There Comes a Midnight Hour by Natalie Brianne: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Mystery/suspense, Historical fiction, Fantasy (some steampunk elements)
• Series: The Constantine Capers (Book #3)
• Length: 379 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: August 20, 2024

Tropes

• Forced proximity (employer/employee)
• Friends to lovers
• Slow burn
• Love at first sight/instalove

My Rating

Book Description

“Cloaked in the shadows at a midnight masquerade, a killer lies in wait. Dancers waltz to and fro — completely unaware of the danger lurking in their midst.

Paris 1888

Mira Blayse had always dreamed of going to Paris, but she never imagined a murderer would lead her to the City of Light. Reunited with Byron, the two of them delve into the heart of Parisian society, determined to ensure that justice is served, no matter the cost.

Yet, as they uncover the intricate web of deception woven by the Order of Circe and their operatives, Mira finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With tensions mounting and secrets unraveling on every side, the key to unlocking the truth lies in the identity of one of Circe’s leaders — the enigmatic Number Three. But in a world of false faces and hidden agendas, can Mira uncover the truth before it’s too late?”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Byron and Mira’s adventures continue… 

Unlike the previous books in the series, Book 3 begins with some adorable letter exchanges between Byron and Mira. I love how their salutations start out formal and steadily become more affectionate.

Having gotten past all the sort-of love triangles and jealousy from Book 2, the detecting duo are now officially courting. And we get to appreciate all the cuteness ☺️

But they’re in Paris for business, not pleasure.

The Order of Circe has been mentioned in both the previous books. But this story delves more into their inner workings, which I actually enjoyed learning about. Often secret organizations are kept too vague and shadowy for them to feel realistic. 

What I love most about the mysteries in this series is that they “play fair” with the reader. Little details that seem insignificant will payoff later (like Mira’s corset poking her, their letters taking so long to arrive, etc.). 

With how Book 2 ended, I was curious how Byron’s memory issues would be handled going forward. And Natalie Brianne struck a good balance between showing Byron’s improvement and continued struggles. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

Favorite Moments

🎭 letters
🎭 sunsets
🎭 masquerade 
🎭 Mira and Byron reunited

Favorite Quotes

“The first time they’d had an argument of that volume, he’d sent her off to finishing school. Granted, he had been doing better at listening since he’d been acquitted of murder. And it wasn’t as if he could send her to finishing school again. Or could he?“

Natalie Brianne

“His faced softened. ‘I missed you too. And isn’t that such a wonderful thing?’ He took her hands in his and kissed the back of them. ‘I remembered you enough to miss you.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘You said that you had nothing to do with my memory improving. And I wish to challenge that statement.’

‘But Byron, I hardly—’

He leaned forward, his expression softening. ‘No, Mira. You gave me something worth remembering. And for that I will be forever in your debt.“

Natalie Brianne

“‘Did you know that I used to hate sunsets?’

….’Sunsets were a sign that I would forget. That the person I was that day was about to die.’

Mira placed a hand on his arm. ‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.’

He glanced her way, eyes soft. ‘You of all people have no reason to apologize. Especially since you are the reason I love sunsets again.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘Forgetting can be a wonderful thing,’ Byron said. ‘But the pain doesn’t disappear when we don’t remember the cause. It only stays longer.’“

Natalie Brianne

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