Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Conductors by Nicole Glover Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on March 2, 2021
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Hetty Rhodes helped usher dozens of people North with her wits and magic. Now that the Civil War is over, Hetty and her husband Benjy have settled in Philadelphia, solving murders and mysteries that the white authorities won’t touch. When they find one of their friends slain in an alley, Hetty and Benjy bury the body and set off to find answers. But the secrets and intricate lies of the elites of Black Philadelphia only serve to dredge up more questions. To solve this mystery, they will have to face ugly truths all around them, including the ones about each other.
When I saw the blurb for The Conductors, I knew I wanted to read it. I have always loved stories about the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. The story being from the point of view of a conductor only made it better. The story alternates chapters from the past 1858-1865, with the present (1871). We also get magic and a murder mystery in this diverse world.
The main character and point of view is Hetty (Henrietta). She and her sister, Esther, escaped but got separated. Hetty is a magic user and Esther is a healer. She found Benjy who became her husband, and is also a magic user. Benjy and Hetty were conductors with her primary purpose being to find Esther. The relationship between Hetty and Benjy is beautiful in its growth.
Now Hetty and Benjy are settled in Philadelphia, where she is a dressmaker and he is a blacksmith. She is still hunting for Esther. But now one of their friends, the first man they conducted to safety, is murdered. They use both magical means and regular investigation tactics of interviews and collecting evidence to try to solve the murder. However, the murders continue.
The Conductors has so much to offer! I enjoyed the development of their circle of friends and learning about the magics. There is also the issue of being in a group of people who won’t go to the police for help. I am thrilled it is the start of the Murder and Magic series. The Undertakers is scheduled for a November 2021 release.
About Nicole Glover
According to astrology, I’m a Gemini Sun with a Capricorn Moon, which explains lots of things, but nearly enough. As a lover of obscure trivia, fun facts, and miscellaneous knowledge, I find researching a new book just as fun as writing it. My psychology degree prepared me both for a writing career and work as a UX Researcher. I am forever disappointed that NASA doesn’t think psychology is a hard science.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
I’ve had this book on my TBR for quite a while, I’m glad its finally out?
Well as you can tell I really enjoyed it. There are a few small things which might be because it was an eARC or might be because she is a new author but I loved the book. I may have to buy it on audio. I’m just thrilled there will be more later this year.
OH this looks really good. I just added the book to my Goodreads and started following the author! thanks for the review!
Of course. It was really good and a debut author. There were so many elements I enjoyed.
What an interesting concept! I’m not familiar with the book, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I look forward to reading your review of book two later this year.
Thank you Jen. I am definitely staying with this series. I think it would be great on audio also, it’s Bahni Turpin and I love her but can’t seem to spell her name.
I skimmed as I have the audiobook for review. I am exciting to see you enjoyed it.
I loved this. I’ve heard a few comments about minor things because it’s her debut work but I really enjoyed it.
I’m glad to see you enjoyed this one. I had trouble getting into it and have set it aside for now, but definitely plan to go back to it at some point. The premise is too interesting to pass up on.
yes I have moods where I have to change genres to keep reading.