“Rich with inviting detail, this genre-blending adventure smorgasbord features socially conscious commentary regarding financial disparity and an intricate plot that’s equal parts sci-fi, murder mystery, and fast-paced thriller. A sweet, gently played romance and a widely utilized, intersectionally diverse cast add nuance to Best’s tantalizing debut.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Descriptive worldbuilding, inventive and gender-inclusive slang and symbolism, a vividly drawn cast, and fast-paced banter are joined by nonstop action and twisty revelations . . . a high-stakes murder-mystery science-fiction thrill ride; great fun.”—Kirkus Reviews
A wanted thief. A murdered emperor. A killer loose on the station. Knives Out goes sci-fi in this gripping YA mystery set in space, perfect for fans of The Darkness Outside Us and Iron Widow.
As an expert thief from a minor moon, Cass knows a good mark when she sees one. The emperor’s ball is her chance to steal a fortune for herself, her ailing father, and her scrappy crew of thieves and market vendors.
Her plan is simple:
- Hitch a ride to the planet of Ouris, the dazzling heart of the empire.
- Sneak onto the imperial palace station to attend the emperor’s ball.
- Steal from the rich, the royal, and the insufferable.
But on the station, things quickly go awry. When the emperor is found dead, everyone in the palace is a suspect—and someone is setting Cass up to take the fall. To clear her name, Cass must work with an unlikely ally: a gorgeous and mysterious rebel with her own reasons for being on the station. Together, they unravel a secret that could change the fate of the empire.