I Killed the King (I Killed the King #1)

Mix (The Ones We Burn) and Hannah (The Wildest Things) highlight themes of loyalty and friendship in a twisty locked-room mystery about magic and warring nations. Before signing a treaty to end the 10-year conflict between kingdoms Avendell and Istellia, King Costis of Avendell is murdered in his private chambers. Now the suspects—necromancer Ellion, mercenary Vesryn, beast tamer Clove, kingsguard Oak, and heir apparent Prince Kellam from Avendell, as well as his betrothed, Istellian princess Melarie—must keep the king’s death secret and uncover the killer’s identity or risk further conflict and upending the nations’ tentative peace. As secrets about each person are revealed, more bodies pile up. And when the group, seeking answers, pierce the veil between the living and dead, they uncover long-forgotten bargains whose debts have yet to be settled. Across alternating POVs that additionally shift between past and present timelines, the authors deliver a tightly wound, fast-paced whodunit ripe with red herrings, talking animals, and vengeful spirits. Richly drawn mythology adds intrigue, and tenderly developed queer characters and relationships inject heart into this tense duology opener. Major characters cue as white. Ages 13–up. Agents: (for Mix) Pete Knapp and Stuti Telidevara, Park, Fine & Brower. (Sept.)