Also, I did feel that the magic system was a bit confusing and not fully developed, as there was never really any explanation into exactly how celestial magic works. I did struggle a bit with the pacing I love a good slow burning novel, but the story felt like it stalled a bit in the middle. I love how the author set this up for a series, and I'm eager to continue on with these characters throughout all their various ordeals.

Part of the book is the investigation into the present day murder, and part of it gives us glimpses into where the characters came from and how Hetty came to be separated and searching for her sister. The beginning of the book takes place after the Emancipation Proclamation has been issued, but there are many flashbacks giving us insight into what Hetty and Benjy were doing before they began their business as magical investigators. We also meet a full cast of vibrant characters that support Hetty and Benjy in their business, and I adored and felt as close to the supporting cast as I did with our leads.

Married couple Hetty and Benjy are the main characters in the story, investigators or 'conductors' solving disappearances and murders that the police won't seem to take an interest in. Combining the history of the Underground Railroad with a magic system is both unique and inventive, especially due to the fact that there are two types of magic at hand, sorcery and celestial. The Conductors is a debut novel from Nicole Glover full of substance and emotion, and I am in awe of her creative prowess. Hetty held out a hand to the girl, much as she'd done many times before, and said, 'Someone here to help.' 'You summon birds, walk into gunfire with little pause, and make people vanish into the air.'

The Undertakers by Nicole Glover