Under Lock & Skeleton Key

About the book

Renowned for her irresistibly captivating characters, acclaimed author Gigi Pandian introduces a new protagonist in the premiere installment of her latest series. Under Lock & Skeleton Key weaves together breathtaking architecture and delectable cuisine in a tribute to traditional locked-room mysteries that are sure to captivate readers.

An unsolvable crime. A familial legacy. The allure of concealed chambers and covert passageways.

After a tragic accident alters the course of Tempest Raj's career and life, she retreats to her childhood residence in California to seek solace in the comforting Indian dishes prepared by her grandfather. Despite her reluctance, each passing day draws her nearer to the inevitable: joining her father's business. Specializing in constructing Secret Staircases, the company infuses homes with the enchantment of childhood by installing sliding bookcases, elaborate locks, treehouse retreats, and hidden alcoves for reading.

During a visit to her father's latest project, Tempest stumbles upon the lifeless body of her former stage double concealed within a wall believed to have been sealed for over a century. Suspecting herself as the intended target, Tempest takes it upon herself to unravel this seemingly insolvable mystery. Yet, as she plunges deeper into the enigma, she contemplates whether the Raj family curse, a longstanding affliction that she once dismissed as superstition, has finally caught up with her.