The Killing of a Chestnut Tree

A Most Anticipated Release from Collider, Gizmodo, Reactor, BookRiot, Criminal Element, and From the Front Porch

"I loved this book! Havelock and Sebastian are such great company, brilliant, approachable, fascinating, their relationship is real and touching and relatable. And the mystery is riveting." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author LOUISE PENNY

Be gay, solve crimes!

Meet Havelock Harper, gentleman detective. Dapper, delightful, and decidedly queer, he's here to solve your most magical mysteries.

Everyone in England knows Havelock Harper, the celebrated consulting detective from the papers. But if any of them read his private files, they would discover secrets that must never reach the public eye--extraordinary cases, impossible crimes, and a committed love affair with his formidable companion Major Sebastian Wright.

And their next case might be the queerest yet.

Havelock and Sebastian have been summoned to investigate the murder of the Duke of Farleigh. When they arrive at the scene of the crime -- a secluded, enchanting forest -- they discover that the victim is a tree!

The trees of Farleigh have begun to write words in their bark and branches, expressing themselves for all to read. The Duke is an ancient chestnut, cruelly chopped down, and to the villagers of Farleigh, he is a beloved friend. They want justice.

Havelock and Sebastian must use all their wits and wisdom to find the murderer who has shattered the peace of Farleigh.

Oliver K. Langmead writes speculative fiction. His verse-novel, Calypso, was shortlisted for a Hugo Award, and named one of the best Science Fiction books of 2024 by Esquire Magazine and The Guardian. His previous novel, Glitterati was shortlisted for a British Fantasy Award, and named one of New Scientist's best Science Fiction books of 2022. He is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Lancaster, and in late 2018 he was the writer in residence at the European Space Agency's Astronaut Centre in Cologne.