Picture a storyteller who weaves magic, mystery, and history into unforgettable tales—meet Nicole Glover! An American author of historical fantasy and speculative fiction, Glover burst onto the literary scene in 2021 with her debut novel, The Conductors. Set in a magical Reconstruction-era Philadelphia, her Murder & Magic series follows former Underground Railroad conductors solving crimes with celestial magic. With a knack for blending genres and a passion for rich historical detail, Glover’s stories captivate readers who crave adventure with a side of social commentary.
From her vibrant worldbuilding to her relatable characters, Glover’s work feels like a warm cup of tea on a stormy night—comforting yet thrilling. Ready to dive into her enchanting universe? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this rising star.
The Making of Nicole Glover
Nicole Glover’s journey to authorship began with a love for stories that sparked in childhood. A self-proclaimed bookworm, she devoured historical fiction, mysteries like Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes, and fantasy epics such as Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern. Her psychology degree sharpened her understanding of human behavior, which she now channels into her vivid characters. Based in Virginia, Glover balances her writing with a career as a UX researcher, where her knack for solving puzzles mirrors the mysteries in her novels. Her lifelong interests in astronomy and astrology, possibly inspired by Sailor Moon, shine through in her unique celestial magic system.
Nicole Glover’s Unforgettable Stories
Glover’s Murder & Magic series is the heart of her bibliography, blending historical fantasy, mystery, and a touch of romance. Her debut, The Conductors (2021), introduces Hetty and Benjy Rhodes, former Underground Railroad conductors who use constellation-based magic to solve murders in Philadelphia’s Black Seventh Ward. Praised for its seamless mix of genres and meticulous historical detail, the novel earned accolades from authors like Tananarive Due, who called it a “delightfully genre-bending debut.”
The series continues with The Undertakers (2021), diving deeper into Hetty and Benjy’s investigations as they uncover conspiracies tied to mysterious fires. The Improvisers (2024), a standalone in the same universe, follows barnstorming pilot Velma Frye in a Prohibition-era adventure filled with magical artifacts and high-flying thrills. Glover’s upcoming The Starseekers (expected 2025) promises to expand her magical world into the 1960s. Her writing stands out for its empathetic characters, intricate mysteries, and a magic system that feels both fantastical and grounded, drawing readers into a vividly reimagined past.
Why Nicole Glover Matters
Nicole Glover’s impact lies in her ability to weave speculative fiction with real-world history, shining a light on Black experiences in post-Civil War America. Her stories explore themes of community, resilience, and justice, resonating with readers who seek diverse voices in fantasy. By centering Black characters in a genre often dominated by Eurocentric narratives, Glover joins contemporary authors like Victor LaValle and Zen Cho in pushing speculative fiction forward. Her work has inspired a dedicated following, with fans on platforms like X praising her immersive worldbuilding. The film adaptation of The Conductors, optioned by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment and the Jim Henson Company, signals her growing influence.
- Key Works: The Conductors (2021), The Undertakers (2021), The Improvisers (2024)
- Hobbies: Biking, video gaming, baking banana bread
- Notable Recognition: Locus Bestseller for The Conductors (June 2021)
Snag The Conductors and dive into Nicole Glover’s spellbinding blend of magic and mystery! Her stories are perfect for anyone who loves a good whodunit with a fantastical twist.