The truth hides in dark places . . . Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the … assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.
Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house—a woman whose ghost may still linger. Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .
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Cusp of Night is the first book in the Hode’s Hill series by Mae Clair. I found the book on someone’s blog and thought the concept sounded intriguing, so I bought a copy recently. It falls within a few genres, including historical fiction, paranormal, and mystery suspense. It was a great intro the author’s style and voice, and I definitely plan to continue reading this series.
In the current period, Maya Sinclair had an accident where she was technically dead for 2 minutes and 22 seconds. During that time, something happened to her, but she’s not sure what the impact will be. One hundred years ago, a monster known as the Fiend killed several people in Hode Hill. A famous blue-skinned medium was one of the victims, as was her assistant and one of their clients. This story is told in alternating chapters, covering both perspectives. In modern times, Hode’s Hill celebrates the history of the Fiend, not because it was an evil monster but because it made the town semi-famous. During this year’s celebration, a new Fiend seems to rise… how and why is it happening again over a hundred years later? Why is Maya now waking up at 2:22 every morning?
This book was a wonderful surprise. I expected it to be well-written and interesting, but it fully captivated my attention. I read a third before bed last night and finished the rest this morning. It is the kind of book that keeps your mind wandering and processing, as there are genealogical puzzles, explored beliefs on mysticism and psychic powers, and a bit of romance and historical points of interest. Clair has woven a tightly knit mystery with spiderweb stories that beckon to come together… and come together they do!
As a story, it was complex yet methodically told. I enjoyed figuring out all the connections, discovering who was telling the truth and who lied to protect a secret. When the major bombshells dropped, I was surprised. I figured out a few but not all. That’s a good sign, an author who can distract you with a few smaller revelations to grenade-toss the bigger one. In terms of writing style, it’s quite strong and blended well. All Clair’s descriptions transport you to the scene, whether it’s lighting gas lamps in ~1900 or viewing a modern seance with Ouija boards.
One of my favorite aspects of this book lurks within the tone… it is dark and chilling yet comforting. Quite an uncommon balance, and it helped drive the story forward. As we learn what happened in the past, visiting murder scenes and journal entries, a murky and gloomy tone accompanies us. Ethereal and spooky in a non-traditional manner… how was this monster created? Why do only some people have blue skin? Who is good and who is evil?
The end comes quickly, and it leaves a hint of what might come next in the second book in the series. I found a new author I really enjoyed reading… and highly recommend her to you.
If you’re reading a novel that’s thick with atmosphere, rife with lore, fraught with tension, and chock full of characters you adore or despise, there’s a good chance you’re reading a novel by Mae Clair. This novel, CUSP OF NIGHT, ticks all of the boxes. And then some.
Maya Sinclair is a perfect heroine. She’s flawed, but in a likable way, and is the perfect vehicle to carry the contemporary timeline in this novel. I loved learning the history of the town—and the histories of spiritualism and freak genetic disorders—through her perspective. Her cohort in this story is Collin Hode. He’s an enigmatic town figure, a perfect blend of stoic, rational, honorable, and open-minded. His character arc kept me on the edge of my seat. And now I have a book crush on him. I really hope we see more of him in later novels in this series. The other town characters are just as vibrant—some I despise, others I love. The cast is rich and varied and more than capable of carrying the plot.
The historical timeline is equally riveting. I learned so much history in such a short space, and I did so without noticing because I was utterly enthralled. The characters in the past are as compelling and interesting as those in the present timeline.
And speaking of two timelines, Clair merged them beautifully. The threads combined in a perfect yet unexpected way. I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and the climax was swift and satisfying.
‘Cusp of Night’ by Mae Clair gripped me right in the beginning with Charlotte’s walk through the rain, the mention of Fiend and the mystery that deepens with each page as the echoes of footsteps reverberate through your heart; the view of Chinkwe river sets the tone of a riveting tale of Lady Glass, the mysterious blue lady who claimed to be a spiritualist. The description of surroundings is vivid and exotic, Mae’s style of writing is enchanting and her adroit merging of past and present so engaging that it would leave you spellbound!
I wouldn’t stay a day in such a house but Maya pushes all her fears aside; is determined to discover the story of Lucinda Glass and continues to dig deeper, stunned by the revelations she stumbles across. Clair’s stories focus on characters and this one is no exception. Superbly crafted, Lucinda towers above all characters despite her weaknesses; the emotional upheavals that she had to overcome have been drawn well. Maya Sinclair is just a medium to embellish the persona of the blue woman who craved to live a normal life. Collin has his own reasons to assist her in unraveling the mysteries connected with “The Fiend.”
The story also reiterates the fact that it’s not fair to judge a person by his or her reputation. Despite exquisite mysteries, this is a fascinating story that comments on hypocritical relationships and their effect on people who consider you dear. Whether it is Simon or Leland Hode, Althea or Dante – each one carries a subtle message for humanity.
After surviving a car accident that nearly killed her, Maya Sinclair moves to Hodes Hill, Pennsylvania. She decides to rent an old brownstone close to where Charlotte Hode was murdered over a century ago.
Maya is still haunted by the time she spent in the Aether, hovering between life and death in a reality where souls with unfinished business lingered. Now, she finds her perceptions altered, opening the doors to her own clairvoyance.
It doesn’t take long for the house to connect with its new occupant. When the clock reaches, 2:22 am known as the cusp of night, terrifying noises explode from the walls of the house. Eventually, Maya recognizes a figure from the Aether… what could it mean?
In a city where the people refuse to let go of the past, the night of the annually celebrated Fiend Festival finally arrives. The townsfolk dress up in costumes to resemble the terrifying creature that murdered Charlotte Hode all those years before. However, this year is different. Something is out there, and it‘s killed again!
It turns out that Hode’s Hill sponsored the spiritualist movement of the Nineteenth century in the form of the Blue Lady, a blue-skinned spiritualist who perpetrated a scam against unsuspecting townsfolk. Now, she uses Maya’s sensitivity to the Aether to carry out her task.
Clair skillfully incorporates the tragic story of Lucy Strick, the Blue Lady, with that of Maya Sinclair bringing the past into the future in a story that was so riveting I couldn’t it put this book down.
The author also displays a rare command over language that’s unique. Her vivid descriptions and settings put me in the story, as if I’d experienced the events myself. I’ll never look at my watch at 2:22 am again!
Maya Sinclair is the type of heroine I like the most. She’s flawed, but in a way that makes her seem multidimensional and very human. This town is full of characters, which makes the story even more realistic. The Hode family contains some despicable figures, but Collin Hode teams up with Maya to help solve the mystery of the blue lady.
If I could give this book a rating over five stars, I would. I rarely say that, but this series is exceptional. I’m already reading the second book (End of Day) in the series and have purchased the third book, (Eventide) as well.
If you love mystery and suspense with a healthy helping of the paranormal, you won’t want to miss this series.
A spooky treat!
Recovering from an accident that almost took Maya Sinclair’s life, she moves to the small town of Hode’s Hill and is immediately swept into an ancient legend. Strange occurrences begin to happen in the home she’s renting, and along with a group of new friends, Maya researches the town’s history and finds a disturbing trail of murder and deceit.
Past and present collide when a young woman turns up dead and one of Maya’s friends is gravely wounded at the hands of a monster known as The Fiend. Research turns up a disturbing connection between The Fiend and Lucinda Glass, the blue lady of Hode’s Hill- a nineteenth century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s home.
Twists and turns abound in this story. The author does a masterful job weaving past and present into a tale of the lengths we can go for unrequited love.
The ending was unexpected and admittedly left me sad, but that’s the goal. Trust me, you don’t want to pass this one up!
Favorite line:
“It’s time to get your ghost on.”
Clair, Mae. Cusp of Night (A Hode’s Hill Novel) (Kindle Locations 3538-3539). Kensington. Kindle Edition.
I give Cusp of Night 5 well-deserved lovely kisses- A Thrilling tale!
This is a riveting mystery/thriller with strong paranormal overtones. Maya Sinclair is a young woman recovering from a horrific auto accident and a near-death experience. She was clinically dead and has disturbing memories of visiting the Aether, where souls wander between life and death. Wanting to start a new life, she moves to a charming small town called Hode’s Hill, where her good friend lives, and starts a job in the local library. She rents a lovely older home and soon begins receiving messages from a long-dead occupant, one who happened to be a celebrated spiritualist known as the Blue Lady due to a genetic condition of the skin. The Blue Lady held seances in one of the rooms of the house Maya now inhabits. Added to that distraction, Maya learns firsthand the local myth of The Fiend, a horrific monster said to roam the town and murder its inhabitants. One night she witnesses an attack by a huge entity on the town’s most illustrious citizen, the patriarch of the Hode family. The story pivots seamlessly between Maya’s new life and the past life of the Blue Lady, Lucinda Glass. Lucinda has some unfinished business with the town of Hode’s Hill, and Maya, along with Colin Hode, the heir of the Hode fortune, set out to determine just what that might be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really was invested in the lives of both Maya and Lucinda. I intend to read the next two books of the trilogy. An enthusiastic five stars for this one!
Everything I have read written by Mae Clair is always entertaining. She has a way of weaving a story from several different pieces and then bringing them all together at the end. Cusp of Night is the first of the Hode’s Hill series. I read the third in the series before this one. The best part of my mistake was reading the third in no way gave away plot points or detracted from my enjoyment of the first. Being able to pull off a series that allows readers to read the books out of order is the mark of a real craftsperson. Each book has some common elements but with a construct as if it is a stand-alone story.
The Cusp of night story centers on the folklore present in Hode’s Hill regarding a fiend that terrorized the community back in the late 1800s. Hode’s Hill is also experiencing a resurgence of fiend-like actions in the modern-day. The intriguing part is how the author tells the story by moving between each time frame without losing the reader or story continuity. Unlike a few mystery/monster/folklore books that I have read, there is a totally well-conceived and very plausible explanation for a fiend’s ancient and modern presence in Hode’s Hill. The ending is very satisfying and, like a series, a hint as to the next thrill.
I thoroughly enjoyed Cusp of Night and can recommend it to anyone who wants an entertaining read that keeps you engaged to the very end.
This is the first book I have read by Mae Clair and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maya Sinclair has recently moved to Hode’s Hill to restart her life following a terrible car accident. Maya was clinically dead for 2 minutes and 22 seconds and found this time when her soul resided in the Aether, Heaven’s waiting room, very traumatic. She has obtained a great job at the local library and found the perfect place to live for an affordable price. She also has a close friend who lives in the town and life is looking good.
Life has a tendency to go haywire and Maya has not been in town long when she attends a local festival celebrating an interesting and horrific creature from the town’s past called the fiend. While at the festival, Maya gets an introduction to some of the tensions and problems between different personalities in the town. During her walk home after the festival, she comes across the wealthiest man in town being attacked in an alleyway but a huge, monster-like creature. These two events set Maya off on a strange journey to discover exactly what is going on in the town. In order to answer some of her questions, she is forced to research the town’s frightening history and also face the reality of her time in the Aether and what happened there.
I enjoyed Maya’s character and how she evolved and matured over the course of the book. The hint of romance between Maya and Colin Hode was also a pleasant distraction. The author clearly did thorough research on seances and mediums during the 19th century and I found the information on this topic to be very interesting. Lady Glass was a fascinating and troubled personality who enabled the author to introduce some clever twists and turns to the plot.
“Cusp of Night” is a suspenseful story that has two timelines blending together beautifully. Maya moves to Hode Hill and sees a man attacked by what she believes is a monster, and at home she experiences strange events at 2:22 am. While all of this is taking place in modern times, the other timeline, set in the late 1800’s, explains the life of Lucinda who was born with blue skin. I love all the details Ms. Clair adds that enhance the story-line and characters including: the history of mediums and people with blue skin–which I’ve never heard of before. I’m already a fan of Ms. Clair and expected a lot from this book…I wasn’t disappointed. This is a stand-alone read, but I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. A must-read for paranormal/thriller fans.
This story has everything that intrigues me – ghosts, mediums, seances, buried secrets. And that cover! I’ve read several other books by this author, and couldn’t wait to dive into this new series.
The timelines blend seamlessly in this intricately plotted supernatural mystery, and the gradual reveal of Lucinda’s life is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Maya is also a compelling protagonist, and I enjoyed her reaction upon realizing she wasn’t the only resident in her house – entirely believable. A well-drawn supporting cast rounds out the character list, but don’t go making assumptions while reading – not everything is what it appears on the surface, and characters may surprise you.
There are a few chilling moments in the novel that gave this horror lover warm fuzzies. I also loved that one of the characters was reading Salem’s Lot (one of my fav King books) at 2 am in the morning while waiting for a supernatural event to occur or not occur. I could totally be friends with this person.
If you’re a fan of supernatural mystery/suspense, you can’t go wrong with this series, and I’m excited to see what the next book brings.
I walked into this one with some expectations about the genre. I’m a fan of Mae Clair’s and was excited to read this, because of the familiarity. That familiarity wasn’t there. What Clair delivered was so much better. I love it when someone can find a fresh approach to storytelling, and this might be the best book I’ve read in years. Other reviewers delved into the plot and characters, so I’ll avoid repeating that. I loved the way two different stories, one hundred years apart, wove together to tell this outstanding tale. Clair didn’t waste much time bleeding bits of creepiness into the story either. When things happen, they happen fast and the story is better for it. Take a chance, read this book. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
It’s not often that I find an author whose work I enjoy so much that I will automatically buy each new release. Such is the case with Mae Clair. When I learned she was starting the Hode’s Hill Series, I eagerly looked forward to reading the first book. Cusp of Night did not disappoint.
Clair weaves two parallel storylines—one from the past, another from the present—into one compelling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. She blends mystery and suspense with history and the paranormal with a little romance thrown in.
I highly recommend Cusp of Night. As you might have guessed, I’ve already preordered the second book of the series.
I loved how the story’s two time threads wove together. The story grew eerier and more intense the longer it went. And I found the research on spiritualism and how people faked it fascinating. A great paranormal mystery.
The truth may hide in dark places, but Maya WILL go there!
Mae Clair is one of my go to authors and she did not disappoint in this riveting supernatural thriller that takes us from the present to the past and back again.
More missing people and more monster sightings has Maya Sinclair determined to find answers to the mystery. She teams up with Collin Leland and he takes her places she never would have went on her own.
The danger is very real, but that will never stop Maya from seeking the answers and doing what is necessary to stop the monster.
I love when urban legends come to life on the pages and the mystery keeps me guessing. Where the dark and unknown keep me on the edge of my seat, wondering…WHY? WHO? It is not always apparent in Mae Clair’s novels who is the bad ‘guy’ and who is the good ‘guy’. In Cusp of Night, there is plenty of blame to go around and plenty of emotion wrung from me as I read along, sometimes shocked, sometimes disgusted, and sometimes down right pissed off.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cusp of Night by Mae Clair.
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An old traffic accident left Maya Sinclair briefly dead and wandering in the Aether. Now, fully recovered and newly settled in the town of Hode’s Hill, that experience makes her the perfect person to solve some centuries-old mysteries that are entwined with a present-day haunting, murder, and manhunt.
Hode’s Hill is a place where the spiritualist movement of the 19th century was present in the form of the Blue Lady, a blue-skinned spiritualist who, for the most part, ran a sophisticated scam. Though long dead, the Blue Lady, Lucinda Glass, has some things to set right, and she will use Maya’s sensitivity to the Aether to accomplish her task.
The plot is complex and jam-packed with a lot of different things going on, including some red herrings and twists. Clair does a marvelous job of laying out clues and keeping all the elements progressing until they come together at the end. The multiple threads held my interest and kept the book’s pace chugging along.
One aspect of the story-construction that I thoroughly enjoyed was the time jumps. The narrative alternated between present day events and Lucinda’s accounts of her life. Lucinda’s story was “experienced” by Maya when she entered trancelike states. The characters are well-developed, varied, and realistic. Maya, Lucinda, and Collin Hode are the stars, and Clair took great care to make them real people with full personalities and inner emotional worlds.
Descriptions were meticulous and painted vivid pictures. It’s clear that Clair did her homework on the spiritualist movement and her knowledge shines through in the details. Cusp of Night struck me as part cozy mystery and part occult-thriller. Yes, there is a monster and an evil entity! Highly entertaining!
This was a very good read! I liked the characters and the supernatural aspect of this. I will likely be getting other books in the Hode’s Hill series.
Dual storylines that eventually converge. Maya moves to Hodes Hill to discover her brownstone is haunted. During the fiend festival it seems the fiend has returned with some differences. I liked the air of suspense, diverse characters, a strange compassion for a monster. I would love to read the next book in the series.
I received this book as a free one from BookBub. It was really good! I loved it and bought the next 2 in series by this author. One thing I liked was that it would go from what was happening in present time the go back in time and explain what & why the present was as it was. I don’t generally like that but this author did it and it was easy for me to follow. I’m already reading book #2 “End of Day” and it is as good as the first. Great series, Great author.
Cusp of Night is a mystery story with a touch of the paranormal. The parallel storylines are good but predictable. I really liked the weaving of the past with the present and each character’s story.
While I was a little unsure when I started reading, I was drawn into the story and literally gasped out loud a few times thanks to wonderful writing and story development! The characters were interesting and believable. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!