The Improvisers: A Murder and Magic Novel

(Paperback)

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For fans of Nghi Vo, P. Djl Clark, and Alix E. Harrow: a new stand-alone set in the world of the critically acclaimed Murder and Magic series during Prohibition. The Improvisers is the tale of Velma, a barnstorming pilot and former magic bootlegger, who pursues dangerous enchanted items and a mystery that crosses the US and cuts through timeright to the heart of her familys past and present.

Velma Frye is many things. A pilot, a former bootlegger, a well-seasoned traveler, a jazz pianist...and a wielder of celestial magic. Shes also a member of the mystical Rhodes family as well as an investigator for arcane oddities for a magic rights organization, dealing with both simple and complicated cases. And when a pocket watch instigates a magical brawl after one of her flight shows, things become very complicated.

In 1930s America, enchanted items are highly valuable, especially in the waning days of the magical Prohibition. As Velma digs deeper, she discovers the watch is part of a collection of dangerous artifacts manipulating people across the countryand in some cases, leading to their deaths. Something about all this is tickling Velmas memories, and the more she discovers, the more these seemingly isolated incidents feel as if theyre building to something apocalyptic.

Connecting the dots isnt easy, though, and further complicating her work is journalist Dillon Harris. He hounds her steps, and while not actively sabotaging her investigation, he also clearly knows more than he lets on. Whether its his presence that she finds so vexing or his easygoing charm, thats a mystery she isnt interested in solving. Because someone is out there seeding cursed objects with the intent on wreaking havoc, and Velma will have to use every trick in her tool kit, including some well-placed magical improvisation, to win the day.

Focusing on a new generation of the Rhodes family, The Improvisersbrims with charming magic, intriguing mystery, and high-flying adventure seeking new heights.

Reviews

"A rich, fantastical rendering that will leave readers clamoring for more." Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation "A spritely page-turner with depth and vision. Velma Frye is a talented, powerful hero in a cracking great mystery adventure, but it's the world--and Velma's place within it--that really grabbed my heart." Nebula Award-winning author C.L. Polk Glovers charming sequel to The Conductors digs deeper into the captivating Black society of a postCivil War Philadelphia thats infused with celestial magicLayers on intrigue and tension build into a gripping whodunitThe easy momentum will keep both new and returning readers racing along to the end. Its fun, twisty and richly detailed. Publishers Weekly on The Undertakers The Undertakerscovers multiple interconnected mysteries with humor and warmthHetty and Benjys camaraderie is the real star of the show, no matter how many spells they fire off at assailants. The Undertakers historical fantasy vibe will appeal to fans of Alyssa Coles Loyal League series and Maurice Broadduss Buffalo Soldier. Booklist An Underground Railroadbut with magic. With compelling characters and wondrous worldbuilding, Glover weaves a tangled mystery of murder, spellwork, and freedom amid the remnants of slaverys lingering memories. P. Djl Clark, Nebula Awardwinning author ofRing Shout,onThe Conductors The Conductorsis a seamless blending of magic, mystery, and history, creating power and wonder with its rarefied glimpse of Black life in the late 1800s. The Vigilance Society and the magic-wielding couple at the core of this story are a welcome addition to the growing chorus of voices in Black speculative fiction. Glovers worldbuilding, characters, and attention to historical detail create a delightfully genre-bending debut! Tananarive Due, American Book Award winner, author ofGhost Summer: Stories A history buffs dream fantasy novel. It is also a fantasy geeks dream history novel. NPR onThe Conductors

Author Bio

Nicole Glover is the author of The Conductors and The Undertakers in the Murder and Magic series. She works as a UX researcher in Virginia. She believes that libraries are magical places and that problems seem smaller with a cup of tea in hand. Her life outside of books includes bicycles, video games, and baking the perfect banana bread.