In a world where everyone has at least a little bit of magic, locator-for-hire Brairie Spindling’s unusually strong ability keeps her in high demand—that is, when her clients can track her down. Proudly unattached, she’s lived out of a suitcase since she left home at sixteen, a half-unicorn, half-mini horse named Elbie her only constant. And though the cost of using her finding magic is losing something of her own—usually a shoe, and often mid-stride—most things are easily replaced. But when Elbie contracts a rare case of horn rot, she fears her magic has finally cost her something no amount of money could ever buy. So when an uptight, recently jilted, and—shockingly—completely magic-less Kipp Happsley hires her to find Dimnea’s Spring, said to be the original source of all magic, she would have agreed even without his large promised sum (though she’s still going to charge him). Strong magic is exactly what Brairie needs to save Elbie. 

Together Kipp and Brairie set off on the hunt, accumulating a motley team along the way. But to get to the source of all magic, they’ll have to brave deadly monsters and treacherous terrain—and maybe break a couple of laws. And try not to get too distracted by falling for each other.