This glittering novel of the Paris Opera is full of drama, intrigue, and secrets, and features a memorable main character. Lilliet Berne (inspired by the real-life opera singer Jenny Lind) is the leading soprano, the best of the best and a shining star. She craves an original role, but when one is finally offered to her, she's shocked to find it's based on a secret from her past—a secret that only four people know. Who could have betrayed her? Seeking the truth in her memories, she recalls her life as an orphan and the countless transformations she underwent along the way to beginning her opera career. The book is thoroughly grounded in its 19th century Parisian setting, and almost reads like a novel from that era. (Though be warned: Chee doesn't use quotation marks!)

This one landed on team member Ginger's list after a dive down the Dark Academia rabbit hole sent her to the Edinburgh offshoot (so many quaint coffee shops and tree-sodden streets!). Many readers know of Alexander Chee from his novel The Queen of the Night and now follow him from an opera house to the school house in Maine. Mind your triggers here, as the story is set in motion by child abuse.