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nic_r's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
corvingreene's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.5
I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series. The actual mysteries they're trying to solve really aren't that interesting, but I love the magic system (focused mostly on sigil magic, and called Celestial Magic, which is outlawed for Black people to use), but I like the characters and found family, and I love a fantastical alternate-history tale.
goatsinspace's review against another edition
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.
incrediblemelk's review
I have to accept that as I haven't read any more of this in nearly a year, but have gone on to read four other ebooks in my e-reader, it hasn't grabbed me and I won't be returning – although I won't rule out that I just haven't been in the right headspace for it, because I did enjoy the previous book in the series, The Conductors, enough to seek this one out.
menachris87's review
adventurous
funny
informative
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
4.0
This series reads like a cozy mystery. It has amateurs sleuthing. However, it is set in post civil-war. And there’s magic involved. I
thechroniclesofnadia's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
doctormon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jerseygirlreads's review
4.0
Hetty and Benjy Rhodes are back at it again! They're still solving mysteries and trying to find success in the funeral home business when the latest in a series of fires ravaging Philadelphia takes the life of Raimond Duval. Hetty, of course, wants to investigate the fires (and this one in particular), and soon the Rhodes find themselves a target. An old rival also has come back into the picture - is he somehow involved with the fires?
I can't explain what it is that I love about this series, but reading about the Rhodes and their found family feels like reading about a group of old friends. I love the celestial magic and would read a book explaining just the magical aspect of this world on its own! Count me in for the next installment of Hetty and Benjy's antics!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I can't explain what it is that I love about this series, but reading about the Rhodes and their found family feels like reading about a group of old friends. I love the celestial magic and would read a book explaining just the magical aspect of this world on its own! Count me in for the next installment of Hetty and Benjy's antics!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.