The Potent Solution

"A fun, rollicking steampunk mystery with the feel of cyberpunk and a well-thought out system of alchemy that fictionalizes and dramatizes traditional alchemical practice, this book does not fear to ask the big questions, like 'what if capitalism invented the people-burning machine, and only lesbians could stop it?'" - Maya Deane, author of Wrath Goddess Sing

Charlotte Price is a mess; perpetually tardy, chronically unfocused, and indecisive to a fault.

She’d hoped that apprenticing for London’s only master alchemist and private detective would help solve her problems, but her first investigation will test her limits in ways she never imagined. On the trail of a dangerous magical drug, Charlotte’s mentor vanishes without a trace. Lost, overwhelmed, and inexperienced, Charlotte must use everything she’s learned, and improvise the things she hasn’t, to track down her tutor.

With the help of an old friend turned new flame, and a reluctant tattooed sorcerer with ties to the aristocracy, Charlotte takes on magically empowered assassins, gate-crashes a society ball, and uncovers a conspiracy that goes right to the heart of government.

Yet Charlotte’s biggest challenge is her own mind. After years of being told to ignore her ADHD, her errant attention span threatens to stop the investigation in its tracks. To find her mentor and prevent disaster, she must overcome her fear of failure, trust her instincts, and learn that she has everything she needs to thrive.

“Ashley Nova’s THE POTENT SOLUTION is a snappy, sexy, spellbinding fantasy thriller. In a world in which alchemy exists, the chemistry between the characters might be the only thing more powerful than the dark magic afoot!” - Jendia Gammon, Nebula and BSFA Award finalist author of DOOMFLOWER, ATACAMA, and THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN

“Nova weaves a tale of magic, alchemy and the city that breathes new life into urban fantasy." - John Bull, author of The Brexit Tapes: From the Referendum to the Second Dark Age

“The Potent Solution is an alchemical blend of wit, mystery and romance: a gaslamp detective romp fuelled by dangerous magic and a page-turner of a plot. Amidst a cast of delightfully eclectic characters, Charlotte shines as an endearingly relatable protagonist whose stubborn sincerity and chaotic charm is sure to win hearts.” – Ren Hutchings, author of Under Fortunate Stars