Heike’s mother kept the villagers of Greymist Fair safe before her death, using magic to appease the witch who controls the wargs—spirits of the dead that attack and kill those who stray from the path through the surrounding forest. At least that’s what Heike was taught. Heike grew up learning the tailor’s trade along with magic from her mother, but is worried she doesn’t know enough to continue to protect the village. Brown-skinned Wenzel, Heike’s best friend, was abandoned in the village as a child by his abusive father and now runs the inn he inherited from his adoptive parents. Liesl’s brother was recently killed by wargs. Another victim, Katrina, was the privileged, sheltered, curious daughter of Lord and Lady Greymist. Fritz is so desperate for companionship that he follows the bidding of self-centered, disaffected, cruel Hans. Visiting Prince Altan is overly enamored of his magical gift and ripe for a lesson. Kind and knowing Doctor Death is a stark contrast to bitter, lonely Death themself. There is tension within and across the nine interconnected stories that follow these characters in an absorbing work that builds to a climax in which Heike is ready to risk everything on compassion, not magic, in order to save her village. Based on a number of lesser-known Grimm’s tales as well as “Hansel & Gretel,” this atmospheric, immersive novel has a setting that feels old-world European, including most characters reading as white, while embracing 21st-century sensibilities regarding love and identity. (Age 12 and older)

“Sharp and accessible.” —School Library Journal

“Illustrates the revolutionary power of love, kindness, and community.” —Publishers Weekly

“Fans of retellings will enjoy finding many hidden tropes in the warm, original fantasy.” —Kirkus Reviews

The villagers of Greymist Fair know that the woods are a dangerous and magical place, and that they should never set foot off the road. But when a young tailor discovers a body, her search for the culprit reveals even more strange and dark happenings around her town.

From acclaimed author Francesca Zappia, Greymist Fair is a suspenseful and inventive murder mystery infused with magic and inspired by the lesser-known fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.

Two roads lead into a dark forest. They meet at Greymist Fair, the village hidden in the trees, a place kept alive by the families that never leave. The people of Greymist Fair know the woods are a dangerous and magical place, and to set foot off the road is to invite trouble.

When Heike, the village’s young tailor, discovers a body on the road, she goes looking for who is responsible. But her quest only leads to more strange happenings around Greymist Fair.

Inspired by the original, bloody, lesser-known fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, acclaimed author Francesca Zappia crafts an enthralling murder mystery that will keep readers turning the pages. Told from multiple points of view, with each narrative building on the crime discovered by Heike, Greymist Fair examines the themes of childhood fears, growing into adult responsibilities, and finding a place to call home amid the trials of life and death.

Features chapter decorations by the author throughout, as well as a map.