The captivating premise of Margarita Montimore's Acts of Violet ensnared my attention from the outset, as it chronicles the enigmatic disappearance of magician Violet Volk and the intrepid investigation led by podcaster Cameron Frank. The exceptional production value of the audiobook is a testament to the artistry of the form, with various narrators and sound effects evocatively utilized to accentuate podcast segments and phone interviews.
Regrettably, the novel's pacing is a protracted and meandering affair, primarily fixated on Violet's sister Sasha and the profound repercussions her sister's disappearance has wrought upon her life. Despite this extended character study, the denouement is an unsatisfying anticlimax, lacking the closure necessary to resolve the central mystery and providing no logical explanation for Violet's fate.
Furthermore, the novel inexplicably plunges into the supernatural/paranormal realm, with the implication that Violet may have transported herself to another dimension, while Sasha has always had the ability to move in a similar way. This sudden turn feels disconcertingly out of place, disrupting the narrative flow and detracting from the overall quality of the story.
Although some readers may appreciate the novel's astute character study and impressive production value, Acts of Violet's disappointing direction and lack of resolution ultimately made for an unfulfilling reading experience.