Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Eventide is the third book in the Hode’s Hill series by Mae Clair, but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. A damaged protagonist, Gothic feel, ghosts, and evil come together to make an entertaining, hair-raising read.

Madison, who not only witnessed but actually experienced her husband’s murder, had a complete mental breakdown, but now she is ready for a new start. She is excited by the possibilities of her new home, but she did not count on unleashing evil and the ghosts. In addition, someone is vandalizing her property, and her boyfriend is not happy about her move. When town residents are brutally murdered, Madison cannot help but think everything is related to the house. With the help of her sister and friends, she faces danger and proves her past is once and for all behind her.

With its mix of ghost story, murder mystery, and horror, Eventide is just the right amount of creepy and has a good amount of tension throughout the tale. Madison’s past trials, the historical thread, and the present evil all mingle together seamlessly and come together to make a suspenseful reading experience. The writing is descriptive, and I felt the chill and smelled the nastiness of the evil just as the characters do.

Madison has a supernatural ability, but it is not overplayed and comes across as somewhat plausible. Even with her insecurities and past baggage, she is brave and relatable. I like her. Her boyfriend is a jerk, but he plays an integral part in the story. Madison’s sister and friends add variety and have experience and skills that help solve the historical and present day mysteries.

I enjoyed Eventide and recommend it to fans of supernatural books with a touch of horror.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

This is a great spooky series and this 3rd book did not disappoint. I liked the characters, the creepiness, the twists and turns and the storyline itself. Will there be a 4th?
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Eventide is the 3rd book in the Hode's Hill series written by Mae Clair. It was published in December 2019, and since I previously read the first two last year, I had to jump on this one. When a friend mentioned she would be reading it too, we decided to buddy read the book this month. Robbie and I are chatting about our thoughts now, so I'm writing the review at the same time. I enjoyed reading this one, and it's always great to have a friend to discuss it with, especially as you are reading and thinking about it.

In this tale, several characters from the previous book become the central focus. Madison has had a rough past, and now that she's starting over, she decided to buy a house to build a future. Only it's haunted. When her sorta boyfriend (Roth, a jerk who has anger and control issues) tries to stop her, it only make the situation worse. He agrees to help her get settled, and somehow, they stumble upon a cistern in the basement. When they open it to see what's inside, evil is released... we just don't know what it's all about. In the past, we meet a different set of characters, potentially the original owners of the house, and learn how they died. Darrin and Sylvia had a rocky marriage with two sons. They hired live-in help when Sylvia began having psychotic episodes. Whatever became of them? There are only 3 graves in the backyard, so that means someone's is missing!

First of all, the book takes place in Pennsylvania and has alternating time lines. These are two of my favorite things. Throw in a supernatural town (just enough to be creepy, not enough to push this too far in a genre I don't know a whole lot about), and you've got a winner. This third book feels a bit like a combination of the first two, as we have similar threads and connections happening. As the plot unfolds, we see where things went awry, and we find out just how much someone has been keeping secrets. Of course, this is where Dante, our resident supernatural expert, returns... and things have changed since the previous book, especially given his relationship with another character. No spoilers here... you'll have to check that part out for yourself.

One area that really appealed to me in this book was the detailed descriptions of the evil and the ghoul lurking around town. Several murders occur, all seemingly unrelated to the core characters, but then it comes together in a shocker. I liked the various threads, and sometimes they seemed a little too reminiscent of the previous books, but when we begin to see how it all connects together, I found myself quickly embroiled in the clever drama. It gets quite spooky when invisible forces start physically interacting with a couple of characters. I don't know about you, but if something invisible starting poking at me, I'd be out of there. Madison is a brave woman!

If you like a little paranormal uncertainty and a town tainted by evil, you'll love these books. Definitely read them in order, and of the three, I think the first book is my favorite... but I did like how a few things come full circle in this one, which I wasn't expecting. Now I'm left wondering... will there be a fourth one?

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So, when I got this review copy, I had no idea it was a part of a series. I read it as a standalone, and I feel it definitely can be read as such. It would reference previous books, but also explain it well for those who have not read the previous novels.

I really enjoyed this story, it made me want to go back and read the others in this series. I love the past and present timelines. It was just a brilliant novel!

Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for giving me this review copy.

Review for 'Eventide' by Mae Clair

Read and reviewed via NetGalley

THE STORYLINE

The darkness is coming . . .  

The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
 
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death...

REVIEW

This book is part of the Hode's Hills series. However I read it as a standalone with no problems. It does contain references to previous books but covers the information needed.

This was an absolutely fantastic, creepy, suspense, horror and thriller packed read. The storyline was excellent and I just couldn't put it down. The characters are strong, very realistic and likeable.

I loved the fact that the storyline went from past to present at approximately the same time the characters from the past and present were doing almost the same things. Everything was wrapped up in the end so there was no loose ends leaving you with questions which I dislike in a book.

The setting was brilliant and it even creeped me out which isn't an easy thing to do!!! I will definitely be purchasing the previous books in the Hode's Hill series as well as looking for more books by this author.

I highly recommend this book to fans of horror, thrillers, suspense and anyone who enjoys a creepy, ghost filled and excellent read. I couldn't recommend this book enough, well done to a very talented author!!!

Rated 5/5 on Goodreads and Amazon

£4.58 to purchase on kindle

Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews

#NetGalley #Eventide

A new house. A new start. A backyard cemetery.

Madison knew about tending graves and was not bothered by the three in her backyard. She would tend them as if they were her ancestors.

Her welcome was creepy and I’m not sure it’s a good thing.

We flip from past to present, learning the history of the house.

Uh oh, me thinks they better not touch that stone lid.

Madison has a gift…empathy. But, since the death of her husband, where she felt his death as if it was her own, her gift had left her. She wanted her independence after the time it took to recover from her husband’s death, and now she has it. Knowing Madsion, if anyone can uncover the mystery of the house, it’s her.

Dante…OMG…I’m freaking out for him, yet he’s as cool as a cucumber.

Mae Clair writes a wonderful gothic novel filled with creepiness, eeriness, and subtle menace. I have my thoughts on where the story will go and I am eager to see how close I come. We have danger, ghosts, friendship, love, rage…We have plenty of supernatural goodness, creatures from the beyond and things that go bump in the night. BEWARE:

“Dusk is the perfect time.”

“Or in the old vernacular – EVENTIDE.”

“At EVENTIDE, the veil between worlds grows thin.”

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Eventide by Mae Clair.

Lost sleep with this wonderfully creepy book 1 being that I couldn't read it quick enough and stayed up till the early hours and 2 my imagination keeping me awake. Interesting characters and scene settings. Brilliant read, loved it.

Somehow I missed the second book in the Hode's Hill series, but the first book, Cusp of Night, was so good that I jumped right on this new book! I will back track and read End of Day. This series is so creepy cool and chilling! I really enjoy it!

Madison Hewitt is starting over. Her husband died four years ago, and after that shock she spent some time in a mental hospital. She has since moved on...she has a new boyfriend, just bought a house and is trying to put the past behind her. She isn't too bothered by the three graves in the yard or the sealed cistern in the basement.....but then her tires are slashed and she received strange threatening messages. Is her mind playing tricks on her again? Or is something more dangerous going on?

This book was a total binge read for me. Suspenseful and creepy! The plot jumps back and forth in time...which usually annoys me a bit...but this time it worked. The author writes it well, and it just works perfectly with the plot.

I'm definitely on board for the next book in this series! And End of Day is sitting right on top my TBR list! Always an entertaining, spooky read! I like the cover art for this book. It's so atmospheric and spooky looking. Perfect! Full stars from me!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This is the third book in a series but can be read without having read the others. Engossing mix of mystery, ghost story, and horror will keep you turning the pages.

"The darkness is coming...

The old house near Hode's Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over-to put the trauma of her husband's murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn't bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?

Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home's original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns-past or present-terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death..."

A sanctuary turned evil? Oh, I can't wait!

This is my first book I've read in the series or by this author. I didn't feel lost and it was a great read. It's a chilly thriller perfect to read this winter. It's spooky without being predictable. I still have chills.

4 stars

This book is an excellent addition to the series.

Madison Hewitt witnessed the stabbing death of her husband some time ago. She has now declared herself recovered and a bought an old house in an isolated spot in Pennsylvania.

But all is not well in her new house. There are noises – and that cistern in the basement!!

This story move back and forth between the present and the 1890's. Something very bad happened back then and the old house has held on to it.

Tension ratchets up as the story goes along. Ms. Clair is a fantastic writer. Her stories are filled with reality. That is to say, the reader could almost believe that the events are really happening. The book is remarkably well written and plotted. One event follows another in a logical progression. The characters are colorful and likable – for the most part. I liked Madison, her slightly psychic sister and her new beau. Well done, Ms. Clair! More please.

I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.

A very chilling read, if you like supernatural mysteries, grab today! Although, it is a series and I didn’t know that and felt it took from the overall loving of the book, so start with book one! Well written, absolutely frightening, with twists and turns, and chills to the bone. Well written, with interesting characters and development that had me flipping pages! Grab your copy today!
Will make sure i buzz it up!

It took three books for me to finally figure out who is the central character tying the books together! It is Dante! His ability to make a connection with the ghosts and ghouls of Hode's Hill is what connects the series. Eventide takes place 2 years after the first book and about 18 months after the second book. That time jump confused me for a bit, but Ms. Clair did a good job with a quick summary of where the characters from the previous books were currently. I was also surprised that the story focused on Madison and her new house. But, it was a great story and a perfect way to make her question her new stable self. Dealing with an overbearing boyfriend and a haunted house would try anyone but even harder for someone who lost 3 years of their life and is still in counseling to deal with it. Ms. Clair continues to do a terrific job of balancing the paranormal with some fictional history and a little mystery. While I am not a big fan of paranormal fiction, I am always able to enjoy her offerings!

Madison buys an old house and thinks she's going to have a fresh start and a new outlook on life after her husband's murder. Hah! She's moved to Hode's Hill where nothing is as it seems and there are ghosts about. She did know (how could she miss it?) that there is a graveyard on her property and some other creepy stuff but she didn't expect all the bad things that begin to happen. This moves back and forth in time as Clair parcels out the history of the house and its owners. Madison's a good character (if a bit naive at first). It's the third in a series but reads fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of ghost stories should try this.

Eventide takes us to Hode’s Hill once again for another chilling mystery involving all kinds of spooky, paranormal occurrences. Madison Hewitt has bought the old house at the end of the road (a.k.a. Stewart Manor) and is looking forward to starting over on her own, spending time with her sister, and enjoying her career in real estate. Spooky things begin to happen immediately upon her moving in, but then she also learns a few days later about longtime rumors of the place being haunted. But the little quirks and curiosities seem to intensify after her boyfriend, Roth, unseals an old cistern in the basement.

This novel is told from multiple POV’s and from dual timelines – present day and the 1870’s. The narrator from the 1870s is a young woman named Hollande Moore who is moving to Stewart Manor to work as a companion to Sylvia Stewart, the aging mother of adult sons/twins Nathaniel and Tristan. Hollande quickly learns how argumentative and unpleasant the woman is, as well as, she gets the feeling that there are many secrets within the family. Meanwhile, the present-day story involves Madison trying to figure out what or who is causing problems in her home, seeking help from her empath sister Jillian and her boyfriend Dante, an artist that has the ability to communicate with those beyond the grave.

There are times when I read novels with dual timelines that it gets frustrating and there are times that it is absolute perfection. Eventide is a novel where the execution of the plot is perfect. The creepiness factor is already through the roof with Mae Clair’s trademark creativity and vivid imagery. Even little things like a glove being moved are scary when written by Mae. But alternating between the creepy things happening in the past and present provides the reader with a wonderfully unsettling feeling that keeps the pages turning with wild anticipation about what will happen next. Be warned there are frequent descriptions that are quite graphic, but this all just adds to the wonder and mystery of the story.

I have mentioned before that I never had any interest in reading this genre until Mae Clair came into my life. Eventide is another example of a book that, a few years ago, I never would have picked up. However, it is one of my favorite books from her to date and certainly in my top 10 reads this year. I have liked all of her books (loved, really) but Eventide just completely gripped me from beginning to end. With Mae’s exquisite writing, character development, and endless surprises – Eventide was far beyond a five-star read for me. This one is highly recommended, but definitely read it in the daytime, with lights on, someone sitting nearby, and so forth – it is scary!

*Thanks to NetGalley, Lyrical Underground, and Mae Clair for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Amazing! Just when I think I have a favorite Mae Clair book, she ups the stakes.

I have read all of the Hode’s Hill series, and this was by far my favorite. As with the other books of the series, there is a dual timeline with interwoven twists between past and present.

Madison Hewitt is ready to move on with her life. She purchases an old home Hode’s Hill but soon discovers someone doesn’t want her there. Is it someone from the present or the past?

There is plenty of mystery, intrigue, and of course, the supernatural. The action is paced just right and will keep you turning the pages. Although Eventide is the third in a series, the book could easily stand-alone.

Clair’s writing style is unparalleled. She is on my must-read list of authors. I highly recommend End of Day and give it a solid five stars.

I think this was a good and solid horror/ghost story with the right creep factor and a solid plot.
I liked the entertaining and gripping plot that kept me on the edge, the well thought cast of characters and the world building.
Even if it's the last in a series i had no issues with the plot or the characters.
I look forward to reading other books by this author as I really liked her style of writing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Madison has just bought an old house. She is wanting to put her life back together and forget the horrible memories of watching someone killed.
She is an empathetic, she can feeling the emotions of others.
Living in the manor has it's perks. It's large spacious and has a history to it. Soon she learns that that history can kill her and maybe she friends. The house is filled with manivelence. She will have to remove the darkness before she is free to enjoy her life.
Great story, good characters. Spooky and dark. Recommended.

★★★★★ Now that’s the way to end a series!

Wow. Just… wow. She’s done it, again. Mae Clair wraps up her Hode’s Hill series with another dual-timeline masterpiece. My only complaint is that the saga is over.

Because this is the third book in the series, we’re treated to cameo appearances by former favorite characters. And the new protagonists are friends who were waiting in the wings. The one thing that’s constant? The character development. As I’ve come to expect from this author, I’ve found she’s written three-dimensional, well-developed people. That’s right; people. This cast transcends the bounds of fiction. They’re more like people in your real life you know and love. Well, the protagonists are. The antagonists are as vile and frightening as they come.

The plot—no, plots, as this is a dual timeline—are cleverly crafted, perfectly paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly swiping toward the climax. The setting, as expected, is both intimately familiar and freshly described.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the art of the writing itself. Mae Clair has an unparalleled voice. Her writing is lyrically beautiful and powerfully evocative. She sets a sinister mood like no other author on the market. She’s on my auto-buy list, and with good reason. (I pre-ordered my copy the day I saw it listed.)

Just when I think she can’t possibly top her last work, she does. I’m eagerly awaiting her next title, and it is without reservation I give this novel five well-deserved stars. Saying I “heartily recommend” Eventide is not nearly high enough praise.