A Murder Most Fungal: A Fungalverse Novel

"A meal you won't forget. A Murder Most Fungal will leave an indelible mark on your palate with the stunning character arc of chef Pocho Jiro, who is forced down a road to hell paved with impossible choices. You thought Mushroom Blues was good? You ain't seen nothing yet."--Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall & Moonfall

Return to the mushroom metropolis of Neo Kinoko, immerse yourself in a sinister world of gangsters, blackmail, and fungal cuisine, and prepare for a Michelin-star tragedy in six courses.

The knives are out in this fast-paced, standalone Fungalverse novel. Set several months after the events of the award-winning Mushroom Blues, this side story combines the culinary wonder of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, the kitchen chaos of The Bear, and the explosive tension of Hong Kong crime thrillers.

In the aftermath of the "Fuyu Massacre," riots and whispers of revolution continue to plague the Hōpponese capital of Neo Kinoko. As a result, the iron grip of a foreign military occupation tightens day by day. Amidst this, Pocho Jiro, a once-renowned makizushi chef, has chosen to cook for Duncan MacArthur-the Coprinian Military Governor in Hōppon-as his personal chef... and indentured servant.

A run-in with dangerous fungal gangsters sets off a chain of events that Pocho cannot escape from. He's left with two choices: Assassinate MacArthur, or watch his beloved sister die in front of his eyes. Will Pocho take up his knife and prepare MacArthur's final meal?

PRAISE FOR A MURDER MOST FUNGAL:

"I absolutely devoured A Murder Most Fungal in a single day, and I am already hungry for more. All I can really say is: chef's kiss."--Esmay Rosalyne, Grimdark Magazine

"A culinary crime caper that takes the formula that works for a show like The Bear and then dials up the grizzle. I read this book in one sitting. It felt like a dish best served that way, and I dare you not to do the same. Give this book all the Michelin stars."--Frasier Armitage, author of Cage of Stars, A Stitch Between Worlds and more

PRAISE FOR MUSHROOM BLUES & THE FUNGALVERSE:

"A fascinating merging of oppressive imperialism and disconcerting alienation."--Adrian Tchaikovsky, award-winning author of Children of Time, Alien Clay and more on Mushroom Blues

"I enjoyed Mushroom Blues a lot, and the sense of place and culture and the strangeness of the fungi are all very well done. Go read this book."--Mark Lawrence, bestselling author of Prince of Thorns, Red Sister and more on Mushroom Blues

"This is like nothing I've read before. Its premise is cool, creepy, and incredibly unique, bolstered by prose as savvy and knife-sharp as the detectives of the NKPD."--Nicholas Eames, award-winning author of Kings of the Wyld & Bloody Rose on Mushroom Blues

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Kinoko Book Co.
Published: 04/15/2026
ISBN: 9789907011210
Pages: 232
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.69d