Stiletto: A Novel

Nine stars. Stiletto is a clever, complex, and satisfyingly bizarre continuation of The Rook, though it forges a very different path in terms of tone and structure. Where The Rook was a tight, fast-paced mystery wrapped in amnesia and told through letters and present-day sleuthing, Stiletto expands the narrative scope dramatically. With multiple perspectives, a broader timeline, and a more intricate political landscape, this sequel leans harder into diplomacy and alliance-building—without losing the dry British wit, supernatural weirdness, or pop culture breadcrumbs that made the first book such a joy. O’Malley’s ability to build a world where supernatural bureaucracy feels simultaneously absurd and deadly serious is still in full force. The humor is quieter, more situational, and the stakes are more subtle, but still compelling. There's a slower burn to the story, with more time spent developing character arcs—especially for the two new protagonists, Odette and Felicity, who eventually become the beating heart of the novel. That said, the ending is undeniably cliffhanger-y, a real gear-shift from the satisfying resolution of The Rook. It’s a bit of a tease, really—a confident setup for book three (Blitz). All in all, Stiletto is a worthy sequel: very different in pacing and scope, but still richly imaginative and fun. If you enjoyed The Rook, this is a deeper dive into the world you've come to love. Just be prepared to want the next book immediately.