One by one, the plots of the terrifying books begin to play out against the members of the club. When Cady is the next victim, police turn to Sarah's soon-to-be ex who is also Cady's current boyfriend, Peter, as a suspect. Sarah is not convinced Peter is behind the attacks, and when some of her dead mother's newly found poetry and journals disappear from the porch, Sarah begins to think maybe she is the connection to all the madness, along with her unknown father, and her mother who died under tragic circumstances many years ago.

The Dead of Midnight is a very gripping, very readable mystery that contains a strong plot and subplot. The parallel plots (the book-like attacks and Sarah's search for her past) neatly wind their way around each other briefly appearing as if they will converge and then going off in separate directions again.

There are many supporting characters in the novel to be considered as suspects, almost, at times, too many, with too many hidden motives, none explained enough to be compelling enough to be serious suspects, making for a murky investigation. Still, close reading will provide all the necessary clues to solve each of the mysteries.

The Dead of Midnight is a fast-paced, very enjoyable book that provides mystery fans with a compelling mystery based on one of their favorite things: a good mystery series.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry