The Violently Departed - by Sarah J Daley (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Blending crime fiction and dark academia, The Violently Departed is a fast paced fantasy novel perfect for fans of An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson.

When a missing nun from a wealthy seaside town is found dead in the woods, Hero Viridian - a half-demon, disgraced ex-nun-turned-investigator - is ordered to unravel the case. With the stink of demonic involvement surrounding the murder, who better to deal with it than a woman with something to prove, eyes of literal flame and a direct connection to hell?

However, when those who sought her help turn against her, a vulnerable Hero must rely on an unlikely partner, Oleander Keen - a Demonhunter who has already tried to kill her. Ironically, he is the only one she can trust, and as the two work the case, their relationship changes from enemies, to colleagues, to friends.

Their investigation leads them to a mysterious academy at the edge of town that's appeared from thin air, with connections to the dead nun and reports of missing children. Nobody dares to speak ill of this vaunted institution, with a sinister presence lurking within it... one Hero recognises as an ancient evil that's hungry for souls...

Dark, evocative and stylish, The Violently Departed expertly combines crime and fantasy tropes, leaving readers with an eerily seductive mystery.

About the Author

Sarah J. Daley is a former chef who lives and writes in the Chicagoland area with her husband, son and very fat cat. Her debut novel, Obsidian, was a finalist for the 2022 Compton Crook Award. She has also published with Warhammer's Black Library and continues to churn out work featuring indomitable MCs who get dumped into impossible, and usually violent, situations. She is also a proud stepmother to three adult children who definitely don't consider her wicked.