In this light noir crime novel, a previous puzzle prodigy returns to the competing world. A thoughtful mystery with deeply personal stakes, perfect for fans of The Queen's Gambit.

Gillian Charles, a puzzle-solving prodigy, was just a child when she lost Miscellany's Contest. Now an adult, she is invited to compete again... but this time there is more than just her pride at stake.

Gillian has left puzzles entirely behind and barely ekes out a living while trying to support her sick mother. Until her childhood nemesis appears with an offer she can't refuse - fifty thousand dollars to return to Miscellany and investigate a cheating scandal in The Contest sequel, Season Two.

Gillian soon discovers things aren't so straightforward. Former Contestants run Season Two and with investment and expansion in the cards, they'll do anything to avoid a scandal. Meanwhile Sebastian Luna, head of Miscellany, still spins his webs of confusion, offering Gillian the future she always wanted - but only if she plays by his rules.

With her mother's circumstances growing more dire, and mounting pressure to sweep the accusations under the rug, Gillian finds childhood games can be all the more treacherous for adults.
 
Contributor Bio(s)
 
Jeff Macfee is the author of the forthcoming crime novel The Contest (February, 2025). He writes about ordinary people who do their best but make things worse. When he’s not writing he’s doing IT things and asking you to turn it off and on again. He lives in North Texas with his wife and three kids.

Author Residence: Texas, USA