Stars, Hide Your Fires - by Jessica Mary Best (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A sapphic sci-fi mystery for fans of Iron Widow and The Darkness Outside Us

As an expert thief from a minor moon, Cass knows a good mark when she sees one. The emperor's ball is her chance to steal a fortune for herself, her ailing father, and her scrappy crew of thieves and market vendors.

Her plan is simple:
1. Hitch a ride to the planet of Ouris, the dazzling heart of the empire.
2. Sneak onto the imperial palace station to attend the emperor's ball.
3. Steal from the rich, the royal, and the insufferable.

But on the station, things quickly go awry. When the emperor is found dead, everyone in the palace is a suspect--and someone is setting Cass up to take the fall. To clear her name, Cass must work with an unlikely ally: a gorgeous and mysterious rebel with her own reasons for being on the station. Together, they unravel a secret that could change the fate of the empire.

Review Quotes

"Rich with inviting detail, this genre-blending adventure smorgasbord features socially conscious commentary regarding financial disparity and an intricate plot that's equal parts sci-fi, murder mystery, and fast-paced thriller."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"There's something about a heist, plus a locked room mystery, all set in space, that makes for a hugely heightened romantic setting, and Best pulls it off with flying colors."--Paste

"Descriptive worldbuilding, inventive and gender-inclusive slang and symbolism, a vividly drawn cast, and fast-paced banter are joined by nonstop action and twisty revelations...a high-stakes murder-mystery science-fiction thrill ride; great fun."--Kirkus Reviews

"A clever, lighthearted tone and the banter-filled attraction between Cass and Amaris balance off-the-page violence and dark intentions...satisfying and inspiring."--Booklist

"If a queer sci-fi romp where you have no idea who to trust but you do know whose faces you want to smush together and scream "Kiss!!!!" sounds like your jam, this is definitely the new release for you."--Smart Bitches Trashy Books

"The author creates a wondrous fantasy universe."--Buffalo News

"With lush worldbuilding, high stakes, and a page-turning mystery, Stars, Hide Your Fires is impossible to put down. Brilliantly crafted and delightfully fast-paced."--Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of She Gets the Girl

"A delightfully mischievous adventure full of intrigue, betrayal, and a touch of romance. Get ready to join your new favorite rebel crew."--Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer

"A delightful and gripping space mystery with twists and more twists; a charming and unlikely detective team; an adorable, bantery romance; and an extravagant sci-fi ball! I thoroughly enjoyed this fun romp of a read!"--Vanessa Len, author of Only a Monster

"An astonishing work of young adult science fiction. Electric, unflinching characters grip the reader from page one and refuse to let go, hurtling headfirst into a story shot through with unmatched worldbuilding and a murder mystery for the (space) ages."--Zoe Hana Mikuta, author of Gearbreakers

"Succession meets space in this twist-filled examination of the impact of imperial war across social classes--and the idealistic revolutionary and jaded con artist forging a delightful sapphic love story along the way. Jessica Mary Best doesn't hide her fire in this engaging novel."--Miel Moreland, author of It Goes Like This and Something Like Possible

"A twisty and propulsive spectacle full of banter and ballgowns. Stars, Hide Your Fires is the sapphic murder mystery in space of my dreams! This glittering space opera is sure to delight fans of Beth Revis and Amie Kauffman."--Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are the Stars

"An edge-of-your-seat genre-bender with a ton of heart! Can't wait to read what Best writes next!"--Alechia Dow, author of The Sound of Stars

About the Author