Thara Celehar is once again wading into danger in the course of his investigatory duties as the only prelate in the city of Amalo who can witness for the dead, or lay hands on the deceased and learn their thoughts and feelings at the time they died. While looking into the possible poisoning death of a noblewoman, Celehar visits a school for foundling girls, where a teenager slips him a note: "Please help us. Stop them." Though the living are not within his purview as a witness for the dead, Celehar is able to rely on a growing network of supportive friends and colleagues (including a surprising new apprentice) who are willing to aid his unsanctioned investigation as he begins to unravel a dangerous conspiracy. Addison improves on the promise of The Witness for the Dead (2021) with this intriguing and well-plotted fantasy mystery. The author's fans will welcome the chance to continue exploring Amalo alongside this mild-mannered but tenacious detective, though new readers should start with the previous book to avoid becoming overwhelmed by Addison's complex--though delightful--world building.

Continuing his assignment from last year's Witness for the Dead, Thara Celehar serves his calling by investigating issues that can only be resolved by speaking to the dead. Whether the issue is an unidentified victim, a lost recipe, or a ghost that needs a last duty performed before it can cross, Celehar's ability to converse with the deceased closes open questions. At least until he loses his gift in a desperate attempt to placate an ancient ghoul. Uncertain whether he will ever witness again, Celehar does his best to search for justice for one last client through his own dogged determination and with the help of his new apprentice and the friends and colleagues he has made. Celehar's wry, self-deprecating, and somewhat philosophical perspective brings his assortment of disparate cases and plotlines to a satisfying conclusion for the clients and the reader, even as his own future is left hanging. VERDICT The gentle Celehar continues to do his best to discover truths that few want revealed, while exploring his city, reflecting on his life and his world, and generally telling a delightful story that will satisfy readers of both fantasy and mystery.--Marlene Harris

Thara Celehar's adventures serving the provincial city of Amalo continue in Addison's immersive sequel to The Witness for the Dead. Having finally grown accustomed in his role as a Witness for the Dead, communing with the deceased to solve their murders, Celehar is surprised when his employers suddenly send him an apprentice, a widow named Velhiro Tomasaran, and force him into a teaching role. Meanwhile, the Marquess Ulzhavel believes his late wife was murdered and requests that Celehar look into her death. But the investigation takes a turn when Celehar and Velhiro discover an unexpected connection to a murdered student at a girls' foundling school and uncover a scandal that leaves Celehar questioning his life's purpose. Though the ending feels rather anticlimactic, the ride there is thoroughly entertaining. The plot masterfully blurs the line between fantasy and mystery, and Addison turns her brilliant character building to the common folk of Amalo, fleshing out the citizens with heart-wrenching backstories and addressing and ameliorating the world's societal ills. New readers won't want to jump in with this one, but series fans are sure to be pleased. (June)