Sarah Penner’s The Conjurer’s Wife is a mesmerizing novella set in 1820s Venice, weaving magic, mystery, and personal awakening into a captivating tale. The story follows Olivia, wife and assistant to renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff, as she begins to unravel secrets both on and off the stage. Along the way, the story drops intriguing references to Amalfi and the witches of Positano—breadcrumbs that hint at something much larger brewing. Perhaps a prequel of sorts to The Amalfi Curse?

 

Penner’s writing is lush and atmospheric, transporting you to the canals and dimly lit theaters of Venice. Olivia is a wonderfully relatable character, caught between loyalty to her husband and her growing need for independence. The twists are compelling, and the novella sets an intriguing stage for the themes Penner may explore further in The Amalfi Curse. 

 

If there’s one downside, it’s that the story left me wanting more—a testament to how engaging it is. But as a standalone or a teaser of things to come, it works beautifully. Fans of historical fiction with a supernatural edge will devour this one. 

Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.