The Midnight Call
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Published by: Level Best Books
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Pages: 348
ISBN13: 978-1685121747
Synopsis
Who would ever suspect that their mentor, teacher, and friend is a cold-blooded killer?
Attorney Jessie Martin didn’t—at least not until she answers the midnight call.
Late one August night, Jessie’s lifelong mentor and friend—and presently a popular, charismatic, and handsome high school teacher—Terrence Butterfield calls. He utters a startling admission: he’s killed someone. He pleads for Jessie’s help, so out of loyalty she rushes to his aid completely unaware that she’s risking her relationship, her career, and her life—and that of her unborn child—to help Terrence.
Does Jessie’s presence at Terrence’s home implicate her in the gruesome murder of the teenage boy found in the basement? Why does Terrence betray Jessie when he has a chance to exonerate her of any charges? Has he been a monster in disguise for all these years?
To reclaim her life and prove her innocence, Jessie must untangle the web of lies and reveal the shocking truths behind the homicide. This quest turns out to be the fight of her life: to preserve everything and everyone she holds dear.
Add on Goodreads“A Must-read.”
–USA Today Network
“The tricky legal maneuvering intrigues... Millman writes with verve.”
–PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“If you like courtroom battles, this legal thriller fits the bill!”
–Chanticleer Reviews. The Midnight Call won First Place for “Best Police Procedural” in the CLUE Awards.
“An intriguing courtroom thriller.”
–Top Shelf Magazine
“Witty, smart, and entertaining. An intriguing mix of hopes and fears, where the line between right and wrong blurs into some juicy, legal skullduggery.”
–Steve Berry International and New York Times bestselling author of The Malta Exchange
“Death comes to a small city--itself caught up in a struggle for survival--and slowly begins to dismember the lives of all involved. Most at risk is pregnant attorney Jessie Martin, who will soon be engaged in a battle for justice, freedom, and ultimately, the life of her unborn child. Jode Millman tackles issues of wealth, power, and mental illness--as well as the ability of a woman to speak up in a world designed to suppress her. The powerful ending of this novel dwells in terrifying ambiguities--while leaving readers with hope that the best lies ahead for a heroine not afraid to answer the midnight call."
–Jenny Milchman, USA Today bestselling author of Cover of Snow & Wicked River
“Jodé Susan Millman’s The Midnight Call is an impressive debut. Deft plotting peels back the payers of this deliciously creepy and convoluted suspense novel in which surprises abound and nothing is as it seems. Don’t think you know how this plays out- just put yourself in Millman’s capable hands and enjoy the ride.”
– Karen Dionne, USA Today and #1 International bestselling author of The Marsh King’s Daughter
“Friendship, insanity, the drama of a courtroom, with a touch of romance rounding out the narrative, will have readers struggling to answer the question: What happens after you answer that terrifying midnight call?”
–Booktrib.com
“The Midnight Call is a fast-paced page-turner written by Jodé Millman. A story that is sure to draw you in from the beginning and hold your attention until the very end. The Midnight Call will have you second-guessing every move until the unexpected end.”
–Lovely Loveday.com
“Millman hits the bull’s eye in this, her debut novel. The plot is tight as a drum and filled with suspense from the first chapter to the last. Everything works here – the characters, the dialog, the description, the story – which demonstrates the author’s excellent research skills and imagination. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Police and legal procedural fans, this is a new author to watch!”
–Itsallaboutthebook.org
“A good solid thriller with the potential for sequels. So, if it’s midnight and the phone rings, what would you do? Would you answer the call?”
–PinkPurlandProse.com
“Right from the start, the story drags you into a complex, thrilling plot with plenty of subplots to add mystery. This is an 'action all the way' thriller, there’s no let-up and the story will leave you wanting more – indeed, I hope there is a sequel to this.”
–ReadersFavorite.com
“Recently, local author Jode Millman wrote a fictional book, but it’s based on the Fentress case that takes place in Poughkeepsie, and there is a lot of truth to this fictional work. It’s called “The Midnight Call”. It’s a good read, and I highly recommend it.”
—Robyn Taylor@UltimateExplained.com
“The opening chapter grips the reader and reels one straight into the story and life of pregnant attorney Jessie Martin. Millman’s descriptive writing style and knowledge of law and litigation kept me invested in the story.”
—NovelsAlive.com
“Jodé Millman offers readers something to contemplate throughout this piece, with some strong plot ideas and a decent delivery.”
—Pecheyponderings.com
Excerpt
Chapter One
“I think I killed someone,” the man’s voice whispered across the phone lines.
“Terrence,” Jessie Martin’s voice croaked, husky with sleep. She’d know her mentor’s voice anywhere, anytime, even in the middle of the night. In the pitch darkness she bolted upright in bed and blinked the sleep out of her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve done a terrible thing, committed a sin against God,” he said.
The anguish in his voice made the fine hairs on her skin prickle with fear, and her hand flew up with a desire to protect the baby tumbling around inside her swollen belly. Yet, it was the slow, quiet monotone of his voice that frightened Jessie even more than his confession. Her mentor usually had a confident, intense voice that commanded attention. Tonight, it was flat, as if he were no longer aware of reality.
“There’s blood everywhere.” Terrence’s hollow voice cracked. “He was just a boy... a boy. I don’t know how it happened. Oh my God, what have I done?”
