Although I found the ending of this story to be a pretty big let down, the journey to get there was fun & interesting. Not every book needs to be a perfect, life changing work of literature for me, and if you feel the same this was a great mix of breezy storytelling with some darker themes mixed in. I do prefer the authors previous book ‘Oona out of Order’ but if you enjoyed that one I’d still recommend this. The book itself contains podcast elements, letters, blog posts etc. which made for such an immersive listening experience, definitely recommend the audiobook if you’re going to check this one out!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Now this is a podcast format in an audiobook that I want to listen to. With a full cast narration, I was instantly pulled into this story of Sasha and Violet: the sisterhood, the aftermath of Violets disappearance, and all the speculation throughout the story. I could not stop listening to this one. I think that the story was so well done. All the differing opinions and the slow reveal kept me wanting to know exactly what happened to Violet. I was also invested in her and Sasha's relationship and why there is tension hinted at in the beginning of the book. This is a slow burn that is so worth the wait. As the book progressed, I found myself trying to theorize based on what I knew, and I love a book that keeps me involved in the plot line. Definitely check this one out on audio if possible - the narrators all do a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged in the story.

Acts of Violet follows an entirely unique storyline about magician Violet Volk, who disappeared mid-vanishing act and is still missing a decade later. We get mystery and magical realism throughout the book, which was brought to life through the magnificently executed full cast audio recording. The podcast episodes were especially well done and reminded me of the episodes in A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and how they highlighted a lot of important elements within the story. While the audiobook was very well done, the ending of this book was a bit of a miss for me. I think I would've liked a little more of an explanation - like maybe an epilogue from Violet's point of view? Acts of Violet is a very unique and engaging read, and I would definitely recommend the audio on this one!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

I absolutely adored Oona out of order and when I saw Margarita Montimore wrote another book, I was stoked. While I tried out the audiobook, I actually had to stop about halfway through. This book, due to the nature of different POVs and mediums used [podcast interviews, emails, etc], was difficult to keep track of, via the audiobook. I will definitely be purchasing a book version on publishing day.

Thank you Netgalley & the publisher!

Every family has that one toxic person... This is the story of "Acts of Violet." The Volk family has two daughters: Violet, an internationally acclaimed magician whose skill seems to defy the laws of physics, and Sasha, her perfectly normal sister. Violet mysteriously disappears on stage one night, never to be seen again. For the following decade, speculations about her whereabouts amount ranging from the bizarre to the supernatural. One thing is known for sure: Violet was a difficult, volatile star that seemed to destroy relationships with those closest to her. Sasha wants to move on with her life and leave Violet's memory in the past. This becomes increasingly difficult as the decade anniversary of her disappearance is approaching and a podcaster threatens to expose family secrets. What ensues is approximately 300 pages of Sasha's emotional constipation and inability to put forth any modicum of transparency about what really happened with Violet. The chapters are interspersed with transcripts of podcast episodes, blog posts, and news reports. The final 20 pages culminate in the long awaited revelation and left me feeling puzzled and a little cheated. It left more questions than answers and I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Part family drama and part mystery, "Acts of Violet' is creative but lags with virtually no plot advancement until the grand finale that is sure to be divisive among readers. The audiobook production was stellar with sound effects, a great cast of narrators, and a fully immersive sound experience. Unfortunately, it couldn't make this more than 3 star read for me.

While I adored Oona Out of Order, Acts of Violet was much harder for me to enjoy. Perhaps it was the magic, mysticism or unknown or it could have been so many unlikeable characters. In any event it didn't land the same as Oona.

I really enjoyed this unique and compelling mystery. The content was so different than I typically read and I really enjoyed it. I love the multiple timelines and perspectives, as well as the unique format to the storytelling (like the podcast aspect). I found the mystery compelling and it held my interest. The family background and dynamics were interesting as well.

The narration was great. Shifting between the narrative and podcast really held my attention. Overall, I would recommend this one!

Ok so this is a tough one for me to mentally pin down because I loved a lot of bits of it but it just didn’t end up working for me entirely. I absolutely loved the mixed media format of storytelling, we get letters, emails, a podcast script, news reports as well as a more traditional narrative interwoven together. It made for a really interesting listen and I very much enjoyed the voice acting from the audiobook that made the podcast interviews sound like interviews and all the different character voices. It was super fun that way.

However, something just didn’t quite mesh for me and unfortunately, I think it was just that I didn’t end up liking Violet herself so couldn’t really care about her disappearance in any way.

Acts of Violet follows the ten year anniversary of the disappearance of Violet Volt, a popular stage magician who went missing right in the middle of a show. Violet left behind a sister with her own family and many fans who speculate about what might have happened to the seemingly magical woman.

We are mostly following the story from the sister’s point of view. She is a regular person who wasn’t on the best terms with Violet when she disappeared and now finds herself harassed for her method of grief and seeming inaction and non-support in finding her sister. She’s a likable if kind of dull main character.

I think however, we are supposed to be fascinated and intrigued by the stories of Violet and I just wasn’t. She seemed completely unlikable to me in almost any scenario she was in and maybe its because I hate toxic family, but I just couldn’t deal with her. I hated that her sister wouldn’t speak ill of her so strongly to her own daughter that her daughter turned on her. Like you can talk bad about bad people. There is a reason you kept them apart just tell your daughter.

I really don’t want to get into spoilers and what not so I will avoid talking about the general plot too much but it was pretty interesting in a vague way but well telegraphed to me at least what would be happening. The format definitely kept the mystery more interesting though so I really did enjoy that.

I will also say this: it's, I guess, pretty minor but I noticed it and found it kind of weird: Montimore included some diversity in this book with LGBT+ relationships which is nice. However, her Bi/Pan characters all have terrible relationships that include non-monogamy. All of them. While the one straight relationship at the center was healthy and monogamous. This isn’t the best representation or really what I want to see exclusively for my LGBT rep. Not a big issue but maybe do better next time!

Otherwise, I still found the story pretty interesting but I just didn’t quite love it. There were tons of elements I should love but didn’t all connect the dots. I think if you loved Oona out of Order you could love this and I think its worth a shot if you like the style and the premise. The audiobook was great with multiple narrators.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

An audiobook from the author of Oona Out Of Order

Acts of Violet is an amazing story of a woman, Violet Volk who became the most famous magician in the world. At the height of her notoriety, Violet disappears and is never seen again. Her younger sister Sasha is stuck with conflicted feelings about his sister and wondering what happened.

Montimore builds a whole world around Violet including her childhood. Multiple voices and media styles build the story - there is a podcast, and intrepid podcaster trying to score interviews and funding, there is Sasha herself telling her story and voices from her husband writing letters to Violet. All in all, there are tons of characters, voices, and styles and everyone is wondering what happened to Violet! If you like magic, stories about sisters, podcast based mysteries or just love a good tale, the Acts of Violet is for you! #NetGalley #Macmillan Audio #ActsofViolet #Montimore #Oonaoutoforder

Listened to the audiobook.
I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review.

Oh my god. This was amazing.

Probably my favorite audiobook of the year. I truly cannot recommend this audiobook enough for what it is. The way the vocal and even production changes based on the chapter is just genius and it truly added to this story. The way the voice and perspective of characters like Sasha and Quinn mix with the podcast elements of other characters this is truly a special audiobook that is so unique and special. The story itself I loved the mystery of and figuring out where Violet went as more about her is also discovered,

I am going to be honest, without the audiobook I don't know if I would have enjoyed the book as much. I felt the ending was rushed and personally didn't love the twist but can see others maybe enjoying it.

I went back and forth on my rating but for the audio alone I would recommend.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Flatiron, and NetGalley for the ALC and ARC for my honest review.

Oona Out of Order was one of the first audiobooks I listened to back in 2020 when I really got into reading again and I loved it! So as soon as I heard about Acts of Violet I knew I had to read it.

It was similar to Oona in the magical realism aspect but otherwise it completely surprised me! It’s about a female magician named Violet Volk who disappeared during a stage act and her relationship with her sister Sasha. It’s told in alternate timelines such as past interviews with Violet as she was a rising star, and Sasha’s present day POV 10 years after Violet’s disappearance. Adding in a podcast called Stranger Exits that is working on episodes related to Violet’s life, disappearance, and speculation on what happened to her, and why she disappeared.

I probably did not do it justice with my explanation but this was such a unique book! 100% recommend the audio as it’s performed with a full cast of narrators, into music for the pod cast, and typewriter clicks for old printed information! All the characters are interesting. It gives Stranger Things meets Agatha Christie vibes. It’s definitely well worth the read, especially if you enjoyed Oona Out of Order!

SAD FACE SIGH :(.
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I LOVED Oona Out of Order. Loved. It was one of my top books of 2020. So, seeing that Montimore was coming out with a new novel, I was absolutely PSYCHED. Plus, this premise is dynamite - cue increased heart rate and anticipation galore!
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However - I did not enjoy this book. I hate saying that because I feel like it had so much potential, but sadly, it just never went anywhere? And I am not sure I even understand what did happen. What I felt was mystery and intrigue was never solved, and never explained. Maybe that was the purpose? But I didnt dig it.
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What I did like was the audiobook! This is a full cast and the narrators are brilliant, so major props to that. I'm off to read other reviews and see if maybe there is a different perspective or I missed something. But for right now, I am just majorly bummed about it all.

The audiobook was top-notch and really elevated the story! I think that podcast lovers will enjoy the format for sure.
While I could sympathize with Sasha, I didn't feel a real connection to any of the characters, and didn't really care all that much about what had happened to Violet. Also, a more solid resolution would have been nice. It seemed like all the buildup about what happened to her didn't really lead to anything for the reader.

Ooookay. So. I’m a huge fan of Oona Out of Order. Huge. It’s one of those books that lives rent free in my head, so it’s not a stretch to say that Acts of Violet has easily been one of my very tip-top most anticipated reads this year. I went into the book with sky high hopes.

Acts of Violet is about a famous magician, Violet, who disappeared ten years ago during her act. The public is still obsessed with Violet, and the fervor leading up to the tenth anniversary of her disappearance puts her sister, Sasha, in the spotlight as she tries to make sense of her loss.

What worked for me:
This is an amazing audio production. Much of the story is told through podcast episodes and interviews, and the full cast audio really added to my reading experience. I really enjoyed the clever storytelling, the unusual plot, and I was intrigued by the mystery.

What didn’t work for me:
First of all, I should say that I’m not a fan of stage magic. I thought that wouldn’t be an issue, but there is a lot of description of tricks she performed, and those sections just didn’t hold my interest. But beyond that, I thought the story got a little bogged down in the middle, and I struggled to stay invested in the sister drama. Adult sibling rivalry is something that grows tiresome to me quickly, and unfortunately that’s a major plot point here.

Overall, I thought this book was fine. Did it have the magic of Oona? No. Not for me. But I will absolutely give Margarita Montimore another shot in the future.

What a unique and delightful book, which is totally out of my norm for books. I really enjoyed the story of two very different sisters. Violet, the very famous magician, who suddenly disappears in the middle of one of her Vegas acts and for 10 years her disappearance is unsolved. Her sister Sasha, has dealt with the frustration and angst of losing her sister, as well as the anger of being left to deal with media hype and so many unanswered questions. Sasha, her husband Gabriel and her daughter Quinn have different emotions to all this and threatens to destroy her family. Both of the complicated sisters and their very complicated relationship is told in the past and present to paint the full picture, or isn't really the full picture? It kept me listening almost without stopping! Highly recommend! My thanks to NetGalley for the audio of this wonderful book by Margarita Montimore, author of Oona Out of Order.

Pub date: 7/5/22
Genre: women's fiction
In one sentence: World-class magician Violet Volk vanished - leaving her loyal fans with lots of questions, and not many answers.

June is audiobook month, and Acts of Violet is a great example of why I love audiobooks! The full cast narration in this story is truly fantastic - I loved how the podcast interviews and the flashbacks combined to tell Violet's story. I also enjoyed the unique premise - there are not many female magicians, and the world of magic made for a fun setting!

While this novel has a great character at its center and lots of lessons about fame and family, there's not much plot here, so readers who enjoy character-driven stories are the best audience for this book. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much in text form, so I definitely recommend the audio. I think book clubs would enjoy dissecting Violet's life over wine and cheese. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

The audio for this book was outstanding!! The different mediums incorporated (podcast, interviews) were so well done.

I can't say I loved the book though. Felt it was a bit too long, and despite a book about magic, I just can't help but feel it didn't have the same magic that Oona Out of Order did?! I feel like there will be a lot of comparisons drawn between this one and Montimore's stunning debut, but I didn't love any of the characters and while I did like some of the mystery elements of the story, couldn't help but think we wouldn't get a satisfying ending. I think it I liked the characters more I could have ignored the plot holes/lack of closure.

3.5*
A magician that disappears!? Beat that, Houdini!🎩🐇🪄

Violet Volk was a famous magician. Picking up magic tricks as a child she was immediately hooked! Creating magic was her passion and performing her tricks gave her the chance to do what she loved the most.

Until the day she vanished….

It’s now the ten year anniversary of her disappearance and Cameron Frank is hoping his podcast featuring the disappearance will give him the boost he needs in his career. If only he can get Violets’ family to get on board.

I’m split down the middle on this one.

What worked:

* loved the large cast of narrators. The more the merrier. (imo)

* I thought the podcast sections were well done and had a completely different sound quality with real depth.

What fell short:

* I thought it was too long. And moved at a crawl.

* Let down by the ending.

I think anyone who enjoys multiple narrators and a podcast format will enjoy this audio 🎧

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio

I am sorry to say that this book was just not a good fit for me. I was really attracted to this as an audiobook because of its full cast. So I was extra disappointed that it didn’t hold my interest. It’s written as a combination of standard narrative, interspersed with emails and interviews and podcast excerpts. It often felt like I was listening to a true crime podcast, similar to S-Town or Serial, which are the only two podcasts of that sort that I’ve listened to. Unfortunately, for me, this format totally interrupted the narrative flow for me and was jarring.

Violet is a famous magician with an ardent following who disappeared mid-act ten years ago. The tenth anniversary is coming up and a planned vigil is creating a lot of stress for her sister, Sasha. The destructive relationship between the two sisters seems to be at the heart of the story. The ending was meh. I can’t say more without being a spoiler. Total letdown.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.