A cantankerous sorcerer and a thief with a heart of gold join forces to solve a murder after colliding at the crime scene in this charming new fantasy detective series by the author of The Gilded Crown.

Alistair Fall is a misanthropic piece of work. On the road as a Wandering Investigator, he wants nothing more than to focus on crimes that are worth his time, and to use his sorcery outside of the meddling of the State. When he receives a letter from an old friend asking for his help with an enticing case that may finally utilize his talents, he returns eagerly to the city of Osk.

Sunny is everything Fall is not: street-smart, loveable, and—so she thinks —deeply mysterious. She’s a woman with a love of calico cats, baked goods, and stealing shiny things. But when she’s found over the dead body of a High Court barrister, Alistair Fall’s friend, she finds herself on the run and completely on her own. That is, until Fall offers her his help.

Together, they navigate the labyrinthine streets of Osk, a city of forbidden magic, forgotten gods, fractious dragons, and the corruption of necromancy, and discover far greater forces at work than they’d ever imagined. 

But the city is not the only one hiding secrets... 

Book One of the Alistair Fall Series