Orem Library

In a tale set in 13th-century Constantinople at the brink of a Christian crusade, Anna Zarides disguises herself as a eunuch named Anastasius to prove her brother's innocence of a crime he did not commit.

"When word of her accomplishments falls on the ears of His Imperial Majesty, Maomao finds herself tasked with a direct request from the throne. Turning down the emperor is out of the question for the former apothecary - if she wants to keep her head! But while acquiescing to the emberor is expected of all subjects, Maomao is about to discover that ladies-in-waiting have still more taxing duties to which to attend, as preparations for the garden banquet...

An epic novel of ancient Egypt which lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood as weak men inherit the crown. On the eve of the festival of Osiris, the loyal subjects of the Pharoah gather in Thebes to pay tribute to their leader.

Sent to investigate rumors that a stolen art masterpiece has resurfaced in Venice, eunuch detective Yashim delegates negotiations for the work's return to Polish ambassador Palewski, in an unexpectedly dangerous case with ties to the alluring Contessa d'Aspi d'Istria.

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series! Though Maomao has left the palace behind and returned to her home in the pleasure district, it seems the Inner Court can't do without her! Jinshi comes to the erstwhile food taster with a request involving the attempted...

"Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn't long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a 'curse' afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao...

"Forced to the leave the Inner Palace, Maomao finds herself in the employ of none other than Jinshi, the seemingly ever-present thorn in her side! Immune to his charms, Maomao sets about learning the ways of life in the Outer Palace, where government officials and military officers go about the daily business of running the country. Far from being fearful of her new surroundings, however, Maomao has her insatiable curiosity piqued by the soldier-occupied...

A festive atmosphere descends upon the Inner Court with the arrival of a long-awaited merchant caravan and its myriad wares. Though the excitement is contagious and even Maomao looks forward to making purchases of her own, she soon cottons on to something potentially sinister about the innocuous goods for sale. Before Maomao can tease out any evidence, however, her attention turns to mushrooms when Jinshi asks her to root out any poisonous varieties...

Having figured out the trick to navigating the corridors of the ancient mausoleum found within the Inner Court, Maomao does an admirable job solving the current mystery in front of the emperor and Jinshi. And then the Empress Dowager comes to Maomao, asking her to investigate the late Emperor's curse. Jinshi's past and parentage are revealed!