The Bone Orchard*, Sara A. Mueller's gothic fantasy debut, is a murder mystery set in a world of magic and secrets. The story centers on Charm, a concubine and madam of a tea house, who is tasked by the dying emperor to solve his murder. The culprit is one of his four sons, and Charm must choose between the emperor's wishes and her own ghosts. Her freedom hinges on solving the case and ensuring the crown passes to a just heir.