Book Review: The Conductors (Murder and Magic #1) by Nicole Glover

“The Conductors” (Murder and Magic #1) by Nicole Glover (2021)

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Page Length: 384 pages (electronic review copy)

Synopsis:

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.

In this vibrant and original novel, Nicole Glover joins a roster of contemporary writers within fantasy, such as Victor LaValle and Zen Cho, who use speculative fiction to delve into important historical and cultural threads. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

The Conductors follows the story of Benjy and Hetty, a married couple with magical powers who have used their skills to help those on the Underground Railroad and people in need. When a friend of theirs suddenly is murdered their community is shaken up and they are on the case to solve his untimely death.

This is an interesting novel different from anything I’ve ever read before. It has strong world-building elements that pull the reader in. At times some of the aspects of how the magic and spells were a bit confusing to follow, but I enjoyed learning about the magic system that is described. I thought it was a unique choice of how Glover blends fantasy elements within the backdrop of the Reconstruction period and adds in a murder mystery narrative.

I thought Benjy and Hetty’s relationship reminded me of two companions rather than a married couple. They depend on one another but more in a practical sense. And it was interesting to see how their relationship thrives and dynamic changes during the course of the story. I also liked the interludes and flashbacks to the past from their time on the Underground Railroad. It helps readers to understand the characters better and give a glimpse of all the work they’ve done for others in need. They’ve been through so much trauma and it seems every time they have the slightest moment of freedom or happiness reality always hits them with an ultimatum.

While the fantasy aspects are fun I like how Glover grounds the book by discussing harsher issues of life in that era. People in Hetty and Benjy’s community are grapping with the aftermath of slavery, face overt racism, differences in socioeconomic status, people are still mourning after lost to their family that have been ripped apart, especially hetty. She feels immense guilt because she always promised that she would take care of her sister and has never given up on finding her so much so that it’s put a strain on her relationship with others.

It was definitely an interesting reading experience while reading The Conductors. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements and the fact that magic system is tied into constellations made it unique from other historical fiction murder mystery novels I had read before. Hetty and Benji make really solid lead characters. I liked seeing their development as well as their lives in the present and in the past and seeing how their work as conductors. They are so revered by others but they constantly struggle with those that they couldn’t help save.

I think the magic element is what will really learn readers into this reading the story and I know that’s what did it for me. I’m definitely curious to see what will happen in the next installment of the series and what new mysteries that will have to solve. My only question is about wanting to know more about where is the magic derived from but other than that I thought it was a good read. It’s is an enthralling read for a debut novel and I can’t wait to see where the series goes.

TW: Racism, Murder, Violence

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.