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What the Cat Dragged In #1
Bewitched and Bespelled
All Jen wanted was a tattoo apprenticeship.
The only artist willing to take her on, Lilith Sharpe, owns Graphomancy, a tattoo parlor in the worst neighborhood of Conflict, Oregon. And there are drawbacks. A contract signed in blood (what?) states Jen will work for free (come again?). On the positive, Lilith offers the apartment upstairs gratis. Of course, the building is haunted (oh, come on!), and she’ll have to share it with a creepy hairless cat.
While judging a photo contest, Lilith chooses an entry with horror hidden in plain sight—half-buried human remains. Jen quickly learns that Lilith’s first passion is not tattooing but solving murders. More terrifying, Graphomancy is more than just a cool shop name. It is what the shop offers—black magic.
Bones in the photo lead to a mother missing for two years. The picture was submitted to the contest by her daughter, who received the image as a text. But why would anyone want a dedicated community booster and volunteer dead? Was it a stranger, a member of the victim’s extended and blended family, or worse, a serial killer with a history of dumping his bodies in the area? As Lilith employs her dark art to pick up the trail, Jen fears that the investigation will prove lethal to them both.
The only artist willing to take her on, Lilith Sharpe, owns Graphomancy, a tattoo parlor in the worst neighborhood of Conflict, Oregon. And there are drawbacks. A contract signed in blood (what?) states Jen will work for free (come again?). On the positive, Lilith offers the apartment upstairs gratis. Of course, the building is haunted (oh, come on!), and she’ll have to share it with a creepy hairless cat.
While judging a photo contest, Lilith chooses an entry with horror hidden in plain sight—half-buried human remains. Jen quickly learns that Lilith’s first passion is not tattooing but solving murders. More terrifying, Graphomancy is more than just a cool shop name. It is what the shop offers—black magic.
Bones in the photo lead to a mother missing for two years. The picture was submitted to the contest by her daughter, who received the image as a text. But why would anyone want a dedicated community booster and volunteer dead? Was it a stranger, a member of the victim’s extended and blended family, or worse, a serial killer with a history of dumping his bodies in the area? As Lilith employs her dark art to pick up the trail, Jen fears that the investigation will prove lethal to them both.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2022
336 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
234 books343 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2022
Couldn't get past the first chapter. Seemed disjointed and I didn't like the characters and had no desire to see how the book progressed
July 16, 2022
This was a clean mystery with a non traditional witch character. This was not an evil type witch, as so many of her spells disguised as tatoo's. They were used to cure bad habits such as not cussing. This was an odd read. Most of the time this reader could understand the content. Other times it just didn't make sense. The cat really did not play a big part in this book. I found the cat revolting. How many times did he talk about his beautiful anus? Extremely unnecessary.
February 24, 2022
The northwest in general is a bit different than much of the lower 48, and Portland and surrounding areas - especially unique, in my experience
When a recent University if Oregon grad desperately wants to follow her dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, only one interview opens up for her : Graphomancy
Lil offers an internship, for no pay, and an apartment, likely haunted.
Jen just signed a contract in blood- she really is likely in for far more than she ever dreamed of - and it seems like quite a ride!
A hippie witch with weird contacts, a hairless cat who talks and has an attitude, and a miscellany of wacky characters- loving it and excited to read more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When a recent University if Oregon grad desperately wants to follow her dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, only one interview opens up for her : Graphomancy
Lil offers an internship, for no pay, and an apartment, likely haunted.
Jen just signed a contract in blood- she really is likely in for far more than she ever dreamed of - and it seems like quite a ride!
A hippie witch with weird contacts, a hairless cat who talks and has an attitude, and a miscellany of wacky characters- loving it and excited to read more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2022
entertaining Paranormal urban fantasy series
This is an entertaining new paranormal cozy mystery/urban fantasy series. A bit darker than most but a great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A young woman who graduated from college with a graphic arts design wants to learn how to tattoo. After many attempts to become an apprentice she finally finds a shop lets her. Her boss Lewis is a bit odd or and owns a tattoo shop in a rundown part of town. No giveaways so you will have to read on but there is a bit of witchcraft/magic and it is a bit darker themed than some. Yet it was still very entertaining and a good read. Check it out
This is an entertaining new paranormal cozy mystery/urban fantasy series. A bit darker than most but a great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A young woman who graduated from college with a graphic arts design wants to learn how to tattoo. After many attempts to become an apprentice she finally finds a shop lets her. Her boss Lewis is a bit odd or and owns a tattoo shop in a rundown part of town. No giveaways so you will have to read on but there is a bit of witchcraft/magic and it is a bit darker themed than some. Yet it was still very entertaining and a good read. Check it out
February 23, 2022
ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Jen is a tattoo apprenticeship.The only artist willing to take her on, Lilith Sharpe, owns Graphomancy, a tattoo parlor in the worst neighborhood of Conflict, Oregon .While judging a photo contest, Lilith chooses an entry with horror hidden in plain sight—half-buried human remains. Now lilith and Jan is on the case to find out who did it. This is a Fantastic story I like how lilith as show Jan about majic.
October 14, 2023
3.5 naked cats(stars)
This was interesting. I was a bit confused at times but I wasn’t the only one. The author herself mixed up the names of her characters a few times and I’ll ignore the spelling errors.
It seemed like Lil was able to connect imaginary dots to find the killer because the information she suddenly had came out of no where.
That being said, I liked Lil, Jen, and Cat, though one of Lil’s customers seemed a bit far fetched. While I wouldn’t race out to get the rest of the series, I would read more.
This was interesting. I was a bit confused at times but I wasn’t the only one. The author herself mixed up the names of her characters a few times and I’ll ignore the spelling errors.
It seemed like Lil was able to connect imaginary dots to find the killer because the information she suddenly had came out of no where.
That being said, I liked Lil, Jen, and Cat, though one of Lil’s customers seemed a bit far fetched. While I wouldn’t race out to get the rest of the series, I would read more.
February 25, 2022
She wants to do tattoos and there is only one place who will take her on. There are secrets she will find out and the shop is in a bad area of town. She will learn that the owner like to solve crimes and even magic will enter as well. How will she get on? Will she be able to become a tattoo artist? Follow her to see how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2022
So unique! I had never heard of graphomancy before this. It’s a real thing! Such interesting characters and a mystery that had me completely surprised! I loved it! Oh, I have to mention Cat…OMG…I love the hairless cat breed! Rub his beautiful head! After you read the book it will make you laugh.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2022
This book took me a minute to get into, but once I did, I loved it. I think Jen handled all the weird stuff really well for a - if you'll excuse the expression - muggle. There's a good mystery, interesting characters, a hilarious cat, and if you are into tattooing, you will learn a lot about what an apprentice needs to go through to learn their craft.
April 30, 2022
Not bad
Not bad...I'm finding that a lot of Sara Bourgeois books are along the same lines. Small community, witch solves a murder and makes police look incompetent.
Don't get me wrong I have been a fan of Sara's books for a long time...I just haven't seen anything new lately that is amazing like her earlier books.
Not bad...I'm finding that a lot of Sara Bourgeois books are along the same lines. Small community, witch solves a murder and makes police look incompetent.
Don't get me wrong I have been a fan of Sara's books for a long time...I just haven't seen anything new lately that is amazing like her earlier books.
May 20, 2022
Bewitched and Bespelled start of a fun series. 4.7 stars
Not certain how anyone could mix the magic, mystery and tattoo training so seamlessly. Lil is the witch, Jen is the tattoo apprentice and the hairless cat can talk. Now if that isn't eery enough, Lol also has a need to solve murders.
Never a dull moment!
Not certain how anyone could mix the magic, mystery and tattoo training so seamlessly. Lil is the witch, Jen is the tattoo apprentice and the hairless cat can talk. Now if that isn't eery enough, Lol also has a need to solve murders.
Never a dull moment!
May 28, 2022
Wickedly funny cat...
I loved this book! I can't wait to read more stories with the bald kitty and cute butt!! Great characters, play well off each other. It was an unexpected twist in the murder, made the story that much better. I definitely recommend this book. Awesome read😊
I loved this book! I can't wait to read more stories with the bald kitty and cute butt!! Great characters, play well off each other. It was an unexpected twist in the murder, made the story that much better. I definitely recommend this book. Awesome read😊
June 15, 2022
Excellent
I'm impressed by the mystery plot as well as the characters. This maybe my favorite book yet by Sara Bourgeois. The characters are unique and likeable. There's some excellent smart humor especially by the hairless cat. The cat has some laugh-out-loud dialogue that left me stunned with "I can't believe he said that" shock.
I'm impressed by the mystery plot as well as the characters. This maybe my favorite book yet by Sara Bourgeois. The characters are unique and likeable. There's some excellent smart humor especially by the hairless cat. The cat has some laugh-out-loud dialogue that left me stunned with "I can't believe he said that" shock.
July 26, 2022
A fun little mystery
This was a really fun little mystery novel. I enjoyed the magic hidden in plain sight and the poor apprentice who didn't know what she signed up for.
The names got interchanged a few times throughout the story. Enough to be noticeable but not enough to ruin the story, just keep an eye out.
This was a really fun little mystery novel. I enjoyed the magic hidden in plain sight and the poor apprentice who didn't know what she signed up for.
The names got interchanged a few times throughout the story. Enough to be noticeable but not enough to ruin the story, just keep an eye out.
January 29, 2023
Fresh and Different characters in storyline
If you’re looking for something unique and different, and like tattoos, witchcraft, and a good mystery, this book will not disappoint.
The one drawback is the editing needs to be better. Maybe have better proof readers.
I’m going to read the next in the series and I’m hoping it only gets better.
If you’re looking for something unique and different, and like tattoos, witchcraft, and a good mystery, this book will not disappoint.
The one drawback is the editing needs to be better. Maybe have better proof readers.
I’m going to read the next in the series and I’m hoping it only gets better.
did-not-finish
September 30, 2023Dropped at 25%. This one wasn't going great from the start for me. The premise is interesting but it didn't grab me. I don't like either of the central characters. How the magic is revealed and the talking cat were the last straw. How this is written is just not for me. I doubt I'll pick this one back up.
February 25, 2022
Good start
Kinda different series. The characters are defined but have room to grow. Especially Jen who is trying to figure out what is going on. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. I look forward to the next book.
Kinda different series. The characters are defined but have room to grow. Especially Jen who is trying to figure out what is going on. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. I look forward to the next book.
February 25, 2022
So great! This is a great read from one of my favorite authors, I totally loved it! An original story line, great characters, an awesome cat, a gripping mystery! It’s super interesting, and I couldn’t stop reading! Brilliant! I’m excited for the next book!
February 28, 2022
Hairless Cat
First story about a college student wanting to do tattoos and signing on with a lady that lives in a haunted building in a bad part of town and learning how to do tattoos. Also learning about solving a murder
First story about a college student wanting to do tattoos and signing on with a lady that lives in a haunted building in a bad part of town and learning how to do tattoos. Also learning about solving a murder
March 1, 2022
A good story.
I enjoyed this unusual mystery. An entertaining plot with good characters. Jen trains to be a tattoo artist. Lily, her boss, is a witch. This is not a light cozy. There are some dark parts in it. The parts of Jen learning about making tattoos are interesting.
I enjoyed this unusual mystery. An entertaining plot with good characters. Jen trains to be a tattoo artist. Lily, her boss, is a witch. This is not a light cozy. There are some dark parts in it. The parts of Jen learning about making tattoos are interesting.
March 6, 2022
This was such an interesting mystery. The story was unique and well written, and I thought Lil was such a strange and fun character. Cat was personable and Jen was clearly out of her comfort zone, but is learning to tattoo. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend reading.
July 23, 2022
Interesting read
Very different from the usual magical books but I really liked it. Sara takes a different way but has a real handle on the apprenticeship relationship. Throw in the magical element and you have the potential for a great book series.
Very different from the usual magical books but I really liked it. Sara takes a different way but has a real handle on the apprenticeship relationship. Throw in the magical element and you have the potential for a great book series.
July 27, 2022
Interesting and unusual
Was never into tating but I know a lot more now. The shop owner is curious but more than strange. Jen has possibilities could develop more witchy abilities In. Time
Was never into tating but I know a lot more now. The shop owner is curious but more than strange. Jen has possibilities could develop more witchy abilities In. Time
August 2, 2022
Need a magical tattoo?
I enjoyed this book very much. Magic, mystery, and a hairless cat; who needs more? The story was great, I actually read it in one day. I'm looking forward to book two.
I enjoyed this book very much. Magic, mystery, and a hairless cat; who needs more? The story was great, I actually read it in one day. I'm looking forward to book two.
September 10, 2022
Spooky
Magic, tattoos and mysteries solved. Fascinating point of view, interesting characters, strange neighborhood! I read it in one sitting could not put it down. Enjoyed it very much highly recommended it.
Magic, tattoos and mysteries solved. Fascinating point of view, interesting characters, strange neighborhood! I read it in one sitting could not put it down. Enjoyed it very much highly recommended it.
December 8, 2022
Cat for the win!
This is the first book by Sara Bourgeois I have read and I am impressed.
Take one driven but broke apprentice, a graphomancer and a hairless cat and you have an interesting book.
This is the first book by Sara Bourgeois I have read and I am impressed.
Take one driven but broke apprentice, a graphomancer and a hairless cat and you have an interesting book.
July 30, 2023
Spell binding book
I loved the premise of the book with an aspiring tattoo artist apprenticed to a witch who is a master tattoo artist. The ensemble cast of supporting character were pure genius. Loved the snark talking Sphinx cat. I highly recommend this book.
I loved the premise of the book with an aspiring tattoo artist apprenticed to a witch who is a master tattoo artist. The ensemble cast of supporting character were pure genius. Loved the snark talking Sphinx cat. I highly recommend this book.
March 10, 2022
Really enjoyed this new paranormal/murder mystery. Edgy a bit differant. Believable characters and love the cat. I Will look forward to the next book.
March 21, 2022
The Gargoyle Cat
Nice mix of plot and subplot. Lots of open ended clues. Love the cat’s personality and other enchantments. What’s in the attic!?!?
Nice mix of plot and subplot. Lots of open ended clues. Love the cat’s personality and other enchantments. What’s in the attic!?!?
April 18, 2022
This is a well written and has well developed/loveable characters. Very well told story and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews