The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.

With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.

Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?

Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.

All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first.

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

“Johnson’s signature mix of wit and mystery shines in this compelling sapphic thriller that comments on eugenics, family loyalty, and complicated friendships. The secluded island setting—which is described to Marlowe as “Death Disney World”—ratchets up suspense as narration deftly alternates between Marlowe’s self-deprecating reflections and flashbacks from 1932; the queer romance subplot adds warmth and depth.”
–  ⭐ Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“Johnson gives the Truly Devious series a break in this stand-alone sapphic mystery following two equally gripping time lines: the Ralston family deaths and Marlowe’s present-day sleuthing. Marlowe’s excellent memory and love of puzzles serve her well, while her self-deprecating, deadpan humor fills the narrative with quirky charm. Suspenseful, smartly executed, and hilarious.”
– ⭐ Booklist, starred review

“Johnson’s latest juxtaposes Marlowe’s clever, funny, slightly neurotic first-person voice with chapters about the mysterious historical family, which included six children who were adopted from England during World War I by Phillip Ralston, a eugenicist physician….Compelling mysteries unfurl in the past and the present, centering on tragedies that befall both groups. An engaging and expansive mystery.”
– Kirkus

“A fun, thrilling mystery than spans almost a century, and a must-read for mystery fans.”
– School Library J0urnal

“…another phenomenal mystery from a maestro in the genre. Maureen Johnson just knows how to write the kind of stories that keep you reading until the early hours. They are incredibly well paced, with stellar characterization and terrifyingly good twists….Death at Morning House is the YA mystery of the summer, potentially the year. Miss it at your peril. 10/10”
– The Nerd Daily

“What an incredible read! I absolutely flew through this book, literally could not put it down!…The split timelines work seamlessly….I also adored the casual queerness of the cast, it was fantastic to see complex queer characters as the main protagonists. The Ralston family were the most interesting part of the book to me, finding out how their story unfold had me gasping and making faces in a public cafe. One of the best YA thrillers I’ve read to date!”
– Issac, Waterstones Bookseller