Midnight Exposure/Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh-2 part review

Midnight Exposure (Midnight #1) by Melinda Leigh-released August 2012

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Midnight Exposure, written by Melinda Leigh, takes us on a thrilling adventure in love and death by way of Huntsville, Maine. Jayne Sullivan is a struggling photographer from Philadelphia who has the potential to wipe her family’s debt by taking a picture for a tabloid magazine of the elusive sculptor, Reed Kimball. Their meeting sets off a series of terrifying events, of combined efforts that prove essential to their survival, and most rewardingly, of a new stage in their lives; a new life they were too afraid to consider.

A casual friend turned violent stalker is now on parole in Philadelphia (Jayne’s brother keeps her aware of his whereabouts). With so much distance behind her, you’d think Jayne would feel safe…save for that all too familiar feeling of being watched again. Just one picture. One picture of R.S. Morgan and Jayne would pay for her younger brother’s hospital bills. Unbeknownst to Jayne, she happens to be staying in a tiny town that’s currently investigating the disappearances of 2 teenage boys. Ms. Leigh leads us about town and introduces us to a supporting cast of characters whose quirks quickly put your mind to work: Who is overly friendly? Who seems shady?

Former police officer, Reed Kimball fled Atlanta 5 years ago following the mysterious death of his wife. He wasn’t found guilty, but rumors suggested foul play and the investigation went unresolved for so long, Reed moved away with his son to escape the media’s attention. This isn’t necessary to divulge in a new town, right?

People would stick together here. Natives were shy of tourists and newcomers, but once you were in, you were golden. If only Reed could be sure the town wouldn’t turn on him like the city of Atlanta. The backing of the community would help him make a stand. He shouldn’t have hidden his identity all these years. The townspeople were sure to resent being lied to.

I have to say Ms. Leigh developed the story in an order I didn’t quite love. Conventions allow for a romance to blossom before the heroine is embroiled in a major drama (Jayne is kidnapped by a deranged man obsessed with Druid celebrations where she is the featured attraction), but the trouble befalls Jayne earlier than I expected. Would Reed feel compelled to help a veritable stranger? Sure, there was a mutual attraction, but he doesn’t owe her anything; their brief interaction consisted of a coffee/hot chocolate date. But Reed’s instincts are honed and he is such a swoon-worthy hero, he’s ready to lend his strengths when action demands his involvement. [Hey, Reed, I could realllly use your assistance in Southern California!]

The love story was complicated. Having survived an attack and subsequent trial back home, Jayne doesn’t trust easily. Reed is so focused on raising his son in a healthy environment, he loses sight of the need for his own personal life. The attraction between Jayne and Reed is undeniable, but they outdo each other in a maddening dance of “arm’s length” limits (yeah, tell that to their honest inner voices – that’s where all the good stuff is heard!). Their courtship bordered on YA angst after a while. Denying a caress; refusing a simple touch — these undemanding, yet genuine signs of support had to be averted or they would send the wrong message. Ugh! But as in all worthy love stories, Happily Ever Afters are earned. We are rewarded with a healthy dose of steam, but most importantly, the dismantling of emotional walls with honest discourse. I love it when that happens!

Jayne is no wilting flower and proves herself a worthy adversary to the maniac pursuing her relentlessly (there is a second kidnap attempt on her life and even Reed has to dodge a bullet or two!). A confrontation at the end culminates the story’s excitement and uncovers a small town’s secrets, the perpetrator’s identity and an accomplice who gets away…keeping the threat to the couple’s safety and happiness in hiatus. I cannot wait to dive into the sequel, my friends! Jayne’s brothers come into town to take her home to Philadelphia, but Reed’s hold of her heart doesn’t relent so easily. We are introduced to Jayne’s youngest brother, Danny, rather late into Midnight Sacrifice (his hospital bills were the original purpose behind Jayne’s visit to Maine, remember?), but he happens upon a pivotal struggle at the book’s conclusion and ultimately sets up the sequel, Midnight Sacrifice. Not only do I want to see Reed and Jayne set down roots somewhere, but I want the culprit found! How can Jayne and Reed embrace their new life when they’re not done looking over their shoulders?

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Midnight Sacrifice (Midnight #2) by Melinda Leigh-released April 16, 2013

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“The state police detective could rationalize all he wanted, but Danny knew in his soul that the danger still centered in Huntsville. The quaint little town, with its postcard-perfect views, was the hub for something evil.”

In my spoil-free effort of herculean proportions, the accomplice who managed to escape from Midnight Exposure, is featured in Midnight Sacrifice; now the bigger bad. Mandy Brown was involved in a relationship with the accomplice, only she’s not offering up any details; especially not when pictures depicting violence of her beloved brother arrive at her house as a clear signal to remain quiet. Everyone thinks the accomplice is long gone or dead. Mandy feels the opposite in her gut. So does Danny Sullivan, Jayne’s youngest brother, whom stumbled upon the violent exchange between Mandy and the accomplice at the end of Midnight Exposure. Danny and Mandy resume the hunt for the accomplice when danger seeks to destroy their families.

Defiling the Celtic tradition of Beltane, the accomplice mirrors the original perpetrator from Midnight Exposure’s actions to save a loved one.
Come Beltane Eve, she was to be his May Queen, his flower bride, the pure one who signified strength, renewal, and growth. Once the Bel-fire had eradicated…disease, he would tap into nature’s energy through Mandy. [Accomplice] would die and be reborn youthful and healthy. [Accomplice] would have a brand-new life after the ceremony. He could begin again. With Mandy at his side.

Unfortunately, human sacrifice is required and those offerings weren’t going to go willingly. Snatching a father and his son from their campground, three young ladies hiking locally (both sets whom were only visiting, how horrible is that?!), a person near and dear to Mandy and an important resident of Huntsville, the innocent victims are being primed for their roles in the macabre celebration.

Having read my share of thrillers, I know that stalking is a process, it requires a methodical mind to execute nefarious plans (my creepy radar goes into overdrive), but sometimes I wished Ms. Leigh would just get to it instead of supplying excessive details. Truth is, while the mystery was gripping (I was riveted until the book’s big reveal), Ms. Leigh won me over with the swoon-worthy love story…again. Danny and Mandy pick up where Reed and Jayne left off, only the secret Mandy holds is enough (probably) to send Danny reeling from his currently “healthy” state of mind (being an Iraqi army survivor). Like I said, there was so much action to experience, so many layers to the mystery, I was cringing for the sound of impact, lol! When Danny discovers Mandy’s involvement with the accomplice, will he have developed enough genuine feelings for Mandy to overlook her less than honest approach? Are Mandy’s secrets her ultimate demise? While there were moments of insecurity similar to Reed and Jayne, Ms. Leigh caught her stride with Danny and Mandy. Gone were the overly hesitant gestures. *Applauding* There are resolutions to all plots – you will feel relieved.

When I reached The End, I sighed aloud (ok, I sobbed at the end); always a sign of a good book, right? Ms. Leigh has a great talent for chilling and thrilling us with her writing. I thought about returning to this book the second my children went to sleep and now that I’m done, I’ll miss Huntsville and its intriguing community. The characters developed while facing adversity and that’s what this reviewer needed. An older Sullivan brother, Conor, came into town to lend support to Danny. Even though his parts were minor, working alongside the local curator, Louisa, I was quickly wrapped up in their connection. To the point I’m crossing my fingers for their own book! Perhaps this glowing review could convince Ms. Leigh? I should mention I have this thing for brothers…

Copies supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Carmen