With so many glowing five-star ratings, I had a huge case of FOMO. I had to get my hands on this book! And in this case…the audio!

Ruth was raised the daughter of a preacher. A fiery man of the cloth who has the entire small southern town under his spell. Girls will remain chaste and serve their husbands as their first lieutenant.

Umm…ok.

But of course, Ruth wants more. An education and most of all, the local bad boy!

Unfortunately, I am just going to say this is a case of “it’s me…not the book”. 🙋🏻‍♀️

I think I was the wrong reader for this one. I’m not sure if it was the writing or the narration but it had a very YA feel to me with far too many references to Twilight. Neither of which are my cup of tea.

There are so many positive reviews from readers who connected with this book. So be sure to read their amazing reviews.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this title.

I loved everything about Midnight is the Darkest Hour. This book drew me in from the start. It immerses you in its old Southern atmosphere and cultish vibes. The characters are well developed and it has excellent narration which enhances the reader's engagement. This eerie and suspenseful story is full of twists that keep you guessing until the end. This book took me by surprise and is easily one of my favorite reads this year. 5 stars!

As always, Winstead weaves a story that sucks you in and despite yourself, you can’t look away. The deep secrets held in this small town mixed with murder, some romance, Christianity, the occult and a little Louisiana folklore sprinkled in is perfection.
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Ruth is our narrator and I wanted to throttle her at times. Her sheltered life skews her views but that only makes the reveal even better! I enjoyed her complicated relationship with Ever!

The audio of this one was so good!
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Winstead continues to be a must read author for me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

🚨 Slight spoilers towards the middle of this review 🚨

I love thrillers year round, but fall is the time where I cannot get enough of thrillers, especially on audio!

This is the fourth book that I have read by Ashley Winstead — I also listened to the other three on audio. Including this one, I’ve rated each of her books three stars. I liked them all, but I personally didn’t find anything spectacular about them.

In this case, there were two subplots that I didn’t love — the cultish behavior, and the drug ring. When it comes to thrillers, I find that I’m impartial to those twists.

I didn’t necessarily like or dislike the audio — I think I would have rated this similarly had I read this book via physical copy or on my kindle.

* Please note that I will add the link to my review once I share it on my instagram reviewer account.

This was a slow burn for me, but it definitely delivered in the end. The narrator’s accent and tone for Ruth build a character in the mind that is fragile, innocent, and perhaps even weak, but beneath the syrupy drawl is a protagonist to (eventually) get behind.

Winstead blends the stereotypical bayou characteristics into a beautiful story that does not follow any expected path. I think readers will enjoy the myriad of twists along the way to the open ended conclusion.

Ruth Cornier, a librarian in her hometown, has never felt like she belonged in the small town of Bottom Springs where her father is the beloved pastor at Holy Fire Baptist. There was only one thing the citizens of Bottom Springs feared more than God--the Low Man, a myth that had haunted the area since before Ruth was born.

Though she lived for the summers when her oldest and closest friend, Everett, returned to their hometown, his return after more than a year away is both upsetting and relief as a skull is unearthed in the swamp near a mysterious set of symbols. Both Ruth and Ever have secrets that they'd rather keep from reaching the surface. When it is announced that it is being considered a murder, the town is thrown into chaos, and Ruth is thrown into panic. Relying on each other, Ruth and Ever dive deeper into the secrets plaguing their town and work to uncover the true evil that haunts Bottom Springs.

The transformation of Ruth in this book is astounding. I absolutely loved the shifting timelines that uncovered different twists and turns as they related to what Ruth was currently experiencing. Both Ever and Ruth were unique characters who bonded in a place that would never accept them as they were. Following Ever and Ruth on their journey to the truth was addicting. It definitely read more as a murder mystery to me than a thriller, but it often had me on the edge of my seat as I waited for the next shoe to drop or the next secret to be revealed.

And that end. Wow, that ending. That is one that I will never grow tired of discussing.

Sarah Welborn, the narrator, was incredible! Her tone and narration bring life to Ashley Winstead's storytelling. The audiobook transports the listener deep into the bowels of Bottom Springs and made me feel as though I was walking alongside Ruth and Ever in the swamps.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the audiobook version of this story.

Third book I've read by this author and she gets better each time. Always a unique story and great characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook

Ashley Winstead has stepped it UP! The writing in this was so good, I reread so many lines purely because of the writing. I went into this book blind and let me just say, I LOVED the vibes. It’s gothic, it’s mysterious, it’s downright infuriating at times. The conversation around religion, especially the extreme religion in this town, was so well handled I loved it. And let’s be honest, the Twilight love was great! There were parts I didn’t feel as connected to and the ending took me by surprise in a way I didn’t really enjoy but overall I enjoyed the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access!

This is my second book by this author and I had really high hopes for it after loving In My Dreams I Hold a Knife. Unfortunately, after I hit the 50% mark, it went downhill FAST for me.

I liked the initial atmosphere. It gave me season 1 of True Detective vibes which is one of my favorite OG shows. But it quickly turned into highly religious twilight fanfic. I swear if I have to hear another twilight reference anytime soon I might scream.

The ending was so ridiculous that I just had to turn the speed up and hope for the end to come quick.

I won't be picking this author back up.

Ashley Winstead forever shocks me. I’ve read her rom com & cult themed stories. This time we head on a mystery down south. I’m in total awe of how she jumps from genre to genre flawlessly! She must do so much research because her stories are magically written. I also have such an appreciation for an author that doesn’t use a cookie cutter plan for every single book. She keeps readers on their toes!

Midnight is the Darkest Hour was an interesting audio read. I loved the narrator & her accent. She pulled the whole story together in her story telling style.

This book had major Crawdad vibes. We’re in the south. The main character, Ruth, is sort of an outcast. Her father is the pastor. She’s quiet, the town librarian and keeps to herself. She gets herself in trouble because she’s been so sheltered. She puts her trust in the wrong person & finds out the hard way. A boy from town, Ever, helps her out of the problem- but in turn the two commit a crime. Now they’re always watching over their shoulders. Ever disappears every few months- which upsets Ruth. Where does he go? Who is he really?

The story unfolds with secret beyond secret. The church going, religious town is full of hidden actions, trouble, and secrets. I gasped many times while reading this & was never sure who to trust! The layers just kept getting deeper!

It was a lengthy book and the Crawdads feel wasn’t for me. But Winstead flawlessly told this story!

Midnight is the Darkest Hour is my second book by Winstead. I read The Last Housewife, and couldn’t put it down… this one on the other hand…

First off, what I loved: I did the audio, thank you NetGalley, and did love the narration. I would 100% listen to the narrator again. The atmosphere is perfectly set, and the opening will definitely draw you in; I mean who isn’t drawn into a book after a body is found. Eek.

But, and this is a big but, this is a slow burn, cult drama (not my favorite trope) where not much happens until the last 15% of the book. By this time I was starting to edge into “boredom territory” and things were getting very convoluted- I think that can happen when you are also a visual reader. However, I like to be shown, not told, in a story. Annnnd, I don’t love open ended books. I was waiting for an epilogue or a happy(er) ending. Something…

I would still recommend because so many are loving this one…

I loved this book! It was such a refreshing yet dark and surprising read. I have my Bookstagram review linked below, as well as copied/ pasted in this next text:

Wow, this book was such a wild ride and I loved it! I requested this audiobook on NetGalley on a whim, knew very little about it. Since the archive date was a week after I got accepted, I had to listen right away and so glad I did! The narrater was so good and enjoyed her Southern accent. I swear I will always say “winda” instead of window from now on. This book was dark, twisty, mysterious and fun. I feel like a haven’t read a book like this before.

Midnight is the Darkest Hour is a Southern gothic thriller set in Bottom Springs, Louisiana. We follow the main character Ruth through present day and flashbacks. Ruth’s father is the revered pastor of Holy Fire Baptist in the the small town. However, things aren’t as happy go lucky in Bottom Springs. A skull is found in the swamp which begins a cascade of events that change Ruth, her family and the townspeople’s lives forever. There is also a romance is central part of the story between Ruth and her childhood friend Everett.

While personally I loved it and would recommend, I can see that is not for everyone. There are several trigger warnings including child abuse, rape, toxic religious culture, drugs, blood and murder. The main characters also do some questionable things that could upset some readers.

Thank you @netgalley and RB Media for the free audiobook in exchange for a review. Midnight is the Darkest Hour is out now to read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! Wow is this book different than Ashley’s other books, but it is incredible! A southern gothic tale with religious trauma, murder, potential monsters, and a slow burn love story? Count me in!

Obsessed with Twilight, Ruth Cornier think she may have stumbled upon her on Edward Cullen. Not quite… Her story isn’t the same. Her dad is a snake handling, fire and damnation preacher in the swamps of southern Louisiana and she wants out of that town bad. I can’t blame her. While I didn’t resonate with these characters or find them particularly likeable, I did appreciate the imagery and the good and evil storyline. I have read In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, and plan to read The Last Housewife bc I do enjoy this author’s style.

I truly enjoyed this one! This is the first book that I’ve read from this author, so I had no idea what to expect. When I first started listening to the audiobook I was thrown off by the narrator. I was not feeling her voice at all, but I kept listen. Her voice did grow on me and it is fitting for the atmosphere the book should give.
-small town southern feel
-Louisiana swamps secrets
-seemingly young naive girl
-corrupt religious aspects
-cultish vibes

This murder mystery thriller had it all, and kept me right on listening. The beginning starts out with the discovery of a human skull, but as it moves on more bodies are discovered along with small town secrets. There were some slow parts, but the fast-paced ending I was here for!

Bonnie & Clyde 2023

I have to admit, this book marks a significant upturn in my reading experience. Being a discerning critic when it comes to thrillers and spooky tales, I can confidently assert that "Midnight Is the Darkest Hour" by Ashley Winstead shines as a remarkable 5-star read. I devoured all 12 hours of this audiobook within a mere three days, and I've been enthusiastically recommending it to my book-loving colleagues and friends who savor the authentic essence of true crime in their literature. Allow me to paint a vivid picture of this outstanding narrative.

Step into the intriguing world of Bottom Springs, Louisiana, a place where religiosity reigns supreme and where the devil and the mythical Low Man inspire equal trepidation among the townsfolk. Here, the daughter of a devoted pastor and the offspring of a sinner share an unbreakable bond forged by love and shared blood. When a battered skull is discovered in the swamp, adorned with enigmatic symbols etched onto the surrounding trees, the town's well-concealed secrets and underlying ugliness are poised to explode into the light.

This book, my friends, was an unexpected delight! I can't quite put my finger on what I anticipated, but it certainly wasn't this stunning, dark Southern Gothic tale, interwoven with a sinister undercurrent that flows through its entrancing prose. While it may not be a rapid-paced, twisty thriller, its deliberate pacing is the perfect accompaniment to this enthralling exploration of religious fanaticism, hypocrisy, power struggles, and misogyny, all threaded with a long-buried murder mystery. Ashley Winstead has excelled in infusing feminist themes into her narratives, and this offering stands as proof of her remarkable talent.

Experiencing this story in audiobook format elevated my enjoyment to another level. Narrator Sarah Welborn brings the characters, particularly Ruth and the town of Bottom Springs, to life with remarkable finesse. Her accent and rhythm contribute to the haunting ambiance, making me feel completely immersed in the narrative.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for granting me the privilege of delving into this audiobook ahead of its release. If you're ready to embark on a journey into the bewitching world of "Midnight Is the Darkest Hour" by Ashley Winstead, why not take the plunge by clicking the link below? Your gateway to this enchanting tale awaits!

This book seemed just up my alley. Small Southern town that is rotten below the surface- check. A gothic edge with the myth of a vampire- check. Librarian main character- check. Despite this, I wasn't a huge fan of this book.

Ruth is very sheltered. Her father is a pastor and the defacto leader of Bottom Springs. In her teens Ruth rebels. She starts secretly reading secular books like Twilight and befriends fellow outcast Everett. Everett and Ruth have a really codependent relationship which I found off putting.

I wish that some of the big revelations had been revealed sooner to increase tensions.

I will say, I loved the ending. It really pulled no punches.

Ruth is the preachers daughter and has been sheltered her whole life. In a town where God's word is everything, something sinister lurks beneath the surface and maybe each man of God isn't exactly what they seem.
When a skull is brought up from a swamp nearby, questions are unearthed about a killer living among them. Symbols have been found drawn in blood around town over the years, so maybe this "Low Man" has actually existed and is now claiming the townsfolk.
Ruth met her best friend Everet when she was in high school. She knew he was different, but that is what she loved about him. After his abusive father passed away, he was able to leave town. Each year he asks Ruth to come with him, but she never does. This summer he is back and things are about to change.
The whole story made me uncomfortable, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Thrillers are supposed to do that to you, right? I couldn't wait to unravel all of the mysteries that were held within the pages. There were some twists that I had figured out and others I was shocked about, but either way, it was a solid read.. up until the end had me sitting there thinking.. WTF just happened. I haven't decided what to think of that ending yet, and it has been a few days.
I would urge people to read it because I did listen to it and the audio and the narrator wasn't my favorite and I have heard that people that read it enjoy the experience more.
Thank you to Tantor, Ashley Winstead and Netgalley for an early copy.

A great, creepy read for October! This book is very atmospheric. It is a horror/thriller, Bonnie and Clyde story. Its about a town filled with evil and the choices it pushes people into. It's about the desperate kind of love you cling to when all else is wrong.

The story is told from one POV but at various stages of life. I love how the story was told. Winstead gives the readers relevant memories both foreshadowing the twists to come and revealing the significance of events in the current timeline. I don't want to say to much and give things away for those who haven't read it yet, but I loved the ending! Just the right amount of satisfying and WTF!

The narrator of the audiobook version does a great job with the southern accents and making the characters distinct.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing an eARC of this audiobook.

🌙 Audiobook Review 🌙

Wow! Super easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I did not expect to love this audiobook as much as I did. I loved everything about it- the narrator, the claustrophobic, god fearing small Louisiana town, and especially Everett and Ruth. I saw a lot of negative reviews talking about the use of Twilight, but I did not find this weird at all, I think it fit the storyline perfectly. This book will have you questioning your moral judgement and will take you on a wild ride in the south. I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook!

Midnight is the Darkest Hour by @ashleywinsteadbooks is OUT NOW!

Thank you @netgalley and RB Media for access to this audiobook!