Hi all:
As you know I read and review books and share the reviews in a variety of places. I recently read the first novel in the new series by Charlaine Harris, a well loved author, and thought I’d bring you my impressions.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author who created Sookie Stackhouse and her world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, “is back with a vengeance” (Tangled Web) with this first book in an all-new trilogy—and inviting readers to an even darker place on the map…
Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It’s a pretty standard dried-up western town.
There’s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There’s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there’s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he’s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own).
INCLUDES AN EXCERPT FROM THE NEXT NOVEL IN THE SERIES, THE DAY SHIFT
http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Crossroad-Texas-Charlaine-Harris-ebook/dp/B00I089VSQ/
Here is my review:
I have read a few novels by Charlaine Harris before. Some from the Sookie Stackhouse collection but also a couple more, and I was intrigued by this novel that announces the beginning of another series.
Midnight is a semi-ghost town where Manfred, a young man who has psychic powers and works as an internet and phone psychic (although most of his advice has nothing to do with his real abilities) arrives at the beginning of his novel. His arrival serves as an introduction for the readers as well and the first chapter is mostly descriptive of the town and its inhabitants. Apart from being a quiet place, it appears that by tacit agreement, people in Midnight follow a policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell”. Some characters seem to have their secrets closer to the surface than others, but my impression is that as the series develops we’ll learn many mysterious things from most (if not all) the characters.
A murder is discovered (during the first, and probably the last, annual picnic of Midnight) and the investigation and complications that ensue result in an unravelling of many of the secrets that had been so well kept until then.
I found the cast of characters promising (the reverend with his Pet Cemetery, Fiji and her, oh so very special cat, Bobo, Olivia and Lemuel…), the setting interesting enough, and the central story itself intriguing and I did not guess the outcome. The style is deceptively easy, and the omniscient third person narrator that takes on different characters’ point of view in turn, helps us empathise and get to know some of them better (although, of course, not all of them). There are paranormal elements, a vampire and his human girlfriend who make a deadly couple (but good friends of their friends), magic, bizarre pawn shops, white supremacist groups, lies, Halloween parties, wholesome meals, justice of sorts, and a moral/ethical question that will make you think and ponder your position.
Midnight Crossroad is an engaging and easy read that has good rhythm and comes to a satisfying conclusion although leaves enough answered questions to keep you coming back. I’m not sure I’d move there, but for sure I’ll keep on reading.
When preparing this post I realised the second book on the series is available on pre-order and due to be published in May, so I leave you some information and the link here too:
Day Shift (Midnight Texas)
Welcome to Midnight, Texas.
It’s a quiet little town, perched at the junction between Davy Road and Witch Light Road, and it’s easy to miss. With its boarded-up windows, single traffic light and sleepy air, there’s nothing special about Midnight . . . which is exactly how the residents like it.
So when the news comes that a new owner plans to renovate the run-down, abandoned old hotel in town, it’s not met with pleasure. Who would want to come to Midnight, with its handful of shops, the Home Cookin diner, and quiet residents – and why?
But there are bigger problems in the air. When Manfred Bernado, the newest resident in town, is swept up in a deadly investigation suddenly the hotel and its residents are the least of the towns concern. The police, lawyers and journalists are all headed to Midnight, and it’s the worst possible moment . . .
http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Midnight-Texas-Charlaine-Harris-ebook/dp/B00QFMNSWE/
Thanks very much for reading, and if you’ve enjoyed it, like, share, comment, and of course, feel free to CLICK!
Awesome review, Olga. I bought this book last week, but I haven’t been ready to read it yet. Now I’m excited to read it & hope I have time soon. Hugs!
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Thanks, Teagan. I know you like Charlaine Harris and I kept thinking of you as I read it. And the cat in the story made me think of the one in Atonement, although this one…
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Although I know the name I haven’t read anything by Charlaine Harris. Neo Gothic, horror,Vampire, zombie et al aren’t my usual reading. But, you actually make this book sound both fascinating and a little fun Olga. Maybe I should broaden my horizons a bit.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. She has written crime novels and was well known for them (got awards and all) before she started adding some paranormal touches, although I haven’t read any of her “straight” crime novels. But one thing is for sure, she’s never boring. And, if it might be an enticement to you, the crime at the heart of the book has nothing to do with paranormal but with human beings…
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Olga just said about what i was thinking. Charlaine’s books are fun mysteries. Not at all typical of “vampire” books or horror. Even the Southern Vampire series was very little like True Blood, the HBO show “based” on them. Hugs.
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I get the feeling she really enjoys writing. 🙂
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This is one I will definitely want to get….thank you again for the excellent review….enjoy the day. Janet:)x
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Thanks Janet. It’s fun for sure. And thanks for your beautiful post, and full of colour and magic as usual. Happy Tuesday!
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We are loving this sunshine. Hope your da is good.
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Thanks Janet. Here it’s warmed up considerably, although I’m coming back to the UK next week. Have a great colourful and magical day.
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I think the weather will still be good for you in the UK – maybe not as warm as it’s been. I am looking forward to being in Portugal. Be back at end of month. Janet:) x
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Have a great time, Janet! I’m sure we’ll have plenty of paintings to look at. ♥
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Great review. I loved “True Blood” on TV, maybe it’s time to read her books. 🙂
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Thanks Christoph. At least the books I’ve read aren’t quite as “spicy” as the TV show although the plot and the characters are a fair fit. She’s one of these writers who makes it feel easy, although we well know how difficult that is. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Another great review from Olgan Nunez Miret. Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris
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Thanks Sally! And happy Tuesday!
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Great review, an introduction to a new series that I was not aware of. Looking forward to reading it. Your review leaves us wanting more.
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Thanks so much for your words and your visit. I got the book slightly ahead of its publication through Net Galley and I can see it the series going for a while…
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Enjoyed your review 🙂
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Thanks so much. And thanks for the visit!
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That’s okay 🙂
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🙂
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Getting to be quite the reviewer Olga. 🙂
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Thanks Laurie. If only somebody would pay me for doing it…;)
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Well that would be nice indeed. 🙂
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I’m thinking about it. See if I can come up with some scheme… 🙂
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If you asked for something you would be seen as a horrible person who’s only in it for the money. 😦
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I’ve read a few books of this genre and enjoyed them though they’re not my usual go-to. This review makes the book(s) enticing, Olga. Another interesting TBR on my list. 🙂
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Thanks so much Tess. If we can get a bit more time out of somewhere…:)
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Wow! These look great! Now if I could just read all day and night I would be happy! LOL! ❤
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I think if each day just had the double number of hours…:)
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I so agree. So little time, so much fun. 🙂
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♥♥
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Great review, Olga. I’m intrigued about this series. It reads even more interesting than the Sookie Stackhouse series. 😀
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Thanks Vashti. It’s definitely a place where most of the characters seem to be much more than what you see at first sight. I wouldn’t mind watching a series based on that either. Have a great week!
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This is a very well crafted review and I’m tempted to get it now, although I’m a little busy now with my own book so reading for pleasure will have to wait a while. Still, when things settle down I hope to come to it. It certainly does sound intriguing
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Thanks Peter. It’s difficult to find time, although I find it helpful to read other things otherwise I get exhausted and dried out. Best of luck with your book.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Reblogged this on Dark Moon Series.
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