High school freshman Jessica Walsh is a Virago—a woman warrior who must protect her hometown from danger. And in Nightshade, California, trouble is always lurking. At the town’s Battle of the Bands, Jess’s boyfriend, Dominic, and his band, Side Effects May Vary, are up against Hamlin, a band so popular, their fans follow them everywhere. Soon, the competing musicians are doing risky, illegal, and even fatal things—and claiming that they heard strange music that compelled them to do it. Can Jess and her friends track down the tuneful tyrant before it’s too late? Battle of the Bands: In the supernatural town of Nightshade, the biggest music competition of the year turns into a deadly magical mystery. The Pied Piper Legend: A stolen magical flute is playing a killer tune, forcing musicians to commit terrible acts against their will. A Sassy Woman Warrior: High school freshman Jessica Walsh has to juggle homework, a new crush, and her secret duty as a Virago—the town’s only line of defense. Young Adult Paranormal Mystery: With rival musicians turning up hurt or worse, Jess must uncover who is behind the music before her boyfriend Dominic is the next target.