EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

The Improvisers - (A Murder & Magic Novel) by Nicole Glover (Paperback)

The Improvisers - (A Murder & Magic Novel) by  Nicole Glover (Paperback) - 1 of 1
$12.90 sale price when purchased online
$19.99 list price
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • 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.
  • Author(s): Nicole Glover
  • 464 Pages
  • Fiction + Literature Genres, Fantasy
  • Series Name: A Murder & Magic Novel

Description



About the Book



"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."-- Provided by publisher.



Book Synopsis



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.



Review Quotes




"A rich, fantastical rendering that will leave readers clamoring for more." -- Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation

"A spritely page-turner with depth and vision. Velma Frye is a talented, powerful hero in a cracking great mystery adventure, but it's the world--and Velma's place within it--that really grabbed my heart." -- Nebula Award-winning author C.L. Polk

"Glover's charming sequel to The Conductors digs deeper into the captivating Black society of a post-Civil War Philadelphia that's infused with celestial magic...Layers on intrigue and tension build into a gripping whodunit...The easy momentum will keep both new and returning readers racing along to the end. It's fun, twisty and richly detailed." -- Publishers Weekly on The Undertakers

"The Undertakers...covers multiple interconnected mysteries with humor and warmth...Hetty and Benjy's camaraderie is the real star of the show, no matter how many spells they fire off at assailants. The Undertakers' historical fantasy vibe will appeal to fans of Alyssa Cole's Loyal League series and Maurice Broaddus's Buffalo Soldier." -- Booklist

"An Underground Railroad--but with magic. With compelling characters and wondrous worldbuilding, Glover weaves a tangled mystery of murder, spellwork, and freedom amid the remnants of slavery's lingering memories." -- P. Djèlí Clark, Nebula Award-winning author of Ring Shout, on The Conductors

"The Conductors is a seamless blending of magic, mystery, and history, creating power and wonder with its rarefied glimpse of Black life in the late 1800s. The Vigilance Society and the magic-wielding couple at the core of this story are a welcome addition to the growing chorus of voices in Black speculative fiction. Glover's worldbuilding, characters, and attention to historical detail create a delightfully genre-bending debut!" -- Tananarive Due, American Book Award winner, author of Ghost Summer: Stories

"A history buff's dream fantasy novel. It is also a fantasy geek's dream history novel." -- NPR on The Conductors


Dimensions (Overall): 8.1 Inches (H) x 5.3 Inches (W) x 1.2 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Series Title: A Murder & Magic Novel
Sub-Genre: Fantasy
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Number of Pages: 464
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Theme: Historical
Format: Paperback
Author: Nicole Glover
Language: English
Street Date: November 5, 2024
TCIN: 91227356
UPC: 9780063293595
Item Number (DPCI): 247-51-9199
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.2 inches length x 5.3 inches width x 8.1 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy