A Study in Drowning is a captivating tale that blends magic, mystery, and rivalry. Effy has always believed in fairy tales, having been haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood. Her only comfort comes from the pages of Angharad, a beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, only to destroy him. Effy’s copy of the book is all that keeps her grounded during her challenging first term at a prestigious architecture college. When the late author’s family announces a contest to design his house, Effy is convinced this is her fate.

However, Hiraeth Manor, the subject of the contest, is a daunting task. The crumbling estate, perched dangerously near the sea, seems beyond saving. Upon arriving, Effy finds she isn’t alone. Preston Héloury, a young literature scholar, is studying the author’s papers and is determined to prove that Effy’s beloved author is a fraud.

As Effy and Preston dig into the author’s past, piecing together clues from his letters, books, and diaries, they uncover more than they bargained for. The house’s foundation isn’t the only thing that’s unreliable—dark, magical forces are at play, threatening to tear them apart. The investigation reveals dangerous truths that could lead to both of their downfalls.

A Study in Drowning weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the fine line between fantasy and reality, where nothing is as it seems, and the past’s secrets might just drown them all.