This fantasy blends elements of Victorian England with the political complexities of Apartheid South Africa in a story in which three ethnic groups—white Feldish colonialists; brown-skinned Lani people, who were brought “over the seas” to act as servants and laborers for the white colonialists; and the original, Black tribal inhabitants, the Mahweni—live together uneasily. In the capitol city of Bar-Selehm, 17-year-old Anglet Sutonga is the best steeplejack around, fixing and cleaning broken chimneys and spires high above the city. Though she left behind her Lani community and lives almost as an indentured servant, she is proud of her skill and enjoys her status in the steeplejack community. When the Beacon, an invaluable, glowing gem of luxorite goes missing and several suspicious deaths occur, including her own apprentice, a 10-year-old boy, Anglet accepts an offer to work for a young, white, opposition party politician to solve the murders and find the Beacon. As Anglet pieces the crimes and motivations together, she discovers lies, cover-ups, political machinations, and greed are all at play. With a large cast of ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse characters that defy stereotypes, the author offers an action-packed mystery as well as thoughtful commentary on the complexities of race, gender, class, and community. (Age 12 and older)

Thoughtfully imaginative and action-packed, Steeplejack is New York Times bestselling A. J. Hartley's YA debut set in a 19th-century South African fantasy world

2017 Thriller Awards Winner for Best Young Adult
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book
Booklist Top Ten YA in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror

“A richly realized world, an intensely likable character, and a mystery to die for." — Cory Doctorow, New York Times-bestselling author

Seventeen-year-old Anglet Sutonga lives and works as a steeplejack in Bar-Selehm, a sprawling city known for its great towers, spires, and smokestacks – and even greater social disparities across race and class.

Ang’s world is turned upside-down when her new apprentice Berrit is murdered the same night that the city’s landmark jewel is stolen. Her search for answers behind his death exposes unrest in the streets and powerful enemies. But she also finds help from unexpected friends: a kindhearted savannah herder, a politician’s haughty sister, and a savvy newspaper girl. As troubles mount in Bar-Selehm, Ang must discover the truth behind both murder and theft soon – or else watch the city descend into chaos.