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A review by goatsinspace
The Undertakers by Nicole Glover
mysterious
3.25
In the second installment of Nicole Glover's Murder & Magic series, our favorite spouses return as magic practitioners and detectives in post–Civil War Philadelphia. The city is plagued by fires and racial tensions. And the narrative kicks off with a seemingly straightforward case involving Raimond Duval, a victim of one of the recent fires that have ravaged Philadelphia. Officially declared dead, Hetty and Benjy's investigation takes an unexpected turn as they uncover a connection to a powerful Fire Company known for allowing homes in the Black community to burn. However, the case becomes more intricate when Raimond's son is also found dead. As the Rhodes couple faces the ghosts of the past, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a city grappling with social upheaval and supernatural forces.
Glover skillfully intertwines the investigation with the Rhodes' personal history, providing readers with flashbacks that offer a deeper understanding of Benjy and Hetty's characters. I also adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one. While the exploration of the characters' backgrounds and the representation in the story are noteworthy, the central mystery may not have the same gripping allure as in the first book. Despite this, "The Undertakers" remains an enjoyable read, offering a blend of historical fantasy and murder mystery with magic.
Glover skillfully intertwines the investigation with the Rhodes' personal history, providing readers with flashbacks that offer a deeper understanding of Benjy and Hetty's characters. I also adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one. While the exploration of the characters' backgrounds and the representation in the story are noteworthy, the central mystery may not have the same gripping allure as in the first book. Despite this, "The Undertakers" remains an enjoyable read, offering a blend of historical fantasy and murder mystery with magic.