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"The Great Boomsky: The Many Lives of Magic's First Black Superstar" by Margaret B. Steele is a deeply researched exploration of Black magicians in the vaudeville era, focusing on performers like Milton Hudson Everrett and Isaac William Willis. Steele delves into the challenges these magicians faced in a racist society, while also highlighting the rich history of magic shows and vaudeville during a time of rapid change. The book provides a nuanced look at the racial dynamics of the era, discussing discrimination, minstrelsy, and segregation with sensitivity and directness. [Extracted from the article]

A Nest of Vipers: A Bangalore Detectives Club Mystery by Harini Nagendra is a historical mystery set in 1922 Bangalore. The story follows amateur detective Kaveri Murthy as she investigates the murder of a man who is revealed to be her friend's estranged husband. Against the backdrop of political tension and the impending visit of the Prince of Wales, Kaveri and her husband work to clear their friend's name and uncover a plot that could endanger the prince. Nagendra skillfully weaves together character development, plot, and historical detail to create a suspenseful and engaging read. Fans of Abir Mukherjee's Wyndham and Banerjee series will enjoy this book. [Extracted from the article]