Newmag and Yeraz Projects Present the Second Book of Anna Starobinets's Beastly Crimes Series Under the "Yeraz" Imprint (Trailer)

In the Far Woods, peace is once again in jeopardy. The fragile alliance formed between the Hunting Village and the Police Department threatens to collapse at any moment, leaving the present feeling entirely uncertain. Here, a single wrong move could not only jeopardize the investigation, but also put countless lives at risk.

This time, the case is about more than just unmasking a criminal. The protagonists must save lives, carry out a undercover mission, negotiate with humans, and figure out how the most unexpected, accidental witness can completely turn the course of the investigation around.

In the Hunting Village, everyone's life is on the line. The infamous future awaiting the coop's residents in a housewife's kitchen drives Hen-Four to an incredible act of bravery. Chief Badger Senior embarks on a rather unpleasant investigation alongside new partners, while Starling sets off on a secret mission. Meanwhile, Doctor Crow tries to save lives, demonstrating that sometimes even the most unexpected specialist can play a decisive role.

The book also introduces new and unexpected characters who not only enrich the narrative, but also steer events in a fresh direction. The author weaves together detective suspense, the swift pace of an adventure story, and the funny logic of the animal realm.

Witty dialogue, unexpected twists, and boundless humor make the story enjoyable for children and adults alike. What stands out in particular is that the characters do not always fit conventional expectations: a seemingly modest animal can end up at the center of the most dangerous events, while the bravest must confront their own fears.

One of the funniest and most symbolic episodes involves Badger Junior, who suddenly begins dreaming of becoming a cat. And when a badger dreams of being a cat, it becomes clear that things in the Far Woods are far more complex than usual.

Anna Starobinets is a contemporary Russian writer, journalist, and screenwriter. Thanks to her dark sci-fi thrillers and dystopias for adults, she is often called the "Russian Queen of Horror." For children, however, Starobinets creates a completely different world—funny, witty, and packed with adventure.

Beastly Crimes is one of her most beloved projects. Set in the Far Woods, the series presents animal life through a unique mix of detective storytelling, fairy tale, and social humor. Starobinets is a laureate of numerous Russian and European literary awards. In 2018, the European Science Fiction Society named her Europe's Best Writer at the Eurocon Awards. In 2021, she won the Eduard Uspensky "Big Fairy Tale" Prize for the Beastly Crimes series.

Beastly Crimes: Right to Nibble was translated into Armenian by Anush Muradyan. The book is published under the "Yeraz" imprint in partnership with Yeraz Projects.

The book will be available on newmag.am and in bookstores starting September 1.