Joan of the Arcane: A Novel

by Alexandra Fleder

Perfect for fans of Mona Awad and Maria Semple, this gripping, offbeat journey through modern-day Los Angeles is a genre-blending, darkly humorous exploration of suburban life, conspiracy theories, and spiritual awakening. 

A page-turning psychological trip for anyone who’s ever wondered if all their crazy ideas . . . might actually be right.

Joan is a middle-aged punk rocker turned housewife who’s seen too many TikToks to trust the official narrative. The moon landing? Faked. Weather? Controlled. Food? Poisoned. Her suspicions ignite when a strange new neighbor—possibly a dead astronaut with ties to secret ops—arrives on her block.

As Joan spirals deeper into the rabbit hole, she begins to question her marriage, her sanity, and her soul’s purpose. Armed with a mystical book and a fading voice that once shook LA punk clubs, she sets out on a spiritual journey through canyon trails, desert portals, and shadow realms to expose the truth—and reclaim her power.

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Alexandra Fleder worked as a litigation paralegal for over fifteen years before burning out. Today she is a full-time writer as well as a native plant enthusiast. She lives with her two blind cats in her native Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Sussu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle class empty nester goes through an identity crisis that she channels into believing every conspiracy theory under the sun. She used to be a singer in a punk band until she got pregnant and had a shotgun wedding with a man who wanted a traditional stay at home wife. Once the kids have flown the nest she starts spiralling, trying to find who she actually is without the role she was pushed into.

This is a really interesting look into the mind of someone who will believe anything she hears so long as it's not backed with any official source or science. Also a good look into what happens when you sacrifice your personality for other people and find yourself without purpose or identity.

I'm not sure what to think of the ending of the book, but I am glad I picked this one up. The writing is at times pretty poetic and flowery, which is something I think will either work for you or not, but is undeniably skilled on the author's part.

Waiting to see what the author comes out with next.

I got a copy of this book for free from Netgalley.

[✩｡°⋆ Lala ⋆｡°✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

•ARC 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝘄•

[Joan Of the Arcane]
🔥 Release Date: August 11, 2026 🔥
Thank you to Mindbuck Media, Alexander Fleder, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
★★★★☆

Grab your tin-foil hat and settle in, because this one bends reality just enough to make you question what’s real and what’s really lurking in the shadows.

Joan Of the Arcane follows Joan, a former punk rocker turned suburban mom, who finds herself pulled into conspiracy theories, spirituality, and her own unraveling. It’s chaotic, funny, and sometimes unsettling.

This is mostly a character driven story. You’re following Joan as she spirals, questions everything, and tries to figure out what’s real. The pacing is slower, more “day in the life,” so don’t expect big twists or a tight plot. But if you like introspective, offbeat stories with a strange, slightly disorienting vibe, this one works. It’s messy, a little absurd, and oddly relatable.

[Lauren B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one was interesting - I really enjoyed Joan's progression from sad punk star gone "housewife" to the end and loved the look into conspiracy theories.
A decent portrayal of women kicking ass and continuing with their truth, despite looking "crazy" to the normies.
I look forward to seeing what else this author brings out.