Read a mystery novel about a famous magician who disappears mid-act
Acts of Violet — Margarita Montimore
What to Read This Week
Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore
What It’s About
Acts of Violet was recently published last month (July 5), and I can honestly say that I’m shocked it was not more widely read this summer. It’s got everything: a multi-structure story with narration, a podcast, and interviews with characters; a missing magician and no clue on where she vanished to; and a complicated family trying to keep their heads above water.
Violet Volk was an iconic magician, developing a huge following during the height of her career. She showed no signs of slowing down until, during a packed performance, she vanished mid-act in front of the audience. And she has never been seen since.
It’s been a decade, and there are still devoted fans trying to find Violet. Sasha, her sister, runs a hair salon in the same town, and she’s tried for years to dodge the spotlight. Everyone thinks she had something to do with Violet’s disappearance and that she knows exactly where Violet is. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth, and Sasha is still mad at her sister for leaving her alone to deal with the aftermath. Meanwhile, Sasha’s daughter is becoming more interested in her aunt as she gets older.
On top of everything Sasha is dealing with, she is now being contacted by Cameron Frank, a journalist and host of a new podcast covering the case of Violet Volk and trying to track down where she might be now. Giving an interview is the last thing Sasha wants to do, but she knows she needs to set the record straight before the online followers become too hard to handle.
This is a book with a lot going on, but somehow, it all fits together perfectly, and it never feels like too many pieces to follow. I also recommend the audiobook if you like that format: this one has many narrators that play each character, so it’s a fun experience to listen to.
Who Will Like It
As I said earlier, I’m surprised this one didn’t take off more, which is why I’m highlighting it here! It’d make a great book club book, as there is plenty to discuss about family dynamics, the implications of fame on those adjacent to the spotlight, and on people expected to be perfect because they’re celebrities. Oona Out of Order, her last book, is one of my favorites and would make an equally excellent book club pick.
It’s a mashup of several genres too, so if you like mystery, contemporary fiction, or even speculative fiction, it’s one that will appeal to many readers. If you liked I Killed Zoe Spanos or Sadie for their inclusion of podcast elements, or if you liked Things We Do in the Dark for its connection to a past case, this book is perfect for you.
Next Up
I visited Joseph Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Kentucky, this weekend after a bachelorette trip to Red River Gorge. It might have been the prettiest bookstore I’ve ever set foot in, and I almost gasped at how lovely the ceiling was. I bought way too many books (they had a bargain section!) including If, Then by Kate Hope Day, Dealing in Dreams by Lilliam Rivera, and All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg.
What’s your favorite bookstore you’ve ever visited?
End-of-Summer Giveaway!
Through the month of August, each time you comment on a post, you get an entry into the massive end-of-summer giveaway! I currently have 15 brand-new ARCs and finished copies of 2022 releases, and adding more every week! These will likely be split up into two boxes for two winners, and I’m leaving it a mystery so you will be surprised! They include all genres, from fiction to nonfiction to mystery, thriller, romance, literary fiction, and more.
To enter:
Must be US resident or have US mailing address
Must be 13+ years
Comment on any August recommendation or post to earn an entry. The monthly August what’s on my stack is included!
You can earn multiple entries by leaving comments on as many August recommendations as you want!
Entries accepted through August 31.
More Books
Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations:
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I really liked I Killed Zoe Spanos and Sadie for the podcast narration aspect. I love any book that introduces a new way of telling the story. Adding Acts of Violet to my TBR right away!
I've had Oona Out of Order on my library wish list for ages and I've just never gotten to the point of checking it out. Maybe I will suggest it to my book club for our next read!