The Chill of Night

I normally do not read thrillers or mystery novels, but recently I have been opening up my reading interests. I genuinely liked this book, I felt that the characters felt relatable, their interactions were believable and I really liked the twist reveal at the end. My only complaint is that some of the loose ends didn't feel tied up properly, and one of the characters is called by 2 different names throughout the book. All in all, a solid enjoyable read.

Lainie Goff's an up-and-coming attorney when her frozen body is found in the trunk of a car down on a wharf off Commercial Street. Mike McCabe and Maggie Savage are assigned to find the murderer.
I've been skipping around through Mr. Hayman's series, and this one was probably the one I've liked the least. I knew who the murderer was about halfway through the book, and found the story fairly predictable. I do always like the Portland locations and recognized Hart Island as Peak's Island out in Casco Bay. It's an enjoyable series and this is a good quick read, but just not my favorite.

I started this series with the first book, The Cutting. I really enjoyed it. So, naturally, it is to be expected that I enjoy this too. Between James Hayman and Joe Conlan, I may turn in to a huge fan of serial killer themed thrillers! These books keep me on the edge of my seat! It's like reading from a script of Criminal Minds.

First, you don't necessarily need to read the first book to read this one. They are two separate stories. The only reason I would suggest reading the first one is to get to know McCabe and crew first. You don't get a whole lot of character development in this one, like you do in the first one.

This book dives right into the new case. There is no build up. The starts right off and continues through the book. It's show more more down and dirty than the first book. There's more detail in the action. More mental images that will keep you grimacing and wanting more!

If you are a thriller fan or looking for a little change, James Hayman is the man for you! He will not disappoint in either area! show less

I started this series with the first book, The Cutting. I really enjoyed it. So, naturally, it is to be expected that I enjoy this too. Between James Hayman and Joe Conlan, I may turn in to a huge fan of serial killer themed thrillers! These books keep me on the edge of my seat! It's like reading from a script of Criminal Minds.

First, you don't necessarily need to read the first book to read this one. They are two separate stories. The only reason I would suggest reading the first one is to get to know McCabe and crew first. You don't get a whole lot of character development in this one, like you do in the first one.

This book dives right into the new case. There is no build up. The starts right off and continues through the book. It's show more more down and dirty than the first book. There's more detail in the action. More mental images that will keep you grimacing and wanting more!

If you are a thriller fan or looking for a little change, James Hayman is the man for you! He will not disappoint in either area! show less

Author James Hayman delivers another riveting tale of suspense and thrills with Detective McCabe leading the way. With twists and turns right up to the book's end, the reader is kept on their toes...constantly trying to figure out who's behind the murders and what has become of the psychologically challenged witness. Though his tales are not for younger readers (the crimes commited and several sexual references), the adult sect will certainly enjoy his most recent escapade. Recommended reading for fans of the crime fiction genre as well as those mystery fans that like a bit of a thriller mixed in....happy reading!

The Chill Of Night by James Hayman
Published by St. Martin's Press
ISBN 978-0-312-53271-0
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
Synopsis (borrowed from book's jacket): Beautiful, Brilliant, and ambitious, Lainie Goff has overcome a nightmarish past to achieve remarkable success as a young attorney on the fast track to a partnership at one of the more respected law firms in New England. Then one cold night, the secrets of her past come hurtling back when she's found stabbed to death, her frozen body discovered in the trunk of her own car abandoned at the end of the Portland Fish Pier.
The only witness to the crime is a mentally ill young woman named Abby Quinn, who tries desperately to show more tell police what she has seen. Because of Abby's illness no one in the department believes what she says. Until she, too, disappears.
As Portland homicide detective Michael McCabe begins his investigation he learns there may be more to Goff than meets the eye. Not only had she been having an affair with a partner of her firm, she had also been creating enemies closer to home.
Struck by a remarkable resemblance between Goff and his own ex-wife, McCabe is forced to grapple with memories of his failed marriage as he races to fine Lainie's killer before Abby Quinn is slain.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I now have read both books written by this author where Michael McCabe is the main character, but both books can stand on its own. I read this book during a very bad reading slump but was able to pick it up and continue reading without having to reread past chapters. The author introduces characters, which could have the motives and/or a history to have killed Lainie Goff. And the story fluctuates between these characters. I was able to figure out "who did it" through omissions after the introductions made (anything more said would be a spoiler). The plot was fast paced at times then it would drag a bit and continued in this mode throughout the book. My opinion, and this is just my opinion, I felt that Abby Quinn, the witness, was in the background for most of the story and, after reading the synopsis, assumed a lot of the attention would have been about her. I felt that it was an easy mystery read.
My Rating: 3 show less

Much better than expected