Acts of Violet

From Margarita Montimore, the author of GMA Book Club pick and national bestseller Oona Out of Order, Acts of Violet is a dazzling and twisty new novel about a famous magician who disappears, leaving her sister to figure out what really happened.

Nearly a decade ago, iconic magician Violet Volk performed her greatest trick yet: vanishing mid-act. Though she hasn’t been seen since, her hold on the public imagination is stronger than ever. While Violet sought out the spotlight, her sister Sasha always had to be the responsible one, taking over their mother’s hair salon and building a quiet life for her beloved daughter, Quinn. But Sasha can never seem to escape her sister’s orbit or her memories of their unresolved, tumultuous relationship. Then there’s Cameron Frank, tapped to host a podcast devoted to all things Violet, who is determined to finally get his big break—even if he promised to land an exclusive interview with Sasha, the one person who definitely doesn’t want to talk to him.

As the ten-year anniversary approaches, the podcast picks up steam, and Cameron’s pursuit of Sasha becomes increasingly intrusive. He isn’t the only one wondering what secrets she might be keeping: Quinn, loyal to the aunt she always idolized, is doing her own investigating. Meanwhile, Sasha begins to experience an unsettling series of sleepwalking episodes and coincidences, which all seem to lead back to Violet. Pushed to her emotional limits, Sasha must finally confront the most painful truths about her sister, and herself, even at the risk of losing everything.

“Acts of Violet is fresh, fun and fascinating escapism about the ultimate escape artist—I couldn't put it down as I tried to stay on top of Montimore’s authorial sleight of hand. Acts of Violet is another skillful blend of genres, from moving family drama and twisty thriller to insightful social commentary on fame, feminism, magic and media. Smart, suspenseful and always tantalizing, Acts of Violet will be your perfect summer read.”
—Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society

“With Acts of Violet, Montimore has once again concocted a story that's wildly imaginative, wholly original, and clever as hell. This novel is as mischievous and mysterious as its magical protagonist—and yet, at its heart, a touchingly sincere look at the meaning of sisterly love.”
—Janelle Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Things

“Intricately woven and masterfully paced, Acts of Violet is the story of a world-famous magician gone missing. Creating characters that are simultaneously self-absorbed and endearing might be a tall order in a lesser writer’s hands, but Montimore rises to the challenge and then some. I read the whole thing in forty-eight hours, so desperate was I to solve this hypnotic, striking mystery. This one is not to be missed.”
—Stephanie Wrobel, author of Darling Rose Gold

“Mortimore’s sophomore novel Acts of Violet is pure magic. A deft execution that will satisfy any true crime junkie. It will leave you believing in the legend that is Violet Volk.”
—Roselle Kim, author of Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop