Although Red Palace, by Jane Her, is classified as YA, I found it captivating. I assume it received the YA sticker because the protagonist, Hyeon, is 18.

She is the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat. Through hard work and study, she becomes a palace nurse. But when four women are murdered and the prime suspect is Hyeon’s friend and mentor, she launches her own investigation. She partners with a young police inspector and soon the investigation moves into court politics.

As more women are murdered, suspicion begins to fall on the Crown Prince. Now Hyeon and the Police Inspector are in dark waters indeed.

The culture is fascinating and the plot is complicated and intriguing. Highly recommended.