The more secret the Hunt, the more dangerous the mission.

Sometimes a distraction arrives at just the right time. After suffering a terrible loss, Beka is grateful when Lord Gershom calls on her with a top-secret Hunt. He informs Beka that she and her scent hound, Achoo, are the best team for the job, but he won't tell her anything else. And when the pair is joined by a wide-eyed young mage who seems too green to be on a case of such importance, it becomes clear that threats lurk around every corner. Soon they are wading deep into a world of power, corruption, and betrayal that threatens the Tortall royal family. Beka must decide whom she can trust with her country's future . . . and her life.

The Beka Cooper Trilogy introduces an amazing young woman who is the ancestor of one of Tamora Pierce's most popular characters: George Cooper. Here, Pierce gives fans exactly what they want--a smart, savvy heroine making a name for herself on the mean streets of Tortall's Lower City--while offering plenty to appeal to new readers as well!

"Tamora Pierce's books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration. Cracking open one of her marvelous novels always feels like coming home."
--SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Tamora Pierce didn't just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Her stories still lead the vanguard today. Pierce is the real lioness, and we're all just running to keep pace."
--LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author