Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments

Returning to a magic-infused contemporary Scotland, the outstanding second urban fantasy in Huchu’s Edinburgh Nights series (after The Library of the Dead) takes heroine Ropa Moyo, who can talk to the dead, on a thrilling new adventure. While struggling to overcome the classist boundaries of the magical world, Ropa accepts a job investigating the curious case of Max Wu, whose odd coma mystifies healers at the private hospital Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments. Alongside a colorful cast, including a friendly fox named River, Ropa uncovers a layered conspiracy involving an ancient secret society and one of Scotland’s most prestigious magic schools, Edinburgh Ordinary School for Boys. Huchu captures a distinctly Scottish vernacular that brings vibrancy and verve to this enthralling, fast-paced adventure. Returning readers will be thrilled to revisit familiar faces and settings, while those new to the series will have no trouble jumping into this fantastic world. Witty, suspenseful, and keenly attuned to real-life socioeconomic hierarchies, this equally entertaining and insightful sophomore outing should keep Huchu’s star on the rise. (Apr.)