BOOK REVIEW - A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT by Marlene M. Bell
Book Details:
Book Title: A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT by Marlene M. Bell
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 368 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing
Release date: October 2024
Content Rating: G. No profanity or intimate situations
Having read Marlene M. Bell before, I was eager to dive into
A Hush at Midnight, and it proved to be an engaging mystery with a
compelling protagonist. This time, Bell introduces us to Laura Harris, a
celebrity chef whose world is turned upside down when she finds herself at the
center of a murder investigation.
Laura is a strong and intelligent main character, balancing
the pressures of her high-profile career with the shocking discovery of the
brutal murder of her elderly friend. Bell does an excellent job weaving
together suspense, danger, and personal stakes while keeping the tension high
as Laura becomes entangled in secrets that threaten everything she’s built. The
supporting characters add depth, though some relationships could have been
developed further.
One of Bell’s strengths is her descriptive writing, and it
shines here—whether she’s detailing the fast-paced world of culinary arts or
the chilling atmosphere of the murder investigation. The pacing is steady, with
enough twists to keep the reader guessing, though a few plot points felt
slightly predictable. That said, the story’s climax delivers a satisfying
payoff.
While A Hush at Midnight didn’t quite surpass my
favorite of Bell’s works, it’s a gripping, well-crafted mystery that will
appeal to fans of culinary thrillers and strong female leads. A solid four-star
read.
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Celebrity chef Laura Harris dwells on the horror of finding her mentor’s body in the groundskeeper’s disheveled bed—pillow and bedding half covering her open eyes—purple bruising around her mouth. A grisly snapshot in time revealing the Texas woman’s last moments during her attack. The elderly matriarch from the small town of Stenburg has left the physical world, and Laura is shattered.
She is catapulted headlong into the pursuit of a casual executioner, one bold enough to come and go from the crime scene with ease, dropping bizarre crumb trails designed to mock the deceased. But Laura herself doesn’t go unnoticed. As she digs deeper, she is followed and bombarded by warnings to leave the state.
When the victim’s attorney informs Laura that she’s to inherit the entire Stenburg fortune, the last act of kindness has made Laura the main person of interest in the investigation.
Message by message, Laura is methodically taunted by someone so deranged and driven they’ll do whatever it takes to dislodge Laura from Texas – permanently.
Mystery at a killing pace
Marlene M. Bell has never met a sheep she didn’t like. As a personal touch, her fans often find these wooly creatures visiting her international romantic suspense, thriller, and cozy mystery books as characters or subject matter.
Marlene’s multi-award-winning Annalisse series boasts numerous Best Mystery honors for all installments including the newest IP Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, and Global Gold Award for the fourth cozy mystery from down under.
connect with the author: website ~X ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
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