Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 1
Although it's undoubtedly due to the advance reading copy I had, I found the clues Joey left in his books to be very difficult to read-- so difficult that I took the coward's way out and just let Lydia deal with them. But that takes nothing away from the powerful debut novel that Matthew Sullivan has written. Sullivan brings to life a very special bookstore along with its woven-together family of employees and customers. It's a place I could spend hours in, which mean I'd probably join the family, too.
Lydia is a strong and uncommon main character. Being the sole survivor of The Hammerman is something that would live with a person forever, and it has certainly changed Lydia in many ways. I was enjoying this book, but not mentally singing its praises until chapter eight. Chapter eight is when "Hammer Night" is described. I do not scare easily, and I'm not squeamish, but that chapter made my blood run cold. Sullivan put me inside the skin of little Lydia so completely that I saw everything she saw and felt everything that she felt. By chapter's end, I was crying for that little girl. This is a masterful piece of writing, and if any of you are worried, it's not graphic. Sullivan does what the best writers do-- let readers' imaginations fill in the details.
The mystery is also a good one as one character after another appears to be guilty. The identity of The Hammerman didn't occur to me until a few pages before the reveal, which is always a bonus.
If you're in the mood for a scary, well-written mystery that makes you sit with your back against the wall so no one can sneak up on you, Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore may be just the book for you.
Lydia is a strong and uncommon main character. Being the sole survivor of The Hammerman is something that would live with a person forever, and it has certainly changed Lydia in many ways. I was enjoying this book, but not mentally singing its praises until chapter eight. Chapter eight is when "Hammer Night" is described. I do not scare easily, and I'm not squeamish, but that chapter made my blood run cold. Sullivan put me inside the skin of little Lydia so completely that I saw everything she saw and felt everything that she felt. By chapter's end, I was crying for that little girl. This is a masterful piece of writing, and if any of you are worried, it's not graphic. Sullivan does what the best writers do-- let readers' imaginations fill in the details.
The mystery is also a good one as one character after another appears to be guilty. The identity of The Hammerman didn't occur to me until a few pages before the reveal, which is always a bonus.
If you're in the mood for a scary, well-written mystery that makes you sit with your back against the wall so no one can sneak up on you, Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore may be just the book for you.
I love the setting and the use of books in Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, the debut novel by Matthew Sullivan. Both are perfect for the bibliophile in me. The mystery of the book is a graphic and violent crime unlike the cozy description of a book store with its cast of eccentric characters. Given an interesting plot and great descriptions, I look forward to reading more from Matthew Sullivan.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017/09/midnight-at-bright-ideas-bookstore.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017/09/midnight-at-bright-ideas-bookstore.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
This is a good mystery. It has some creepy parts and kept me turning pages. I did suspect correctly who the Hammerman was, but I suspected incorrectly along the way, too. While there were some colorful and interesting characters, there were times that our protagonist, Lydia, rubbed me the wrong way. However, I could accept that given her past. It was enjoyable reading and I will pick up this author's next book when I can
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Joey Molina kills himself in the bookstore's upper room. Lydia need to know why. She finds clues in his books that are hidden messages. Is Lydia's life about to become unraveled?
Sullivan's writing is beautiful and it's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The story is a bit dark and creepy for a bookstore novel which is usually a light read. The characters are interesting and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. Lots of mystery and intrigue keep the pages turning. I'm looking forward to reading Sullivan's next book. Recommended.
Sullivan's writing is beautiful and it's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The story is a bit dark and creepy for a bookstore novel which is usually a light read. The characters are interesting and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. Lots of mystery and intrigue keep the pages turning. I'm looking forward to reading Sullivan's next book. Recommended.
