After Midnight

by Irina Shapiro

Stranded by a raging hurricane, a group of strangers find themselves trapped at a grand antebellum mansion, now a boutique hotel. Novelist Callum Burke, known for his historical bestsellers, is among the guests, the Oleander Plantation the main stop on a research trip for his new book, while several couples from up north are in New Orleans to celebrate personal milestones.

As the hurricane batters the house and the waters rise, Callum is found hanging from an ancient oak, murdered in the same way as the notorious villain in his most popular book. Cut off from the outside world, the guests soon realize that the murderer might strike again, and everyone at the plantation could either be the next victim or the killer.

The Oleander Plantation becomes the perfect setting for a real-life locked-room mystery, where the truth is buried beneath layers of deceit, hidden motives, and suppressed desires. The tempest outside mirrors the chaos within the mansion's walls, and plot devices from Callum’s book become clues as truth and fiction collide in a deadly narrative.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Horror, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2024

About the author

To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.

Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.

Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

I have to say I found the book disappointing. It deserves 5 stars because as usual it's very well written. I expected much more of a story. It just bounced around to the various characters thoughts. The police finally came and it was essentially over. I had been hoping for more history than just that it takes place at a plantation. I find that I prefer her other historical series. At 70% I started skimming to get to the end.

[K~Terror · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Amanda Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not take this book seriously. The characters were flat and unrelatable. The events that took place were so far-fetched that it was almost impossible to immerse yourself into the story. Even the relationship that evolved during the story wasn't convincing. This is my first Irina book, not impressed.

[Marty Bagwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay you have a plantation outside of New Orleans that you've turned into an inn, you know about hurricanes, Katrina anyone, yet you don't have a back up generator or replacement batteries for your flashlights, really...what kind of proprietor are you? Puhleezze!!!!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for this plot. It has descriptions of pedophilia and rape. I get why but these dialogs were very uncomfortable. The plot was interesting but the characters don't feel quite dinamic enough.

[Tammy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the audible version of this in 1 sitting. Absolutely fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Irina has a way of bringing the characters to life and I came to enjoy each of them, I was gripped by the story of wanting to find out who the killer was and why they were doing it.

I will admit though, I enjoy the romance in each of Irinas stories and whilst this is not a love story but a psychological thriller, I understand that it wasn't the main part of the story but more a sub plot, none the less I was still sad that Adam and Jess did not end up together and that Jess was leaning towards going back to Sam.

The plot twist in the final chapters threw me, I thought I had the killer pegged and the police gave the suspects name I was like yassss I got it but the plot twist threw me, in a good way. I do love to be wrong in a whodunit story.

Either way, Irina did not disappoint with this one! I loved it.

[Ajoyful1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, no, great story, but the author caved to pressure to liberally season with profanity.

I love Irina Shapiro books and series, and will read more of them. I didn't like this one because of the profanity and sexual references. It tainted the story. It's in so many books, movies, real life and tv, so I
love when a story is deep and dense enough not to need those. The story is great and full of wonderful descriptions. So if profanity doesn't put you off you'll enjoy this book more than I did.

[Carol Hensel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok. But anyone who lives in Hurricane area n especially an establishment for public would have had backup generators n also security cameras in public areas. For such a high end b&b it was lacking in common needs. Knew storm was brewing should have warned guests when they arrived.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"After Midnight" is a riveting journey into the depths of suspense and intrigue set in the picturesque background of a historical Southern Louisiana plantation of Oleander, skillfully crafted by the talented Irina Shapiro. From the moment I pressed play, I was ensnared by the exceptional performance of the narrator, whose voice lent a mysterious ambiance to the already disquieted background of inferred tales from people and times past. Each character, from the engaging and amiable protagonist to the shadowy figures lurking in the background, was brought to life with such complexity and nuance that I found myself utterly captivated.

The plot of "After Midnight" is a labyrinth of twists and turns, expertly woven to keep listeners guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had unraveled the mystery, another layer was revealed, leaving me eager to uncover the truth. The pacing was relentless, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of urgency leaving me hanging onto every word.

However, as much as I enjoyed the journey, I couldn't help but wish for more. The story, while engaging, felt like it could have been expanded upon, allowing for a deeper exploration of both the world and the characters within it. In particular, the relationships between the supporting characters could have been delved into further at the beginning of the story, adding an extra layer of drama and complexity to the narrative. Is it possible these characters knew each other before arriving at Oleander or were they truly strangers? Furthermore, while the cast of characters was intriguing, there was one outlying character whose presence begged for further exploration. Fleshing out this character could have added another twist and dimension to the whodunit aspect of the story, keeping listeners guessing until the very end; however, there is still plenty of opportunity to speculate about who the killer might be until the very end.

Overall, "After Midnight" is another masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With its exceptional performance by Jess Nahikian, complex characters, and a myriad of twists and turns that keep you guessing who did it and why - it's a must-listen.

*Note: The author graciously provided an advanced copy of this audiobook to me at no charge; however, all ratings and opinions are my own.*

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each week, a small group of guests arrives at the Oleander Plantation, an exclusive B&B outside of New Orleans, for a long weekend of rest and relaxation, complete with food made by a Michelin Star-level chef. Jessie is the Plantation’s owner (the author is careful to clarify that her ancestors became owners as a Union General who liberated the land and married the widow of the former owner), and finds herself hosting best selling author Callum Burke, along with other assorted guests, one weekend, when a hurricane barrels down on the area. As if that weren’t bad enough, the night after all the guests arrive, as the rain is pouring down and communication with the outside world is cut off, Callum’s body is found hanging from a tree, reminiscent of a death in his most famous novel. And that’s when the real trouble begins…

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault/CSA

This book is told from multiple POVs, including each of the guests staying at the B&B.

This was a great locked room mystery, with plenty of excellent suspects and information floating around, that I had so many different theories throughout the book that I didn’t know who the killer was until it was revealed in the book. And I wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been any of a number of people. That’s some great mystery writing! (And I don’t want to spoil it!)

Needless to say, this book’s mystery/thriller elements were fantastic and I enjoyed all the ups and downs of everything. There’s a romantic element to the story that didn’t turn out how I would’ve liked, but maybe you will disagree. It was a good B-plot!

Why four stars? I feel like some of the racial implications of the plantation’s past were really “smoothed” over, kind of explained away in empty ways by the author. There just wasn’t any acknowledgment that there could be any pain associated with an estate that had slaves, despite the multiple mentions of that fact (Derek, Jessie’s best friend and cook was a descendant of enslaved people at Oleander!). I don’t want to get into a soap-boxy argument about it, so read for yourself and see what you think.

I did like this book, however, and do recommend it. See for yourself what you think about my thoughts and let me know what you think! I want to know!

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Martin owns an inn called the Oleander Plantation that's been passed down to her from her parents. She's excited for the new guests that are coming in for the weekend, one of them being a well-known author who is using the Oleander as the plot for his newest novel. Other than a hurricane getting ready to come down on them, everything seems normal. That is, until the author is found dead, hanging from a tree right outside the front entrance.

I will start out with the fact that this book does have some trigger warnings that I haven't found anyone or any site mention yet. Obviously, murder is in it, and it is kind of detailed. Rape is also mentioned, there's alcoholism, drugs and drug abuse are mentioned, pedophilia is talked about, homophobia is mentioned, along with infertility. These are just things to keep in mind if you are sensitive to them. They don't go into deep detail on them, but I just wanted other readers to know they are there.

This book did have my attention throughout, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and how the characters were all connected to the story being told. It was written really well; however, I didn't exactly care for the main character. At first, I understood why she was being the way she was, but then she just seemed extremely judgy and the fact she wouldn't forgive someone for not telling her the whole truth about their traumatic past, then started blaming him and only him didn't seem right to me. Especially since she forgave her best friend for not telling her the whole truth. Also, it felt like there could have been more to the story and like the ending got kind of rushed a little bit.

I thought I had figured the killer out, but then Shapiro threw in a twist that I wasn't expecting. So, all in all, "After Midnight" is a great edge of your seat read and will keep you guessing with each turn of the page due to all of the twists and turns. A definite must read if you're into psychological thrillers.

[Autumn Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic as usual


“After Midnight” by Irina Shapiro is a captivating journey into a world of mystery, suspense, and intricate storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a raging hurricane, a group of strangers finds themselves ensnared within the walls of a grand antebellum mansion turned boutique hotel, the Oleander Plantation.

As the storm rages outside, tensions rise within as novelist Callum Burke, known for his historical bestsellers, is found murdered in a manner eerily reminiscent of his own villainous character. Cut off from the outside world, the guests must confront the chilling reality that the killer may be among them.

Shapiro expertly weaves a tale of intrigue and deception, transforming the Oleander Plantation into a stage for a real-life locked-room mystery. As secrets unravel and hidden motives come to light, the line between truth and fiction becomes increasingly blurred.

Against the backdrop of the tumultuous storm, Shapiro masterfully integrates elements from Callum’s novels into the unfolding drama, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. “After Midnight” is a gripping tale that will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end, as they unravel the secrets hidden within the mansion and uncover the truth behind Callum’s untimely demise.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Orleans, Louisiana. Oleander Plantation. Towards end of tourist season. Irina Shapiro’s After Midnight is a particularly bothersome mystery for me to review. It is a contemporary mystery which is fine, but there is an extreme brutality to it which I discovered on page 43 in Chapter 7. I found myself telling a close friend about what I had just read who happened to call just as I finished Chapter 7. I truly did not know if I could finish this book, but I did read it and quickly too even though I was uncomfortable from Chapter 7 to the end. I realize some readers enjoy this kind of mystery, but I did not. Life can be ugly enough without having to read what I discover in the news almost every day. I most definitely read for an escape, but this type of writing is not for me. In addition, I found the characters, Jess and Derek, who are partners in Oleander Plantation not wholly developed enough as ones should be in a partnership. The guests were a diverse group, but I the only character I truly liked was Adam. I wish Jess had been more understanding of Adam. I much prefer the author’s historical mysteries to this one, but I did read it almost in one sitting. Thus, 3 stars.

[Esslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read!
Maybe that's not the first thing someone would say when reviewing a crime novel, but this was an easy thrill from start to finish!

This is my first novel by Irina Shapiro and I very much enjoyed their writing style and the way they tied the plot up with a neat little bow. The novel was mainly written from the Oleander Plantation's hostess, Jess', perspective, but delightfully revealed other characters' thoughts every now and then. It was like watching a movie where the consecutive scenes were well thought-out, from a vantage point that answered the previous scene, and gave you just enough to satisfy some questions, but keep you watching for more.

The plot was well-developed and kept me guessing until the very end - I fell into the clever trap the author laid to make the reader believe who they wanted you to believe the murderer was - and I particularly liked that the whole ordeal wasn't more intricate than it was. There were some great twists and turns along the way, and the author did a wonderful job of creating suspense and sowing doubt and suspicion, but you don't need a Criminology degree to keep up with the details and jargon.
And who doesn't enjoy the "closed circle of suspects trapped together unexpectedly" trope?

Overall 'After Midnight' is a well-crafted, suspenseful read, with a diverse set of characters and interesting motives.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am more familiar with Irina Shapiro writing historical mysteries which I love. So this is a bit of a departure I think for the author, though I haven't read everything she has written. It at least is a bit of a departure recently.

Saying, that I really enjoyed this. Yes, it follows the typical trope of a group of people being stranded isolated spot during a bad storm. There are lots of secrets that get revealed. However, it is much more exciting than the typical closed-room mystery that is a cozy. Shapiro does a very good job of creating a dangerous atmosphere and building the suspense.

There are plenty of twists in this. I did guess who it was but not the details and there are still plenty of surprises as the book comes to an end.

The characters are very well developed. I really became attached to some of them. I could see becoming a series.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS

While I liked that I didn't figure out the killer before the end, overall this story just felt meh. I liked the setting, and that everything happened while a hurricane was bearing down on the Inn, but the main character Jess was not that interesting. For someone in the hospitality business, she seemed awfully cold and judgmental.

The police stuff seemed like it was made up without a lot of fact checking. I did a lot of side eyeing at those parts.

There's a romance subplot with Jess that seemed out of place with the rest of the story, I think it would have been better left out.

[Madison Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im a huge fan of the Nicole Rayburn series by her, so this one popped up on my Kindle, and I thought, why not? The setting was cool. I liked most of the characters, although I thought Jess made some stupid decisions. I will say that if child SA is on your trigger warnings list, this one includes that. Had I known, I'd have skipped the book. I've never read one of hers with that, so I didn't even bother to check. If it's just mentioned fine, but later in the book, it was a little detailed. However, I will say I did not suspect who the killer ended up being. So she definitely got me there. I didn't enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed her others as far as storytelling and suspense.

[Ken Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent psychological thriller that takes place in a New Orleans B & B.

This was the first Irina Shapiro murder mystery that I've read & I really enjoyed the story. It takes place in a New Orleans bed & breakfast where about a dozen patrons have made weekend plans to stay. But, none of them counted on being trapped there because of flooding due to a hurricane. And, as the guests keep turning up dead and the water level keeps rising, the dwindling number of guests are desperate to uncover the culprit in order to stop the murders!

[Bookworm With a B · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star for DNF. I wish I could have liked this book, but I just don't care about it. I dislike all the characters, I don't believe in them, and I don't believe the situation that they are all in. It's terribly dull, uneventfully uninteresting, and not even close to what Irina Shapior is capable of writing. I love the Nicole Rayburn series and am counting the days until the new book releases, so I know that she is capable of so much more.

[Elisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is like a school project written by a very talented 10 year old. Shallow, unlikable characters, a "hotelier" who doesn't seem to care about clean towels or taking care of her guests (I get that they are unusual circumstances, but her guests are the ones doing the cooking), a bunch of suspects who were so poorly drawn that I had no idea who had done what, and a series of "twists" that make no sense. Just no.

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oleander-A Beautiful Plantation-Until.

Oleander- a famous plantation not far from New Orleans. And it becomes a little more famous when a well known writer faces fears that he’s Thrown away. Then there’s a death & another & another- but which guest could be a murderer?
And then a Hurricane traps them altogether…with no electricity…..

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting, but I could not like the main character Jess. I felt she was so judgey and self-righteous. I felt for the others, but she pointed finger at the one person, that I personally would have helped cover up the crime, because it was justice. Not my favorite and it was depressing.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for a real page turner of a mystery. And I do mean it was a page turner. I had a very hard time putting it down. I honestly had no idea who the killer was until the reveal at the end, although I was a bit put off by a few coincidences, which I found quite implausible. Overall, I thought it was a good book. Will probably read this author again.

[Dan Stefanovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a pitch-perfect setup and surprisingly memorable characters - the most crucial aspect of any murder mystery - Irina Shapiro’s "After Midnight" falters in its muddled handling of suspect motives, making it difficult for readers to play detective alongside the protagonist, though it ultimately sticks the landing with a sharply satisfying final reveal.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well crafted murder mystery by a skilled storyteller. The plot was complex with a double twist at the end. Takes place in rural Louisiana in a plantation mansion which is being run by the last remaining relative, a young girl. She has an associate who is usually with her. A hurricane is predicted after guests arrive so the associate leaves.as the rain falls the mayhem starts.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breat book. I didn't guess who did it

I have read a lot of Irina Shapiro's books and this one did not disappoint. With most authors, I usually figure out who the murderer is before it's reveled, but not this time. I can't wait for the next book in any of her series.

[Toni Ainslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

Another great story by Irina Shapiro. The characters are so well developed. The story is so tense that it was hard to put down. I loved how lives wove together. A must read.

[Susan M Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy MS Shapiro's books

I was stubbed. I couldn't figure out who the murderer was. And when it was announced I knew it wasn't him. I suspected the real killer, but couldn't figure out a motive. Really good read.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was a Who done it mystery. I needed something different for a change. This was just what I needed. Would have been a great read if on vacation during a storm. ⛈️ I recommend it. Written very well.

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty & Taut Psychological Thriller!!!

This author is supremely talented….you can just feel being there with all the characters in Oleander….haunting & beautifully gorgeous passages of the beauty of New Orleans….and the whodunit mystery is captivating!!!! LOVED IT!!:-)