The Last Hour Between Worlds: The Sunday Times Bestseller (The Echo Archives)

FALL HEADFIRST INTO A WHIP-SMART ADVENTURE FANTASY PACKED FULL OF MURDER, MYSTERY AND MIND-BENDING MAGIC.

'A time-bending triumph, a compelling adventure . . . gorgeous, witty, fast-paced and atmospheric' Locus

'I completely adored this book and would read a dozen more of Kembral's adventures'
Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

Renowned investigator Kembral Thorne is determined to enjoy herself at the year-turning ball despite the presence of her nemesis, notorious cat burglar Rika Nonesuch. But when the guests start dropping dead, Kem has no choice but to get to work.

At the heart of the mayhem is a mysterious clock that sends the ballroom down into strange and otherworldly new layers of reality every time it chimes. As the party plunges through increasingly dangerous versions of their city, Kem will have to rely on her wits - and Rika - to unravel the mystery before catastrophe is unleashed on their world.

'A masterpiece - filled with excitement, romance and characters you would protect with your life . . . Unmissable!
Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

'Melissa Caruso's writing is razor-sharp and this book is one heck of a page-turner'
Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of The Wyld

'An absolute delight!'
Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

'A brilliant, breathlessly twisty fantasy adventure that I utterly adored'
Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

Five-star reader reviews:

'Oh dear god I loved this book . . . I hope I can convince some of you to read this when it's out, because WOW'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I just loved every second of this'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'What a book! I immediately fell in love with it . . . Definite 5 stars!!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A queer, locked-room, time-hopping fantasy? Yes please! . . . I really hope there are more adventures for Kembral and Rika because this wasn't nearly enough!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely adored this book . . . a swashbuckling good time'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely love this book'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A stunning blend of fantasy and intrigue, masterfully weaving together high-stakes action and deeply emotional storytelling'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This was such a thrilling read. I loved every second of it'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This was such an exciting book and is one of the best page-turning fantasy books I've read all year. It was fun, it was weird, a bit camp, and a lot bad ass'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'It is truly brilliant and deserves to be read by everyone'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. She has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid larper and tabletop gamer.

Melissa graduated with honours in creative writing from Brown University and has an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts with her video game designer husband, two magical daughters and assorted pets. You can find her on Twitter, where she posts about writing, tea and sword-fighting in ballgowns.