Alex Bledsoe’s fantasy novels have got earned rave evaluations for their ingenious blend of classic illusion and hard-boiled detective fiction. Now Bledsoe results with another story of intrigue and murder.

Freelance sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse is within the incorrect place at the incorrect time while performing an undercover investigation on the island kingdom of Grand Bruan. When a poisoned apple kills a member from the queen’s personal safeguard, Eddie turns into the prime suspect in the murder. He must do some fast speaking with keep his head mounted on his shoulder blades. While looking to apparent his name and discover the true killer, Eddie becomes embroiled in a nasty political scandal. Somebody is wanting to ruin Queen Jennifer and doesn’t care who is wiped out on the way.

The more Eddie digs, the more twisted the lies become, until Eddie finds himself caught between two opposing armies. The destiny of the entire kingdom is based on his hands.

Murder, betrayal, and magic-just a later date face to face for Eddie LaCrosse.