In the Midnight Museum

by Gary A. Braunbeck

Genres: Horror

123 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Gary A. Braunbeck is a prolific author who writes mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mainstream literature. He is the author of 19 books; his fiction has been translated into Japanese, French, Italian, Russian and German. Nearly 200 of his short stories have appeared in various publications.

His fiction has received several awards, including the Bram Stoker Award in 2003 for "Duty" and in 2005 for "We Now Pause for Station Identification"; his book Destinations Unknown won a Stoker in 2006. His novella "Kiss of the Mudman" received the International Horror Guild Award in 2005."

Reviews

[Richard Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

My edition is a beautiful signed and numbered hardback published in 2005, and long sold out. However, a limited run of the same book has now (at the time of writing) been published in paperback by Australia's Tasmaniac Publications, and I urge you to hop over there today and grab a copy. Braunbeck is one of those writers who finds the best in my genre, the humanity and struggle that should underline all good horror but too often does not, and makes it sing. In The Midnight Museum is a melancholy, haunting work which has much to say on aging, and self-worth, and how we each see our place in the world. That it manages all of this one a short novella that races through a surreal, disturbing tale with a vast, satisfying climax, demonstrates how good this writer really is.

[Angie Lisle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a version of this story in the anthology, "Cages and Those Who Hold the Keys," which had a couple editorial mishaps but none that distracted from the reading.

This isn't my favorite Braunbeck story but it reads like literary nonsense and I'm not a fan of Lewis Carroll so no surprise that this novella didn't hook me. The story utilizes the juxtaposition of vivid imagery to mirror emotions. How this story was put together was more interesting to me than the actual story (much like Carroll's work).

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braunbeck takes the reader on a wonderful, poetic journey in a chilling exploration of the connection between art and life. Filled with strange characters and gut-churning creatures, "In the Midnight Museum" is a surreal tale of one man's struggle with suicidal tendencies and his search for meaning. It is both touching and terrifying, and definitely worth the time.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Midnight Museum is a pretty original story by Braunbeck. It starts off with a man who is trying to commit suicide. But, he survives, and is then administered into the mental health ward of the local hospital. While there, he gets caught up in a little struggle between good and evil. The original parts comes from the fact that the evil is a disease, and the good is artistic people who help shape the world; like painters and writers. Braunbeck creates a good mythological backdrop for this story, and it was very well done. Of note, this book takes place in his Cedar Hill setting.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Braunbeck is an excellent writer when it comes to writing characters that I feel for. This novel is no exception. About 3/4 through, however, the story lost its way. I thought it could have been a lot more interesting and tied up in a way that was both positive and emotional. Braunbeck doesn't let down, for sure, but this is not one of his best.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Braunbeck book I've read, and it was delightful! I'm certainly going to read more.