Steeplejack Books

Thoughtfully imaginative and action-packed, Steeplejack is New York Times bestselling A. J. Hartley's YA debut set in a 19th-century South African fantasy world 2017 Thriller Awards Winner for Best Young Adult YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book Booklist Top Ten YA in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror “A richly realized world, an intensely likable character, and a mystery to die for." ― Cory Doctorow, New York Times -bestselling author Seventeen-year-old Anglet Sutonga lives and works as a steeplejack in Bar-Selehm, a sprawling city known for its great towers, spires, and smokestacks – and even greater social disparities across race and class. Ang’s world is turned upside-down when her new apprentice Berrit is murdered the same night that the city’s landmark jewel is stolen. Her search for answers behind his death exposes unrest in the streets and powerful enemies. But she also finds help from unexpected friends: a kindhearted savannah herder, a politician’s haughty sister, and a savvy newspaper girl. As troubles mount in Bar-Selehm, Ang must discover the truth behind both murder and theft soon – or else watch the city descend into chaos.

In A. J. Hartley’s newest Steeplejack adventure Firebrand , a dangerous secret, a murder among nobility, and missing immigrants are all in a day’s work for amateur sleuth Anglet Sutonga Anglet Sutonga is moving up in the world, helping politician Josiah Willinghouse track down a thief who stole plans for a covert government weapon. Finding him won’t be easy, not when the thief has connections to Elitus, the city’s most powerful and super-exclusive social club. When someone gets murdered there, things definitely do not get any easier. But more is at stake as the city’s recent wave of refugees start to vanish. When Ang connects these two cases, they spark a conflagration of conspiracy which threatens to engulf the city whole. Unless she can stop it. "Richly-drawn with a diverse cast of characters and an unstoppable plot!” – Carrie Ryan , New York Times bestselling author, on Steeplejack

In A. J. Hartley’s thrilling and intriguing 19th-century South African-inspired fantasy world, which started with the Thriller Award-winning Steeplejack and continues with Guardian, Anglet Sutonga is a teenage detective fighting in a race against time as her beloved city is pushed to the brink. This is what Ang knows: A dear friend is accused of murdering the Prime Minister of Bar-Selehm. A mysterious but fatal illness is infecting the poor. A fanatical politician seizes power, unleashing a wave of violent repression over the city. This is what Ang must do: Protect her family. Solve a murder. RESIST, no matter what, before it’s too late. “Richly-drawn and diverse cast of characters, with an unstoppable plot!” ― Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author “Smart political intrigue wrapped in all the twists and turns of a good detective story.” ― Kirkus Reviews ,starred review “A political, multilayered mystery-thriller with a strong, impressively fierce heroine.” ― Shelf Awareness , starred review