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Magic Inc. Mysteries #1

The Undercover Witch

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My mother says trouble began the day I was born, but I’d disagree. I think trouble started the day I crashed my broomstick into an undercover cop car.

My name is Ainsley Shaw, and I’m a Guardian Witch. The title sounds fancier than it is—really, I’m a glorified bodyguard for magical people. I love my job, and I’m good at it… most days.

Except today. While I was flying around town on my broomstick thinking about life, love, and the latest episode of The Bachelor, I zoned out and ran smack dab into the taillights of a speeding police cruiser. Unfortunately, the man inside was a human cop, which made explaining how I appeared from thin air in the middle of a crime scene a bit of a challenge.

Now, the police think I’m trouble—not least of all Detective Hotterson, the one responsible for denting my shiny new broomstick. Which means that if I can’t find the real bad guys before I’m put in jail, I’ll be locked away for a crime I didn’t commit.

However, when magic is involved, things are never as simple as they appear...

** ** ** **

This is a full length, humorous cozy mystery complete with magic, romance, and suspense. So grab your broomstick, hold on tight, and join Ainsley for the ride!

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

855 people are currently reading
637 people want to read

About the author

Gina LaManna

72 books1,465 followers
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

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5 stars
735 (49%)
4 stars
493 (33%)
3 stars
223 (14%)
2 stars
36 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews70 followers
January 3, 2017
If you have read Gina's Magic and Mixology series, then you already had the opportunity to meet Aisnley and if you haven't this as good of place as any to jump and see what everyone is raving about.

"...books had their own sort of magic" - Ainsley

And boy was this book full of magic! I don't know how Gina is able to create these paranormal worlds and spin her words to make you believe what you are reading is in fact a hidden reality that you are not privileged enough to be included in.

The humor and love in this story are on point, it's a little lighter than the other Magic & Mixology books, but it is a fun read and the magical ideas are amazing. The allure of the library sensational, what I wouldn't give to have one hour in the enchanting place.

I adored Ainsley's family, her father, at times reminded me of Belle's father from Beauty and the Beast, with all of his inventions. Her mother, was overbearing at times, but really... what mother isn't?

If you are looking for mystical story that will make you laugh, swoon, and be immersed in an enchanted world, look no further, you have found what you are looking for.
Profile Image for Teri.
290 reviews75 followers
June 28, 2018
One of the funniest of the magical LaManna

One of her funnier magic books. Recommended. Even if you read it after you've read the Mixologist series, the cast of characters are mostly different you won't feel like you've heard the story before. It's basically a spinoff in a different location.
388 reviews16 followers
December 27, 2017
This is significantly better than most of the witch-themed cozy mysteries I've read. The characters feel 3 dimensional - not 2 - and I didn't feel like mush brain motoring through something written to a 5th grade level. That says a lot as an "import from Kindle" shows I have over 30 I've chomped through that I don't even want to review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2016
These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...

What a great start to a spinoff series! We first met Ainsley in Hex on the Beach as Lily Locke's assistant. Now we get to dive into her life after she successfully ends her job with Lily.

I love Ainsley and the way she thinks. She is a breathe of fresh air. Her father is quite a delusional genius as well and the pair of them are perfect together as only a dad and his girl can be.

Grab your magical broomstick and fly into Ainsley's life! Trust me, she'll welcome you with a smile on her face and a Happily Ever After quip from her lips.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,579 reviews23 followers
January 4, 2017
You won't be able to put his book down! Full of Fun, Mystery, Romance and laughter

Gina LaManna is incredible. A spin off of the Magic and Mixology series. If you have read the books in that series which are ifantastic, you were introduced to Ainsley in the first book of that series. She was a "character" in that book and is definitely a Character all her own. I couldn't stop laughing at Ainsley's antics and her ability to get herself into a situation due to her being a Guardian! She worked hard to get her position in the paranormal world and when she is put on a Hush Hush job by her boss she couldn't say no. The twists and turns and love interest that develops with the policeman she accidentally "bumps" into weaves an amazing fun storyline. And who could forget meeting Ainsley's kooky family! And of course the way Gina LaManna subtly reintroduces the island from the Magic and Mixology series into this series and twists it leaving us with a phenominal liff hanger leaves us wanting more ASAP! A can't miss read. I received an advance copy of this book, but voluntarily leave this review!
Profile Image for Megan.
3,617 reviews45 followers
June 15, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ainsley Shaw
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What happens?
Ainsley is distracted and accidentally hits a human police car, her curiosity also gets the better of her while shes trying to discover why he is in the area and won't seem to elaborate.
When it becomes clear that the case the humans are trying to investigate involves a royal of a neighbouring magic territory she cannot leave the case alone. Her dad a former agent of the magical variety encourages her while her boss asks her to launch an unofficial investigation into why this royal is on their territory without authorisation.
Final thoughts
Sorry but this wasn't interesting enough for me. The pace isn't very fast, the case isn't very interesting and the love interest is just, well there are no words I'm shrugging each time I try and find the right word so that is what it is, hes a shrug!
Would I read again?: No
Would I read this author again?: No
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,345 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2016
The main character of this book is someone we know from the Mix & Mixology series, Lily's (former) assistant Ainsley. A witch and a guardian, Ainsley has delivered Lily to her destiny and awaits a new assignment. While riding her brand-new broomstick she collides with the car of police officer Wesley Beck, near an interesting crime scene. A crime scene which leads to an exciting new but secret assignment.

Gina LaManna has proven me again and again she has an amazing gift for storytelling and her imagination brings us great stories. It just seemed this time that the storyline was a bit too big for the size of the book. This plotline could have spanned several books or one - more expanded - novel. Harry Potter did not defeat his enemies in just 34 chapters, right? It all seemed a little fast and a bit easy.

However, I totally enjoyed the things the author came up with like the library with the prophecies that turn to ashes and her dad's antics. I look forward to reading more about this crazy witch.

Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
January 3, 2017
This is a great book; this is the first book in the Magic, Inc. Mystery series written by Gina LaManna. Ainsley Shaw is a Guardian Witch, she just got off a big case and is just waiting for a new case to come up. She just left a party and was flying around on her broomstick when she ran smack dab into a police cruiser. Unfortunately, the man inside was a human cop, which made explaining how I appeared from thin air in the middle of a crime scene a bit of a challenge. When her boss calls her and asks her to look into a case undercover.This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Becca Frank.
29 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2017
Gina LaManna had me from the beginning in her fun and witty story of The Undercover Witch. “My mother says trouble began the day I was born, but I’d disagree. I think trouble started the day I crashed my broomstick into an undercover cop car.” Are you kidding me? Who would not be hooked after that first sentence? I love this book and I can’t wait until I get my hands on the second in the series. This book is like a well written Magic-gala. I would highly recommend it and I will be purchasing several for gifts (I have at least three friends that I know will love this book).
Profile Image for Shari.
457 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2019
The Undercover Witch is a spinoff of Gina LaManna's Magic & Mixology series. Ainsley Shaw was first introduced in Hex on the Beach as a Guardian tasked with protecting Lily Locke. When I saw that she was the main character in this series, I just had to read it. Ainsley is such a fun and unique character. Her parents are no exception! They are equally interesting and quirky. I'm very excited to see where Ainsley's adventures take her in the future.
468 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2019
Ainsley doesn't need to find trouble, she's a magnet

This book can be read standalone, but references to Lily Locke come from "Hex on the Beach", another fun read. Ainsley is a Guardian, paranormal security. She gets assigned, undercover, to find out what the Frost King is up to. She has to uncover a prophecy, get in the house, then escape, help the Princesses, oh and get into tons of trouble on the way.
74 reviews
June 1, 2022
Great Read!!!

I love anything Gina LaManna. I love her books. She happens to be my favorite author. If you've read any of the Mixology books you'll love this. Even if you haven't had a chance to read any Mixology books yet, I'm sure you find this book very entertaining. I love Gina's imagination! She always amazes me with the things she comes up with in her books. Read this. You'll love it!
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,234 reviews31 followers
July 8, 2017
A new spin off of the Hexed series, with some slight cross-overs. If you are unfamiliar with the Hexed series.. this is a lighthearted paranormal mystery with some romance. Plenty of humor. :) There is a little bit of suspense, but nothing too dark. The characters are fun and interesting. The story moves smoothly and quickly. It's a clean easy read. As with all of Gina's work, it is well written.
Profile Image for Janet Swiftbird.
1,878 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2017
Ainsley and Beck sitting in a tree!

What more can you ask for? More, more, more.
Follow Ainsley in a full tilt romp with suspense, action, intrigue and falling in love.
Beck is a human cop who literally runs into Ainsley, find out what happens.
Great add on to the Island series, can't wait for more with both.
Profile Image for Crystal Toller.
1,160 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2017
MAGIC Mysteries

This is the story of a witch and how she helps the kingdom of Magic Inc. This is a new author and series for me. The story was very good and kept my attention throughout. The editing was good and the characters were well developed. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more of this series.
514 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2020
A fun read

I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was,though not my usual genre I thoroughly enjoyed it,great storyline believable characters Magic action snark and humour throughout keeps you turning page's till the end.Highly recommended a must read for fans of this genre Baz.
Profile Image for Sandra Burns.
1,800 reviews41 followers
April 7, 2020
First time author, for me.

Really good cozy. Young woman, living as a human, is actually a witch. She goes on various assignments to help people. She falls for a mortal, who is a police officer. He has to decide, to give up the human World, for her World. Other quirky characters too.
Profile Image for Suki Jantzen.
143 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2020
I finally enjoyed this one.

I say, finally, because the book starts off real well, but then, stalls in the middle. I got bored and went to read something else. But, my curiosity got the best of me and I delved back in, ending up laughing through most of the rest. So, persevere, dear friends!
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2020
Entertaining urban fantasy story

Entertaining urban fantasy story. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. I magical world mixed in with the real world with a fun group of characters they float together and keep the story entertaining from beginning to end. Check it out
Profile Image for Sherry.
135 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2021
Very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. Love her writing style. The characters are quirky, interesting, funny. I loved the Magic & Mixology series and liked Ainsley's character so was pleased to see this book following up on her. I know I will be as invested in this series as I was M&M. :-)
2 reviews
January 16, 2017
great

I just found the Magic and Mixology series so this was the next logical read. I am so impressed with all four book. I just loved them all. Now I want more please! Very enjoyable and quite more than I expected☺
Profile Image for Becca.
626 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2017
The Undercover Witch

Overall, I enjoyed this new book by Gina Lamanna. It's got magic, a little romance, and a mystery. The characters are well introduced, you get a great glimpse into their personalities. Can't wait to see what is up next for Ainsley.
Profile Image for Kelly Cary.
27 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2017
Very cute book

Ainsley the witch Guardian is up to her elbows in trouble A magnet for finding trouble she has to battle the evil Frost King and decide if she's up for a battle with love
Profile Image for Janaya Fix.
2 reviews
June 25, 2017
This author really knows how to write.

Her books never disappoint. While they aren't rocket science novels they are greatly entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed this spin off of the magic and mixology series.
Profile Image for Rachael Mackie.
196 reviews
July 3, 2017
Entertaining light read

Entertaining fantasy book that was light and easy to read. Not a lot of depth, but I wouldn't expect there to be. Plot moved along quickly and I wanted to read it. Sets up for book 2.
15 reviews
August 21, 2017
Lots fun!

I gave this book a five star rating for its ability to keep me entertained. So far I have really enjoyed the few books I have read by Gina and this one did not disappoint. I recommend it to anyone looking for a short easy lighthearted read.
Profile Image for Raymona Oak.
4 reviews
October 17, 2017
Loved it!

I chose this rating because she kept me hooked,from beginning to end. I have read the Mixology series and this tied in well. I really enjoyed the heroine and the other characters a good mix. What will she do next?
1 review
October 29, 2017
Vicky

Easy read. Kept my attention throughout the book. Loved the characters. Would of put her fathers character in more of the book. Would of ended the book after King Frost arrested.
52 reviews
December 30, 2017
Enjoyable read

We get to follow a query witch who gets into thing without really thinking about it but manages to come out on top. It is a secret world that exists beside humans and when they cross it is dealt with in one fashion or another.
Profile Image for Mary Pomerantz.
33 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2018
This was a stand alone book but connected to the Magic and Mixology Series that I read. The only main character in that series that shows up is Ainsley, who works for Magic, Inc. It was a nice addition and I hope Gina writes others to go with the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

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