'I completely adored this book and would read a dozen more of Kembral's adventures'
Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

Follow a star investigator and her rival as they journey through layers of reality to save the world as they know it in this whip-smart adventure fantasy about rival guilds, reality-bending magic and unexpected mystery.

Kembral Thorne is spending a few hours away from her newborn, and she's determined to enjoy the party no matter what. But when the guests start dropping dead, Kem has no choice but to get to work. She's a member of the Guild of Hounds, after all, and she can't help picking up the scent of trouble.

She's not the only one. Her professional and personal nemesis, notorious burglar Rika Nonesuch, is on the prowl. They quickly identify what's causing the mayhem: a mysterious grandfather clock that sends them down an Echo every time it chimes. In each strange new layer of reality, time resets and a sinister figure appears to perform a blood-soaked ritual.

As Kem and Rika fall into increasingly macabre versions of their city, they'll need to rely on their wits - and each other - to unravel the secret of the clock and save their city.

Praise for Melissa Caruso:

''Caruso is a terrific writer who weaves fascinating and intricate fantasy tales' Grimdark Magazine

'[Caruso] is sublimely talented . . . A phenomenally well-written, engrossing political fantasy series' Fantasy Book Review

'Caruso's world-building is brilliant and complex' Library Journal

About the Author

Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. She has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid larper and tabletop gamer.

Melissa graduated with honours in creative writing from Brown University and has an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts with her video game designer husband, two magical daughters and assorted pets. You can find her on Twitter, where she posts about writing, tea and sword-fighting in ballgowns.

Reviews
A charming fantasy mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page - I completely adored this book and would read a dozen more of Kembral's adventures -- Shannon Chakraborty, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI
A witty, tense and imaginative triumph of a book, I lost many an unplanned hour inhaling The Last Hour Between Worlds. With its compelling magic, reluctant hero trying (and failing) to be on leave, and one increasingly surreal party, this tightly paced story will be a lasting favourite! -- Sam Hawke, author of CITY OF LIES
This twisty, locked-room mystery spans alternate dimensions; braiding romance and adventure into brilliant, time-looping fun -- Sunyi Dean, SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of THE BOOK EATERS
Twisty, breakneck, and full of delightful surprises, The Last Hour Between Worlds is a book guaranteed to pull you out of a reading slump. Equal parts hilarious and poignant, this is Caruso's best work yet - a time-loop, murder mystery party like you've never read before. I dare you to put it down -- Kritika H. Rao, author of THE SURVIVING SKY
A fantastical locked-room mystery where every peal of the clock peels away another layer of reality . . . The Last Hour Between Worlds is an absolute adventure, with a queer lead, a snarky rival and breath-takingly poignant moments. Reader, I inhaled it -- K. A Doore, author of THE PERFECT ASSASSIN



Book Information
ISBN 9780356517544
Author Melissa Caruso
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Orbit
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 41g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 126mm * 22mm