Eventide
Hode’s Hill, Book #3
By Mae Clair
ISBN# 9781516107292
Author Website: maeclair(.)net
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death. (Goodreads)
Review:
Eventide is the third book in the Hode’s Hill series by Mae Clair, but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. A damaged protagonist, Gothic feel, ghosts, and evil come together to make an entertaining, hair-raising read.
Madison, who not only witnessed but actually experienced her husband’s murder, had a complete mental breakdown, but now she is ready for a new start. She is excited by the possibilities of her new home, but she did not count on unleashing evil and the ghosts. In addition, someone is vandalizing her property, and her boyfriend is not happy about her move. When town residents are brutally murdered, Madison cannot help but think everything is related to the house. With the help of her sister and friends, she faces danger and proves her past is once and for all behind her.
With its mix of ghost story, murder mystery, and horror, Eventide is just the right amount of creepy and has a good amount of tension throughout the tale. Madison’s past trials, the historical thread, and the present evil all mingle together seamlessly and come together to make a suspenseful reading experience. The writing is descriptive, and I felt the chill and smelled the nastiness of the evil just as the characters do.
Madison has a supernatural ability, but it is not overplayed and comes across as somewhat plausible. Even with her insecurities and past baggage, she is brave and relatable. I like her. Her boyfriend is a jerk, but he plays an integral part in the story. Madison’s sister and friends add variety and have experience and skills that help solve the historical and present day mysteries.
I enjoyed Eventide and recommend it to fans of supernatural books with a touch of horror.
