“A police procedural set in one of the snazziest fantasy settings ever.” Rachel Neumeier, author of The Floating Islands “A fun fantasy mystery featuring a vibrant, inclusive world and a deep friendship between the protagonist and her partner sleuth. If you'd like a diverting escape to lift your spirits, Rocio and Hala have just the adventure for you.” Courtney Schafer, author of the Shattered Sigil trilogy “A fun, sometimes serious novel that blends humor, mystery, and magic beautifully.” A. T. Greenblatt, Nebula Award-winning author of “Give The Family My Love” A delightful fantasy of friendship and mystery in a setting reminiscent of Latin America, by a fresh new talent. La Bene is a city poised on the edge of change, where automobiles mingle with horse-drawn trolleys and musicians rub shoulders with politicians in trendy cabarets. Every day brings new magical machines, new immigrants … and a new mystery to solve. Detectives Rocío Díaz Rossi and Hala Haddad Sosa have investigated many crimes together, and Rocío’s intuition and Hala’s logic make them ideal partners. But this time they’re baffled by a newly discovered crypt in the subway, a missing choreographer, and reports of impossible magic. As the clues pile up, they discover that they’re not working any ordinary kidnapping. Something darker and more sinister is taking root in the city, perhaps the return of a magic so destructive that no one dares to speak of it. If their suspicions are correct, they will have to face an opponent who threatens not only their commitment to justice, but everyone living in their beloved city. woman-authored fantasy, women's friendships, female friendships, LGBTQ fantasy, nonbinary characters, non-European setting, Latin American setting, great worldbuilding