AUTHOR: Nicole Glover
I've been trying to read more widely and diversely, so I'm including more fantasy. Since this book is also historical, a fiction category I enjoy, and the protagonist -- Velma Frye -- is a Black woman inspired by Bessie Coleman, a real-life aviator, this book ticked a few boxes for me.
Set in 1931, the book takes place years after two others that I haven't read, and while characters from those books appear, this works fine as a standalone. Velma is continuing her family's tradition of solving magic-related mysteries and murders while working for the Magnolia Muses, magic rights organization. When people start acting oddly, even violently, Velma discovers the cause is magic-infused artifacts, sending her across the country in her plane to find and retrieve more of these dangerous objects.
A murder complicates Velma's investigation, as does the continued presence of Dillon Harris, a very persistent reporter investigating a mystery organization that may be connected to Velma's case.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the rhythm of the book which is written in simple, straightforward prose. At times, it felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book for adults, which isn't a bad thing. Regular readers of fantasy might see all the plot twists coming, but I was surprised by a few of them. I'm undecided about reading the earlier "Murder and Magic" books, but I would definitely read a sequel to this. Velma is a wonderful character and I came to care a lot about her, and her family and friends.
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