A fun and entertaining installment in the Murder and Magic series, this book can be enjoyed both as a standalone, as well as for anyone hoping for more of this world. While I’ll admit to being a bit disappointed that this book doesn’t focus on Hetty and Benjy like the earlier books in this series, Velma quickly grabbed my attention and I was soon on board with how her adventures would stack up instead. I also loved being able to see some of the characters we had known and loved in the other two books, as well as seeing how the family had grown since we had last been in this world. 

While I kind of thought this book had a slower start, once the story kicked off I was invested until the last page. Once Velma and Dillon began their investigation together - snarking at each other the entire time - I was having a blast. The investigation is in-depth and intricate, and up until the pieces started to come together I had no idea how everything would fit. The worldbuilding in these books is also fascinating, as this book expands upon how the 1920-1930s looks with the magical alternate universe - but in a very grounded way to where everything feels realistic and possible. 

One thing I always really appreciate with Nicole Glover’s writing is how well the romances are done in her books. I will admit, I was a bit hesitant once I learned that this would be a more of an enemies-to-lovers type of deal, since I find the trope tedious if poorly done. However, I was pleasantly surprised to love every bit of conversation as well as the entire dynamic between Velma and Dillon, and that they felt natural and real as they slowly became closer. While different from how Hetty and Benjy slowly realized they simply just “fit” together, a lot of how naturally the two fit together was the same. I realize some others might prefer heart-pounding and “love at first sight” or much more dramatic romances, but that’s never been something I’ve been able to relate to and I much prefer the natural progression done within these novels. 

I really enjoyed this book, and I think it could easily be enjoyed by anyone just getting into the world created by Nicole Glover. If you haven’t read The Conductors I highly recommend it, and if you’ve read her previous duology I highly recommend getting back into that world with The Improvisers. Full of magic, twists, betrayals, murder and just a dash of romance - this book is a great escape into the magical historical fiction fantasy world of Nicole Glover.