Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ace (2015), Edition: Reprint, 384 pages
Description
"FIRST IN A NEW TRILOGY From Charlaine Harris, the bestselling author who created Sookie Stackhouse and her world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, comes a darker locale-populated by more strangers than friends. But then, that's how the locals prefer it. 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). Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. Stay awhile, and learn the truth... "--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Debra_Armbruster
I'm not freaking out over this one.
I have to give her credit. Charlaine Harris has made a name for herself as a writer, garnering vast popularity from her Sookie Stackhouse novels, which spawned the HBO hit "True Blood" (I will admit to compulsively reading all thirteen of them last year). But can
One has to start somewhere, build new characters in a new town in order to create a new series. Harris gave new characters, and a new town (really, new state more than a new town), yet her overall format was the same as in her Sookie books. Weird people live in a small town, guarding their secrets. There are witches, vampires, psychics, (possibly) angels, supremacists/hate-mongers, and killers. A minor mystery ensues, complete with a kidnapping, and ultimately the bad guy is... a peripheral character. Tiny group remains tight-knit until next time.
I wasn't blown away, yet I can imagine how hard it is to start again on the heels of the wrap of a major series. Maybe I'll read one more...
I have to give her credit. Charlaine Harris has made a name for herself as a writer, garnering vast popularity from her Sookie Stackhouse novels, which spawned the HBO hit "True Blood" (I will admit to compulsively reading all thirteen of them last year). But can
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she only write one character, one book? I picked up _Midnight Crossroad_ hoping for the answer to that question, but find myself no closer to certainty.One has to start somewhere, build new characters in a new town in order to create a new series. Harris gave new characters, and a new town (really, new state more than a new town), yet her overall format was the same as in her Sookie books. Weird people live in a small town, guarding their secrets. There are witches, vampires, psychics, (possibly) angels, supremacists/hate-mongers, and killers. A minor mystery ensues, complete with a kidnapping, and ultimately the bad guy is... a peripheral character. Tiny group remains tight-knit until next time.
I wasn't blown away, yet I can imagine how hard it is to start again on the heels of the wrap of a major series. Maybe I'll read one more...
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LibraryThing member tigerb
Harris's characters feel like old friends to me. I suggest that if you liked Shakespeare, AR and enjoyed hanging out with Harper Conolly and thought Merlotte's would be a good place to hang, you are likely to enjoy this book.
LibraryThing member Jennie_103
Characters from all of Harris's other series meet together! There's Bobo from Shakespeare, Manfred the psychic from the Grave series, Arthur Smith from the Aurora series and a vampire (who I don't think featured anywhere else previously....) all thrown together in a small town with a few new
Lots of them feel familiar even though they are theoretically new characters as well - one has wild, untameable hair - sound familiar? And her "voice" is just very similar to Aurora Teagarden as well. There's a tough beautiful fighting woman who feels very similar to Lily Bard too but it was still a hugely entertaining novel and I hope she writes more in this series.
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characters besides.Lots of them feel familiar even though they are theoretically new characters as well - one has wild, untameable hair - sound familiar? And her "voice" is just very similar to Aurora Teagarden as well. There's a tough beautiful fighting woman who feels very similar to Lily Bard too but it was still a hugely entertaining novel and I hope she writes more in this series.
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LibraryThing member arielfl
I read all of the Sookie Stackhouse novels even though they got quite tedious at the end. I also read and loved all of the novels in the Harper Connelly series. With the Sookie books over I was really looking forward to a new series, especially since it carried over Manfred Bernardo from the
On the good side the book is rife with all of Harris's sweet touches. Even though Fiji is a witch she likes to bake casseroles and decorate her home. She is the Sookie homemaker of the book. Yet even with the Harris hallmarks the characters are seriously lacking in punch here. Instead of Manfred, Harris needs to send in Eric Northman to liven things up. Unless he is making a cameo next book I think I am opting out of this series.
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Connelly series. Sadly this was a disappointment. The whole thing was a big snore. It took me so long to get through because it kept putting me to sleep. Basically the plot is a witch, vampire, and a psychic come together in a dead end Texas town. Three fourths of the book are getting to know the new crew and the last quarter of the book addresses the murder of one of the towns residents. The murder itself was somewhat interesting but without giving too much away the resolution left me cold. I am all for everyone getting what they deserve but I'm not on board with the justice meted out in this case. On the good side the book is rife with all of Harris's sweet touches. Even though Fiji is a witch she likes to bake casseroles and decorate her home. She is the Sookie homemaker of the book. Yet even with the Harris hallmarks the characters are seriously lacking in punch here. Instead of Manfred, Harris needs to send in Eric Northman to liven things up. Unless he is making a cameo next book I think I am opting out of this series.
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LibraryThing member vampiregirl76
Manfred Bernardo is the newest resident of Midnight, Texas. He settles in easily and makes friends with the other residents. At first it seems like an ordinary little town, but Manfred soon learns that Midnight has it share a dark secrets.
I was excited to hear that there was a new series coming
I was excited to hear that there was a new series coming
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from Ms. Harris. I'm so glad I picked it up. It was an excellent read for me. Set in a small town, with curious cast of residents. New characters are introduced, plus some familiar faces that appear/mentioned from the Harper Connelly series, the Lily Bard Series and even the Aurora Teagarden series. Midnight Crossroad is fantastic read filled with mystery and intrigue. This is a first in a trilogy and I can't wait to go back to visit Midnight again. If you are a fan of previous series from Charlaine Harris, you won't want miss this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member pmorris
An excellent story, skillfully written is a style somewhat different from previous novels. Ms Harris has brought us characters who figure, briefly, in other series in a beautiful fashion. I found myself wishing I lived in Midnight.
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris had a very strong (and enjoyable) mystery and the characters are starting to grow on me!
Story
Character Thoughts: Going to admit that it took till the last quarter of Midnight Crossing for me to get into the characters. In the beginning, I just couldn't quite connect with them. There were too many characters but towards the end I realized why. Now, I am invested in Fiji and her familiar. I was happy to see characters such as Manfred and Arthur from her other series. Overall, I am sure in the 2nd book I will have more favorites!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by: Susan Bennett/Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
I thought Susan did an excellent job with the narration of Midnight Crossroad. She managed to capture the quirkiness of the town just right. She showcased the large cast in a way that made each one stand out and be completely unique. I will be continuing this in audio.
Final Thought: Rocky start but excellent mystery!
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris had a very strong (and enjoyable) mystery and the characters are starting to grow on me!
Story
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Thoughts: I am a self-professed fangirl of Charlaine Harris' ability to write a good mystery. It is the main reason that I love her stories. She writes a darn good "who-dun-it". Midnight Crossroad is no exception in that aspect. Once we got to the mystery, the book really took off. I was invested and a little bit caught off guard that one of my off-the-wall guesses was right (granted I only guessed off-the-wall because sometimes Charlaine will do that). Even though it takes a bit to get to the mystery, it really was worth the journey. My only complaint was the pacing for the first 1/3 of the book which happens a lot in first in series. Especially when you are introducing a town as quirky as Midnight, TX!Character Thoughts: Going to admit that it took till the last quarter of Midnight Crossing for me to get into the characters. In the beginning, I just couldn't quite connect with them. There were too many characters but towards the end I realized why. Now, I am invested in Fiji and her familiar. I was happy to see characters such as Manfred and Arthur from her other series. Overall, I am sure in the 2nd book I will have more favorites!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by: Susan Bennett/Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
I thought Susan did an excellent job with the narration of Midnight Crossroad. She managed to capture the quirkiness of the town just right. She showcased the large cast in a way that made each one stand out and be completely unique. I will be continuing this in audio.
Final Thought: Rocky start but excellent mystery!
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LibraryThing member Christine_Blackthorn
I love Charlaine Harris's Shakespeare books - and therefore this was a must. It was a fun little story, and interesting whodunnit, but there were distinct gripes I had. I loved the idea that the book brought together characters from all the other series and gave them a place to run - but it also
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added some unnecessary detritus to the story. Also, is there any happy marriage in her books? Ever? Another little gripe was the paranormal element. I read fantasy in all its guises and I love combinations of mystery and fantasy - but here it just feels like an unnecessary add on. It was not integral to the story - like a book that throws in constant sex scenes without making them a part of the character development. Show Less
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
Ms Harris' new series focuses on Manfred from the Harper Connelly series a he moves to a small town and gets to know everyone. It seems that not everyone is what they appear to be in this sleepy town. As he gets to know everyone in this one light town, they get to know him as well. An impromptu
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town picnic stumbles across the body of Manfred's landlord's missing girlfriend. Bobo has been wondering why she left town with no note and never asked for her things. He filed a missing person's report but nothing had come of it. Turns out she wasn't just his girlfriend but was someone sent to find out more about him and a possible treasure trove of guns from his late white supremacist grandfather. Things and people have more of flavor of her last series but this is certainly a mystery story. There are little remarks from characters that bring mention other series that Charlaine Harris has written and I have to wonder if she is going to braid all her separate series together with this trilogy. Should be interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
I've dipped into a number of series by Charlaine Harris. I find them light and amusing (except when they're not: glares at last couple of the Southern Vampire books) an easy "palate cleanser" for my brain between other books that work the gray matter differently. When I saw the start of a new
Midnight, Texas, the town with more supernatural misfits than tumbleweeds. Standard set up: Psychic moves to a new town. Meets his witch-neighbor, local vampire, and a few other characters with unclear motives and possibly shady pasts. There's a bit of a mystery over "what happened to the girlfriend of the antique shop owner" as she upped and disappeared one day. Now, the white supremacist group from her past is out to find/avenge her, which doesn't bode well for the inhabitants of Midnight. But as I said, there's a witch, a psychic, and a vampire, and some kick-ass others, who will fight to keep the town safe.
My thoughts? An okay start for a series of this sort. It may be telling that my favorite character is Mr Snuggly, a cat. I felt there was a strong effort not to draw on the Sookie elements of vampire-dom, but at the same time, saw references to other series (ie Shakespeare), though it's been a while since I read any of the Lily Bard books or enough of that series, to pick up more). I suppose the characters, and their back-stories, will round out and develop. right now, there's just a lot of hints and foreshadow.
I rounded up to 3 stars because of Mr Snuggly, who stays true to his catness, even when forced into heroic measures.
Tags: an-author-i-read, fantasy, ok-but-not-great, part-start-of-a-series, read, set-in-the-south, thank-you-charleston-county-library, vampires-ghosts-and-other-creatures
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series, I wondered where the author would go after the phenomenally successful Sookie Stackhouse books, so I picked Midnight Crossroad up to check out. Midnight, Texas, the town with more supernatural misfits than tumbleweeds. Standard set up: Psychic moves to a new town. Meets his witch-neighbor, local vampire, and a few other characters with unclear motives and possibly shady pasts. There's a bit of a mystery over "what happened to the girlfriend of the antique shop owner" as she upped and disappeared one day. Now, the white supremacist group from her past is out to find/avenge her, which doesn't bode well for the inhabitants of Midnight. But as I said, there's a witch, a psychic, and a vampire, and some kick-ass others, who will fight to keep the town safe.
My thoughts? An okay start for a series of this sort. It may be telling that my favorite character is Mr Snuggly, a cat. I felt there was a strong effort not to draw on the Sookie elements of vampire-dom, but at the same time, saw references to other series (ie Shakespeare), though it's been a while since I read any of the Lily Bard books or enough of that series, to pick up more). I suppose the characters, and their back-stories, will round out and develop. right now, there's just a lot of hints and foreshadow.
I rounded up to 3 stars because of Mr Snuggly, who stays true to his catness, even when forced into heroic measures.
Tags: an-author-i-read, fantasy, ok-but-not-great, part-start-of-a-series, read, set-in-the-south, thank-you-charleston-county-library, vampires-ghosts-and-other-creatures
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LibraryThing member jmach226
Midnight Crossroad is set in the tiny town of Midnight, Texas. The main group of residents total less than 20. All the residents seem to have migrated to this tiny town to hide their secrets. None of the group is nosy though, and everyone is accepted at face value. When a missing resident is found
Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris is the first book in a new series. It seamlessly weaves supernatural creatures, white supremacists, witches, and average small-town folk into a story that captivates from beginning to end. The twisted ending is the perfect finish to an already spectacular story. I can't wait to find out more secrets from Midnight, Texas.
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murdered, the town unites to find out what really happened. Along their search some secrets are revealed, changing the town forever. Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris is the first book in a new series. It seamlessly weaves supernatural creatures, white supremacists, witches, and average small-town folk into a story that captivates from beginning to end. The twisted ending is the perfect finish to an already spectacular story. I can't wait to find out more secrets from Midnight, Texas.
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LibraryThing member JalenV
My first Charlaine Harris book was Real Murders, the first book in her first series, the Aurora Teagarden mysteries, so I was pleased to see it referenced in chapter 37 of Midnight Crossing. (Ha! It was the same supporting character!)
Ms. Harris' Shakespeare series was also a non-paranormal one,
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the inclusion of characters from Ms. Harris' three other series within the world that has vampires and shape-shifters that is the setting of her most popular one. After all, Lily and Jack did show up at Sookie's house.
Yes, Midnight Crossing is a bit slow at the start while our author is building the setting and the new characters, but it wasn't dull.
While there were enough hints about one of the characters that finding out whodunnit wasn't really a surprise, I did not see the revelation about Mr. Snuggly the cat at the end of chapter 23 -- and another secret let loose in chapter 39 -- coming at all.
My favorite chapter is the Halloween celebration in chapter 38. Wish I could have been there.
As for the racists, it'll be interesting to see if they wise up any in later books.
The end papers with the photographs of things one might find in a pawnshop are a nice touch.
Midnight Crossing didn't make me want to run out and buy my own copy, but it was good enough that I'll be looking for the sequel when it hits my local library's new mysteries shelf.
Ms. Harris' Shakespeare series was also a non-paranormal one,
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but it's darker. I haven't reread my copies, so I'm not sure if Bobo is talking about something from one of the Lily Bard books.I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the inclusion of characters from Ms. Harris' three other series within the world that has vampires and shape-shifters that is the setting of her most popular one. After all, Lily and Jack did show up at Sookie's house.
Yes, Midnight Crossing is a bit slow at the start while our author is building the setting and the new characters, but it wasn't dull.
While there were enough hints about one of the characters that finding out whodunnit wasn't really a surprise, I did not see the revelation about Mr. Snuggly the cat at the end of chapter 23 -- and another secret let loose in chapter 39 -- coming at all.
My favorite chapter is the Halloween celebration in chapter 38. Wish I could have been there.
As for the racists, it'll be interesting to see if they wise up any in later books.
The end papers with the photographs of things one might find in a pawnshop are a nice touch.
Midnight Crossing didn't make me want to run out and buy my own copy, but it was good enough that I'll be looking for the sequel when it hits my local library's new mysteries shelf.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Not a bad read, combines a cosy mystery with urban fantasy. You don't meet the murder victim so she's a bit depersonalised. Manfred Bernardo moves to Midnight, Texas and finds that the surface appearance isn't what is in the country, the 24 hour pawn shop is interesting.
When a picnic leads to a
It wasn't a bad read, it just didn't really hold my interest.
When a picnic leads to a
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body being discovered, the body of a missing woman, things get interesting. It wasn't a bad read, it just didn't really hold my interest.
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LibraryThing member enemyanniemae
I haven't read Charlaine Harris in a month of Sundays, so when I found the first in her new trilogy in audio AND on sale...
I have to admit that I did not think much of it. At first. The whole thing was 8 discs long and I was bored out of my mind until the end of disc 6. Several people asked what I
When things started heating up, someone threw rocket fuel on the fire. This book TOOK OFF and it did not fizzle. The ending was spectacular. The story is typical Harris, chock full of strange and unusual characters. The mystery is everywhere. Everyone has a secret. And I loved them all. The narration is excellent. I am already craving the next in the series so I can listen to Susan Bennett's wonderful characterizations. I do NOT want to wait until summer.
If you are a Harris fan or if you like paranormal-ish mysteries or if you just want to read something interesting and have the fortitude to wade through what (in my opinion) was very ho hum, then you might want to take a look at this book.
Recommended.
I have to admit that I did not think much of it. At first. The whole thing was 8 discs long and I was bored out of my mind until the end of disc 6. Several people asked what I
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thought of it and I just shook my head. I am fairly certain that had I been reading a paper copy and not listening to the book, I would have tossed it by the end of page 50. Thank Bob for long commutes.When things started heating up, someone threw rocket fuel on the fire. This book TOOK OFF and it did not fizzle. The ending was spectacular. The story is typical Harris, chock full of strange and unusual characters. The mystery is everywhere. Everyone has a secret. And I loved them all. The narration is excellent. I am already craving the next in the series so I can listen to Susan Bennett's wonderful characterizations. I do NOT want to wait until summer.
If you are a Harris fan or if you like paranormal-ish mysteries or if you just want to read something interesting and have the fortitude to wade through what (in my opinion) was very ho hum, then you might want to take a look at this book.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member bgknighton
Nice light mystery with a touch of the supernatural. Midnight is the place you come when nowhere else is quite right. Everyone has secrets, some bigger than others. But everyone in Midnight is family, in the bigger sense of the word.
LibraryThing member BookaholicBanter
A Mystery "whodunit"
Welcome to Midnight, Texas! A town full of colorful characters!
The people here in Midnight are secretive-they all have something to hide. It is a rule of the townsfolk to not ask questions. Eventually though, the secrets will come out.
In this first book, in a new series, some
Get to know these quirky characters and discover the magic hidden in the town of Midnight.
*SLIGHT SPOILER*
There is a vampire, witch, a psychic, even a talking cat with a sense of humor-by the name of Mr.Snuggles.
*END SPOILER*
Follow the mystery of Bobo's missing girlfriend and delve into the world of Midnight, Texas. There are plenty of interesting characters, and you won't want to miss this read!
Welcome to Midnight, Texas! A town full of colorful characters!
The people here in Midnight are secretive-they all have something to hide. It is a rule of the townsfolk to not ask questions. Eventually though, the secrets will come out.
In this first book, in a new series, some
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of those secrets will come out, while others will remain hidden. Get to know these quirky characters and discover the magic hidden in the town of Midnight.
*SLIGHT SPOILER*
There is a vampire, witch, a psychic, even a talking cat with a sense of humor-by the name of Mr.Snuggles.
*END SPOILER*
Follow the mystery of Bobo's missing girlfriend and delve into the world of Midnight, Texas. There are plenty of interesting characters, and you won't want to miss this read!
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LibraryThing member mlake
I love it that Midnight is such a small town the residents can all sit at the same 8 top in the local diner. I love it that the people who live here have secrets and no one digs into the past.
LibraryThing member Heelgirl77
A very weak 3 stars. I have to agree with previous reviews. I also haven't forgiven Ms. Harris for the last few books in the Sookie Stackhouse series. And, The first 2/3 of the book were really slow and laid the groundwork for the last 1/3. If the whole book had been as interesting as the last part
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it would have gotten a much higher rating from me. I Iike the characters and they are interesting enough to all have their own books in this series. Hopefully book 1 gave enough back story that the rest of the books won't have to. Show Less
LibraryThing member Heelgirl77
A very weak 3 stars. I have to agree with previous reviews. I also haven't forgiven Ms. Harris for the last few books in the Sookie Stackhouse series. And, The first 2/3 of the book were really slow and laid the groundwork for the last 1/3. If the whole book had been as interesting as the last part
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it would have gotten a much higher rating from me. I Iike the characters and they are interesting enough to all have their own books in this series. Hopefully book 1 gave enough back story that the rest of the books won't have to. Show Less
LibraryThing member DanielleMD
A great series opener! Charlaine Harris sure knows how to create a town. You get a real sense of the place, it almost feels alive. The characters are wonderfully drawn, fascinating on their own and together. There are lots of stories just waiting to be told here.
The central mystery of the book was
I can't wait to see what happens next in Midnight!
The central mystery of the book was
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very interesting, and had a surprising conclusion.I can't wait to see what happens next in Midnight!
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LibraryThing member CC123
Interesting story but nothing earthshaking. I would like to learn more about the eccentric characters of Midnight. (The Rev is the one that really has me curious. And Mr. Snuggles, didn't see that one coming!)
LibraryThing member phyllis2779
I liked this one even better than I liked the first one in the series. The characters are unique and mysterious and fascinating, at least to me. Especially as layers get slowly peeled back. Harris also uses humor deftly, e.g., the talking cat, and mystery well, e.g., the identification of the
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murderer. Show Less
LibraryThing member LeleliaSky
A quirky new town, supernatural townies, and a murder are the start of a new series by the Sookie Stackhouse creator. Set in the fictional town of Midnight, Texas, this was a quick read that had me immediately putting the second book in the series on hold at the library!
LibraryThing member JalenV
I'd already read the print version, but felt like listening to Midnight Crossroad. I'd been underwhelmed the first time around, but like this book much better after reading the sequel, Day Shift.
I really enjoyed some hints at revelations to come. Susan Bennett's narration was good. Her
I really enjoyed some hints at revelations to come. Susan Bennett's narration was good. Her
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vocalizations for the cat, Mr. Snuggly, made me smile. Show Less
LibraryThing member Chaps
Entertaining start to a new series, with Harris' usual gift for clever dialog and varied plot. Look forward to more!
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-05-06
Physical description
384 p.; 4.38 inches
ISBN
0425263169 / 9780425263167
Other editions
Similar in this library
Pages
384