First published 2007
Historian Diana Bishop stumbles upon a bewitched alchemical manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Compelled to unravel its mysteries, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of ancient magic and modern-day factions vying for its power. As Diana's research threatens to expose long-buried truths, she must confront her own supernatural gifts and a growing bond with a reclusive geneticist, Matthew Clairmont. In this race against time, Diana must decide whether to keep the manuscript's secrets hidden or unleash a magical reckoning that could transform the course of science and history.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, fantasy, alchemy, academic
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: England, London
Period: 16th century
349 pages · Paperback · Yale University Press