After Midnight

I expected a historical novel, but first chapter felt like a typical historical romance. I was initially dismayed, but it turned out to be more like a "romantic historical thriller". There's a potential romantic relationship, but no "hot scenes", which I liked very much.

Protagonist Alix is very likable and Early 19th century British horse race world is exciting. I wanted to read more about Alix racing.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book more than I expected.

Male characters are unfortunately less vivid and attractive than a female protagonist. However, the ending of this novel suggest there will be a sequel, and they might become more interesting. 

Is the next title going to be "Before Dark"? 

There are so many things left unanswered and I'd love to read the follow-up. Hopefully there's more of Alix racing than falling.

Mystery, intrigue and misunderstanding are just a few words to describe this historical fiction.   Nicholas our main male protagonist reminds me of Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, a man misunderstood and our female protagonist Alix fits Elizabeth as introspective.  What brings these two together is deceit.   Alix’s twin sister Lily is married to Nicholas in a loveless union and has found herself in a rather delicate situation.  In a scheme of deceit, she has her twin sister take her place while she works out her difficulties.  Since Lily and her husband keep their distance from each other, it is rather easy for Alix to take her sister’s place as Nicholas’ wife.    How far can the deceit go?  What are all the circumstances to bring this deceit?     Finding the answers to these questions is what keeps me captivated with this story.

The flow of the plot was a little difficult for me; however, I did find my way back into the story to the very end.  The ending was sweet and I found myself wanting more!

 A special thank you , She Writes Press, Book Buzz, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I just finished reading After Midnight by Diane Shute. It is a historical romance and mystery set in the 1830's.  I love mystery novels but rarely read historical mysteries. I have to say that I really enjoyed After Midnight. It is a little slow to start, but then I could not put it down. 

Alix and Lily are identical twin sisters but they are very different. Lily is married to Lord Nicholas Griffon and spends her days going shopping, having tea, going to parties, and having illicit affairs with inappropriate gentlemen. Alix runs a stable for thoroughbred horses as well as racing them. She is used to working hard and very long hours. Alix works with her uncle and another good family friend. 

Lily has gotten herself into a bit of a predicament and needs Alix to switch places with her. Alix is not used to having servants, wearing fancy clothes, nor going to tea parties, dances, or etc. Alix steps into her sister's life and does her best to blend in, avoid Nicholas, and find something to occupy her time. 

Nicolas starts to notice something different about his wife. She is staying in, drawing, playing the piano (quite well), speaks French, and is very withdrawn (nothing like his wife). Nicholas figures she is up to something and with the help of his valet tries to figure out what is going on. 

While the switch is taking place, Alix's uncle, Quenton, goes to France to see about getting back his legacy as well as Alix's. There is more to Alix's and her family history than she knows or remembers. Some of the scenes in France are not as well written as the rest of the book. It was like they were added in as an afterthought. 

After Midnight is a good book. There is romance, humor, and mystery all in one book. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5. I was a little disappointed by the ending. I am hoping that there will be another book and it picks up where After Midnight ended. After Midnight is available on Amazon.com. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

After Midnight is such a common name for a book. And many of these are romances. But this one was called Gothic by some reviewers and that led me to pick it up to read. I am a big fan of Victoria Holt, and I thought maybe this book will be something like her books. But After Midnight resembles neither Victoria Holt’s books, nor something like Rebecca.

I will admit it took me a while to get my bearings. The plot is complex, and maybe so is the writing? It is certainly not very easy on the reader. Or maybe I was just distracted when I started reading the book. We can determine that it is some time after the war with France. The setting is the Regency era in England, or somewhere close. We know that Alix is an impostor trying to fit into an Earl’s household. Only her lady’s maid is in on the secret.

Inexplicably, Alix’s uncle works for the Earl and handles his horses. But he doesn’t know she is actually the Lady. Hard as she tries, small discrepancies escape, like Alix’s expertise at the piano, or her artistic disposition. It seems that she also suffers nightmares and is haunted by a turbulent past. Her uncle, Quenton, or Quincy as he is known by, sets off to France to settle some old debts.

Alix tries to blend into the household and makes friends. She is not as evil as the one she replaced, and the Earl is drawn to her. Although, he is almost estranged from his wife due to her scandalous behavior. The butler is in on the secret, and tries to protect Alix.

Meanwhile, Alix’s uncle has a lot of surprises in store for him in France. Robert, another character, seems to follow in the footsteps of Quenton. But it took me a long long time to understand who this character was.

After Midnight will have you engrossed. The pace is slow enough that you will have time to evaluate different scenarios in your mind. Historic suspense is a genre I am beginning to love – actually, one I have always loved, since even Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes are historic – and After Midnight keeps the plot tight.

If you love mystery and suspense, After Midnight is a book you will return to again and again.

This is the story of identical twins Alix and Lily in the 1830s.  Lily has married Nicholas, a loveless marriage that she made for money when she finds herself in a difficult position and persuades Alix to change places with her. Alix runs a house racing yard and so finds it quite difficult to step into her sisters frivolous empty life. Although living fairly separate lives Nicholas notices the difference in his wife and and tries to find out what she is up to. Meanwhile there is further intrigue in unknown family history that results in her uncle going to France to try and claim back inheritance. 

It was an enjoyable read that draws you in from the start and keeps you wanting more.  Hopefully there will be a sequel as it finished slightly abruptly