Chimes at Midnight

In the seventh installment of McGuire’s increasingly entertaining urban fantasy series (after Ashes of Honor), half-Fae private detective October “Toby” Daye is up against her old nemesis, the Queen of the Mists. The queen gives Toby three days to pack up and leave San Francisco forever after Toby uncovers the queen’s involvement in a drug-pushing operation targeting changelings. Toby’s one hope comes when she discovers that Her Majesty’s claim to the throne may not be entirely legitimate. Now Toby and her allies must track down the true heir and overthrow the powerful monarch before Toby’s exile deadline. The urgency of the ticking clock works well with the political intrigue, Toby’s newfound vulnerability (following a truly diabolical ambush), and the setting’s ever-expanding mythology. Certain plot payoffs and emotional beats further reward longtime readers, making this a truly satisfying entry. Agent: Diana Fox, Fox Literary. (Sept.)