The truth hides in dark places . . .
Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.
Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house—a woman whose ghost may still linger. Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .
·•◊♦◊•·
Spine-Chilling and Heart-Wrenching
If you’re reading a novel that’s thick with atmosphere, rife with lore, fraught with tension, and chock full of characters you adore or despise, there’s a good chance you’re reading a novel by Mae Clair. This novel, CUSP OF NIGHT, ticks all of the boxes. And then some.
Maya Sinclair is a perfect heroine. She’s flawed, but in a likable way, and is the perfect vehicle to carry the contemporary timeline in this novel. I loved learning the history of the town—and the histories of spiritualism and freak genetic disorders—through her perspective. Her cohort in this story is Collin Hode. He’s an enigmatic town figure, a perfect blend of stoic, rational, honorable, and open-minded. His character arc kept me on the edge of my seat. And now I have a book crush on him. I really hope we see more of him in later novels in this series. The other town characters are just as vibrant—some I despise, others I love. The cast is rich and varied and more than capable of carrying the plot.
The historical timeline is equally riveting. I learned so much history in such a short space, and I did so without noticing because I was utterly enthralled. The characters in the past are as compelling and interesting as those in the present timeline.
And speaking of two timelines, Clair merged them beautifully. The threads combined in a perfect yet unexpected way. I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and the climax was swift and satisfying.
Clair has a way with language that’s unparalleled, and she uses her sizeable talents to depict worlds that are so vivid, the settings become characters in their own right. I didn’t ‘read’ about these places. I was there. It was literally like I was walking through my hometown. And I loved it.
This story offers something for everyone—mystery, romance, suspense, history, paranormal entities, medical anomalies—all tied up in an expertly-crafted bow. This is one book you don’t want to miss.
Mae Clair visited last week with a fascinating post on mediums and spirit cabinets—research for her novel. If you missed it, you’ll want to check it out and can do so by clicking this link. You can also connect with her via her website.
Great review….congrats Mae. I am almost half way through and can’t wait to get back to it!
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Thanks, Denise!
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Wow, awesome review, Staci! I’ve just started the book, but now I might have to stay up really late tonight 😀
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It’s worth a groggy morning, Julie! (And isn’t that what coffee’s for?) 😉
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Awesome review, Staci. You nailed it! I can’t wait to see what Mae has in store for book two. I’ve become particularly fond of Collin as well. 🙂 Bravo to Mae!
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At the risk of revealing a secret, I’ve already read book two. And it’s FABULOUS!
Bravo, indeed.
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A great review of Mae’s book, Staci. Sharing.
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Thank you, Robbie! Much appreciated. 🙂
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Great review! Mae never disappoints me, and now I want to read this book even more! I need to hurry through the one I’m currently reading. LOL
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Thanks, Lauralynn. I have to agree; Mae never disappoints. You’ll love it.
And believe me… I understand about those long TBR lists!
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Super review, Staci. looking forward to it.
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Thanks, John. I’m glad my enthusiasm came through.
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It did.
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Thanks for reading, John. So happy to hear you’re looking forward to it!
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😀
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Fantastic review, congrats Mae!
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Thanks, Jacquie!
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Thank you, Jacquie. I was delighted by Staci’s review! 🙂
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Thanks so much for checking it out, John. Reviews like this are a delight!
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Blown away! What a wonderful review. Wish I could write one that well. I loved the book, but your review did a perfect job of explaining why:)
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Doesn’t Staci write the best reviews? I told her she needs to write a post for Story Empire on how to write a good review!
I was so delighted by this one. Thanks for visiting and adding your support, Judi. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Cusp of Night!
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I have my posts pre-scheduled through the middle of August. When I need a new post, I’ll cover that topic.
Glad people are liking the review!
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Awesome!
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Aw, thank you, Judi Lynn. I try to write thoughtful, helpful reviews. I’m glad to know my intent came through.
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You have an exceptional talent with them. Really good.
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That means a lot to me. Thank you.
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Grrrr – I’m so anxious to start this book, but have about 5 ahead of it.
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Heeehee. I’m happy knowing it’s in your queue, Teri! 🙂
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My TBR list is staggering. I know how you feel, Teri. Don’t worry; it’s worth the wait.
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Fantastic review, Staci. I have the book and am looking forward to reading it. Congratulations, Mae!
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Thanks so much, Gwen. I really enjoyed writing this story, so finding having this type of review was just awesome! I hope you enjoy the story!
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Thanks, Gwen. I know you’ll enjoy it.
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Outstanding review.
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It made my day 🙂
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Thank you, Craig.
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Fantastic review of a fantastic story, Staci!!!
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Thank you, Jan. Clearly, I enjoyed the book. I hope everyone else does, too.
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Thank you for visiting and checking it out, Jan. Finding this review was an excellent way to start my morning! 🙂
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Staci, this is a beautifully crafted review. Now I’m even more eager to read Mae’s book. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan. I really enjoy her work. I didn’t think she’d ever top the Point Pleasant series, but then I read this! It’s masterfully done, and I think readers will love it.
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That’s wonderful to hear, Teagan. Thanks so much for checking out the review. It’s wonderful to see Cusp of Night get such great recognition!
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Reblogged this on From the Pen of Mae Clair and commented:
Hopefully, my readers are not sick of me and my tour yet, LOL. It is winding down with just a few more stops remaining, but in the interim I found a gem of a review for Cusp of Night, I just had to share. Staci Troilo has a gift for writing reviews, and what she has to say about Cusp of Night has me on cloud nine. You can find the review on her blog–which if you’re not already following, I highly recommend correcting. She’s a superb author and fantastic blogger you should get to know!
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Thanks for the share and the warm and wonderful intro. 🙂
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My pleasure!
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Wow! This review blew me away. I am so flattered and so thrilled that the story touched you in so many ways. Thank you for sharing here on your blog. This made my morning!
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My pleasure, Mae. You are so talented; you deserve much success. Glad to tell people about it.
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Awww, thanks! 🙂 blushing
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of the book, Cusp of Night, by Mae Clair from this post on Staci Troilo’s blog
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Thank for your sharing Staci’s post, Don. I’m so thrilled by this review!
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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Great review Staci! I will be starting the book tonight:)
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Yay! That is fantastic to hear, Denise. I can’t wait to see what you think of it. Happy reading! 🙂
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I envy you, Denise. I’ll never get to have that “first reading” experience again, and watching what unfolds is a delight. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you’re done.
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