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Spelled in Ink centers around a gifted but snarky mage on a supernatural heist that suddenly goes wrong. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Plenty of inspirations for my novels come from my travels. This one was inspired by a trip to the French chateaus of the Loire. We visited both Clos Lucé and Chenonceau, and I found them both so magical that I simply had to write about them. Da Vinci was an amazing person, and the exhibition in the chateau gave me plenty of food for thought. I always have paranormal elements in my novels, and Magical Realism is a thing for me. This one borders on urban fantasy; I simply wanted to have more magic than in my other series, the Magical Misfits Mysteries. I also wanted something faster-paced. Poor Cyn and Dan are almost constantly on the run….
Cyn is such a fantastic main character. What was your inspiration for her traits and dialogue?
I prefer characters who break the mold, that’s why she–while grounded in Europe–isn’t purely of European descent. Fortunately, my kind Indian friends made sure I didn’t introduce any bloopers when it came to the Indian part of her heritage. The voice is typical–or so I’m told. My MCs seem to suffer from self-deprecating humor, are intelligent and resourceful, and that makes for some snappy comebacks. I love writing dialogue. Apparently, it’s one of my strengths, or so I’m told.
What is the most challenging aspect of writing a mystery?
Getting the “trail of breadcrumbs,” i.e., the clues aligned so the ultimate conclusion is not only logical, but the reader also has a chance of working it out for themselves. Getting that right requires a lot of careful planning and mapping. Spelled is also a heist, which means I had another plotline to distract from the murder, but it still had to fit.
Can you give us a glimpse into the next book in the Da Vinci Mysteries? Where will it take readers?
The next one, Cursed out Loud, will take readers to Da Vinci’s home country and even his birthplace – Vinci in Tuscany. This book is stronger on the murder mystery aspect. To get hold of the next part of Vinci’s treatise, Cyn and Dan take part in an oldtimer rally. The winner gets the treatise. Well, that’s the theory. When a rally organizer is murdered, things go sadly pear-shaped… I’ve also been asked about the romance – yes, it develops during the series, and the next instalment makes their attraction very clear. But be warned – I’m anything but linear….
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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!
Spelled in Ink
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.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0FPBJHC8V
A Mother’s Torment
A Mother’s Torment, a poignant narrative by Xavier Poe Kane, traces the complex life of its protagonist, June. The narrative initiates in 2018, launching us into a heart-wrenching scene where June stands on the precipice of life and death. This event shatters the lives of her parents, Lillian and Michael, setting the stage for a journey teeming with struggles.
We leap forward in time to 2026, where we encounter June ensnared in the throes of a contentious divorce. She grapples with her new reality as a single mother, juggling the responsibility of raising her young son while battling her own demons. This timeline provides a harrowing yet intriguing exploration of June’s adversities.
Returning to the comforting familiarity of her parental home, June begins the intricate process of piecing her life back together. Here, she reconnects with her family and old friends, prompting a series of nostalgic reunions that weave into the plotline, adding a soothing balm to her open wounds.
Kane’s narrative prowess truly shines in his distinctive writing style, which I found both captivating and unique. The novel is generously peppered with compelling illustrations done by illustrator Corey Galal, a commendable addition that serves to enhance reader engagement. Kane masterfully draws the reader into the story, instilling a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
The initial depiction of June’s suicide attempt is composed with such eloquence that it resonates deeply, immersing the reader in the raw despair that envelops both June and her parents. The author’s dexterity in character creation allows for easy visualization, making them feel real and relatable.
A Mother’s Torment is an emotive composition showcasing the potential struggles people may encounter in their lives with vivid descriptions. It is particularly fascinating when the narrative shifts focus onto Lillian’s struggles, offering a multi-dimensional perspective of the plot.
Kane’s aptitude for addressing sensitive topics with care and sensitivity is commendable. The seamless blend of characterization and plot progression ensures the reader remains engrossed till the end. In conclusion, A Mother’s Torment is an intense, gripping read, providing a window into the tribulations of life that often remain unvoiced, making it a profoundly impactful novel.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0CCK6YNJZ
The Palace of the Stars
The Palace of the Stars is an absolutely captivating and brilliantly written novel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Set across two distinct time periods, the story follows the journey of a young and inexperienced police officer named Mike, who awakens from a coma to find himself in the care of an elderly bookstore owner named Mari. As he navigates his new reality, he discovers an enchanted portal within the bookstore that transports him back to the early 1900s, where he is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery.
What sets The Palace of the Stars apart from other historical romance or time travel books is its perfect balance of magic, mystery, and historical fiction. The transitions between timelines are seamless and easy to follow, and the charismatic characters are so richly drawn that readers will find themselves deeply invested in their fates. Mari, in particular, is an absolutely delightful character, and her courage and empathy toward Mike are genuinely inspiring.
This extraordinary novel gradually unfurls, meticulously weaving the reader into the intricate tapestry of its characters’ world. As one grows to deeply understand these characters, a subtle but steady momentum builds. This gradually simmering action culminates in a climax that is both electrifying and fulfilling, making the initial slow-burn progression not only justified but rewarding. The twists and turns near the end of the book are absolutely thrilling, and the chemistry between the characters, especially Mike and Mae, is electric.
Overall, The Palace of the Stars is a truly fantastic book that will indeed become a classic in the genre of historical mystery and romance. It is a great starting point for what promises to be an exciting and thrilling series, and readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment from this talented author.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B01HH2OHZ2
Run! Katie!
Doris Pariso’s new thriller novel, Run! Katie! is a gripping paranormal mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Peter is a psychic who is discovering he has some new abilities, the ability to hear voices from the dead. When he starts hearing voices and messages from a woman named Sharon, he realizes he needs to find her family and save a young woman in apparent danger.
Katie has been having nightmares and feeling like something is after her. Then, an unexpected guest arrives at her birthday luncheon with family, shocking them all. Peter brings a message from her mother, who disappeared without a trace twelve years earlier. The message brings the family closure, but Peter continues to receive messages from Sharon. She is trying to warn her daughter that she is in danger of facing the same fate she did. With Peter’s help, Katie and her family must piece together the clues to find out who, what, when, and where the danger is coming from.
Pariso’s skillful storytelling creates an air of mystery and suspense from the beginning of this captivating book. The plot is complex, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged and guessing what the danger is until the reveal. Pariso provides readers with a series of unexpected events and plot twists that will immerse them in the characters’ lives and the story until they reach the last page.
What truly stands out in Run! Katie! is the depth of a mother’s love. Sharon’s love for her daughter transcends time and space as she communicates with Peter from beyond the grave to keep Katie safe. It is a testament to the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and adds a heart-wrenching element to the story.
Run! Katie! is a phenomenal psychic mystery novel that will appeal to readers who love paranormal suspense and thrillers. It is a fascinating read that will leave readers wanting more and waiting to see what Doris Pariso writes next.
Pages: 172 | ISBN : 1646639979
LITERARY TITAN 