From Powells.com
Discover the books that made our 2022 list.
Staff Pick
A fascinating medieval-vibe story that revolves around an orphaned girl who stumbles upon a murdered body. With a sect of the population worshipping the moon, blood magic, and "Ripper"-styled murders, this was a fun mystery with a touch of romance that kicked me out of my reading slump. Recommended By Mecca A., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
In Erin Beaty's fantasy mystery-thriller, Blood and Moonlight, an orphan with a secret, magical sight gets caught between a mysterious genius and the serial killer he's hunting.
Rising above the city of Collis is the holy Sanctum. And watching over its spires is Catrin, an orphan girl with unique skills — for she alone can spot the building's flaws in construction before they turn deadly.
But when Catrin witnesses a murderer escaping the scene of his crime, she's pulled into a dangerous chain of events where the only certainty is that the killer will strike again. Assigned to investigate is the mysterious and brilliantSimon, whose insights into the mind of a predator are frighteningly accurate.
As the grisly crimes continue, Catrin finds herself caught between killer and detective while hiding her own secret — a supernatural sight granted by the moon, destined to make her an outcast, and the only thing that might save her and those she loves from becoming the next victims...
Review
"[A] complex and socially conscious murder mystery....Beaty thoroughly and deftly examines prejudice against sex workers and people with mental illnesses, combining introspective dialogue, subtle magic, and hair-raising thrills for a riveting, thoughtful read." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Readers will appreciate this period piece starring a heroine with uncharted gifts and bravado. An elementary choice of a read." Booklist
Synopsis
"Dark thrills for fans of psychology, magick, and murder." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Erin Beaty was born and raised in Indianapolis and studied aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy. After tours as a weapons officer on a destroyer and a leadership instructor, she quit the navy to raise five kids, and once they were all in school, her brain didn't know what to do with that much free time, so she started writing books. She also teaches fiction classes with the Armed Services Arts Partnership as well as the Muse Writers Center in Norfolk, Virginia. She and her husband make a home wherever the navy sends them, which has ranged from Kansas to Korea.