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Tap tap tap went the zombie on the bridge.

Things are getting stranger and stranger for Adrian Ring, and far more dangerous. It wasn't enough for the people of Westfield to follow Abby and her family home on Christmas Eve and try to kill them. Now they're back for more.

In the third installment in the smash hit Adrian's Undead Diary series, the threats to Adrian and his new friends are greater than ever before. Local survivors holed up in an empty factory led by the chief of police are now crossing paths with Adrian and the Williams clan. Meanwhile Sean, the bloodthirsty tyrant from Westfield, seethes for vengeance after Adrian fends off attack after attack to take ALPA and everything he's worked so hard for. If they can't get at Adrian, how long will it be before they go after the ones near him? Who can Adrian trust when everyone is out for themselves?

Now, in Midnight the darkest revelation of all comes: why.

Why have the dead returned? Why are they killing the living? Why do the living only dream of the dead? What has humanity done to deserve such a fate, and what role does Adrian play in this great game?

460 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2013

58 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Chris Philbrook

80 books443 followers
About Chris Philbrook

I am the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us as well as Elmoryn's The Kinless Trilogy, Colony Lost, Adrian's Undead Diary and the Darkness of Diggory Finch.

I've gone to a LOT of college. I've got a Business degree as well as a Psychology degree, and I've done the full program at the school of hard knocks. I've been a printing press operator, bouncer, purchasing agent, bodyguard, customer service representative, mental health counselor, and more. I can write about weird shit because I've done weird shit. Trust me.

I call the wonderful state of New Hampshire my home, but I love to travel. I love to read, write, play role playing games, miniatures games, video games, and Magic: The Gathering. When I find the time to be active, I like to hike, play basketball, and play football. I am married to a wonderful woman, and together we have two wonderful daughters.

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5 stars
646 (57%)
4 stars
353 (31%)
3 stars
111 (9%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for MagretFume.
283 reviews343 followers
October 9, 2025
I was still interested by the story but I got really annoyed by the whole "Team Vagina" discourse. I'm not sure I'll keep going.
Profile Image for AudioBookReviewer.
949 reviews167 followers
February 27, 2015
ABR's full Midnight (Adrian’s Undead Diary Book 3) audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is a review of the third book in the series, please do yourself a favor and listen to the first two books: Book 2 and Book 1.

I was difficult for me to think of anything other that listening to this audiobook after finishing book 2. Philbrook has created a magic of sorts that resonated deep within me. I do have to say that it is starting to bug the crap out of me how dreadfully unprepared, not only with skill but the mental fortitude, I would be if I were in Adrian’s position.

Tipping the scales at almost twice as long as the first two books in the series and by far the longest in the series. I thought to myself that Philbrook must have a lot of ground to cover, boy was I right. There is a ton of stuff happening all around Adrian and his crew. Punctuated with side stories and point of view changes that added so much to the dramatic happenings. This also added a whole new dimension to the story as it would take you back through events where you think you know what has happened. You had no idea what the other side was thinking and doing and planning until now.

Adrian is quite the dynamic character, ex-military, college janitor or something (sorry I don’t remember), now leader of the healthiest encampment of survivors he can find. Who happens to have a heart of gold and is extremely emotionally charged in most of his actions and decisions. All of the characters are interesting, well evolved and not one dimensional. We get to know what is in that head of Adrian’s perhaps more than we wanted, but it adds so much intensity.

The train wreck that we saw start in book 2 has exploded. Lots and I mean lots of death and destruction, but there is also some growth and rebuilding. Here is the long and short of it all: enemies are made, defense is justified, traitors are among us, friends are made, friends are lost, more friends are made, revenge is sweet and dreams of the dead. Don’t worry if this doesn’t make any sense, it will once you listen.

It is all the little nuances that James Foster adds to what isn’t written that makes him so successful as Adrian. Whether it be the sighs of exasperation while listing of the ammo count, or the subtle and not so subtle humorous remarks, that could be taken differently, in the journal entries. He is also one of a few narrators that is able to deliver the story at a solid speed that is neither too fast or too slow. With his familiar and soothing voice he will keep you on the edge of your seat while bringing Philbrook’s vision to life.

James Foster is Adrian Ring just as much as Ray Porter is Joe Ledger. I cannot get enough of either of these guys.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
Profile Image for Pamellia.
235 reviews
May 14, 2014
Philbrook's survivors continue their bonding with each other and their brutal killing of the undead.

This fourth book introduces several new characters. Most are likeable and new friendships blossom.

Adrian seems to be more of a loving, caring person than what we have seen in the other books.

I like the journal writing style. It is different and it does take a few pages to become accustomed to this style...but before I know it I am glossing along. The journal write is very personal. We see a lot about his life and values

What's in store for the next book? Probably more grammar errors. If we're lucky Adrian will get him some more venison steaks!

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Shana Festa.
Author 8 books147 followers
January 7, 2014
This latest installment is action packed, demented at times, and once again hilarious. A man after my own heart, Chris Philbrook brings back the funny in the form of poop and boners. I've said it before and I'll say it again...poop makes me laugh. Even just the word poop written into a story can evoke a giggle. So when you're reading this one and get to the toe pusher part, just imagine me sitting outside reading and laughing alongside with you!

Now, you may notice that unlike it's brethren, Midnight earned 4.5 stars instead of 5. Fear not, readers, this has nothing to do with plot, concept or character development. Personally, there were a few times I felt it may have been too much to list out the weapon cache in such great detail. Also unlike the previous books, this level of detail found my attention waning (just a little). I have no knowledge of weapons (short of the M4), so the list became a little like Charlie Brown's teacher talking to her class.

You'll find some minor typos and misspellings through the series. I actually spoke with the author about this. They're intentional. Being in journal format, at times, the typos add a sense of authenticity to the work. It reminds readers that you are indeed reading the ramblings of a man as he navigates through a new world born of destruction.

Midnight is filled to the brim with bloody death, betrayal, humor, and of course, poop. Chris had me questioning his own mental stability and wondering if he was a hidden sociopath with what I am penning the most awesome revenge kill ever to grace my long reading career.

My only gripe, and it's a big one, is that the remaining books are not yet available for me to sink my teeth into. So, Chris, get your ass in gear and get them pumped out! I must read more. And readers, if you look to my reviews for ideas on your next purchase, make damn sure you take my next sentence to heart. BUY THESE BOOKS!

Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read my entire review and enter to win a free copy of Book 1.
Profile Image for Danette.
4 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2013
Chris Philbrook has written a literary masterpiece. Some may think they would not be interested in a zombie/apocalypse story. This review is for you. I was shocked how much I fell In love with the main character of this story, Adrian Ring. He made me laugh, cry and care deeply for him and the survivors around him. The strength of the supporting characters and their voice and stories add depth to an already outstanding story. I have read the complete AUD story 4 times. Most fiction you read once and years later read again. Anytime I need a laugh, I pick up AUD. Anytime I need a mental break, I pick up AUD. Sick in bed, AUD keeps the boredom away. I have had more enjoyment from this story than any other form of entertainment, ever. Movie, TV, Books...AUD is the best.
Profile Image for Mandiann.
423 reviews139 followers
October 3, 2015
3.5 stars

With many small errors and pages out of order in the edition I read, it is easy to tell that this book was self published. Even with all the errors, it is hard to put down AUD. I think Philbrooks work is a prime example of an author not needing a publisher to have an amazing story to tell. (But having a publisher to edit makes the story a little bit less annoying to read).

I will be picking up book four soon.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
March 24, 2014
To say that I am totally blown away by this series almost seems like an under statement. But that is a true statement. The writing is amazingly real. You totally feel as if the diary happened. I find myself highlighting stuff thinking, if something weird happens I will need to remember this. The books are a font of knowledge as well as entertaining reading. I love how the author puts just a few months into each book. You start out thinking this is going to be easy breezy because it covers so little time. The reality is it feels a lot longer because even when nothing is going down, something is. When you finish each book you are drained. You have been dragged through the undead. Even then, though, you are all about the next book. I am so happy I came across this series after the first 5 books are done. Waiting for the next book is not an option. I have no idea how early readers made the wait.
I love Zbooks but the reality of it is there are a plethora of them. Not all are well written either and some just too absurd for my taste. It seems as though it is getting harder to find ones I would truly recommend, especially to hardcore Zreaders. This series is one I have been calling up people to tell them to get. I borrowed the first one through Amazon Prime. I just wasn't certain I wanted to invest. I was a fourth of the way in and I knew I would buy them all.
There is violence, (think about it - a good zbook cannot avoid it), and sexual references, (the further in we go, the longer Adrian goes without, the more that comes. Entirely true human response I felt.), though minimal sexual action, (it is there and while realistic, not easy and not gratuitous). So if you are against reading those things, why are looking at Zbooks? Seriously, if you have issues with bad language, sex and violence zombie books are probably not going to be your thing. If you haven't read anything in the genre, are curious about zombie books and can cope with it, this series is worth reading. It is realistic but nothing is gratuitous, in my opinion.
You definitely do need to read this series in the order it was written/released. If you just jump in somewhere you really will not have the complete background. You will wind up feeling cheated and angry with yourself. So start with Book 1, this is book 3. Do not start here but go ahead and buy it. I say buy the set at once because you will go back to back.
Profile Image for Rosann.
302 reviews
May 8, 2014
Despite my not really like 2 parts of this book .. ok well maybe maybe 1 other small thing.

3rd book in the series was really good and I think its really nice how the author is able to keep the wow factor going for this story of Adrian, ( cant remember last name but,) Charles, Patty, Abby and Randy, and Gilbert............ Otis didnt really get much storyline in this book, lol.

Ok, 2 or 3 parts of book that I didnt like;

1) still the journal name... or lack of a more interesting name other than Mr. Journal

2) section of the book I believe the chapter was called Tyrant.
It was where Abby and Adrian met with Ollie, and Tera ( think her name was) and of course the
unfortunate incident where Tera was shot and killed ( though I do understand why) <-- that is not
what I did not like about this chapter.
WHAT I didnt like and found TOTALLY BORING was when Adrian went home and repeated verbatim all
that happened at the chicken farm.
Really what was the use and reason to do that.....I do understand and get that he's entering all
that has happened to him.
Did it really though have to be back to back chapters ... couldn't you have skipped few dates..
let things/stuff happen.. then Adrian can enter all that happened it quick short version of the
all what went on at the chicken farm....not word for word for word for word... sorry but that was
just BORING.

3) sha BOING !! LOL. Adrian and his horiness..lol omg that poor creature mentioned it every time
he could.. gotta rub one out, sha boing,


LOL ok thats it... take time to read all the books, I have book 4 waiting for me in my kindle :-)

R
73 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2014

This is the third volume of the story, so if you haven't bought the first two, get those two.
The way this writer plots out Adrian's story line and the way he ties this book in with the previous 2, DARK RECOLLECTIONS and ALONE NO MORE is awesome. The pieces fit together like a fine puzzle.
As in the previous 2 books, Chris's ability to paint that picture with his words is just unbelievable. His words come alive and you can almost see each of his characters in your mind.
In MIDNIGHT, Adrian makes and loses friends.The side stories, will answer questions that you will have (trust me), you will gasp in surprise and cry from the loss of old and new friends!
Buy this book, read it and fall deeper into Adrian Ring's world!
This book deserves 5 stars the only reason I gave it 4 is the foul language which I really do not appreciate.
Profile Image for Frances Hampton.
20 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2014
Third book in the series. I am pleasantly surprised that the author has not let up on the quality of the series. It has been difficult, not always but enough times, to find a series that is written with the same high level writing throughout all the books. This series has done that. Each book takes on a few weeks/months of diary entries. It may not sound like a lot but believe me they each pack a punch. In the end each book leaves you exhausted yet ready to tackle the next book. If you are into the zombie apocalypse genre and have not given this series a try, I invite you to. I like the way the author took us from Adrian alone in the first book, a few survivors in the second and a couple of groups in this one. Excellent!
Profile Image for Jamie Rogers.
4 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2014
When I got my copy of Midnight in the mail, I just stood there holding it and grinning like a fool. I am in LOVE with how much content Chris put into this book. I honestly think that this book has some of my very favorite journal entries out of the entire series. Chris really gets into the meat of the story here, with some wonderful characters, locations, and events that are just mind-blowing. I can't put it down!! I've read through the entire storyline multiple times and I swear each time gets better than the last. Go ahead and get your copies of Chris' books now, I guarantee you'll be the envy of your friends once he gets famous!!!
Profile Image for Joshua Christensen.
18 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2014
By now, I assume you have read the first two books in the series "Dark Recollections" and "Alone no More" so therefore picking up "Midnight" is a no brainer. If you are new to Adrian's undead diary (AUD), I recommend grabbing the first three books all at once and also get them on you Kindle as well. Even if you are not a rapid reader, you will fly through these books. I know this saying is cliche', but by Book 3 "Midnight", you will not be able to put this book down. I am on my third read through of the story (twice online, and now in paperback) and it never gets old.
Profile Image for Samira.
33 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2020
The tension. The uncertainty...Adrian has found more survivors, some good some bad...the undead horde should be all he has to worry about but human nature itself works against him now. And if that isn't bad enough, his dreams have gotten strange and he *still* hasn't gotten laid! Poor Adrian! But don't count him out yet, he still has Team Vagina...Seriously...why haven't you read these books yet??
Profile Image for Randy Harmelink.
934 reviews258 followers
November 12, 2016
Another fun ride through Adrian Ring's world of a zombie apocalypse. I've found all three books in the series so far to be very easy to read, with the book practically turning the pages by itself.

Some strange things show up in this book, so I'm definitely on board to see where the author is taking us.

And, once again, the intermixing of "short stories" between Adrian's journal entries was an effective method of giving us different perspectives on Adrian's story.
Profile Image for Bryan .
564 reviews
April 29, 2023
This entry had a really slow start, a pretty steady decline from book two. More than halfway through, that changed, and the character development and story steadied out and readied for a better book to come. I realize how little I like the same story being told through another character's eyes. It works in certain films or television series but not in books, definitely not in this book. On my way to book 4.
Profile Image for Carey.
97 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2013
Continue this addictive story, with Adrian and his struggles with the dangerous undead, and other survivors who are proving to be even more dangerous.

What role does Adrian play in all of this? Why him?

The how's and why's are becoming frightfully clear as it is revealed where it all starts.


Profile Image for Delaina.
7 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2014
this book is the one where you really find yourself committed to the book and the characters in it. this is the one that makes you Jones for more!
Profile Image for Micah Davis.
5 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2014
Fantastic as expected Chris does not disappoint! Ready for book four!
Profile Image for Chris Redd.
10 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2013
Incredible continuation of the saga of the AUD universe.
11 reviews
April 24, 2018
Not really liking the sudden religious thing going on.
Book was ok but here is where I stop reading this series of books.
Getting to metaphysical for me
Profile Image for Kevin.
Author 6 books6 followers
July 9, 2022
The story was fine, although the audio recording bit is getting a bit repetitive and the sort of omniscient view of some other POVs comes across as sloppy writing, although it could be intentional.

However, the sexism, homophobia, more sexism, and a bit of racism is tiresome. For example, when a woman is tough or brave it’s referred to as “growing a penis” or something like that instead of just saying she’s a badass. It’s like it was written in the 1950s. I bought an omnibus so I have one more book to suffer through and then I expect to be finished with this series.
Profile Image for Ian Yarington.
585 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2025
This is where the series is really taking off. The introduction of more people, the plot thickens, the action and zombies ramp up, there is even a backstory that has really drawn me in. The origin of the zombies is super fascinating and I can't wait to see where Philbrook is going with it. No spoilers but what happens with Randy was a complete shocker for me but I was overall pleased with the outcome. That was hard to speak about without spoiling anything but I promise you will be shocked. For anyone on the fence I highly suggest, especially if you enjoy zombie themed books.
Profile Image for Alesay.
278 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2025
4.35 stars. I am glad I continued with this series. While I found Book 1 unimpressive and was unsure about the diary-style format, by Book 3 I have come to enjoy it. The story is more engaging, and although much of the focus has been on human conflict, I liked how this book brought the zombie element back into sharper relevance. By the end, that aspect felt more central again, which made the story feel closer to its premise. With the mystery around the undead growing, I am excited to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,128 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2020
I love this book and series, this is some of the best writing I've read about the zombie apocalypse. This character driven, emotionally charged book will hit you in the feels. There are some devastating losses yet also some characters finally burying the hatchet and joining together to survive. There is lots of tension and then the next thing you know, you're laughing at some of the dialogue. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a great zombie yarn.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
430 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2024
good

Ok.. I like the series when it finally gets going but there are too many dull parts! All of the talk about ammo is too much and completely uninteresting!! The author does a good job at leaving the story off on an interesting note so that you have to read the next book!! I’m also bummed about parts of this story that ended too quickly!! Like we had 100 people that could have been a fun loop but was blown to pieces before we got to really learn about them.
Profile Image for Nichole.
401 reviews58 followers
January 8, 2017
I'm still really enjoying this series but it is becoming very repetitive. A lot of time is spent reviewing the supply runs and detailed inventory. Rinse and repeat. However, the rest of it is excellent! I'm definitely curious to see where things are headed with the zombies now that things are getting weird with them! And to see how things work out with Adrian's new friends.
222 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2023
Really like where the story is going. The conflicts seem plausible. at first I found the religious/supernatural aspects questionable but honestly it mades some sense in universe. Interested to see where this series goes. Going to do a brief pallet cleanser with some non fiction and then come back to this.
Profile Image for Amanda Henderson.
169 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2023
First thank you George Romero if it wasnt for you these books probably wouldnt exist. Now I've been looking for a good zombie series for a long time and couldn't find one. This has to be in the top 5 of zombie books that I've read and have truly enjoyed. So thanks for writing a good one. Now on to bk.4
10 reviews
March 3, 2021
Loving this series!!!

My favorite part about this series is the humor! I haven't laughed so much reading a zombie genre before. It's a refreshing change of pace in a very dark and scary genre. Cannot wait to read book 4!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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