The Conductors

Hetty Rhodes and her husband Benjy solve murders in post-Civil War Philadelphia using a combination of mundane detective work and celestial magic. As former conductors on the Underground Railroad, they built a reputation for helping others escape slavery through their knowledge of the stars and sigils. When a friend from their past is found dead in an alley, Hetty and Benjy take on the case despite pushback from white law enforcement. Their investigation leads them through Philadelphia's free Black community, where long-buried secrets and tensions come to the surface. The story alternates between the present-day murder investigation and flashbacks to Hetty's time conducting enslaved people to freedom. Magic exists alongside historical reality, with celestial powers serving as both literal and metaphorical tools for survival and resistance. The novel examines themes of justice, community bonds, and the complex aftermath of trauma while reimagining American history through a supernatural lens. It questions what true freedom means in a society still shaped by racism and inequality.

Readers found the historical fantasy elements and Underground Railroad connection compelling, but many felt the mystery plot lacked focus. The magic system and diverse representation earned praise, with several reviewers highlighting the authentic portrayal of Black community life in post-Civil War Philadelphia. Readers liked: - Strong husband-wife relationship between protagonists - Rich historical details and setting - Creative integration of celestial magic Readers disliked: - Confusing timeline jumps between past and present - Too many secondary characters to track - Mystery plot resolution felt rushed - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.75/5 (400+ ratings) "The magic system based on constellations was unique and fascinating" - Goodreads reviewer "Wanted to love it but got lost in the overcrowded cast of characters" - Amazon reviewer "Strong start but the mystery meandered too much" - StoryGraph reviewer

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Conjure Women by Afia Atakora A freed slave uses her mother's healing magic to protect her community during the Civil War and its aftermath.

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson A biracial woman in a puritanical society discovers her connection to forbidden magic and her mother's past as a witch.

✦ The author drew inspiration from real-life Underground Railroad conductor William Still, known as "The Father of the Underground Railroad," who helped nearly 800 enslaved people escape to freedom ✦ The magic system in the book is based on celestial constellations, with each pattern representing different magical abilities and powers ✦ Nicole Glover's debut novel combines historical elements of post-Civil War Philadelphia with elements of mystery and fantasy, creating a unique genre blend called "historical fantasy" ✦ The main character, Hetty Rhodes, is loosely inspired by Harriet Tubman, who was known as "Moses" and helped guide over 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad ✦ The book explores real locations in Philadelphia that were significant to the Black community in the 1800s, including Mother Bethel AME Church and the Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University)