Review:
"This story presents two parallel narratives—one set in the real world and the other in the realm of online gaming. Sam and Luke lead double lives, each facing unique challenges. Sam is launching a business, Shanthi Bags, while Luke struggles with communication, finding solace in online gaming as Blaze.

The intersection of these two worlds creates a compelling backdrop for the narrative. Sam's admiration for Blaze adds an intriguing layer to the story, leading to unexpected encounters and revelations. Dempsey expertly navigates the complexities of her characters' lives, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

The plot is masterfully crafted, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. The investigation into James McCallum's death unfolds methodically, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and suspense. Dempsey's attention to detail shines through in her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.

Overall, 'The Midnight Killing' is a gripping crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its seamless blend of mystery, suspense, and character-driven drama, it's a must-read for fans of the genre."

This is a murder mystery. The atmosphere in this is so tense. The characters are well developed and memorable. The plot works well and the tension builds up as the book progresses. A cosy mystery read

A good read, full of mystery and with some good twists and turns. Looking forward to reading more from the author.

Une enquête au cœur de Belfast.

Lorsque le corps de l'architecte James McCallum est retrouvé pendu dans l'enceinte de son ancienne école, l'inspecteur Danny Stowe et la psychologue médico-légale Rose Lainey soupçonnent un acte criminel. À leur grand étonnement, la piste les conduit, 20 ans en arrière, à la disparition non élucidée d'une fillette. Quelle était la fascination de James pour l'affaire et comment est-elle liée à sa mort ? Les secrets ne restent pas enfouis pour toujours... mais le vrai tueur ne reculera devant rien pour cacher les siens…

Au commencement de cette lecture, je ne savais pas que c'était le tome 2. Je n'ai pas lu le premier, mais après quelques pages, j'ai pris conscience que ce n'était pas nécessaire. De nombreuses allusions sont faites au sujet de l'affaire précédente, même un peu trop à mon goût. Les deux personnages principaux sont très développés, cependant j'ai trouvé que l'insistance sur leur lien était trop forcée et prenait trop de place dans l'histoire. 

J'ai aimé l'enquête principale de ce roman malgré un rythme parfois un peu lent et des passages trop détaillés et redondants. Je suis curieuse de connaître l'histoire de la première enquête.

Merci à Netgalley, à l'autrice et aux éditeurs pour cette lecture.

This is an absolute gem!!! I’ve been so excited about this book and it hasn’t disappointed.absolutely will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen to me.

This was an interesting read with it being based in Northern Ireland , it combined the troubles of the past with the changes in modern day life . The relationship with the policeman was interesting and could develop into something good . On the whole I enjoyed it and would read another of this author

If you're looking for an engaging, suspenseful whodunnit with interesting characters, look no further. The Midnight Killing starts with a gruesome murder presented in the first few pages. However, we soon meet Detective Inspector Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Dr. Rose Lainey whose shoulders we peer over throughout the investigation. Having been good friends during their university years, Danny and Rose complement each other in their investigation. Each hero has an interesting backstory that the author weaves skillfully into the story of the murder without causing the momentum of suspense to falter.
The novel presents a suspenseful story with various fascinating suspects.
Mystery and Thrillers is one of my favourite genres, and Dempsey is incredible at creating suspense and incredibly engaging characters. I'm hoping she writes a series with Stowe and Lainey because she's become, my new favourite authors.

Sadly, this went from awesome to meh real quick. I had high hopes for this one. But it failed miserably to get my attention.

Thanks to Netgalley! Hoping for a better read next time!

Read this in one sitting it was so good. A tense nail biting crime novel that you’ll have a hard time putting down. One persons murder sets off a chain reaction into a past someone wants to keep buried.

Great plot to get yourself lost in. This book has everything. A real fast paced thriller. Will get your heart racing on more than one occasion. Lots of twists and turns too. Very well written. Highly recommend this book

Another book based in N. Ireland meant that I could truly get into the story and picture locations in more detail whilst reading 'The Midnight Killing'. This book is gripping and truly has the reader questioning everything.

Local architect James is found hanging in the grounds of his old school, but for DI Danny Stowe and psychologist Rose Lainey this isn't just a simple suicide, all the clues point to murder. But who or why would someone go to these extremes to hide a murder and how is James' death linked to the disappearance of a little girl in Mistle more than 20 years ago?

The ups and downs of this book will have the reader enthralled and I just wanted to constantly read the next chapter to find out what James had been hiding. The links to James' old school mates also provides lots of clues as to what happened in Mistle all those years ago.

I wasn't aware that this is part of a series but I don't think this has an impact upon the understanding of the story if it were to be read as a standalone, however I know I will in fact be seeking out the first book now as I enjoyed this one so much. other

When the body of architect James McCallum is found hanging in the grounds of his former school one cold night, DI Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Rose Lainey suspect foul play behind his apparent suicide.

To their astonishment, the trail leads to a 20-year-old cold case of a missing girl, and a teenage party. But what was James’ fascination with the case and how is it linked to his death?

Secrets don’t stay buried forever – but the real killer will stop at nothing to hide theirs…

Phew.... what an absolute rollercoaster of a read. Wow, just wow!

After reading other reviews before starting this book I'll admit I was a little wary.. they were very mixed so obviously I had to ignore any preconceptions and just jump straight in and OMG I am so glad I did!

I also hadnt read the first book in the Rose Lainey & Danny Stowe series but personally I don't feel this had any negative impact at jumping in at Book #2.

Rose & Danny are sent to investigate what appears to be a suicide, a man hanging from a tree in tye grounds of a local school. Sounds like an open and shit case until Forensics unearth evidence that suggests otherwise.

There are many suspects and with each suspect there are more clues, more surprises and then a possible link to a cold case is added to the mix.

I really enjoyed the relationship and dynamic between Lainey and Stowe and their individual back stories are just as interesting to learn as the story unfolds. Rose has a difficult relationship with her Mother which starts to fix itself with some fragility as the tale moves forward.

I found the pacing brilliantly written. At times it sped along like lightning and then it would slow right down but always at just the right moment. I also really loved how the 'clues' were not immediately obvious with loud sirens announcing them like alot of police procedural stories.

A fantastic read that I highly recommend. I will now be waiting in anticipation for the next in the series!
Huge thanks to netgalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

I had a few download issues with the book and by the time it was sorted, the file had unfortunately been achieved. Happy to re-review if it becomes available again.

The Midnight Killing was everything I needed it to be. Dark, twisty, creepy. Sometimes my favorite part of a book is when the atmosphere is set so perfectly. I love books set in Ireland! A cold case becomes intertwined with a new one and leaves the community wondering; what is going on?!

I enjoyed this and found it to a gripping mystery.
I liked the main characters and didn't realise that it was the second in a series - will go back and read the first one now.
Strange suicide starts the book off, and then the mystery of it all unfolds.
Page turner and a great read.

DI Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Rose Lainey are back in book 2 of this series. Danny and Rose both suspect there is more behind the suicide of local architect, James McCallum. His body is found hanging from a tree right outside his old school one dark, rainy night. They trace the roots of his suicide back to a 20 year old case of a missing girl last seen at a teenage party. How and why is this disappearance linked to McCallum's death?
It's a very good book. Dempsey is still fleshing out the main characters so there's maybe a little bit too much of their personal lives for my preference but it's all part of developing a series. Anyone who enjoys police procedurals and cold cases will enjoy this one

A fantastic read
Edge of the seat stuff
Will have you hooked and you won’t want to put it down
A brilliant story
Thanks NetGalley

I haven't read any of the previous books but I was still able to enjoy reading it. It is your typical was it suicide or murder story and just the right amount of suspense to keep you hooked. I would read more from this author.

3 for neutral! Unfortunately, this book was not for me or at least not for my mood! Will update if able to finish at a later date!