Science fiction · Fantasy · Mystery
Gideon the Ninth
Gideon, a sharp-tongued swordswoman stuck in a gloomy tomb-world, is dragged along as bodyguard to the necromancer she despises. They travel to a decaying mansion where the heirs of other houses must pass trials, and people start dying.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2019
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 448
- Format
- Book 1 of 3 in The Locked Tomb
Read this if you like a snarky, skeleton-filled gothic mystery with a bold voice and a bit of everything.
Skip this if you prefer plain, linear storytelling, since the opening chapters throw a lot of invented terms at you.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Gideon the Ninth
- What is Gideon the Ninth about?
- Gideon, a sharp-tongued swordswoman stuck in a gloomy tomb-world, is dragged along as bodyguard to the necromancer she despises. They travel to a decaying mansion where the heirs of other houses must pass trials, and people start dying.
- Who should read Gideon the Ninth?
- Read it if you like a snarky, skeleton-filled gothic mystery with a bold voice and a bit of everything. Skip it if you prefer plain, linear storytelling, since the opening chapters throw a lot of invented terms at you.
- How long and how fast is Gideon the Ninth?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 448 pages, first published in 2019.
- Does Gideon the Ninth have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Gore.
- Can I borrow Gideon the Ninth for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Gideon the Ninth; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Gideon the Ninth?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Secret History, And Then There Were None, The Atlas Six.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Gideon the Ninth
-
The Secret History
Another story about a clever, closed group in an isolated setting where hidden resentments lead to death.
-
And Then There Were None
The classic template for the mansion where guests die one by one, here crossed with bone magic.
-
The Atlas Six
Another dark, competitive academic fantasy with bickering rivals and magic that costs something.
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