Detective of the Thousand Kingdoms

Mara is the newest Royal Mage of the Thousand Kingdoms. She is also a fraud. A former carnival con artist with almost no magic, Mara survives court with quick lies, sharp instincts, and Karnux the Great—an ancient dragon cursed small enough to ride on her shoulder. Then an elven ambassador explodes in front of the High King. The weapon is ancient. The suspects are dangerous. And the High King puts Mara in charge of the investigation. Now she has to solve the murder while keeping the court from discovering its newest Royal Mage is a fraud.