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lrjohnson13 's review for:
Return to Midnight
by Emma Dues
3.5 Stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
This book crafts a gripping tale of suspense that pulls readers into the haunted past of a massacre survivor. Nearly a decade ago, five Ohio university students were brutally murdered in what the media dubbed the "Midnight House Massacre." Margot Davis, the lone survivor, has spent years trying to forget that horrific night, burying the memories deep as she pursued a career as a crime novelist. But now, she's returning to the scene of the crime to confront her past and finally tell her side of the story.
The novel kicks off with a chilling premise: Margot's return to the Victorian house where the tragedy occurred is supposed to help her heal, reconnect with fellow survivors, and dispel the conspiracy theories that have plagued her since the event. However, things take a dark turn when Margot begins receiving threatening notes demanding she stop lying—or else. This sinister development forces Margot to confront a truth she's been too terrified to reveal, putting her life at risk.
Dues skillfully builds suspense through well-placed flashbacks and a steady stream of red herrings, keeping readers guessing about the identity of the murderer. The narration is compelling, and the story effectively plants seeds of suspicion about every character, even if some of them feel a bit underdeveloped. I felt that the inclusion of a potential love affair was a throw-in to the story and did not add anything.
However, while the story is engaging, it does have a few shortcomings. The characters, particularly Margot's interactions with the other survivors, could have been more fleshed out. Additionally, the book could have benefited from a brief prologue to set the stage for the crime, allowing readers to dive into the story alongside Margot more seamlessly. Despite these minor issues, the plot holds up well and maintains a decent pace throughout.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
This book crafts a gripping tale of suspense that pulls readers into the haunted past of a massacre survivor. Nearly a decade ago, five Ohio university students were brutally murdered in what the media dubbed the "Midnight House Massacre." Margot Davis, the lone survivor, has spent years trying to forget that horrific night, burying the memories deep as she pursued a career as a crime novelist. But now, she's returning to the scene of the crime to confront her past and finally tell her side of the story.
The novel kicks off with a chilling premise: Margot's return to the Victorian house where the tragedy occurred is supposed to help her heal, reconnect with fellow survivors, and dispel the conspiracy theories that have plagued her since the event. However, things take a dark turn when Margot begins receiving threatening notes demanding she stop lying—or else. This sinister development forces Margot to confront a truth she's been too terrified to reveal, putting her life at risk.
Dues skillfully builds suspense through well-placed flashbacks and a steady stream of red herrings, keeping readers guessing about the identity of the murderer. The narration is compelling, and the story effectively plants seeds of suspicion about every character, even if some of them feel a bit underdeveloped. I felt that the inclusion of a potential love affair was a throw-in to the story and did not add anything.
However, while the story is engaging, it does have a few shortcomings. The characters, particularly Margot's interactions with the other survivors, could have been more fleshed out. Additionally, the book could have benefited from a brief prologue to set the stage for the crime, allowing readers to dive into the story alongside Margot more seamlessly. Despite these minor issues, the plot holds up well and maintains a decent pace throughout.