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Little Necromancers: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 23 Mar 27Blending a twisted murder mystery in the vein of Knives Out with some dark magic, Little Necromancers is a YA ghostly whodunnit perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and The Invocations.
Eighteen-year-old psychic Mercy Hawkins is drowning in the exorbitant debt she owes to the necromancers who resurrected her parents. Ghost therapy is an unreliable source of income, and her death predictions never come to fruition, meaning no payout. So when those same necromancers—the powerful and affluent Granville family—come to her with an opportunity to wipe the slate clean, Mercy can’t afford to refuse.
The Granvilles task her with convincing their youngest and most obstinate member, Julian, to come back to life after a brutal fall from his bedroom window. With her ability to see ghosts, only Mercy can reach him. But Mercy has her own reasons to believe that Julian’s death was no accident, and one look at his bloodied ghost confirms her suspicions.
As her employers become her suspects, Mercy reluctantly teams up with the strange and hostile ghosts haunting the Granville estate. Together, they surreptitiously investigate Julian’s murder, entrenching Mercy into a decades-long feud between the house’s two factions—the ghosts, who invisibly cook, clean, and toil for the Granvilles, and the Granvilles themselves, who must acquiesce to the ghosts’ every material demand in exchange for their service. Both sides are anxious to point the finger at the other . . . and both sides have secrets to kill for.
Eighteen-year-old psychic Mercy Hawkins is drowning in the exorbitant debt she owes to the necromancers who resurrected her parents. Ghost therapy is an unreliable source of income, and her death predictions never come to fruition, meaning no payout. So when those same necromancers—the powerful and affluent Granville family—come to her with an opportunity to wipe the slate clean, Mercy can’t afford to refuse.
The Granvilles task her with convincing their youngest and most obstinate member, Julian, to come back to life after a brutal fall from his bedroom window. With her ability to see ghosts, only Mercy can reach him. But Mercy has her own reasons to believe that Julian’s death was no accident, and one look at his bloodied ghost confirms her suspicions.
As her employers become her suspects, Mercy reluctantly teams up with the strange and hostile ghosts haunting the Granville estate. Together, they surreptitiously investigate Julian’s murder, entrenching Mercy into a decades-long feud between the house’s two factions—the ghosts, who invisibly cook, clean, and toil for the Granvilles, and the Granvilles themselves, who must acquiesce to the ghosts’ every material demand in exchange for their service. Both sides are anxious to point the finger at the other . . . and both sides have secrets to kill for.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 23, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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May 14, 2026⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Little Necromancers is easily one of the most unique premises I’ve read in a long time. A blend of gothic/manor house mystery and urban fantasy makes for a creative, compelling read.
This book manages to capture all of my favorite story elements and execute them effortlessly:
• A main character you can really root for and whose complexity brings her to life off the page
• A mystery with plenty of twists, that also leaves no stone unturned
• Innovative and deliberate world-building that enhances the story; murder mystery, necromancers, and banshees complement each other so well
• Characters who are just as interesting as the plot itself; there isn’t a single character I didn’t want to know more about
• A slow-building romance side-plot that feels earned but also leaves you wanting more
On top of everything else happening, this story explores grief and human connection against the backdrop of necromancy in such a heartfelt way. Mercy’s relationship with the ghosts had me both smiling and tearing up.
I finished Little Necromancers both thoroughly entertained and deeply disappointed that I don’t already have book two sitting in front of me. I can’t wait to read it again (and again) once it’s published!
Little Necromancers is easily one of the most unique premises I’ve read in a long time. A blend of gothic/manor house mystery and urban fantasy makes for a creative, compelling read.
This book manages to capture all of my favorite story elements and execute them effortlessly:
• A main character you can really root for and whose complexity brings her to life off the page
• A mystery with plenty of twists, that also leaves no stone unturned
• Innovative and deliberate world-building that enhances the story; murder mystery, necromancers, and banshees complement each other so well
• Characters who are just as interesting as the plot itself; there isn’t a single character I didn’t want to know more about
• A slow-building romance side-plot that feels earned but also leaves you wanting more
On top of everything else happening, this story explores grief and human connection against the backdrop of necromancy in such a heartfelt way. Mercy’s relationship with the ghosts had me both smiling and tearing up.
I finished Little Necromancers both thoroughly entertained and deeply disappointed that I don’t already have book two sitting in front of me. I can’t wait to read it again (and again) once it’s published!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There were things I really enjoyed about this and things that didn’t fully land for me, but overall I thought it was good
Mercy is a banshee and in order to get out of debt from necromancers she goes to work for them to help convince the youngest to want to be resurrected, since he’s currently choosing to stay dead. While there she uncovers ALOT more then she bargained for
The things that worked: I liked Mercy! She was flawed but she was 18 and it was a believable 18. Thinking she’s an adult but still being naive at times. It worked. I also loved the ghosts. I thought there characters were really fleshed out and unique and I enjoyed them. I also liked the mystery as a whole, it kept me guessing and I was def surprised by some twists
The things that didn’t work: the romance - it kind of blindsided me?? Maybe I missed something while I was reading it but they seemed very platonic and then suddenly accusations of jealousy were thrown out. Also the human characters - I felt like a lot of focuses was spent on developing the ghosts that the family seemed more one dimensional so when some of the reveals were happening it wasn’t quite as shocking because you didn’t know them (especially Westley)
There is clear set up for a book 2 and I gotta say, i am curious! Overall I think the book was good and I can see it landing harder with the right people!
Thanks to netgalley a st. Martins Press for an early copy in exchange for my honest review! I am honored :)
Mercy is a banshee and in order to get out of debt from necromancers she goes to work for them to help convince the youngest to want to be resurrected, since he’s currently choosing to stay dead. While there she uncovers ALOT more then she bargained for
The things that worked: I liked Mercy! She was flawed but she was 18 and it was a believable 18. Thinking she’s an adult but still being naive at times. It worked. I also loved the ghosts. I thought there characters were really fleshed out and unique and I enjoyed them. I also liked the mystery as a whole, it kept me guessing and I was def surprised by some twists
The things that didn’t work: the romance - it kind of blindsided me?? Maybe I missed something while I was reading it but they seemed very platonic and then suddenly accusations of jealousy were thrown out. Also the human characters - I felt like a lot of focuses was spent on developing the ghosts that the family seemed more one dimensional so when some of the reveals were happening it wasn’t quite as shocking because you didn’t know them (especially Westley)
There is clear set up for a book 2 and I gotta say, i am curious! Overall I think the book was good and I can see it landing harder with the right people!
Thanks to netgalley a st. Martins Press for an early copy in exchange for my honest review! I am honored :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Little Necromancers! I ended up reading this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I loved how this book mixed supernatural elements with the mystery of Knives Out and Clue. I absolutely love a good mystery, so this book immediately caught my attention. The idea of combining a murder mystery with necromancers, ghosts, and a gothic setting was so unique, and I really enjoyed seeing how everything came together.
I also really loved how diverse the characters were. There were so many different personalities, and I found myself interested in the characters just as much as I was interested in figuring out the mystery. There were also plenty of twists that kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading.
I really liked the creepy atmosphere of this book, too. It had that gothic feel without being overly scary, which worked really well for the story. I also enjoyed the humor and little references throughout the book because they added some fun to a story that deals with things like death, ghosts, and necromancy.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much the story would explore grief and human connection. Mercy’s relationship with the ghosts added an emotional side to the story that I really enjoyed.
Overall, Little Necromancers was such a fun and unique mystery. If you love Knives Out, Clue, supernatural elements, gothic settings, and a good mystery, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
I also really loved how diverse the characters were. There were so many different personalities, and I found myself interested in the characters just as much as I was interested in figuring out the mystery. There were also plenty of twists that kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading.
I really liked the creepy atmosphere of this book, too. It had that gothic feel without being overly scary, which worked really well for the story. I also enjoyed the humor and little references throughout the book because they added some fun to a story that deals with things like death, ghosts, and necromancy.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much the story would explore grief and human connection. Mercy’s relationship with the ghosts added an emotional side to the story that I really enjoyed.
Overall, Little Necromancers was such a fun and unique mystery. If you love Knives Out, Clue, supernatural elements, gothic settings, and a good mystery, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If the assignment was 'Take Knives Out, mix it with the game of Clue, but make it supernatural and slightly creepy' then Emma Devlin absolutely nailed it! From start to finish this novel was all engrossing and a whole lot of fun. I wouldn't have expected a plotline focused upon raising people from the dead to be fun, but it absolutely was in a macabre sort of way.
From the ghostly antics to the twisting plotlines Little Necromancers grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The characters are diverse, interesting, and well crafted. The pacing was consistent and everything served to keep the plotline moving forward without any lags in the middle. The creepiness was just enough to convey a sense of gothic horror vibes without being too horrifying.
I loved the Clue, Nancy Drew, and Banshee Barbie references woven throughout the scenes. Those bits felt fun and added a bit of levity to it all. To me this really did feel like a twisted sort of Clue game with the complexity of Knives Out.
If you love the gothic manor vibes, an abundance of mystery, plot twists, supernatural characters, and a creepy ambience then definitely read Little Necromancers.
Thanks to SMP Early Readers, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the e-arc. All opinions are my own and freely given.
From the ghostly antics to the twisting plotlines Little Necromancers grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The characters are diverse, interesting, and well crafted. The pacing was consistent and everything served to keep the plotline moving forward without any lags in the middle. The creepiness was just enough to convey a sense of gothic horror vibes without being too horrifying.
I loved the Clue, Nancy Drew, and Banshee Barbie references woven throughout the scenes. Those bits felt fun and added a bit of levity to it all. To me this really did feel like a twisted sort of Clue game with the complexity of Knives Out.
If you love the gothic manor vibes, an abundance of mystery, plot twists, supernatural characters, and a creepy ambience then definitely read Little Necromancers.
Thanks to SMP Early Readers, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the e-arc. All opinions are my own and freely given.
August 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book was SO fun.
I absolutely LOVED The Necromancer King and all of the ghosts (and their little found family)!!
The mystery was engaging, and I couldn’t step away - I read this book in a day!! I didn’t see ANY of the twists coming.
I did find the epilogue a little bit confusing. THAT SAID, I truly do hope there is a sequel because this is a very strong debut!! I adored the modern gothic vibes!!
Perfect for fans of the twisting mystery of Knives Out and the Paranormal found family of Paramounts’ School Spirits!
Thank you to St. Martin’s press/Netgalley for the e-arc.
This book was SO fun.
I absolutely LOVED The Necromancer King and all of the ghosts (and their little found family)!!
The mystery was engaging, and I couldn’t step away - I read this book in a day!! I didn’t see ANY of the twists coming.
I did find the epilogue a little bit confusing. THAT SAID, I truly do hope there is a sequel because this is a very strong debut!! I adored the modern gothic vibes!!
Perfect for fans of the twisting mystery of Knives Out and the Paranormal found family of Paramounts’ School Spirits!
Thank you to St. Martin’s press/Netgalley for the e-arc.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Completely unexpected in an amazing way!
Honestly I thought from the title and summary it would be just okay. How I was wrong!!!
It starts off with a bang and drags you under. You'll be hooked right away. Literally, edge of your seat the whole time!
The characters are so engaging and you fall in love with them. The world building is so easy to believe and follow along with. And man, if this mystery is not planned out so perfectly! I was honestly shocked by the ending and desperately wish we had a sequel coming.
Honestly I thought from the title and summary it would be just okay. How I was wrong!!!
It starts off with a bang and drags you under. You'll be hooked right away. Literally, edge of your seat the whole time!
The characters are so engaging and you fall in love with them. The world building is so easy to believe and follow along with. And man, if this mystery is not planned out so perfectly! I was honestly shocked by the ending and desperately wish we had a sequel coming.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great world building, characters, and mystery. I really wish we got a bit more at the end - so much is left open and after becoming invested in the characters I'd love to know more!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Interesting and novel concept kept reading fun start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews