What the Spell?: Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries No. 1 (Spellbooked Mysteries)

Dumped just before her wedding, Kinley Paigewright unleashes magic she didn’t know she had, destroying the bridal suite. Sure that she’s dreaming when a handsome police officer with a dragon appears, she’s in for a shock when he portals her to Sea Sprite Island, and she learns that she’s the long lost heir to a sentient bookstore, Page. Raised in foster care, Kinley has always longed for a home, and the welcome she receives from most of the residents of Sea Sprite is a comfort. Unfortunately, one person is not happy to make her acquaintance, the tenant above the bookstore, and Kinley’s argument with her comes back to bite her when the woman turns up dead on her porch the next morning. With the help of her new found, Clueless obsessed familiar, Twilight, and a wonderful group of new friends, Kinley is determined to thwart a murderer’s plans to ruin her new life. Elle Wren Burke kicks off a new series with What the Spell?. Using her own experience with chronic illness, Ms. Burke has created another engaging heroine who is relatable and capable despite being plagued by migraines. An ethnically and supernaturally diverse cast of supporting characters are given depth and substance that makes them feel well established. Kinley and Ryland’s budding friendship hints of a future romance, and her other new friendships are very heartfelt. The world building is nicely developed, especially with creating Page’s powers and personality. The familiars are all endearing and I loved Twilight’s exuberance and fashion trendsetting. The mystery flows smoothly and while it is wrapped up, there is an overarching mystery about Kinley’s parents and what drove them from Sea Sprite. This paranormal cozy hits all the right notes and leaves you eager for more.