Since my long review last year I have definitely gone on to read more books and my count for 2020 is well over 30 now and well I’d like to share some of the smaller authors on separate posts. (Please go check them out on social media!)
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The Thriller genre is usually characterised and defined by the emotions they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety. Usually, thriller books are dark and brooding, plunging the reader to a world that can be relatable, but at the end of the day, forged in stories that leave the hair on your arms raised, heart racing and head reeling. Thrillers are characterised by the three C’s when it comes to literature, the contract, the clock, and the crucible. The first “c” contract is set out in the first few pages, what the book promises the reader. Will the protagonist get revenge? The theme is then carried forth in a time restraint, that brings us to the second “c”, the clock. And lastly, the thriller is not going to be easy for our characters. They have the last “c” the crucible to deal with. They are constrained to adhere to certain rules, meet challenges head-on that offer them no escape from their contracted destiny. Of course, while this all plays out they can be twists and turns that make rollercoasters look like child’s play.
So where does Midnight Vigilante fit into the genre?
Meet the author
Author Leonor Bass is a recently published indie author who is absolutely passionate about crime, mystery novels, with just the right amount of action and also a bit of blood. She started writing at the age of 15, predominantly fanfiction, publishing over 100 stories online. just under 20 years later, her first book, The Secrets of Amber was published in 2019, followed by Midnight Vigilante in 2020.
Find Leonor on twitter @camelotlady and as Leonor Bass on Goodreads!
The Review
When it comes to approaching a thriller novel, I normally handle myself in a cautious fashion. The kettle is put on, the glasses come out and the cozy reading chair is primed. I usually put aside 20-30 minutes at a time to read, in order to savor the book and make the most out of it; however, with Midnight Vigilante it was very hard to put down. I found it unclear at first what was happening and the intent of the book, but things started to make more sense, the further I got into it.
Riley is a strong independent character, chased by personal demons, trauma, and her past. She returns to the town she swore she would go back to, LinHill, to her half-sister, who seems outwardly aggressive to Riley, but internally caring. From the offset, there is a lot of action and emotion, Riley being very aggressive and protective of herself which can be seen as a strong independent character but also on the edge of being chaotic. However, due to the action and constant questions that keep arising needing answering, I couldn’t put the book down. The slow introduction of the dark crime-ridden side of LinHill couples nicely with Riley’s past, but also hinders her personal growth and character development.
As far as the characters go, they are somewhat complex and unique but could use some refining. (personal preference). I like how Riley is strong and independent, but also vulnerable. This vulnerability is used well in the story and is a fresh character trait for a protagonist in a thriller to have. Detective Castello also became a likable character, however, I am not convinced with the relationship he has with Riley.
The book kicks ass when it comes to action. It has straight to the point, energetic and well-written action sequences that are very enjoyable. This part is executed so well, it got my heart racing and anxiety screaming internally, and in this case, it is a good thing. Another Eureka moment I had in the book, was when the title started to make sense, as leading up to the event I was pretty confused at why the book was titled as such. Very clever, liked that bit a lot, and I don’t want to give too much away!
Overall I would like to give this book 3.5/5 stars.
It’s fast-paced, action packed and a true crime thriller!
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If you have a book recommendation for me to review, leave a comment, send me an email or get in contact over social media! I love to hear what you think!
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