Today, our featured author is Mae Clair, and she’s sharing a review of Cusp of Night, her the first book in her wonderful Hode’s Hill series. And guess what?
Cusp of Night is FREE today only!
REVIEW:
Excellent 1st in series… crosses genres, great tone and setting
5 Stars ~ L. Carmichael
This book was a wonderful surprise. I expected it to be well-written and interesting, but it fully captivated my attention. I read a third before bed last night and finished the rest this morning. It is the kind of book that keeps your mind wandering and processing, as there are genealogical puzzles, explored beliefs on mysticism and psychic powers, and a bit of romance and historical points of interest. Clair has woven a tightly knit mystery with spiderweb stories that beckon to come together… and come together they do!
As a story, it was complex yet methodically told. I enjoyed figuring out all the connections, discovering who was telling the truth and who lied to protect a secret. When the major bombshells dropped, I was surprised. I figured out a few but not all. That’s a good sign, an author who can distract you with a few smaller revelations to grenade-toss the bigger one. In terms of writing style, it’s quite strong and blended well. All Clair’s descriptions transport you to the scene, whether it’s lighting gas lamps in 1900 or viewing a modern seance with Ouija boards.
One of my favorite aspects of this book lurks within the tone… it is dark and chilling yet comforting. Quite an uncommon balance, and it helped drive the story forward. As we learn what happened in the past, visiting murder scenes and journal entries, a murky and gloomy tone accompanies us. Ethereal and spooky in a non-traditional manner… how was this monster created? Why do only some people have blue skin? Who is good and who is evil?
The end comes quickly, and it leaves a hint of what might come next in the second book in the series. I found a new author I really enjoyed reading… and highly recommend her to you.
BLURB:
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 unearthing the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .
Don’t Miss Out!
TODAY ONLY! GRAB YOUR FREE COPY AT THIS UNIVERSAL LINK
Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:
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I fabulous review of Mae´s book. I wish her all the best with this one as it sounds intriguing!
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This is the first in Mae’s recently completed Hode’s Hill Trilogy, Darlene, and it is excellent!! I mean, blue people alone (who knew they really exist?) are worth the read, but there’s much more to this spooky tale. And it’s FREE! A great introduction to the following two books, each getting better and spookier as they go. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! 🙂 ❤
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I have to chuckle every time you mention my blue people, Marcia. I love that you enjoyed that aspect of the book so much.
And many thanks for that glowing testimonial. So appreciated!
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I just have trouble imagining something so unusual that I’ve never even heard of!! (Like, there should be nothing out there that *I*, in my vast old age, don’t know about! Hahahaha.)
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LOL! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Darlene. I appreciate the well wishes! 🙂
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I always enjoy reading Mae Clair’s stories!
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Me too, Jaye, and this series is my favorite. I loved this first book for several reasons, not the least of which was finding out about BLUE people. I’m still amazed at that. All three Hode’s Hill books are super! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Glad I did, Marcia…
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That’s so lovely to hear, Jaye. Thank you! 🙂
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Great to see such a lovely review of Mae’s Cusp of Night. I enjoyed the whole series. Thanks for sharing, Marcia 🙂
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I was very happy to share the news that Cusp of Night was free today, Harmony! I hope lots of folks take advantage of this to get started on the super spooky Hode’s Hill series. I loved all three books! Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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I’m so thrilled by the numbers that have been coming in. Cusp has hit #1 in all three of its niche categorizes. Hopefully that will lead to new fans for the other books. I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out about Cusp—and Hode’s Hill! 🙂
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Yay!! So glad it’s been a success!!! 🙂 ❤ (Doing a happy dance, too!)
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Thanks for stopping by to lend your support, Harmony. Much appreciated!
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The fiend in Cusp of Night is the best creature ever. Good book!
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Ha! It makes me shiver to think of it! 😀 Love this series, for sure, and nothing like a chance to get started on it for free, eh? Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Woohoo! And I will do a Snoopy Dance over that comment. Thanks so much, Priscilla!
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One of my favorite books. One of my favorite series. One of my favorite authors. Great to see Mae here. Wishing her all the best.
Thanks, Marcia.
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Always my pleasure to have Mae visit! And ditto. Ditto. Ditto. 😀 Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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I’m blushing 😉
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Awww, what an awesome comment. Thanks so much, Staci. All that support is invaluable and truly appreciated!
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Terrific review, Mae. Thanks, Marcia.
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My pleasure, John. Always happy to have Mae visiting us here at TWS. Thanks for stopping by! :
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😊
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Thanks for dropping by to check it out, John. I know you picked up all three books and I so appreciate that support!
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Glad the credit card went through. 😁
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LOL!
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Terrific review. I also loved this series. Hope people take advantage of her giveaway today.
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Thanks so much, Craig. Today is the last day Cusp is free, so I have my fingers crossed a lot of readers scoop it up and become smitten with the series 🙂
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It was great having her and Cusp featured today, Craig. And I’m so pleased to hear that it’s going well, too! It’s such a good deal, I almost want to go back and order it AGAIN! 😀
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Marcia, thanks so much for hosting me on your fabulous blog. You always roll out the red carpet for your guests. It is such a pleasure to be here, and always so much fun. Thank you!
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Aw, thanks, Mae! I just love doing this feature and I’m so glad it’s gone well for you today. It goes without saying, of course–but I’m gonna say it anyway–you are welcome back any time! 😀 ❤
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Thank you! 🙂
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What a compelling review! This book is on my wish list Marcia, thanks for sharpening the interest.
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You’re very welcome, Balroop! I highly recommend bumping it up a bit on your list. I think you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Glad to hear that, Balroop. Now is the perfect time to grab it because it’s free. Today’s the last day before it goes back to paid pricing. I hope you enjoy!
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Great review, and I’ve downloaded a copy 😀
This isn’t my usual genre (I don’t much care for being scared) but the mystery sounds intriguing, so I’ll give it a go. Fabulous news it’s reached #1 in several categories, great job Mae Claire!
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I don’t usually read bone-chilling, gruesome horror, either, but this one worked for me. Spooky, shivery, but not the kind where you don’t know whether to scream or be sick. 😯 I think you’d like it. At least, I know I did. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and Mae will be thrilled to hear you picked up a copy. 🙂 ❤
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😀
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Mae is absolutely thrilled 🙂
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Thanks so much for downloading! I think you’ll find the “scary” aspect are really just shivers and goosebumps. I recently had a book reviewer take a chance on it and she said the same thing you did—that she didn’t like scary books but that Cusp didn’t fall into that category. It’s a bit hard to pigeonhole, LOL, but I do appreciate you taking a chance on it. Many thanks!
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Wonderful review, Mae! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Marcia… Mae is a terrific writer!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Bette, and you’re welcome. I was happy to have her here today. And she is a terrific writer, indeed! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks so much, Bette. Praise like that makes me break into a Snoopy dance with a lot of blushing 🙂
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Great review and I hope those who haven’t read it picked up their free copy:)
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Glad you enjoyed it, Denise, and I hope so, too. It’s a great way to jump right into a super trilogy! Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks, Denise. Fingers crossed for the same. The numbers on Amazon have been VERY good 🙂
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Fantastic review, Mae – congrats!
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Thanks, Teri. Reviews like this make writing worthwhile!
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I’m a day late in visiting, but this is a fabulous review. I loved Cusp of Night as well as the entire series. If anyone hasn’t read it, I recommend taking advantage of this offer. They’ll be hooked!
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