As this is published two weeks before Halloween, it seems satisfyingly unsettling to read of the Midnight Man, someone who, if you hang around the creepy deserted Blackhall Manor long enough, will do his worst. One October 31, five teenagers head to the manor to play the Midnight Game, pricking their fingers to soak a piece of paper in their blood. If you can stay there until 3.33am, the Midnight Man won’t get you. Although five young women enter the manor, only four leave it and so begins a police investigation that will stretch everyone, most of all a recently returned detective who is still paying for another’s crimes. Sarah Noble is far too familiar with the manor, and much more so than few anticipate, but can her understanding of the long forgotten home help or hinder the investigation and her own wellbeing? If pushed, will be agree to meet the Midnight Man to find out what – or who – he really wants? A thoroughly entertaining read, just on the right side of making you close the curtains a bit tighter and check under your bed… just in case.

As a big fan of this author's and having recently read (and loved!) The Village I was delighted to get an ARC of The Midnight Man. Having read all of her previous books I'm really confused by this one and this review is difficult to write. Usually Caroline's books grab me on the first few pages and I have to read them in one sitting, that wasn't the case with The Midnight Man...... The only way I can describe it is to say that this book feels like it was written by a different author,one I've never read before. The authentic characters and gripping plot that Caroline is so good at are lacking here somehow.
I didn't like the very Americanised feel of the city/town that has a wrong side of the tracks setting and for me there are too many obvious cliches, particularly in the character of Sarah.
I'm not sure what the author is trying to achieve with this new series but for me it missed the mark. I don't think I've ever felt so bad about posting a review but I'm truly gutted that I struggled to read TMM to the conclusion. Sorry Caroline!!!

Thank you so much to Embla Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC; it is greatly appreciated.

I had a rough start with this book in the beginning. The first 7 chapters are all about introducing all of the characters, and it was going so quick that I was having a difficult time keeping the names straight. I'd have to read 2-3 paragraphs to realize who the chapter was speaking as, but this got a lot easier as the story went on.

I also thought the writing itself felt more YA, especially for the first half, than adult. There's nothing wrong with this really, but it was a bit of a surprise. I just wish there had been a bit more detail in the sentences as they felt quite short and abrupt.

I enjoyed the concept behind Blackhall Manor & the midnight man. I always love when there's a bit of a supernatural aspect to things, or if you can interpret it as such. The character of Sarah was likeable, and I think I enjoyed the book best from her point of view.

Unfortunately, I wasn't exactly a fan of the ending. Most of the reveals were fine, but there was one that follows a trope that I am just not into. I'd consider this a "popcorn thriller" where it's easy to read, entertaining enough to keep you engaged, but nothing too memorable. If you're a fan of crime stories with a touch of the supernatural, or are just looking for something quick and fun, I'd give this a try.

This was an excellent, well written gripping read which held my interest from the beginning until the end. I have read a few books from this author and never been disappointed.

I can recommend this book and thank you to Netgalley and Embla Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Published on Instagram @tiffany_is_reading

This book was so creepy and good. A haunted house. A freaky game. A female detective…all things I totally love. Definitely a horror vibe, which I was looking for. I did not figure out what was going on, which I absolutely love. I love surprise endings!!! This book is perfect for fall if you are looking for a spooky book for the season.

Yes!! This book is it! Even if I did have to wimp out and only read it during the day. Which proves that I would not be brave enough to play the game!

This book had my heart racing, the fast pace was kept throughout the story and all the elements of the plot pulled together so well.

I’m so glad this is part of a series and I’m on count down for the next book.

Thank you to @netgalley @emblabooks for the advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review.

I love this authors books and when I saw the cover and read the description for her latest, I just knew I was in for a thrilling reading experience.

Caroline well and truly sets the scene with this first book in the series. There’s an almost horror vibe going on when it comes to the Midnight Game. The more I read about this game, the more I knew I would be way too scared to ever play it! The author also creates such intriguing protagonists. The main character’s own personal background sent my head in a spin and I just couldn’t get enough of this book from picking it up.

There were just so many elements that I loved within the story and every one just took this book to the next level. The author seems to excel with every book she writes and I desperately want the next book, like now! This was just sooo good and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

The Midnight Man is a story that will make you want to go to bed with the lights switched on, whilst checking your doors and windows numerous times to ensure they are fully locked. It made the hairs on my arms stand on end the deeper into the story I got. Man, oh ,man it didn’t half creep me out as I waited with baited breath as to who The Midnight Man could actually be. The pacing was brilliant and had me on the edge of my seat through out. An amazing start to this series!

Chilling!!
What an opening chapter. It gripped me and dragged me right in to this great story with twists and turns aplenty. I love a good haunted house thriller and this was one with a bit of a difference.

Gripping, haunting, and full of chills.

Thanks to Embla Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a pretty generous rounding. The cop was a putz, and watching her bumbled around while everyone hates her is...not the most fun. But. Everything else fits together pleasantly and occasionally with a unique kind of atmosphere/vibe.

BEWARE The Midnight Man he will he will haunt your dreams, cause you too put everything else on hold as you lose yourself in this nail biting, creepy read, that will send shivers down your spine! This book combines elements of horror, thriller, and crime into a frightening story based on The Midnight Man, an urban myth that has gained momentum ever since a family was murdered at Blackhall Manor 25 years previously. Told in the present, a group of teenage girls summon the Midnight Man when they play the Midnight Game. What starts out as a harmless game turns into something far more sinister when only four of the girls’ return.

Caroline Mitchell pulls the reader in with a shocking opening, and then she keeps the reader in her clutches until the very last heart pounding page! The scene is set from the first page. A sense of malevolence radiates from within, building at every twist and well-placed turn. Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force. Like many fictional Detectives she has her demons, but it’s hardly surprising when you learn more about her horrifying backstory. Blackhall Manor is a character in its own right. It sets the mood for The Midnight Man perfectly. The Manor is shrouded in a veil of mystery, horror and gloom, which adds to the atmosphere, and makes the read far more creepy. I found The Midnight Man to be a throughly enjoyable mystery filled with a growing sense of dread. Highly recommended.

Caroline Mitchell brings another story of creepy suspense and, as usual, she nails it. This is the start of a new series. Sarah Noble has been on leave from the Police after an unspecified scandal involving her husband and she chose a bad day to return to the force when she lands in the middle of a murder investigation. A young girl was found dead in Blackhall Manor, the local haunted house, according to the legend of the Midnight Man. Sarah is sidelined from the beginning, but she’s good cop and starts finding leads. Unfortunately, they all seem to lead to the Manor, and that’s the last place she can go. Sarah is not in a good place, she has many insecurities and hates herself, so she uses her work as a way to slowly rebuild her life. She gets in touch with her old friends, first as witnesses and eventually as a support network. There are many red herrings and I officially apologize to one character I suspected and who turned out to be innocent. I didn’t find the baddie’s real motivations too believable, but it didn’t matter, the novel was so suspenseful that I couldn’t stop.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Embla Books!

Wow. What a story! A bit of a change from the previous Caroline Mitchell books that I have read. More of a horror thriller.
Hard to put down.
Some great characters introduced. Possibly the start of a series???

This book took me back to my childhood and the scary games we used to play during the halloween season, luckily events didnt occur like this. It was such a good read I was gripped

Well, well, well, who doesn't love a good ole nail biter? The Midnight Man, was mind blowing from start to finish. I absolutely adored this book from page one. Filled with ups, down, and turnarounds, this book has an ending you can not prepare yourself for!

The Midnight Man, is a perfect novel to kick off the Fall season with.

When a group of teens get together on Halloween to play a little game, things take a twisted turn when one turns up dead.

This is an addictive, fast paced, horror/thriller. If you love things that go bump in the night, this is the story for you. I highly recommend The Midnight Man, to both Thrill and Horror lovers.

Another excellent book by the talented author Caroline Mitchell. Every book she writes is of a consistently high standard and this standalone is no different.

It’s Halloween night in Slayton and five girls go to Blackhall Manor to play the Midnight Game. They write their names on a piece of paper and prick their fingers to soak it in blood. At exactly midnight they knock on the door twenty-two times – they have invited the Midnight Man in. What was thought of as a game turns out to be far more serious when only four girls come home. Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. It’s a case that will take Sarah back to everything she’s been running from, and shake her to the core.

This is a real page turner, good characters, well written and an exciting plot make this a read you will struggle to put down. Just what we have come to expect from author Caroline Mitchell.

I would like to thank both Net Galley and Embla books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Really cool thriller! Maybe not the most original out there, but well executed and totally enjoyable! The ending was amazing! If you love thriller than this is one you shouldn't miss on!

An atmospheric read that starts off with a bang!

“If you open your door to the Midnight Man
Hide with a candle wherever you can
Try not to scream as he draws near
Because one of you won’t be leaving here”

The small town of Slayton is rocked to its core when a group of 5 girls go to Blackhall Manor on Halloween night to play the Midnight Game. The game, along with the legend of the Midnight Man, has been around for decades. Unfortunately, one of the girls never makes it home after the Midnight Man actually shows up.

Detective Sarah Noble, having just returned to work after suffering a scandalous loss, knows all about Blackhall Manor and the dangers within the walls. With the help of others, including a sensitive boy who feels things on a deeper level, can she stop the Midnight Man before she herself becomes one of his victims?

This is an enjoyable mystery filled with atmosphere and a sense of dread. There were a few moments of unease as goosebumps appeared on my arms. The characters are all compelling, and it was interesting to see how three seemingly separate POVs came together to solve two different mysteries.

I wasn’t impressed with the revelations towards the end. While they sort of worked, they didn’t seem completely plausible. I felt a bit duped.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and engrossing read that was hard to put down. Perfect for a chilly fall evening (wrapped in a blanket and drinking wine to keep warm...of course), when leaves are falling and jack-o-lanterns line the porch stairs.

Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 10/13/21.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

Most of the way through this book I thought for sure this would be a five-star read. It was suspenseful and creepy and had a supernatural element that I loved. However, the conclusion made me feel like all that suspense led to “not enough” and didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
My opinion of the ending could be due mostly to my preferences, hard to decide. But this was an engrossing story, so if the synopsis grabs you I’d say it’s worth a read.

I had amazing reading journey! I loved the mystery of haunted house, I loved the paranormal - oh let’s say: premonition-al part of the story! I loved the plot line reminds us of a chilling mash up of Whisper Man and Broadchurch! I loved the characters: Sarah who is survivor of big traumas, a loner, a fighter who struggles to gather her composure to adjust in civil life! I also loved Elliot and Maggie! I also loved Elsie and her secret passion about books!

The heart pounding pacing, the chapters which end with striking cliffhangers keep you guessing whodunnit till the end!

Only thing I got a little disappointed was the big revelation ( the identity of perpetrator) I have to admit that person was not the one I putted my bet on! But there are some little plot holes weren’t completely filled! Normally I cut one point when I’m not fully satisfied with the wrapping up of the story but I only cut half star and gave 5 stars ( 4.5 was rounded up to) because sometimes the journey is matters more than your goal. My reading journey was much enjoyable then seeing the story’s conclusion.

I think after reading the story I thought I wanted to spend more time with those characters and made sure they were all right: they already suffered so much and I wished to see their closure.

Let’s take a closer look to blood chilling, terrifying plot line. The story starts 25 years ago on Halloween in Blackhall Manor which turns into a haunted crime scene as a husband massacres his entire family, including his dad and after the carnage he’d created, he takes his own life! The young girl of the family hid in the closet when her father found him to pull the trigger. The last thing she remembered her mother’s pleading voice screaming : “not my little girl”

Now 25 years later, the place is empty but the ghost of young girl’s mother keeps screaming: “not my little girl”! Midnight man is rumored to lurk around the corridors of manor to take the lives who dares to intrude.

There’s already a poem was written about him:
“If you open your door to the Midnight Man,
Hide with a candle wherever you can.
Try not to scream as he draws near,
Because one of you won’t leave here.”

Five girls are invited to play Midnight Game in Blackhall Manor.

Libby thinks this was Angelica who likes to intimidate the four of her friends must be the one who sent the invitations to them.

The rules of the games are clear :
-Rule one: Stain some paper with a drop of your blood
-Rule two: Turn off the lights at midnight, leave the paper at the front door and knock twenty-two times. Open the door. You have invited the Midnight Man in.
-Rule three: Relight the candle. You must avoid the Midnight Man until the 3.33 a.m. If your candle extinguishes , it means the Midnight man is near. If he finds you, you will die.

And actually at the end of the night: one of them couldn’t leave the manor.

After the impactful two events later, we’re introduced officer Sarah who is returning back to her job because of one year long absence of leave. Her colleagues talk behind her back, her superiors walk on eggshells around her. Something so tragic might have happened to her connected with her husband she has ill fated relationship.

She’s sent to take statements of people after Halloween pranks which lead her to talk to two women from her past: her childhood best friend Maggie who is raising her seven years old son Elliot alone after her war hero husband was taken to the hospital for psychiatric care. And Elliot also suffers from nightmares related to Blackhall Manor and Midnight Man which picks Sarah’s interest.

The other woman of her past is Essie who is also dealing with obesity, taken care of by her 25 years old, introvert, counsel games addict son.

When Sarah plans to stay out of trouble, the threat letters she’s gotten forces her to confront with her hidden past. Somebody tries to avenge her by going after five girls who played the midnight game and the person has no intention to stop till she surrenders! Should she sacrifice herself to save the lives of the girls?
What’s the connection of Sarah with this haunted place?

Overall: the characters were multi dimensional and easily relatable. I couldn’t put it down! I love Mitchell’s previous works! But I mostly enjoyed this one! I hope we see Sarah back in near future for another crime mystery! We need more Slayton thrillers!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

25 years ago a family was murdered in Blackhall Manor. Blackhall Manor now stands abandoned and is the subject of an Urban Legend known as The Midnight Man. On Halloween 4 school friends go to Blackhall Manor as a dare but one of those friends will not leave . It is up to Detective Sarah Noble to find out what exactly happened.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it would make an excellent Halloween read. There are some really creepy elements to this book as well as the mystery. I think that the mix between the two is just right. We meet several characters along the way each with their own secrets that come out along the way. Although the story has a satisfying conclusion I felt that there was a lot to that ending and I am still processing it.