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midnightgremlin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Blood and War
laurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed The Conductors, Nicole Glover's debut novel following a married couple, Hetty and Benjy, former Underground Railroad conductors solving a mystery in post-Civil War Philadelphia. I loved the contrasting magical systems in this book, particularly the celestial sigil-based magic utilized by Hetty, Benjy, and several other characters. The inclusion of brief interludes which flash back to Hetty and Benjy's time working in the Underground Railroad were an effective way to include important background to the story, and I love Hetty as a character -- smart, determined, skilled, witty -- and can't wait to read more about her in future books. I did find that the pacing was a bit inconsistent (a little bit of 'info dump' at the beginning explaining who's who before the plot really gets going), and a few of the red herrings along the way to solving the mystery weren't quite convincing; however, this was more than made up for by Glover's incredible character development and, even more specifically, relationship development. Hetty and Benjy's relationship dynamic and their milieu felt very real to me, as the complicated relationships between the various secondary characters was really well established over the course of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, and Medical content
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infertility, and Miscarriage
nullandvoidlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Blood
Minor: Infertility and Miscarriage
emileereadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Thank you Libro.fm, HMH Books and Blackstone Publishing for the gifted book.
I am a big fan of Civil War and Reconstruction Era novels, so I was immediately drawn to this one when I heard about it. And although it leans more fantastical than I normally prefer, I enjoyed it while still not completely understanding the magic or how it works. I liked how it wove together the realities of slavery and post Civil War with this magical world. Hetty and her husband are both former enslaved people who were conductors of the underground railroad. Now they live in Philadelphia and have become de facto detectives when they find one of their friends who is a part of Philadelphia's elite society murdered. They have to use their brains, their magic, and their community to figure out what is going on.
I will say that it did take me about 30% of the book before I became really invested in the story. You can tell that the author had a lot she wanted to say through this book, and at times it felt a bit heavy on explanation rather than heavy on plot. That being said, there is a sequel to this one coming and I most likely will check it out to see if that pacing improves.
I am a big fan of Civil War and Reconstruction Era novels, so I was immediately drawn to this one when I heard about it. And although it leans more fantastical than I normally prefer, I enjoyed it while still not completely understanding the magic or how it works. I liked how it wove together the realities of slavery and post Civil War with this magical world. Hetty and her husband are both former enslaved people who were conductors of the underground railroad. Now they live in Philadelphia and have become de facto detectives when they find one of their friends who is a part of Philadelphia's elite society murdered. They have to use their brains, their magic, and their community to figure out what is going on.
I will say that it did take me about 30% of the book before I became really invested in the story. You can tell that the author had a lot she wanted to say through this book, and at times it felt a bit heavy on explanation rather than heavy on plot. That being said, there is a sequel to this one coming and I most likely will check it out to see if that pacing improves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Slavery, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Medical content
stephbakerbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay, first off, I loved this one on audio! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing Hetty’s voice to life and it kept me hooked the whole time.
Secondly, this book has a lot of elements to it, but I think it’s primarily a mystery story. There’s not a ton of world-building or explanation as to how this magic works, and it’s not the main focus. It’s more like Hetty is a detective who happens to do magic also. I would have liked a bit more exploration into the magic side, but I think the story still works as it is. Just don’t go into it expecting a big fantasy story.
The characters are all great but I especially loved Hetty and her relationship with Benjy. We get flashbacks throughout the story of Hetty’s past and their history together, and I loved slowly learning their story at the same time that Hetty is discovering new feelings and truths about herself in the present. I’m a fan of this romance 😍
This book does end neatly (no cliffhanger), so I was excited to learn there will be a sequel out later this year! I will definitely be reading it because I want more Hetty and Benjy 🙌🏼
Thank you to Libro.fm, the publisher, and the author for my ALC!
Read if you like: historical fiction, mysteries, detective duos, Philly.
Secondly, this book has a lot of elements to it, but I think it’s primarily a mystery story. There’s not a ton of world-building or explanation as to how this magic works, and it’s not the main focus. It’s more like Hetty is a detective who happens to do magic also. I would have liked a bit more exploration into the magic side, but I think the story still works as it is. Just don’t go into it expecting a big fantasy story.
The characters are all great but I especially loved Hetty and her relationship with Benjy. We get flashbacks throughout the story of Hetty’s past and their history together, and I loved slowly learning their story at the same time that Hetty is discovering new feelings and truths about herself in the present. I’m a fan of this romance 😍
This book does end neatly (no cliffhanger), so I was excited to learn there will be a sequel out later this year! I will definitely be reading it because I want more Hetty and Benjy 🙌🏼
Thank you to Libro.fm, the publisher, and the author for my ALC!
Read if you like: historical fiction, mysteries, detective duos, Philly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Police brutality
kasey_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Murder
Moderate: Violence
ballgownsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The premise of this was so fantastic, but the execution was just... clunky? I think the main problem is just a lack of development: I almost felt like this should be the second book in a series, after we'd already got to know the characters and the world. I loved Hetty's resourcefulness and impulsiveness (I saw one reviewer compare her to Lizzy Bennet, and I never would have made that connection but I totally see it!) but I wanted so much more of her backstory than what we got in the few flashbacks. I also found the magic system quite confusing - I loved the concept of the two different magic systems and how they were practiced differently by Black and white people, but the rules of Celestial magic were never really explained and I couldn't quite get a grasp of how the different sigils worked and who could do what with them.
I did really appreciate the discussions around racial tensions and the dynamics of the Black community. This is set immediately post-slavery so that pretty much all the characters were slaves at least in childhood, if not longer, and I thought the exploration of the different ways people navigate life after this was so interesting. I also loved the way Hetty and Benjy's marriage of convenience/friends to lovers relationship developed, and I loved the little found family they'd built around them, but I did think there were a few too many side characters, whom I found tricky to keep track of.
I will mention that there were a LOT of typos and grammar errors - which I'm usually willing to ignore, especially in an arc, but this was particularly bad: there were mistakes every few pages, so much so that in some cases I had to really work to figure out what the sentences were meant to say. I'm hoping this will be cleared up in the final version, but I bring it up only because it did impact my enjoyment.
But for all this, and despite the fact that the first ~40% was a slog, the mystery did pick up as it went along: I was eventually engrossed enough to read the last 75% all in one sitting, with several moments towards the end where I could feel the tension in my body! So even though it wasn't the most well-crafted story, I did enjoy it overall and am keen to see where the story goes next!
I did really appreciate the discussions around racial tensions and the dynamics of the Black community. This is set immediately post-slavery so that pretty much all the characters were slaves at least in childhood, if not longer, and I thought the exploration of the different ways people navigate life after this was so interesting. I also loved the way Hetty and Benjy's marriage of convenience/friends to lovers relationship developed, and I loved the little found family they'd built around them, but I did think there were a few too many side characters, whom I found tricky to keep track of.
I will mention that there were a LOT of typos and grammar errors - which I'm usually willing to ignore, especially in an arc, but this was particularly bad: there were mistakes every few pages, so much so that in some cases I had to really work to figure out what the sentences were meant to say. I'm hoping this will be cleared up in the final version, but I bring it up only because it did impact my enjoyment.
But for all this, and despite the fact that the first ~40% was a slog, the mystery did pick up as it went along: I was eventually engrossed enough to read the last 75% all in one sitting, with several moments towards the end where I could feel the tension in my body! So even though it wasn't the most well-crafted story, I did enjoy it overall and am keen to see where the story goes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs
meganelise's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Murder
noreadingdegree's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
this was a breath of fresh air after reading a very frustrating and not enjoyable book. what really stood out to me was the characters and their relationships with one another. especially hetty and benjy! i loved the unraveling of their history and the progression of their relationship. i could read a 100 books about them! i also loved the emphasis on community and friendships throughout the novel. i found the atmosphere and magic very cozy and comforting which made for the perfect read during a winter storm. i really enjoyed those aspects, but i found the overall mystery/detective aspects a bit convoluted. with that being said, those aspects didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Medical content
qace90's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Full review closer to publication but if you’re looking for a slow murder mystery set post Civil War with a sweet romance and fantastic chosen family, you’re going to want to check this book out!
Full review:
The Conductors is a fantasy murder mystery set in post-Civil War America and also has wonderful elements of chosen family and community, plus a sweet romance between Hetty and Benjy (whose marriage is one of friendship, not romance). From the moment I heard about this book, I was intrigued, and in no way did it disappoint!
Hetty is amazing and fierce and a very good example of competence porn. She’s very skilled with magic, and also at making clothes. She’s also known to meld the two together and sew sigils into the clothes she makes. I love her brashness and how she stands for what she believes in. But sometimes that also gets her into trouble, especially as a Black woman who used to be a Conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Her husband, Benjy, is also an amazingly competent individual and he does so many little things for Hetty to show his care, though sometimes she’s oblivious to the significance of his actions. He followed her to lead people from slavery because he was “bored” and together they balance each other and strengthen their skills in a way that ensured they were more often than not successful on their trips. Since the Civil War, they’re known to help people with unusual incidents - like finding a body in an alleyway with a cursed sigil carved in his chest.
All of the side characters feel fleshed out and the mystery was wonderfully layered. The clues were there, but at least for me I felt like I was along for the ride with Hetty rather than figuring everything out on my own.
I really enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series. I loved the chosen family and community especially because it shows friendships growing from common pasts and how everyone in their community will help and when they can. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy slower paced mysteries, especially with a unique magic system.
Full review closer to publication but if you’re looking for a slow murder mystery set post Civil War with a sweet romance and fantastic chosen family, you’re going to want to check this book out!
Full review:
The Conductors is a fantasy murder mystery set in post-Civil War America and also has wonderful elements of chosen family and community, plus a sweet romance between Hetty and Benjy (whose marriage is one of friendship, not romance). From the moment I heard about this book, I was intrigued, and in no way did it disappoint!
Hetty is amazing and fierce and a very good example of competence porn. She’s very skilled with magic, and also at making clothes. She’s also known to meld the two together and sew sigils into the clothes she makes. I love her brashness and how she stands for what she believes in. But sometimes that also gets her into trouble, especially as a Black woman who used to be a Conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Her husband, Benjy, is also an amazingly competent individual and he does so many little things for Hetty to show his care, though sometimes she’s oblivious to the significance of his actions. He followed her to lead people from slavery because he was “bored” and together they balance each other and strengthen their skills in a way that ensured they were more often than not successful on their trips. Since the Civil War, they’re known to help people with unusual incidents - like finding a body in an alleyway with a cursed sigil carved in his chest.
All of the side characters feel fleshed out and the mystery was wonderfully layered. The clues were there, but at least for me I felt like I was along for the ride with Hetty rather than figuring everything out on my own.
I really enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series. I loved the chosen family and community especially because it shows friendships growing from common pasts and how everyone in their community will help and when they can. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy slower paced mysteries, especially with a unique magic system.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
Minor: Drug use, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Torture