The Improvisers

A Murder and Magic Novel

De: Nicole Glover

Narrado por: Bahni Turpin

For fans of Nghi Vo, P. Djèlí 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 time—right to the heart of her family’s 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. She’s 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 country—and in some cases, leading to their deaths. Something about all this is tickling Velma’s memories, and the more she discovers, the more these seemingly isolated incidents feel as if they’re building to something apocalyptic.

Connecting the dots isn’t 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 it’s his presence that she finds so vexing or his easygoing charm, that’s a mystery she isn’t 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 Improvisers brims with charming magic, intriguing mystery, and high-flying adventure seeking new heights.

©2024 Nicole Glover (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Magical Mysteries Rule

Absolutely loved this book - I have listened to it twice within a week. The new generation of Benjie and Heddy's family is fabulous. Also having them return but as grandparents touched my heart. I just love Velma/Violet and Olivia (named for Uncle Oliver) and this adventure. Now I need a book that tells the story of Benjie and Heddy raising their family and still solving mysteries. This book has given me so much joy! Plus Bahni Turpin is amazing as usual as the narrator.

Wonderful Adventure

An imaginative and enjoyable mystery from beginning to end. I hope there is a sequel.

The suspense of what the next move would be and the clues that were found.

There was nothing I disliked, I loved the storyline and characters, and when you thought who might be the culprit(s) it turns out it wasn’t at all.