Mystery Royale - by Kaitlyn Cavalancia (Hardcover)

About the Book

Named in the will of a wealthy man as potential beneficiaries, a group of teenagers must solve a murder to win the magical inheritance.

Book Synopsis

"Mystery Royale dazzles with high-stakes mystery, glittering magic, and wonderfully morbid curiosities. The sharp pacing and clever reveals hooked me from the first page, while the witty, endearing characters made it impossible to put down."
- Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE

THE INHERITANCE GAMES meets HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE in this genre splicing YA fantastical mystery.

The only thing sixteen-year-old Mullory Prudence has left of her mom is a warning: "Run if the strange finds you." But mysterious warnings don't pay the bills or help take care of her sick Gran. And they certainly don't make her miserable after-school job any more bearable. When unexpected letters start appearing in peculiar places--sealed in bags of dog food and hidden in the refrigerator--Mullory knows she should avoid them to heed her mother's warning, but her curiosity thinks otherwise. She uncovers an invitation from Stoutmire Estate to compete in a game of Mystery Royale for the chance at a sizable inheritance.

Dizzy with the prospect of billions, Mullory enters the game only to unearth the true prize--the illusionary magical properties of Xavier Stoutmire, a recluse without an heir. A recluse who was expected to keep his magic in the family, especially when there isn't enough for each member. With a prize worth killing for, the game is simple: be the first to solve the mystery--who killed Xavier Stoutmire? One week full of lavish parties dripping with enchantments, in a mansion brimming with clues of the past, and everyone's a suspect. To win, Mullory will need to untangle a twisted family web and decide who she can trust...

Whitaker Stoutmire, the golden boy who's harboring deadly secrets?

Ellison Stoutmire, his closed off twin, who saw something she shouldn't have?

Lyric Stoutmire the youngest sibling, exiled by the family and burning with resentment?

Or Mateo Maldonado, the only other outsider whose reserved manner allows him to hide in the shadows... At least at first.

But most of all, Mullory must ask herself, why? Why her? A question most strange, indeed.

Praise for Mystery Royale

"Mystery Royale is an enchanting escape packed with magical thrills, complex family dynamics, and jaw-dropping twists. I tore through this debut!"
- Chelsea Ichaso, author of DEAD GIRLS CAN'T TELL SECRETS and THE SUMMER SHE WENT MISSING.

"Kaitlyn Cavalancia deftly weaves magic with murder in her burton-esque YA debut Mystery Royale. Her lush setting complements a cast of characters as devious as they are lovable. Fans of the Inheritance Games and Caraval will devour this clever mystery."
- Jessie Weaver, author of LIVE YOUR BEST LIE UNTIL IT'S TRUE

"Cavalancia spins a web of magic and deep-seated familial trauma in this dazzling fantasy murder-mystery debut."
- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Review Quotes

A Winter/Spring 2025 Indies Introduce Title
A January/February 2025 Kids' Indie Next List

Praise for Mystery Royale

* "Cavalancia spins a web of magic and deep-seated familial trauma in this dazzling fantasy murder-mystery debut."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An intriguing, surprise-filled journey of family conflict, competition, and secrets."- Kirkus Reviews

"This book has a delicious mash of genres, and each delivers well on their promises."-BCCB

"Fans of the Inheritance Games and Caraval will devour this clever mystery."
-Jessie Weaver, author of Live Your Best Lie

"Dazzles with high-stakes mystery, glittering magic, and wonderfully morbid curiosities."-Emily J. Taylor, New York Times best- selling author of Hotel Magnifique

"An enchanting escape packed with magical thrills, complex family dynamics, and jaw-dropping twists." -Chelsea Ichaso, author of Dead Girls Cant' Tell Secrets

"Memorable worldbuilding, a house full of secrets and puzzles, and layers of family trauma will keep readers engaged and entice them into an implied sequel. Hand this to fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's The Inheritance Games or Joelle Wellington's Their Vicious Games." -School Library Journal

About the Author

Kaitlyn Cavalancia grew up devouring mystery and fantasy novels, certain that the right wardrobe would contain a door to another world. She's an orthodontist who fights crooked teeth during the day and writes books brimming with murder and magic at night. Currently she lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and dog.