Zaregoto

A dropout from an elite Houston-based program for teens is on a visit to a private island. Its mistress, virtually marooned there, surrounds herself with geniuses, especially of the young and female kind—one of whom ends up headless one fine morning. (Source: Kodansha USA)

Zaregoto Series placed three times in the Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! from 2005 to 2007, where it ranked second, first, and third, respectively. The first volume of series, Kubikiri Cycle, won the 23rd Mephisto Prize in 2002. The first two volumes were published in English by Del Rey Manga from July 22, 2008, to June 22, 2010. Vertical Inc. published the first three volumes from January 24, 2017, to September 17, 2019.