In the Provincial Union of Victoriana, a steampunk America that lost the Revolutionary War, Charmian βKitβ Kittredge makes her living investigating crimes of magic. While Kit tries to avoid the nobs of high society, she follows mysteries wherever they lead.
Unlike most folks, Kit doesnβt believe in magic, but she canβt refuse to help Lady Diana Walsh, who claims a curse is viciously wounding her while she sleeps. As Kit investigates the Walsh family, she becomes convinced that the attacks are part of a more ominous plotβone that may involve the ladyβs obnoxious husband.
Sleuthing in the city of Rumsen is difficult enough, but soon Kit must also skirt the unwanted attentions of a nefarious deathmage and the unwelcome scrutiny of the police chief inspector. Unwilling to surrender to either manβs passion for her, Kit struggles to remain independent as she draws closer to the heart of the mystery. For the truth promises to ruin her lifeβand turn Rumsen into a supernatural battleground from which no one will escape alive.
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