First published 2024
Professor Septimius Dropwort lies dead on the grounds of Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, a mysterious note clutched in his hand. The magical school has transformed itself into a roaming academy that welcomes students from all backgrounds, but not everyone approves of these changes. Dropwort, the most despised faculty member, enforced brutal rules and dealt out severe punishments. Now his murder has made every person at the academy a potential suspect. The students must investigate the crime themselves, each believing they alone possess the skills to uncover the truth. Eighteen young magicians race through the academy's corridors, following clues and questioning motives. They discover that their prestigious institution harbors dark secrets, and the web of lies runs deeper than anyone imagined. These top students soon learn that even their advanced magical training cannot guarantee they will solve the mystery or survive what they uncover.
Genres: mystery, crime, fantasy, school, young-adult, academia
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family, mystery
Setting: Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary
464 pages · Paperback · Ember