The darkness is coming . . . The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of … fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…
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I’ve always had faith in this author, but this time she exceeded any expectations I might have had. Read this one for the wonderful character growth and compelling mystery. Take some time to appreciate the art form of weaving two different stories, one from the 1800s the other from modern times, into one amazing conclusion. They’re quite different stories and they way they came together in a frenzied climax is worthy of appreciation. Five big stars from me.
Eventide is the 3rd book in the Hode’s Hill series written by Mae Clair. It was published in December 2019, and since I previously read the first two last year, I had to jump on this one. When a friend mentioned she would be reading it too, we decided to buddy read the book this month. Robbie and I are chatting about our thoughts now, so I’m writing the review at the same time. I enjoyed reading this one, and it’s always great to have a friend to discuss it with, especially as you are reading and thinking about it.
In this tale, several characters from the previous book become the central focus. Madison has had a rough past, and now that she’s starting over, she decided to buy a house to build a future. Only it’s haunted. When her sorta boyfriend (Roth, a jerk who has anger and control issues) tries to stop her, it only make the situation worse. He agrees to help her get settled, and somehow, they stumble upon a cistern in the basement. When they open it to see what’s inside, evil is released… we just don’t know what it’s all about. In the past, we meet a different set of characters, potentially the original owners of the house, and learn how they died. Darrin and Sylvia had a rocky marriage with two sons. They hired live-in help when Sylvia began having psychotic episodes. Whatever became of them? There are only 3 graves in the backyard, so that means someone’s is missing!
First of all, the book takes place in Pennsylvania and has alternating time lines. These are two of my favorite things. Throw in a supernatural town (just enough to be creepy, not enough to push this too far in a genre I don’t know a whole lot about), and you’ve got a winner. This third book feels a bit like a combination of the first two, as we have similar threads and connections happening. As the plot unfolds, we see where things went awry, and we find out just how much someone has been keeping secrets. Of course, this is where Dante, our resident supernatural expert, returns… and things have changed since the previous book, especially given his relationship with another character. No spoilers here… you’ll have to check that part out for yourself.
One area that really appealed to me in this book was the detailed descriptions of the evil and the ghoul lurking around town. Several murders occur, all seemingly unrelated to the core characters, but then it comes together in a shocker. I liked the various threads, and sometimes they seemed a little too reminiscent of the previous books, but when we begin to see how it all connects together, I found myself quickly embroiled in the clever drama. It gets quite spooky when invisible forces start physically interacting with a couple of characters. I don’t know about you, but if something invisible starting poking at me, I’d be out of there. Madison is a brave woman!
If you like a little paranormal uncertainty and a town tainted by evil, you’ll love these books. Definitely read them in order, and of the three, I think the first book is my favorite… but I did like how a few things come full circle in this one, which I wasn’t expecting. Now I’m left wondering… will there be a fourth one?
Now that’s the way to end a series.
Wow. Just… wow. She’s done it, again. Mae Clair wraps up her Hode’s Hill series with another dual-timeline masterpiece. My only complaint is that the saga is over.
Because this is the third book in the series, we’re treated to cameo appearances by former favorite characters. And the new protagonists are friends who were waiting in the wings. The one thing that’s constant? The character development. As I’ve come to expect from this author, I’ve found she’s written three-dimensional, well-developed people. That’s right; people. This cast transcends the bounds of fiction. They’re more like people in your real life you know and love. Well, the protagonists are. The antagonists are as vile and frightening as they come.
The plot—no, plots, as this is a dual timeline—are cleverly crafted, perfectly paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly swiping toward the climax. The setting, as expected, is both intimately familiar and freshly described.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the art of the writing itself. Mae Clair has an unparalleled voice. Her writing is lyrically beautiful and powerfully evocative. She sets a sinister mood like no other author on the market. She’s on my auto-buy list, and with good reason. (I pre-ordered my copy the day I saw it listed.)
Just when I think she can’t possibly top her last work, she does. I’m eagerly awaiting her next title, and it is without reservation I give this novel five well-deserved stars. Saying I “heartily recommend” Eventide is not nearly high enough praise.
Eventide is author Mae Clair’s third in the Hode’s Hill trilogy, and it is masterful. Well written, both in terms of plot development and the prose, this is a book to read. If you like mysteries and the paranormal, you’ll feel right at home. After reading just a few pages, I found it difficult to set the book down. A few of the scenes still haunt me.
Having experienced the ghostly realm, I can’t brush it off as just “fiction.” Clair’s descriptions of these intruders brought me back to times I’d like to forget. Suspenseful, at times terrifying, Eventide will make you rethink your suppositions and wonder – what if.
I’ve been riveted by every book in this series, but this one is probably my favorite. Probably my favorite cover, too.
Mention a book featuring a haunted house, and I’ll snatch it up every time. Madison’s house is most definitely haunted, and it’s pretty clear she’s not welcome. Most people would tell her to leave, but after using nearly all her resources purchasing the new home, her options are limited and she chooses to find a way to exorcise the ghosts. I was thrilled to see my favorite character from book two make another appearance. With his extensive experience in dealing with spirits as a medium, Dante is brought into the house to determine exactly what Madison is dealing with and learns some frightening things.
As with the other books in this series, Eventide alternates between past and present, allowing the reader to learn the history of the house and the heartbreaking reason it’s haunted. The jumps between timelines are seamless, and that story is just as compelling as Madison’s. Be prepared for some spine-tingling, chill-your-bones scenes – this author is an expert at making you feel unnerved.
I’m sad to see this series end, and I’ll miss these characters who feel like friends. Each of these books can be read as a standalone, so starting at the beginning isn’t required. If you’re a fan of small town suspense with a supernatural twist, Hode’s Hill certainly delivers. Highly recommended!
The third book in Mae Claire’s Hode’s Hill dual timeline Series is called “Eventide.” Wowser! Like the two previous books, this third novel delivers a wallop of a suspenseful tale which wraps up the series in ways I never expected! I’m blown away by the writing, the plot, and the ending!
Madison (Maddy) from the second book, has now fully recovered from her ordeal following the violent murder of her husband. She’s ready to get out on her own, and she purchases a house on the outskirts of town. Meanwhile, Jillian, Maddy’s sister, doesn’t think this is the right move for her, causing friction between them.
Once Maddy moves in, she quickly realizes that the Stewart house is haunted. She discovers three gravestones in the family burial plot behind the house. From the dates on the stones, Maddie realizes Sylvia Steward and her son, Nathaniel, both died on the same day. The third grave contain’s Sylvia’s husband, Darrin, who died years before them. What kind of tragedy could have caused a mother and her son to perish on the same day? Just wait… it gets creepier!
Not long after moving in, Maddy encounters a paranormal entity (or two) lurking inside the house who helps her learn about a second Steward son, named Tristan. Whatever caused his death remains a secret waiting to unravel.
Adding to her problems, Maddy realizes her boyfriend, Roth, is not what she expected. His anger issues and possessiveness are only part of the issue.
One day, Maddy finds her tires slashed. Her dead husband hung around with some unsavory characters. Could someone from her past be trying to scare her?
The future meets the past in the second timeline, which puts the reader in the year, 1878. We’re introduced to Hollande Moore, an unmarried woman past her prime, who is obliged to take a live-in position as a companion to Sylvia Steward by order of her brother.
Living in the Steward Mansion becomes unbearable when Hollande discovers Sylvia enjoys inflicting misery upon everyone. Nathaniel, Sylvia’s son, runs the family business. He is a disagreeable man with the same negative attitude as his mother.
Hollande doesn’t know how she will cope with the family until she meets Tristan, the second son who is the exact opposite of his brother. He runs the family business from another location and only comes home in the evening, regaling his mother and Hollande with tales of his adventures. Hollande notices how Sylvia adores Tristan, unlike her other son, Nathaniel.
Eventually, Hollande discovers Nathaniel to be a pleasant man away from the company of his mother. Before she knows it, Hollande and Nathaniel have fallen in love. Suddenly jealous with rage, Sylvia’s madness promises to upend the family.
When the past and the present collide in a trifecta of paranormal occurrences, Maddy stumbles upon an unfathomable evil in the house’s basement. Terrified, she calls in her sister’s boyfriend, Dante, to help her rid the house of the evil within. Together, Dante and the two sisters battle the unknown for the soul of Hode’s Hill. Who will survive?
This is one of the most outstanding paranormal series I’ve read. Mae Clair is a master at writing suspense, on a par with Dean Koontz and even Stephen King. In true nail-biter fashion, I couldn’t tear myself away from several of the action scenes, reading late into the night.
Clair doesn’t describe much gore in her novels, which I found appealing. Instead, she strings you along, building the tension until you think you’ll explode from your own impatience to find out what happens next! If you enjoy reading “paranormal-weird” this is the author for you.
I also enjoyed how the character’s personalities flowed throughout the three novels, lending a continuity to the tale of this strange place called Hode’s Hill. I thought I would have a favorite book, but I can honestly say, I loved all three. I’m sad the series is complete.
If you love paranormal fiction filled with a touch of history, romance, and the right amount of things that go bump in the night, you will love the Hode’s Hill series! Just make sure to only read with the light on!
Read with the lights on good!
When Madison Hewitt buys an old house on the banks of the Yarrow River, she’s looking for a fresh start. Instead, she inherits a century-old murder-mystery and a malevolent spirit who is determined to stop Madison and her friends from finding out the truth.
Meanwhile, a vicious killer is on a murdering rampage in Hode’s Hill and leave the police baffled. Witnesses swear the ‘thing’ isn’t human and the victims’ wounds support their theory, but what else could it be?
This story had me glued to my Kindle!
Mae Clair seamlessly blends past and present timelines, gothic creatures, ghosts and complex characters to create an unforgettable story.
There were a few edge-of-my-seat moments that left me looking for the nearest flashlight, lol (You’ll have to read the story to see why), and the twist at the end… wow! I didn’t see that one coming!
I give Eventide 5+ lovely kisses- This is going on my re-read shelf!
A Wonderfully Shivery Way to Wrap Up the Trilogy!
Hode’s Hill! What can you say about this spooky little town? Well, how about saying it’s a place filled with interesting characters who manage to get themselves involved in all sorts of weird situations and totally creepy mayhem. I’ve read all three books and loved each one, but hands down, Eventide wins first place for me. I haven’t had chills like this since I lived in Alaska, and that was a very long time ago! It was a tale perfectly told and populated with exactly the right characters, new and returning, to move the story along in a way that kept me turning pages well into the night.
I thought nothing could beat learning about the blue people in Cusp of Night, Book 1 of the series, but I was wrong. Book 2, End of Day, was even better. And Eventide is the crowning glory of the entire trilogy!
If you enjoy spooky tales with plenty of thrills and chills, do yourself a favor and grab Eventide right now while it’s still on sale. Better yet, grab all three Hode’s Hill books and read them back to back. You’ll love the ride!
This is the third book in the Hode’s Hill series, and what an ending! It can be read as a standalone without a problem, but if you’ve read the first two books, you’re even more invested in the characters. Madison’s been through so much, she was lucky she hung in there in this book. She bought an old house she loved. Unfortunately, it came with not one, but three ghosts. The ghost, Sylvia, was evil and belligerent. And that’s not the worst of her problems. A dark presence attached itself to the evil of the house. The author seamlessly jumps back and forth between the past happenings of the house and the present day with Madison and her friends. And both parts of the story are creepy, the sort of tale that makes you want to keep the room lit while you read. On top of everything else, the man Madison is getting serious about turns more and more controlling the longer the book goes. There are some outright scary scenes, but everything comes to a satisfying ending. I love Mae Clair’s use of language, her descriptions and scene setting. It only added to the atmosphere of this dark novel. A great final book in the series.
I have loved this series and was looking forward to the final book. I have to say this was the best of all the stories, and that’s saying a lot. “Eventide” has everything I enjoy in a story, including a haunted house, graveyard, relationships, mystery, and great characters all offered in a dual timeline. I was rooting for not only Madison as she started over in a haunted house after a breakdown, but some ghosts, too. It was great to have past characters and their stories cross over into the current tale. There was plenty of mystery. Some of it I figured out, but there were a few surprises, too. I was happy to see how past romances were doing, but it was Madison’s determination that resonated deeply with me. The settings were poetically presented, which I appreciated, the characters were real with their flaws, and the paranormal believably frightening—what a great way to end a series. I highly recommend this book, but I suggest you go back and read all three so you don’t miss out on anything!
Amazing! Just when I think I have a favorite Mae Clair book, she ups the stakes.
I have read all of the Hode’s Hill series, and this was by far my favorite. As with the other books of the series, there is a dual timeline with interwoven twists between past and present.
Madison Hewitt is ready to move on with her life. She purchases an old home Hode’s Hill but soon discovers someone doesn’t want her there. Is it someone from the present or the past?
There is plenty of mystery, intrigue, and of course, the supernatural. The action is paced just right and will keep you turning the pages. Although Eventide is the third in a series, the book could easily stand-alone.
Clair’s writing style is unparalleled. She is on my must-read list of authors. I highly recommend End of Day and give it a solid five stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book.
Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a great read. Eventide was my favorite of the Hode’s Hill trilogy and polishes off the series with a lot of scary, spooky shine. The suspense in this paranormal thriller starts on page one and zooms right to the last.
The main storyline is basically about Madison Hewitt, her purchase of a haunted house, and how the mystery of the haunting is revealed. Madison and the cast of characters were all present in the first two novels, but in this one, Madison takes center stage. I found the characters well-rounded and believable, free of most of the nonsensical decisions and lack of insight that tend to escalate tension in many thriller novels.
Each chapter starts back in 1878 with the story of Hollande, a young woman employed as a companion for a mentally unstable and bitter woman (in the same house that Madison just purchased). This is a strong subplot, and I found Hollande’s story mesmerizing as little by little the secrets of the house and what happened there are revealed.
And while that’s all going on, there’s a third plotline – a monster is tearing people apart in town. AND there’s a fourth plotline – Madison is being harassed by someone trying to scare her or worse, possibly a murderous thug from her past. Is there too much going on in this book? Nope. The author drip-feeds the reader tidbits of information, plus some red herrings, and the tension builds and builds and builds until all four plotlines come together in a great conclusion. So well done!
I believe Eventide can be read as a stand-alone without much confusion, though I recommend the whole series to readers who love paranormal thrillers and great writing.
I’ve read all three books in the Hode’s Hill paranormal-suspense series concluding with Eventide, and each book was even better than the last. I loved Eventide!
Clair writes with such visual acuteness that each chapter’s setting unfolds with color and detail and texture. And yet the action scenes are efficient and precise (due to verb choices, I believe) and never feel purple-prosed or weighty. I slowed down to read certain passages just because I liked to “hear” Clair’s writing in my head.
The characters are fabulous. We’ve met Madison, the protagonist, from a previous book, and this time she’s the star, and she’s likable and makes mistakes, and gets back up and presses on. It’s easy to cheer for her. The supporting characters are fun, too. (Even the bad guys . . . or bad THINGS.) My favorite supporting character is Sherre. She’s a level-headed cop, persistent and professional.
The dark scenes are eerie. The scary scenes are gory without being gratuitously gross.
This rating is easy: five big stars!
4 stars
This book is an excellent addition to the series.
Madison Hewitt witnessed the stabbing death of her husband some time ago. She has now declared herself recovered and a bought an old house in an isolated spot in Pennsylvania.
But all is not well in her new house. There are noises – and that cistern in the basement!!
This story move back and forth between the present and the 1890’s. Something very bad happened back then and the old house has held on to it.
Tension ratchets up as the story goes along. Ms. Clair is a fantastic writer. Her stories are filled with reality. That is to say, the reader could almost believe that the events are really happening. The book is remarkably well written and plotted. One event follows another in a logical progression. The characters are colorful and likable – for the most part. I liked Madison, her slightly psychic sister and her new beau. Well done, Ms. Clair! More please.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
A new house. A new start. A backyard cemetery.
Madison knew about tending graves and was not bothered by the three in her backyard. She would tend them as if they were her ancestors.
Her welcome was creepy and I’m not sure it’s a good thing.
We flip from past to present, learning the history of the house.
Uh oh, me thinks they better not touch that stone lid.
Madison has a gift…empathy. But, since the death of her husband, where she felt his death as if it was her own, her gift had left her. She wanted her independence after the time it took to recover from her husband’s death, and now she has it. Knowing Madsion, if anyone can uncover the mystery of the house, it’s her.
Dante…OMG…I’m freaking out for him, yet he’s as cool as a cucumber.
Mae Clair writes a wonderful gothic novel filled with creepiness, eeriness, and subtle menace. I have my thoughts on where the story will go and I am eager to see how close I come. We have danger, ghosts, friendship, love, rage…We have plenty of supernatural goodness, creatures from the beyond and things that go bump in the night. BEWARE:
“Dusk is the perfect time.”
“Or in the old vernacular – EVENTIDE.”
“At EVENTIDE, the veil between worlds grows thin.”
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Eventide by Mae Clair.
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