The Undertakers

In post-Civil War Philadelphia, magical practitioners and undertakers Hetty and Benjy Rhodes find themselves investigating a web of suspicious deaths and deliberate fires targeting the Black community. When Raimond Duval dies in one of the city's recent blazes, the official explanation feels too convenient for the couple's detective instincts. Their suspicions prove justified when Raimond's son Valentine turns up dead as well, bringing the first major funeral to their undertaking business. As Hetty and Benjy dig deeper, they uncover connections between the deaths and a corrupt Fire Company with a disturbing pattern of letting certain neighborhoods burn.

Bahni Turpin's masterful narration transforms Nicole Glover's historical fantasy into an immersive audio experience that captures both the period atmosphere and magical elements with remarkable skill. Turpin's voice work brings distinct personality to each character while maintaining the story's investigative momentum across its substantial runtime. Her nuanced performance particularly shines in conveying the racial tensions and community dynamics of Reconstruction-era Philadelphia, making the historical setting feel immediate and authentic. The combination of Glover's rich worldbuilding and Turpin's compelling delivery creates an audiobook that allows listeners to fully inhabit this unique blend of mystery, magic, and American history.