinci, this paranormal romp is cute but not always enjoyable.
I am giving this book two stars because, although I found myself being entertained by the story and thoroughly loved some parts. I felt there were aspects missing in the the world-building and the dialogue so much so that I was pulled out of the story on multiple occasions. I couldn't always understand how the magic in this world worked. It seemed to always work when needed and couldn’t work when that was more convenient for the plot, so I didn’t always trust what was happening.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and want something light you might enjoy this book.
December 23, 2025
Spelled in Ink is the first book in a new magical cozy mystery series. It follows a witch named Cyn and a thief names Dan. They are both after a rare DaVinci document that a lot of magical people want to get their hands on. Enter booby traps, water deities, a turtle and even a voodoo queen - there's a lot going on for a shorter book.
That was this books weakness, I needed more explanation of the magical world and more of a backstory for the characters. The reader gets thrown into the action and it can be hard to follow and hard to get invested in the characters. It almost feels like a section of a story rather than a full book. I did like the dynamic between Cyn and Dan, the humor and I think the author writes action well.
This series has potential. A fun, quick read.
That was this books weakness, I needed more explanation of the magical world and more of a backstory for the characters. The reader gets thrown into the action and it can be hard to follow and hard to get invested in the characters. It almost feels like a section of a story rather than a full book. I did like the dynamic between Cyn and Dan, the humor and I think the author writes action well.
This series has potential. A fun, quick read.
November 8, 2025
Spelled in Ink is a compact, cozy paranormal mystery that’s easy to sink into.
This was an entertaining read and I’m genuinely excited to see where the rest of the series wanders next. The cast shines, especially the side characters, whose quirks and chemistry give the story its heartbeat.
I did find myself wishing for a clearer sense of how the world and its magic actually worked. It isn’t aiming for high fantasy, but having to piece together the rules on my own tugged me out of the story now and then. A bit more grounding would have made the magic sparkle brighter.
Still, I’m officially hooked and already looking forward to book two.
This was an entertaining read and I’m genuinely excited to see where the rest of the series wanders next. The cast shines, especially the side characters, whose quirks and chemistry give the story its heartbeat.
I did find myself wishing for a clearer sense of how the world and its magic actually worked. It isn’t aiming for high fantasy, but having to piece together the rules on my own tugged me out of the story now and then. A bit more grounding would have made the magic sparkle brighter.
Still, I’m officially hooked and already looking forward to book two.
October 20, 2025
The first book on any new series is always hard. For both the author and the reader. And why I struggled a little with this one. I’d like to think it’s because I’m reading a new book by a new author. I love the promise. I love the mystery and I love The humor in it. However, it was a little halted and jerky, and I believe that future entries have room for nothing but great growth. I hope that the author will get the chance to write that next century and I look forward to reading it and giving it a chance.
October 16, 2025
What I was hoping for was a quirky, cozy mystery.
What I got was a disjointed, slightly odd story that just stopped. I wouldn’t even call it a cliffhanger. A new character was introduced and then the story stopped.
This is not a novella I would not recommend. I would like to thank Lina Hansen Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading.
What I got was a disjointed, slightly odd story that just stopped. I wouldn’t even call it a cliffhanger. A new character was introduced and then the story stopped.
This is not a novella I would not recommend. I would like to thank Lina Hansen Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading.
December 17, 2025
Spelled in Ink was an enjoyable cozy mystery, though it didn’t fully keep my attention. The middle dragged a bit and felt boring at times, but the story picked up again toward the end. I really liked Cyn and Dan, their banter was fun and easily the highlight of the book. The cozy elements were okay and fit the vibe, even if they didn’t stand out much. Overall, a decent read with some charming moments.
Thank you Netgalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
2.5 rounded up.
I was interested in this from the blurb, but unfortunately I could just not get in to it.
I was confused about the world and the magic system as there was so much going on.
The poor tortoise was my favourite.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
I was interested in this from the blurb, but unfortunately I could just not get in to it.
I was confused about the world and the magic system as there was so much going on.
The poor tortoise was my favourite.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
December 23, 2025
A funny paranormal mystery which had an engaging plot, unique and likeable characters and a magical setting. There were parts that were a bit slow in relation to the pacing but all up it was an enjoyable read.
Thankyou to Net galley and Books Go Social for an arc of this mystery book.
Thankyou to Net galley and Books Go Social for an arc of this mystery book.
October 9, 2025
Very well written. Quite a funny story
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