A whimsical historical fantasy packed with wit and romance. If you like Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, The Night Circus, or A Darker Shade of Magic, you'll love The Crimson Inkwell.
"Powerful, thought-provoking. . . . Fans of R.F. Kuang's
Babel
will find much to admire here, from the intricate magic system to the unflinching exploration of societal issues."
-Booklist
Luella Winthrop would give just about anything to win the Golden Inkwell.
Her editor turned fiance has reminded her that such dreams are foolish for a woman of her situation. But she can't help it. Winning the city's top literary award would change everything-her life, her sister's life, and perhaps even the need to marry such a sensible match.
When she meets a handsome detective who claims to have seen a phantom, she ignores her fiance's wishes and starts investigating. Before long, she's ducking in and out of constabularies and living the adventurous professional life that would make her late father proud.
But it doesn't take long to discover the magic that set her on a new path might drag her down dark byroads as well. Desperate for success, she turns to curious people for help and experiments with forces far beyond her understanding.
What Luella doesn't realize is that she's gambling with more than her own fate. She's swept up in a scandal that is bound to break the hearts and minds of those she loves. And what's worse-she's in too much trouble to get help.
Dive into this new fantasy world littered with gaslamps, cobblestones, and dark magic. Get your copy of the first book in the Luella Winthrop trilogy today, and start a journey readers are calling "imaginative and adventurous."
"I will not spoil the twists that this book takes you on, but I will just say it was a very fun and surprising read. It managed to take one of those tropes I find so infuriating and turn it into several fantastic moments in the story. If you enjoy Dr. Who style whimsy or enjoyed reading, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, I think you will adore, 'The Crimson Inkwell.'" -
Jeanette Andromeda, HorrorMade
"A magical fanfare of a woman who knows her mind and sparkling romance, The Crimson Inkwell is a modern, gothic Victorian delight." -
Charlotte Zang, Reedsy
"The Crimson Inkwell is a delightful Victorian-style story that has all the dash of Sherlock Holmes and the wit and mystery of Wilkie Collins." -
Justine K. Barr