Acts of Violet: A Novel

Written by Margarita Montimore

Narrated by Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, Amy McFadden, Brittany Pressley and 7 more

"A multicast presentation of a novel with this many disparate narrative elements could easily become chaotic, so it is testament to the narrators’ talents and Montimore’s brilliant plot structure, compelling characters, and sharp, often hilarious prose that listeners are instead treated to an absolutely delightful audiobook, essential for all contemporary fiction collections."- Library Journal

This program features unique sound design and is read by a multicast that brilliantly weaves together the narrative elements, the podcast episodes, and the documents within the story.

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 hasn’t wavered. While Violet sought out the spotlight, her sister Sasha, ever the responsible one, took over their mother’s salon and built a quiet life for her 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, determined to finally get his big break hosting a podcast devoted to all things Violet—though keeping his job hinges on an exclusive interview with Sasha, the last person who wants 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 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.

Alternating between Sasha’s narration and Cameron’s podcast transcripts, interspersed with documents that offer a tantalizing peek at Violet herself, Acts of Violet is an utterly original, propulsive story of fame, deception, and forgiveness that will make you believe in magic.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jul 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781250854636

Margarita Montimore

Margarita Montimore is the author of The Dollhouse Academy, Acts of Violet, Asleep from Day, and Oona Out of Order, which was a USA Today bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club pick. After receiving a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, she worked for more than a decade in publishing and social media before deciding to focus on the writing dream full-time. Born in Soviet Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, she currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and dog.

Reviews for Acts of Violet

[LyddyBC · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun story. Enjoyable story and presentation. Waiting for the follow up.

[Abigail G · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

5 star for narration, 3 star for the actual story. LOVED the audio cast and constant changing of format. Very engaging!

[Jenna Egbert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Audiobook is fantastic and the best way to enjoy this book.

[MJ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really intriguing listen, loved the format, tho the ending was a bit anticlimactic. Would still recommend; the journey was the destination on this one, unpacking pieces of the puzzle and putting it all together as you go.

[Ann G Miller-Sobel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good story, well told. Great format. Wonderfully believable characters. Predictable ending

[Holly Mascaro · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 - This was mostly a 4 star read but the end still left enough things without full answers that it lowered it for me slightly. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this story—specifically on audio. The full-scale audio production perfectly suited the mixed-media storytelling style. The concept is super unique and unlike anything I’ve read before—illusionist sensation goes missing and the world is left still putting together the pieces ten years later. I love this author and will continue to read her super inventive, creative stories that play with time and space in a way that feels just quite out of reach.

[amy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A full cast of characters and mixed media (podcast, interviews, emails, letters, and articles) makes for an interesting way to tell a story.

[Marie Müller · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved the mystery in this one, just the ending wasn’t as satisfying as i hoped for.

[Katherine Lespron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing audio production! I'm not sureni would have enjoyed it as much as I did simply reading it.

[Sharon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Compelling story, bright and vivid characters. Narration cast was enjoyable. Will make a great movie.