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The Midnight Side
A phone call from the dead. Lucid dreaming. A ghost manipulating the London stock exchange. And a truly frightening story of love gone wrong.
THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is a chilling tale of a seductive woman who, even from the grave, is able to manipulate events to her satisfaction. A haunting story of obsession and revenge, Natasha Mostert’s novel is an intricate psychological thriller with an ending that will leave you breathless.
THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is a chilling tale of a seductive woman who, even from the grave, is able to manipulate events to her satisfaction. A haunting story of obsession and revenge, Natasha Mostert’s novel is an intricate psychological thriller with an ending that will leave you breathless.
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
7 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Mostert
9 books154 followers(from website)When my publisher asked me to submit a 200 word biography for their authors' website, I thought about dropping the usual bio platitudes and submitting the following: "Natasha Mostert is a spectacularly brilliant, raven-haired psychic who saw her first ghost at the age of four. She likes to take midnight rides on horseback and practises levitation twice a day. However, upon reflection I didn't think my editor would be too amused by this flight of fancy. So here it is, the official (and much less exciting) Natasha Mostert biography:
Natasha Mostert is South African. She grew up in Pretoria and Johannesburg but currently lives in London with her husband, Frederick. She still keeps an apartment in the university town of Stellenbosch in the Cape province.
She is the author of five novels. Her fourth novel, SEASON OF THE WITCH, is a modern gothic thriller about techgnosis and the Art of Memory and won the Book to Talk About: World Book Day 2009 Award. Film rights were sold to Allotria Productions with Emmy-award winning screenwriter, Andrew Davies, commissioned to write the script. Her fifth novel, THE KEEPER, is a thriller about martial arts, chi and quantum physics. Mostert returned to the subject of memory in her latest novel, DARK PRAYER, which is described by Kirkus Reviews a "brainy, fast-moving thriller" in which "Mostert brings together fascinating strands of biology, psychology and mysticism."
Mostert is a keen kickboxer. Visit her website at www.natashamostert.com to find out more about her involvement with the CPAU Fighting for Peace project, which teaches Afghan women how to box and feel empowered in their lives.
Educated in South Africa and at Columbia University, New York, Mostert majored in modern languages and also holds graduate degrees in Lexicography and Applied Linguistics. She has worked as a teacher in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and as project coordinator in the publishing department of public television station WNET/Thirteen in New York City. Her political opinion pieces have appeared on the op-ed page of The New York Times, in Newsweek, The Independent and The Times (London).
Future goals include writing poetry, executing a perfect spinning backkick and coming face to face with the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe.
Natasha Mostert is South African. She grew up in Pretoria and Johannesburg but currently lives in London with her husband, Frederick. She still keeps an apartment in the university town of Stellenbosch in the Cape province.
She is the author of five novels. Her fourth novel, SEASON OF THE WITCH, is a modern gothic thriller about techgnosis and the Art of Memory and won the Book to Talk About: World Book Day 2009 Award. Film rights were sold to Allotria Productions with Emmy-award winning screenwriter, Andrew Davies, commissioned to write the script. Her fifth novel, THE KEEPER, is a thriller about martial arts, chi and quantum physics. Mostert returned to the subject of memory in her latest novel, DARK PRAYER, which is described by Kirkus Reviews a "brainy, fast-moving thriller" in which "Mostert brings together fascinating strands of biology, psychology and mysticism."
Mostert is a keen kickboxer. Visit her website at www.natashamostert.com to find out more about her involvement with the CPAU Fighting for Peace project, which teaches Afghan women how to box and feel empowered in their lives.
Educated in South Africa and at Columbia University, New York, Mostert majored in modern languages and also holds graduate degrees in Lexicography and Applied Linguistics. She has worked as a teacher in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and as project coordinator in the publishing department of public television station WNET/Thirteen in New York City. Her political opinion pieces have appeared on the op-ed page of The New York Times, in Newsweek, The Independent and The Times (London).
Future goals include writing poetry, executing a perfect spinning backkick and coming face to face with the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 26, 2014
The Midnight Side is an interesting enough slightly supernatural thriller, but I didn't find it exceptional. Alette sounded like the sort of person you wouldn't want to know from the very start, to me, so I was wary of her from the beginning -- I didn't buy into the whole plot of revenge from beyond the grave because I didn't buy into Alette and her story.
The writer isn't a bad writer, and the plot moves along at a fair pace, but I wasn't entranced by the characters and I really didn't think Isa was being very sensible. The twists didn't really surprise me, in the end, because I was expecting something like that from the whole set up and structure.
The writer isn't a bad writer, and the plot moves along at a fair pace, but I wasn't entranced by the characters and I really didn't think Isa was being very sensible. The twists didn't really surprise me, in the end, because I was expecting something like that from the whole set up and structure.
April 24, 2015
Review: THE MIDNIGHT SIDE by Natasha Mostert
THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is deep, spooky, and gratifying. The author seamlessly entertwines the South African backdrop, with its climate, vegetation and wildlife, and its millennia-old spirituality, with contemporaneous London: crowded, busy, urban, and with medieval alchemy, a particular interest--nay, obsession, of the late Alette. Indeed, both Alchemy and African religious belief thrum throughout the novel with an undeniable drumming pulse. This is a deeply psychological story which refuses to give up its secrets too easily, neither to its characters nor to its readers; but readers will close the book breathing a sigh of satisfaction at a story very well done.
THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is deep, spooky, and gratifying. The author seamlessly entertwines the South African backdrop, with its climate, vegetation and wildlife, and its millennia-old spirituality, with contemporaneous London: crowded, busy, urban, and with medieval alchemy, a particular interest--nay, obsession, of the late Alette. Indeed, both Alchemy and African religious belief thrum throughout the novel with an undeniable drumming pulse. This is a deeply psychological story which refuses to give up its secrets too easily, neither to its characters nor to its readers; but readers will close the book breathing a sigh of satisfaction at a story very well done.
February 7, 2014
How much worse are suitors, who to men’s lust
Are made preys? O, worse than dust or worms’ meat,
For they do eat you now, whose selves worms shall eat. – John Donne, Thou shalt not laugh in this leaf, Muse (British Poet, Satirist, Author, 1572-1631)
The sin of pride may be a small or a great thing in someone’s life, and hurt vanity a passing pinprick, or a self-destroying or ever murderous obsession. – Iris Murdoch (British Novelist and Philosopher, 1919-1999)
We’re going to start a rumour. It’s easy: here’s how. And thus starts a tale of twisted obsession, of ghostly presence and lucid dreaming. A tale of suffering. But whose? And how far will obsession live within the soul? To the grave? Beyond?
Too late hee would the paine asswage,
And to thick shadowes does retire;
About with him hee beares the rage,
And in his tainted blood the fire.
Edmund Waller -The selfe-banished – (English Poet and Politician,1606 – 1687)
Isabella, or Isa to her friends, lives a life of quiet desperation in South Africa. The mistress of a married man for the past thirteen years, Isa has set aside her own needs for those of her lover, Eric. Eric, who has just died, leaving her with nothing but heartache.
In the night, as she lies dreaming, the phone rings, a flat, atonal sound, odd and strangely off-key, and the crackling voice of her cousin, Alette comes through. Alette, the wild and flighty girl with whom Isa was raised. Alette the strong, Alette the vibrant. And, as Isa is soon to learn, Alette who is two days dead.
Now back in London to close Allete’s estate, Isa receives a message from Allete along with a copy of her will. A very odd and devastating message, which leads Isa to carry out a twisted scheme against Jason, Allete’s ex-husband – an ex-husband whose tortures Allete lays out in a letter, sealed for only Isa.
Lucid dreaming, African mysticism. Alchemy and premonitions. Mostert’s The Midnight Side is a brooding, atmospheric tale of suspense and psychological thrill, full of the kinds of fear and gloomy atmosphere sure to lure in even the most jaded of readers. Isa wanders through the halls of her dreams, following orders, reaching out . . . and changing within herself. The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, the seventh sutra, says, “ . . . reach the heart at the instant of sleep and seek direction over dreams and over death itself.” Is Isabella following her heart? Or are the dreams of death drawing back the soul of her beloved cousin?
What cruelty, wasted love – love which lies only in recompense? Mostert speaks to deep waters of the mind, dark corners of the soul, the ruin brought on by wounded and damaged souls. And yet, her journey also showcases the beauty and drabery of London itself, with it’s fogs and rains, the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery of the British Museum, the odd libraries and collections, the tea shops and cathedrals. The mass of cultures and foods and beliefs. A brooding city of history and blood and loss and joy, all wrapped up in banks of fog and fire, melancholy, and old, old guilt.
What Isa does and doesn’t do, thinks and feels and suffers leads you through murky darkness, fear, and the question, or promise, of forbidden destiny.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
Are made preys? O, worse than dust or worms’ meat,
For they do eat you now, whose selves worms shall eat. – John Donne, Thou shalt not laugh in this leaf, Muse (British Poet, Satirist, Author, 1572-1631)
The sin of pride may be a small or a great thing in someone’s life, and hurt vanity a passing pinprick, or a self-destroying or ever murderous obsession. – Iris Murdoch (British Novelist and Philosopher, 1919-1999)
We’re going to start a rumour. It’s easy: here’s how. And thus starts a tale of twisted obsession, of ghostly presence and lucid dreaming. A tale of suffering. But whose? And how far will obsession live within the soul? To the grave? Beyond?
Too late hee would the paine asswage,
And to thick shadowes does retire;
About with him hee beares the rage,
And in his tainted blood the fire.
Edmund Waller -The selfe-banished – (English Poet and Politician,1606 – 1687)
Isabella, or Isa to her friends, lives a life of quiet desperation in South Africa. The mistress of a married man for the past thirteen years, Isa has set aside her own needs for those of her lover, Eric. Eric, who has just died, leaving her with nothing but heartache.
In the night, as she lies dreaming, the phone rings, a flat, atonal sound, odd and strangely off-key, and the crackling voice of her cousin, Alette comes through. Alette, the wild and flighty girl with whom Isa was raised. Alette the strong, Alette the vibrant. And, as Isa is soon to learn, Alette who is two days dead.
Now back in London to close Allete’s estate, Isa receives a message from Allete along with a copy of her will. A very odd and devastating message, which leads Isa to carry out a twisted scheme against Jason, Allete’s ex-husband – an ex-husband whose tortures Allete lays out in a letter, sealed for only Isa.
Lucid dreaming, African mysticism. Alchemy and premonitions. Mostert’s The Midnight Side is a brooding, atmospheric tale of suspense and psychological thrill, full of the kinds of fear and gloomy atmosphere sure to lure in even the most jaded of readers. Isa wanders through the halls of her dreams, following orders, reaching out . . . and changing within herself. The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, the seventh sutra, says, “ . . . reach the heart at the instant of sleep and seek direction over dreams and over death itself.” Is Isabella following her heart? Or are the dreams of death drawing back the soul of her beloved cousin?
What cruelty, wasted love – love which lies only in recompense? Mostert speaks to deep waters of the mind, dark corners of the soul, the ruin brought on by wounded and damaged souls. And yet, her journey also showcases the beauty and drabery of London itself, with it’s fogs and rains, the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery of the British Museum, the odd libraries and collections, the tea shops and cathedrals. The mass of cultures and foods and beliefs. A brooding city of history and blood and loss and joy, all wrapped up in banks of fog and fire, melancholy, and old, old guilt.
What Isa does and doesn’t do, thinks and feels and suffers leads you through murky darkness, fear, and the question, or promise, of forbidden destiny.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
February 3, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/02/03...
Publisher: Portable Magic
Publishing Date: july 2014
ISBN: 9781909965003
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.7/5.0
Publisher Description: THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is a chilling tale of a seductive woman who, even from the grave, is able to manipulate events to her satisfaction. A haunting story of obsession and revenge, Natasha Mostert’s novel is an intricate psychological thriller with an ending that will leave you breathless.
Review: Cover art is ok. Not real compelling.
Once again I am cast into the folds of endless internal dialogue and reams of descriptive goo. Ms. Mostert (our high karate kick boxing author from Afghanistan (lol)), leads us down the clingy path of insecurity that ends in manipulative bliss. Isa is our emo-heroine who likes banging married men that tend to die. One reviewer said the Isa came off as “weak willed and self-indulgent”. What a perfect description. I would add that her concern for others only reflects a cloying self-centeredness. So Isa gets a ghost call from her childhood friend, Alette (SPOOKY VISION!!!) who ultimately wants to manipulate Isa from the grave and do her bidding. And that folks, is the story-line. From then on, it is “Isa is timid, Isa is shy, Isa wants man-cake, Isa feels bad, Isa wants to talk to herself”. Besides the Isa show, we have spot characters like Eric (dead), Alette (dead), Michael (dead), and Justin.
The characters in terms of knowing and liking them are scantily developed. Alette’s picture is pretty clear as someone you would never want to know. Michael is a murdering psycho. Justin is seemingly a control freak, but that changes once Isa gets to know him and bang him (Justin is Alettes husband shhhhh). And that’s about it. The rest of the story leads to this anti-climactic reveal which was pretty obvious from the beginning. The only thing that holds the plot together is Isa and all her dreamy inner-ramblings. This author is a damn good writer. Her talent is wasted on this world building that encompasses inner dialogue and itemized descriptors of “going here, going there, and this room and that chair”. This novel gets 4 stars for boring me senseless, and almost 2 stars for attempting to entertain.
Publisher: Portable Magic
Publishing Date: july 2014
ISBN: 9781909965003
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.7/5.0
Publisher Description: THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is a chilling tale of a seductive woman who, even from the grave, is able to manipulate events to her satisfaction. A haunting story of obsession and revenge, Natasha Mostert’s novel is an intricate psychological thriller with an ending that will leave you breathless.
Review: Cover art is ok. Not real compelling.
Once again I am cast into the folds of endless internal dialogue and reams of descriptive goo. Ms. Mostert (our high karate kick boxing author from Afghanistan (lol)), leads us down the clingy path of insecurity that ends in manipulative bliss. Isa is our emo-heroine who likes banging married men that tend to die. One reviewer said the Isa came off as “weak willed and self-indulgent”. What a perfect description. I would add that her concern for others only reflects a cloying self-centeredness. So Isa gets a ghost call from her childhood friend, Alette (SPOOKY VISION!!!) who ultimately wants to manipulate Isa from the grave and do her bidding. And that folks, is the story-line. From then on, it is “Isa is timid, Isa is shy, Isa wants man-cake, Isa feels bad, Isa wants to talk to herself”. Besides the Isa show, we have spot characters like Eric (dead), Alette (dead), Michael (dead), and Justin.
The characters in terms of knowing and liking them are scantily developed. Alette’s picture is pretty clear as someone you would never want to know. Michael is a murdering psycho. Justin is seemingly a control freak, but that changes once Isa gets to know him and bang him (Justin is Alettes husband shhhhh). And that’s about it. The rest of the story leads to this anti-climactic reveal which was pretty obvious from the beginning. The only thing that holds the plot together is Isa and all her dreamy inner-ramblings. This author is a damn good writer. Her talent is wasted on this world building that encompasses inner dialogue and itemized descriptors of “going here, going there, and this room and that chair”. This novel gets 4 stars for boring me senseless, and almost 2 stars for attempting to entertain.
July 8, 2014
The phone rings, it’s the middle of the night, the only thing it can be is bad news, right? What if you received a call from your cousin, asking you to do them an important favor? What if your cousin had died prior to when the call was made? Isa is compelled to do as her cousin Alette requests, but as time goes on, she realizes there may be something dark and vindictive about Alette’s motives regarding her ex-husband.
Has Isa really had contact with her dead cousin? As children they shared dreams, but as adults they grew apart. Isa was the mistress of a wealthy South African man, Allete had married and divorced and was living in London, leaving her estate to Isa and beckoning from beyond for her one last request. Will Isa carry out Allete’s plan, regardless of her own beliefs? Is revenge ever worth the danger?
The Midnight Side has, once again proven that Natasha Mostert can write dark and disturbing prose that feels like a spider’s web against your skin. From the eerie phone call to the unique ending, Ms. Mostert takes us on a dark journey that crosses the veil between the living and the dead, the past and the present, dreams and reality and she does it with a flair for words that brings each page alive.
Natasha Mostert writes for the reader who enjoys rich scenery, lavish descriptions and a darkly unique plot driven by characters who seem to see life through a kaleidoscope of distorted visions.
I received a review copy from Portable Magic Ltd in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 15, 2013
Publisher: Portable Magic Ltd
ISBN: 9781909965003
Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Has Isa really had contact with her dead cousin? As children they shared dreams, but as adults they grew apart. Isa was the mistress of a wealthy South African man, Allete had married and divorced and was living in London, leaving her estate to Isa and beckoning from beyond for her one last request. Will Isa carry out Allete’s plan, regardless of her own beliefs? Is revenge ever worth the danger?
The Midnight Side has, once again proven that Natasha Mostert can write dark and disturbing prose that feels like a spider’s web against your skin. From the eerie phone call to the unique ending, Ms. Mostert takes us on a dark journey that crosses the veil between the living and the dead, the past and the present, dreams and reality and she does it with a flair for words that brings each page alive.
Natasha Mostert writes for the reader who enjoys rich scenery, lavish descriptions and a darkly unique plot driven by characters who seem to see life through a kaleidoscope of distorted visions.
I received a review copy from Portable Magic Ltd in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 15, 2013
Publisher: Portable Magic Ltd
ISBN: 9781909965003
Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
June 2, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This book was slightly different to the previous one I read by this author, but I still liked it just as much.
I've read and seen a lot of things where phones are used for sinister purposes, whether with a supernatural element or a completely human - if deranged - caller.
Linking in the lucid dreaming worked really well, in my opinion. I've been able to control my dreams a couple of times, so I know something of what they were all talking about.
Isa was an interesting character. Alette was, too, to a certain extent. I wasn't that keen on her in the flashbacks.
Speaking of the flashbacks... they were a bit confusing at times. I wasn't always sure when one had started.
The idea of dream sharing was quite a unique one and something I would have liked to see further explored. The differences between the dreams Isa and Alette shared as children and those they shared as adults were very clear. The latter were much creepier when they occurred.
I did figure out whose narrative some particular scenes were from, but I wasn't completely sure, so some mystery still remained. There were also a couple of other things I didn't see coming, too.
I did have some mixed feelings about the relationship that formed between Isa and Justin. It seemed a little fake at times, but more believable at others.
I'm also not sure how I feel about the ending. I would have liked a bit more clarification and not so much of a cliffhanger for an ending.
I did think the book was well-written with language that was very descriptive at times. As well as the third book I have on my Kindle by this author, I intend to buy and read other books by her in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This book was slightly different to the previous one I read by this author, but I still liked it just as much.
I've read and seen a lot of things where phones are used for sinister purposes, whether with a supernatural element or a completely human - if deranged - caller.
Linking in the lucid dreaming worked really well, in my opinion. I've been able to control my dreams a couple of times, so I know something of what they were all talking about.
Isa was an interesting character. Alette was, too, to a certain extent. I wasn't that keen on her in the flashbacks.
Speaking of the flashbacks... they were a bit confusing at times. I wasn't always sure when one had started.
The idea of dream sharing was quite a unique one and something I would have liked to see further explored. The differences between the dreams Isa and Alette shared as children and those they shared as adults were very clear. The latter were much creepier when they occurred.
I did figure out whose narrative some particular scenes were from, but I wasn't completely sure, so some mystery still remained. There were also a couple of other things I didn't see coming, too.
I did have some mixed feelings about the relationship that formed between Isa and Justin. It seemed a little fake at times, but more believable at others.
I'm also not sure how I feel about the ending. I would have liked a bit more clarification and not so much of a cliffhanger for an ending.
I did think the book was well-written with language that was very descriptive at times. As well as the third book I have on my Kindle by this author, I intend to buy and read other books by her in the future.
June 8, 2014
I don't normally read thrillers, but because this is Natasha Mostert, and I really enjoyed reading her other novel, Windwalker, I did.
The Midnight Side tells the story of Isa, who receives a call from her beloved cousin, Alette, two days after she died. So she goes to London to fulfill her cousin's requests.
There was the idea of another person controlling one's dreams (which I strongly believe where one of the scriptwriters of the movie Inception got its concept from), and some South African beliefs (which makes me shudder at the same time while learning of their culture). It's amazing how strong one's beliefs are. Anyway.
With Alette's requests of her cousin, there were also topics tackled of revenge. Being it a "dark and haunting" novel, I liked that it didn't portray revenge as a justifiable thing. No matter the angle or the intention, it doesn't have good results.
(But NM has a such a knack for writing, that I think she might just convince me of a "good side" of revenge, if there are any. Haha!)
I like the ending. Of the thought there is a future for Isa and Justin. Yes, I can be quite a sucker for romance, but I think it speaks much more than that. It tells of hope, and of love... despite all.
The Midnight Side tells the story of Isa, who receives a call from her beloved cousin, Alette, two days after she died. So she goes to London to fulfill her cousin's requests.
There was the idea of another person controlling one's dreams (which I strongly believe where one of the scriptwriters of the movie Inception got its concept from), and some South African beliefs (which makes me shudder at the same time while learning of their culture). It's amazing how strong one's beliefs are. Anyway.
With Alette's requests of her cousin, there were also topics tackled of revenge. Being it a "dark and haunting" novel, I liked that it didn't portray revenge as a justifiable thing. No matter the angle or the intention, it doesn't have good results.
(But NM has a such a knack for writing, that I think she might just convince me of a "good side" of revenge, if there are any. Haha!)
I like the ending. Of the thought there is a future for Isa and Justin. Yes, I can be quite a sucker for romance, but I think it speaks much more than that. It tells of hope, and of love... despite all.
July 21, 2014
This was an excellent read. I received it free as a member of Net Galley, and I'm so glad that this helped me discover this author.
The Midnight Side is a story about two cousins that share an incredibly close bond. One cousin, Alette, meets an early demise and calls upon her cousin, Isa, to carry out her final wishes. The story is told through the viewpoint of Isa, although there are a few chapters that tell other characters' side of the story. The synopsis references the "phone calls from the dead". That premise had the ability to get cheesy really quickly, but the author intertwined the supernatural in such a way that made it very believable. And creepy.
I loved that the characters did not behave as I thought they would. I'll admit, at certain points I was disappointed in their actions, but I loved that the story kept me guessing.
Overall, this was a great story! It reminds me of "The Silent Wife" in the complicated relationships and the mystery surrounding the series of events, but I have to say that I liked this one even better.
The Midnight Side is a story about two cousins that share an incredibly close bond. One cousin, Alette, meets an early demise and calls upon her cousin, Isa, to carry out her final wishes. The story is told through the viewpoint of Isa, although there are a few chapters that tell other characters' side of the story. The synopsis references the "phone calls from the dead". That premise had the ability to get cheesy really quickly, but the author intertwined the supernatural in such a way that made it very believable. And creepy.
I loved that the characters did not behave as I thought they would. I'll admit, at certain points I was disappointed in their actions, but I loved that the story kept me guessing.
Overall, this was a great story! It reminds me of "The Silent Wife" in the complicated relationships and the mystery surrounding the series of events, but I have to say that I liked this one even better.
December 19, 2014
This was the second book I read by Natasha Mostert & I was not disappointed. Again, she draws the reader in with a supernatural tale full of twists & turns & a surprise ending.
While housesitting, Justine discovers disturbing secrets about the family who used to live there. What could motivate one brother to murder another? She finds herself drawn to the killer. There is a connection between them she cannot explain & it leads her on a journey of discovery & danger within the house & halfway around the world.
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. Definitely a good read.
http://benzeknees.wordpress.com/2014/...
While housesitting, Justine discovers disturbing secrets about the family who used to live there. What could motivate one brother to murder another? She finds herself drawn to the killer. There is a connection between them she cannot explain & it leads her on a journey of discovery & danger within the house & halfway around the world.
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. Definitely a good read.
http://benzeknees.wordpress.com/2014/...
January 26, 2014
Holy cow, wow. Wow. Wow. This one I never saw the end coming - I thought I had it all figured out but boy was I wrong and refreshingly so! The Midnight Side captures so many creepy elements and wraps them up into one story that's unputtdownable. We become as obsessed with knowing the truth and what is to come as the characters are about their respective obsessions.
We've got telephone calls from the dead, a possible murder, and lucid dreams where someone else controls the dream...it was fascinating and definitely creeptastic. I can't wait to read Season of the Witch and more!
We've got telephone calls from the dead, a possible murder, and lucid dreams where someone else controls the dream...it was fascinating and definitely creeptastic. I can't wait to read Season of the Witch and more!
July 23, 2010
It was an all right read. The idea behind the story (ghostly phone calls) was what triggered my interest, but the story featured a main character who just plain annoyed me. She came across as weak-willed and self-indulgent. Not really my cup of tea.
June 24, 2011
I had never read Natasha Mostert before, but am glad that I picked up this book. The writing is sensual and her characters are well crafted. I am usually pretty good about foretelling the twists to come, but I was taken by surprise by Mostert's ending. I am now a fan.
August 9, 2007
Oh dear, the writing in this book was pretty turgid, had to stuggle to get through it, nice twist at the end though. Her latest book (Season of the Witch) is better.
November 3, 2012
I had a hard time staying involved in this book. I would've liked more suspense. It was easy to predict for the most part.
August 3, 2018
Starting with the call from the dead , branching into leading dreams, going from sunny, colorful Natal to grey London...this is a really thrilling book for about 200 pages on 300. Fast pace, dynamic writing, surprising twists and turns...The character of Alette is not overly exciting - she goes from horny teen in Natal to rich London socialite, probably because like so many women she knows how to snare males with her sex and draw what she can out of them in turn; her main interest resides here in her being a ghost making phone calls and having devised a devious way to bankrupt her former husband. This is an interesting plot: if we have all read about extra-sensory perception of people dying or recently dead (including in antique Roman novels), the idea that someone mastermind from beyond the grave a whole plot against a former husband is twisted enough to make it worth reading. Why, however, any lawyer (oh, sorry, solicitor, we are here into British speech with trolleys in stores and solicitors) would accept to play a part in this remains unclear, but this lawyer who can look like a surfer (enticing) and a bike rider (threatening) may after all be some kind of devil in disguise, although he has a bored wife and unruly kids. The way Alette's former husband is gradually brought to bankruptcy (or at least a very serious loss) seems sensible, and all the developments about memory loss and drugs to fight it is actually quite enriching and well-documented. The main character/narrator, Isabelle, is rather bland but this fits her rather submissive role: nothing physically makes her remarkable either, although we understand of course she's still mourning her dead husband. The weird character of Michael, the confidante-neighbour-observer-advisor who acts basically like a peeping Tom is never very clear - what does he do? He had a relationship with sex-crazed Alette but never did "it" (although she was the loose woman prototype) and is able to come and go from her former town house (now Isabelle's according to Alette's will) as he pleases, watching his potential victim sleep blissfully like a Ted Bundy in a lamb's pelt. Not to worry, however, after page 200 it all starts turning from chilling, mysterious, even voodoo-like mystery to something in between Harlequin romances and Disney. Will the bankrupt victim actually fall in love with the rather limited charms of lanky, unerotic Isabelle (who is probably possessed by the African-fed horniness of ghostly Alette and her sexual fetishes)? Did gorilla-like Michael show more talent tampering with brakes than he does trying to smother someone with a pillow? Ah, I'm not going to spoil the end for you. Let us just say that it feels like a writer with a wonderful idea to start with had problems knowing how to end it all. Or maybe she was too romantic not to have a romance ending amidst the sugarcanes of Natal. Couldn't leave any threads open either, so bang! comes the bus. In some movies when they don't know how to end the camera pans a long street on a Sunday morning and we see the characters get smaller, smaller...here we have to consider what happens when a woman destroys you but you forgive her and hop with her in the sack because after all she's not responsible, a ghost did it. 200 great pages, 100 to come down slow to the totally expected and not necessarily realistic. Including in the last chapters some very tedious, boring inner monologue about love and marriage, you wish you could look out the London window and see a horse and carriage.
February 9, 2020
I did not enjoy this story as much as the last three Natasha Mostert books I have read; ‘Season of the Witch’ being my favourite. I think this was maninly due to the fact that I failed to empathize with any of the characters, especially the women.
Alette is a manipulative bitch, who I could see through from the start, and Isa a weak character with a victim mentality. It is a psychological thriller, but the suspense did not really work for me, I could guess what would happen.
This author’s creative plot ideas are always innovative and intriguing. The premise involving lucid dreaming and telephone calls from the dead should have sent shivers down the spine. However I did not find it terrifying. Some of it was just not convincing enough. For instance I could not believe that Isa would float around in her dead cousin’s nightgown or scarf; or that she would immediately trust the voyeur, Michael; or that Justin, or any other man for that matter, would want to hang around with Isa in view of the fact that throughout the story she is obsessive, indecisive and at the conclusion seeks to bring about ruin on those she purportedly loves. She is as much a destructive force as her cousin.
Interesting plot line, but not totally compelling.
Alette is a manipulative bitch, who I could see through from the start, and Isa a weak character with a victim mentality. It is a psychological thriller, but the suspense did not really work for me, I could guess what would happen.
This author’s creative plot ideas are always innovative and intriguing. The premise involving lucid dreaming and telephone calls from the dead should have sent shivers down the spine. However I did not find it terrifying. Some of it was just not convincing enough. For instance I could not believe that Isa would float around in her dead cousin’s nightgown or scarf; or that she would immediately trust the voyeur, Michael; or that Justin, or any other man for that matter, would want to hang around with Isa in view of the fact that throughout the story she is obsessive, indecisive and at the conclusion seeks to bring about ruin on those she purportedly loves. She is as much a destructive force as her cousin.
Interesting plot line, but not totally compelling.
May 11, 2023
I am a fan of Natasha Mostert's writing AND her imagination. The Midnight Side was her debut and it had all the elements that I've gotten to expect from a Mostert's novels. A supernatural tale of secrets and obsession revolving around a message from beyond the grave.
Isabelle's journey from South Africa to London starts with a phone call from her cousin Alette. Turns out Alette died 2 days before and left her an inheritance but with very specific strings attached. This story is a combination of a thriller with a touch of horror. I recommend this one to those who love thrilling tales of supernatural.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Portable Magic Ltd for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Isabelle's journey from South Africa to London starts with a phone call from her cousin Alette. Turns out Alette died 2 days before and left her an inheritance but with very specific strings attached. This story is a combination of a thriller with a touch of horror. I recommend this one to those who love thrilling tales of supernatural.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Portable Magic Ltd for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 27, 2018
Let op! Spoilers...!
Het was zeker een leuk boek om te lezen. Je komt er makkelijk in en ik was vanaf het eerste moment wel geboeid.
Het was daarnaast ook voor mij wel heel snel duidelijk wie degene was die 1 van de hoofdpersonages had vermoord.
Het boek laat je zo focussen op iemand anders dat je eigenlijk bij jezelf al denkt. Dit kan niet. We moeten zo overduidelijk denken dat hij het is. Dat het gewoon niet meer geloofwaardig is.
Ondanks dat ik dit op de helft van het boek al wist/dacht. Vond ik het nog steeds prettig om uit te lezen en het einde had toch ook een kleien psychologische twist die onverwachts was.
Ik zou het boek wel aanraden om een keer te lezen.
Het was zeker een leuk boek om te lezen. Je komt er makkelijk in en ik was vanaf het eerste moment wel geboeid.
Het was daarnaast ook voor mij wel heel snel duidelijk wie degene was die 1 van de hoofdpersonages had vermoord.
Het boek laat je zo focussen op iemand anders dat je eigenlijk bij jezelf al denkt. Dit kan niet. We moeten zo overduidelijk denken dat hij het is. Dat het gewoon niet meer geloofwaardig is.
Ondanks dat ik dit op de helft van het boek al wist/dacht. Vond ik het nog steeds prettig om uit te lezen en het einde had toch ook een kleien psychologische twist die onverwachts was.
Ik zou het boek wel aanraden om een keer te lezen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2020
Exquisitely beautiful. A gorgeous read: Natasha Mostert’s books consists of webs of ideas that create whole worlds. They are enriching. I love that unusual concepts are brought to life and the way this story unites the spiritual world and the world we know in a natural flow. To enjoy the intrigue of the book, I suggest you read it………or you may never understand what the Midnight Side truly means.
March 5, 2021
This was really good! I'm surprised the book didn't get better reviews. I think it's much better than Season of the Witch. It had my kind of ending. Surprise!
April 28, 2021
Could not stop reading.
December 31, 2021
A Mystery Book Club read, and not my genre of choice, but it was OK.
June 8, 2022
Echt een pakkend boek. Het eind had ik niet verwacht. Helpen van iemand die al dood is.. En visa versa...
January 25, 2014
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
When I read the blurb for The Midnight Side by Natasha Mostert, I thought I was in for a scary ghost story. However, it's not really scary, and there's not much ghost in it. While it wasn't a fantastic read, it was still a decent one.
Isabelle (Isa for short) and Alette are cousins who have always been fairly close. As children, they would lucid dream together. When Alette dies in a car accident, Isabelle flies over from South Africa to England since she was Alette's sole beneficiary. Alette leaves three envelopes for Isabelle asking her for to do a big favor. Things become a bit more complicated when Isabelle develops romantic feelings for Alette's ex. Unknowingly, Alette has put Isabelle in danger. Will Isabelle make it out alive or will she suffer the same fate as Alette?
I don't really get the title. To me, it doesn't really seem to fit the book at all. Nothing special takes place at midnight, so the title is a bit misleading and confusing.
I'm not a fan of the cover at all. Besides showing Big Ben which is in London where the story takes place, the cover doesn't relate to the book at all.
I felt the world building was believable. There's been documented cases of lucid dreaming and receiving telephone calls from the dead. Besides the supernatural aspects, the rest of the world building was believable as well. The only thing I found a bit hard to believe was that Isabelle would develop romantic feelings for Alette's ex after she told her how he treated her. Plus, Alette was not only Isabelle's cousin, but they were like best friends. I suppose it does happen in real life, but it was a bit too instant to be 100% believable.
The pacing was a bit hit and miss throughout the first two-thirds of the book, but when it got to the last third of the book, the pacing steadied out, and I was hooked until the very end of the book.
I was a little bit confused with the story line. In my opinion, it was as if the book couldn't decide if it wanted to be more of a paranormal story or a psychological thriller. Alette leaves Isabelle instructions on how to bring her ex-husband's company crashing down. Isabelle must decide if she wants to comply with her deceased cousin's wish or listen to her heart. During this, Isabelle keeps receiving calls from Alette from the other side as well as Alette appearing in her dreams during lucid dreaming. There is a plot twist that I never saw coming. There's also no cliff hanger ending.
I thought the characters were all well developed. Even if Alette was a bit selfish, I still admired her determination. Isabelle is more of a follower instead of a leader which is why she does what Alette wants her to do. I started off not liking Justin, but by the middle of the book or so, I realized what a large heart he really had. Michael seemed like a good friend, but to me, he seemed to be a bit too...caring if that makes sense.
As for the dialogue, I felt that it flowed very well. In fact, I wish there would've been more dialogue instead of description. I think that having more dialogue would've made this book a bit better. I don't remember any swearing in this book, and the violence is mild.
Overall, The Midnight Side is a decent read. I think it would've been better with more dialogue and less description. I would've also liked more paranormal elements in the book, but that's just a personal preference.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 18+ who are fans of the psychological thriller as horror fans probably won't be too impressed.
I'd give The Midnight Side by Natasha Mostert a 3.5 out of 5.
(I received a free ecopy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review).
When I read the blurb for The Midnight Side by Natasha Mostert, I thought I was in for a scary ghost story. However, it's not really scary, and there's not much ghost in it. While it wasn't a fantastic read, it was still a decent one.
Isabelle (Isa for short) and Alette are cousins who have always been fairly close. As children, they would lucid dream together. When Alette dies in a car accident, Isabelle flies over from South Africa to England since she was Alette's sole beneficiary. Alette leaves three envelopes for Isabelle asking her for to do a big favor. Things become a bit more complicated when Isabelle develops romantic feelings for Alette's ex. Unknowingly, Alette has put Isabelle in danger. Will Isabelle make it out alive or will she suffer the same fate as Alette?
I don't really get the title. To me, it doesn't really seem to fit the book at all. Nothing special takes place at midnight, so the title is a bit misleading and confusing.
I'm not a fan of the cover at all. Besides showing Big Ben which is in London where the story takes place, the cover doesn't relate to the book at all.
I felt the world building was believable. There's been documented cases of lucid dreaming and receiving telephone calls from the dead. Besides the supernatural aspects, the rest of the world building was believable as well. The only thing I found a bit hard to believe was that Isabelle would develop romantic feelings for Alette's ex after she told her how he treated her. Plus, Alette was not only Isabelle's cousin, but they were like best friends. I suppose it does happen in real life, but it was a bit too instant to be 100% believable.
The pacing was a bit hit and miss throughout the first two-thirds of the book, but when it got to the last third of the book, the pacing steadied out, and I was hooked until the very end of the book.
I was a little bit confused with the story line. In my opinion, it was as if the book couldn't decide if it wanted to be more of a paranormal story or a psychological thriller. Alette leaves Isabelle instructions on how to bring her ex-husband's company crashing down. Isabelle must decide if she wants to comply with her deceased cousin's wish or listen to her heart. During this, Isabelle keeps receiving calls from Alette from the other side as well as Alette appearing in her dreams during lucid dreaming. There is a plot twist that I never saw coming. There's also no cliff hanger ending.
I thought the characters were all well developed. Even if Alette was a bit selfish, I still admired her determination. Isabelle is more of a follower instead of a leader which is why she does what Alette wants her to do. I started off not liking Justin, but by the middle of the book or so, I realized what a large heart he really had. Michael seemed like a good friend, but to me, he seemed to be a bit too...caring if that makes sense.
As for the dialogue, I felt that it flowed very well. In fact, I wish there would've been more dialogue instead of description. I think that having more dialogue would've made this book a bit better. I don't remember any swearing in this book, and the violence is mild.
Overall, The Midnight Side is a decent read. I think it would've been better with more dialogue and less description. I would've also liked more paranormal elements in the book, but that's just a personal preference.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 18+ who are fans of the psychological thriller as horror fans probably won't be too impressed.
I'd give The Midnight Side by Natasha Mostert a 3.5 out of 5.
(I received a free ecopy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review).
December 16, 2014
Categories and genres drive me crazy. I don’t know how often I have railed against this barbaric practice in my reviews, but I expect that it must be quite a bit. Oh well, once more into the breech…
That brings me to the work of Natasha Mostert, and her novel The Midnight Side. This work, like others I have read by Ms. Mostert, gleefully defy being placed into any easy recognizable genre, which makes them a particular pleasure to read, and review. Some people are bothered because her works cannot be pigeon-holed, but that is one of the things that make them so good.
The Midnight Side is the tale of two cousins, Isa and Alette, who grew up together in South Africa. It’s not too much of a spoiler to say that Alette dies, because she does in the books first chapter. Sometime after this she calls up her cousin Isa, from London. Telephone calls from the dead might be a tip-off that this book is a ghost story, but that would be too simple. Ms. Mostert is playing a different game here. Although the basic frame from the story is one of revenge: Alette wants Isa’s help in helping her even the score with her ex-husband, Justin, who she claims made her life a living hell. This she accomplishes with a series of directions left to her cousin in her Will, along with the occasional call from beyond the pale, and appearances in Isa’s dreams For the rest of the book we follow Isa as she carries out Isa’s wishes, sometimes quite reluctantly, as she finds herself discovering more and more about her cousin, her ex-husband, and her friends. There are also a lot of flashbacks, which are well- handled, and show Alette and Isa growing up together in Africa, raised by Alette’s nurse, a Zulu woman named Sienna, who knew more that her fair share or tribal magic. The rest of the tale is a slow and tense game of cat-and-mouse between a small cast of characters.
Now to a lot of people this may sound pretty tame, but one of the things that I most admire about Ms. Mostert is her ability to mix the supernatural with the cutting edge of para-psychological research and science so that it straddles all of these different and disparate disciples. Giving her books a true feeling of realism, without splashing around buckets of gore or revenants and ghosts, Ms. Mostert turns small unsettling details into truly frightening events, and that is one of the things that makes this book special.
When you add in the spot –on characterizations, of Isa, Justin, and the other main players, (even Isa, who is dead), and the taut plotting, you have a special book.
Speaking of the plot; it is terrific, and like many top-notch thrillers, the story revolves around a startling and surprising Twist, which caught me truly by surprise. I wish that I could tell you about it, but it would wreck the house of cards that Ms. Mostert has so carefully sculpted. Let me just say that I felt like I had the rug jerked out from beneath my feet, and I liked it. You can’t really ask for much more than that.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
That brings me to the work of Natasha Mostert, and her novel The Midnight Side. This work, like others I have read by Ms. Mostert, gleefully defy being placed into any easy recognizable genre, which makes them a particular pleasure to read, and review. Some people are bothered because her works cannot be pigeon-holed, but that is one of the things that make them so good.
The Midnight Side is the tale of two cousins, Isa and Alette, who grew up together in South Africa. It’s not too much of a spoiler to say that Alette dies, because she does in the books first chapter. Sometime after this she calls up her cousin Isa, from London. Telephone calls from the dead might be a tip-off that this book is a ghost story, but that would be too simple. Ms. Mostert is playing a different game here. Although the basic frame from the story is one of revenge: Alette wants Isa’s help in helping her even the score with her ex-husband, Justin, who she claims made her life a living hell. This she accomplishes with a series of directions left to her cousin in her Will, along with the occasional call from beyond the pale, and appearances in Isa’s dreams For the rest of the book we follow Isa as she carries out Isa’s wishes, sometimes quite reluctantly, as she finds herself discovering more and more about her cousin, her ex-husband, and her friends. There are also a lot of flashbacks, which are well- handled, and show Alette and Isa growing up together in Africa, raised by Alette’s nurse, a Zulu woman named Sienna, who knew more that her fair share or tribal magic. The rest of the tale is a slow and tense game of cat-and-mouse between a small cast of characters.
Now to a lot of people this may sound pretty tame, but one of the things that I most admire about Ms. Mostert is her ability to mix the supernatural with the cutting edge of para-psychological research and science so that it straddles all of these different and disparate disciples. Giving her books a true feeling of realism, without splashing around buckets of gore or revenants and ghosts, Ms. Mostert turns small unsettling details into truly frightening events, and that is one of the things that makes this book special.
When you add in the spot –on characterizations, of Isa, Justin, and the other main players, (even Isa, who is dead), and the taut plotting, you have a special book.
Speaking of the plot; it is terrific, and like many top-notch thrillers, the story revolves around a startling and surprising Twist, which caught me truly by surprise. I wish that I could tell you about it, but it would wreck the house of cards that Ms. Mostert has so carefully sculpted. Let me just say that I felt like I had the rug jerked out from beneath my feet, and I liked it. You can’t really ask for much more than that.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
September 27, 2015
I first discovered Natasha Mostert's work with the release of SEASON OF THE WITCH in 2007. There are some books that I have distinct memories of discovering and this is one. We'd hit up the Boulder Bookstore after brunch and I was browsing through their new hardcovers on the bottom floor. I'd never heard of Mostert prior to coming across that one but the description was irresistible; I had to have the book. And I loved it! Adored it even! Mostert quickly became a new favorite of mine thanks to SEASON.
In my attempt to then acquire anything and everything she had written at the time, I did manage to track down used copies of WINDWALKER and THE MIDNIGHT SIDE, though sadly I've never been able to find THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE.
Anyway, THE MIDNIGHT SIDE has been sitting on my shelf for a while (I didn't find it right away) mainly because it's been out of print! I love to recommend stuff but I hate to send readers into the frenzy of used bookstore track downs. But now, now, THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is back! Yes, folks, Mostert has rereleased THE MIDNIGHT SIDE, WINDWALKER, and SEASON OF THE WITCH and I highly recommend ALL OF THEM!
When Isa learns that her cousin Alette has died, she is shocked and surprised - she'd only just heard from Alette. The connection was bad, but Isa is certain she didn't imagine the phone call. But Isa is told that Alette died days prior to Isa's receiving the call. She flies to London for the reading of the will and finds that Alette had an odd last request. Alette says her ex husband ruined her life and now she wants revenge. A series of letters outlines what Isa is tasked with, but she isn't so certain of Alette's instructions. To act means ruining someone else's life but not to act would mean a betrayal of Isa's closest friend and relative. The cousins share a strong bond, though, one that cannot be broken by death alone and whenever Isa falters, Alette is there to push her along.
Mysticism plays a huge role in each of Mostert's books and here we have not only phone calls from the dead (Mostert's note on Thomas Edison's attempts to build a phone to call the dead was a particularly awesome piece of previously unknown to me history!) but we also have lucid dreaming and just a touch of Zulu mythology as well. Throw in an obsessive stalker and a murder mystery and you have a real win with THE MIDNIGHT SIDE.
Every one of Mostert's books contains this creepy, gothic undertone with a wonderfully supporting atmosphere. She really takes the time and effort to build suspense through imagery and by building a quiet dread, which makes each of her books creepier than some of the most graphic horror. Here especially, with the chapters from the villain's perspective - cause you're always left wondering who it might be - knowing that Isa is being watched constantly and trying to use the clues given to figure out where the danger really lies, just ratchets up the suspense further in THE MIDNIGHT SIDE.
In my attempt to then acquire anything and everything she had written at the time, I did manage to track down used copies of WINDWALKER and THE MIDNIGHT SIDE, though sadly I've never been able to find THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE.
Anyway, THE MIDNIGHT SIDE has been sitting on my shelf for a while (I didn't find it right away) mainly because it's been out of print! I love to recommend stuff but I hate to send readers into the frenzy of used bookstore track downs. But now, now, THE MIDNIGHT SIDE is back! Yes, folks, Mostert has rereleased THE MIDNIGHT SIDE, WINDWALKER, and SEASON OF THE WITCH and I highly recommend ALL OF THEM!
When Isa learns that her cousin Alette has died, she is shocked and surprised - she'd only just heard from Alette. The connection was bad, but Isa is certain she didn't imagine the phone call. But Isa is told that Alette died days prior to Isa's receiving the call. She flies to London for the reading of the will and finds that Alette had an odd last request. Alette says her ex husband ruined her life and now she wants revenge. A series of letters outlines what Isa is tasked with, but she isn't so certain of Alette's instructions. To act means ruining someone else's life but not to act would mean a betrayal of Isa's closest friend and relative. The cousins share a strong bond, though, one that cannot be broken by death alone and whenever Isa falters, Alette is there to push her along.
Mysticism plays a huge role in each of Mostert's books and here we have not only phone calls from the dead (Mostert's note on Thomas Edison's attempts to build a phone to call the dead was a particularly awesome piece of previously unknown to me history!) but we also have lucid dreaming and just a touch of Zulu mythology as well. Throw in an obsessive stalker and a murder mystery and you have a real win with THE MIDNIGHT SIDE.
Every one of Mostert's books contains this creepy, gothic undertone with a wonderfully supporting atmosphere. She really takes the time and effort to build suspense through imagery and by building a quiet dread, which makes each of her books creepier than some of the most graphic horror. Here especially, with the chapters from the villain's perspective - cause you're always left wondering who it might be - knowing that Isa is being watched constantly and trying to use the clues given to figure out where the danger really lies, just ratchets up the suspense further in THE MIDNIGHT SIDE.
February 12, 2014
The mysteries of lucid dreaming, shared dreaming, and ghosts calling from the grave. A chilling story about a dead woman messing with her cousin. Out of the three books I have read by Natasha Mostert this is my least favorite, don't get me wrong it is still a good read, creepy and makes you jump next time you hear a phone ring. A descriptive story that takes you from the South African heat to the cold English winter about two girl who grew up together, cousins that could share in their lucid dreams. Separated by jobs and time have grown apart but still close at heart haven't shared a dream since their teens.
Isa DeWitt is morning the lost of her lover, unable to attend his funeral because it would have been inappropriate for his mistress to show up and morn publicly with his wife and children. Still trying to comes to terms with her loss she dreams of his funereal and a strange hand reaching out for her. She wakens to the sound of her phone ringing it's her cousin Alette asking her if she would do something for her but the phone cut off before she could ask. She carries on throughout her day like normal trying not to think of her dead lover when she gets another call, this time from a lawyer, Alette's lawyer informing her that her cousin has died, two days ago.
Isa makes the arrangement to go ahead and go through Alette's funeral her cremation as she wished it in her will. Little does Isa realize that Alette left her everything including a series of letters asking her to ruin her ex-husband career. She explains to Isa in a letter that Justin Temple her ex-husband abused her and manipulated her and was obsessed and controlling. She wants to get even with him by ruining his career. Living in her cousin's house she can feel her presence. In life Alette was a psychic, she read cards and tea leaves for the rich telling then what they wanted to hear and Isa can still feel her in the house, in her dreams it's Alette's hand that is reaching for her.
In her time in London Isa befriends the neighbor a friend of Alette's and runs in to Justin. He seems like a nice guy and she sees more and more of him and sure enough she falls in love with him. Which is when she realizes Alette wasn't telling the truth in her letters. And that their was something very strange about how Alette died.
A truly eerie story Isa struggling with her life and the life of her now dead cousin, remembering things as a child about her. I don't know why I didn't like this one as much as the others. I think it was just the characters I couldn't connect with them as much I didn't like them. But I love the lucid dreams and the phone calls from the grave and how her house was filled with Alette's spirit it was like the cartoon Monster House it was almost alive.
Isa DeWitt is morning the lost of her lover, unable to attend his funeral because it would have been inappropriate for his mistress to show up and morn publicly with his wife and children. Still trying to comes to terms with her loss she dreams of his funereal and a strange hand reaching out for her. She wakens to the sound of her phone ringing it's her cousin Alette asking her if she would do something for her but the phone cut off before she could ask. She carries on throughout her day like normal trying not to think of her dead lover when she gets another call, this time from a lawyer, Alette's lawyer informing her that her cousin has died, two days ago.
Isa makes the arrangement to go ahead and go through Alette's funeral her cremation as she wished it in her will. Little does Isa realize that Alette left her everything including a series of letters asking her to ruin her ex-husband career. She explains to Isa in a letter that Justin Temple her ex-husband abused her and manipulated her and was obsessed and controlling. She wants to get even with him by ruining his career. Living in her cousin's house she can feel her presence. In life Alette was a psychic, she read cards and tea leaves for the rich telling then what they wanted to hear and Isa can still feel her in the house, in her dreams it's Alette's hand that is reaching for her.
In her time in London Isa befriends the neighbor a friend of Alette's and runs in to Justin. He seems like a nice guy and she sees more and more of him and sure enough she falls in love with him. Which is when she realizes Alette wasn't telling the truth in her letters. And that their was something very strange about how Alette died.
A truly eerie story Isa struggling with her life and the life of her now dead cousin, remembering things as a child about her. I don't know why I didn't like this one as much as the others. I think it was just the characters I couldn't connect with them as much I didn't like them. But I love the lucid dreams and the phone calls from the grave and how her house was filled with Alette's spirit it was like the cartoon Monster House it was almost alive.
October 23, 2014
Note: I received this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
All in all, it was an entertaining, creepy mystery with a great dose of thrill. However, the case of Alette’s death wasn’t all that difficult to solve. It had been quite easy to figure out who killed her and how manipulative she turned out to be, even dead. I did feel sad for poor Jason though.
I don’t like meddling with ghosts and after life stuff in real life, but reading about it in fiction books is actually entertaining. The Midnight Side provided a great journey that I found enjoyable.
Writing style:
The novel is written in a 3rd person POV, and has an omnipresent narrator. From experience I know that the 3rd person POV in a contemporary book is difficult to pull off, but Natasha Mostert turned out to be a fully capable writer, who makes the reader immerse in her stories.
Story line:
Isabel lives in South Africa, miles away from her cousin, Alette, who resides in the UK. So when Isa receives a phone call from Alette, it’s nothing unusual to her. Then she receives a different call, informing her of Alette’s death, from two days earlier. With Isa’s travel to the UK begins this mystery of murder, manipulation and ghostly ambitions.
Themes:
-Lucid dreaming as the string connecting the living with the recently deceased
-Obsession with someone is dangerous and usually tragic
-manipulation as a means to succeed in accomplishing one’s plans
Characters:
Isabel (Isa) – not surprisingly, she was portrayed to be the dependent cousin. When they were younger, Isa couldn’t spend a day without getting Alette’s approval. She could never deny Alette’s games of dare.
When Isa decided it was time to stand up for herself, although a bit late, she proved that she had a backbone when one was needed.
Jason, Alette’s ex-husband, who couldn’t escape his late wife even after she was dead, had to deal with a deathly obsessed person who just wouldn’t let go. Fending off a ghost seemed to be a difficult task.
Michael was another obsessed character. He was quite obvious with his affection for Alette and I knew all troubles that seemed to haunt Isa came from him.
Alette – a ghost who just wouldn’t find peace until she brought revenge to the people she thought had forgotten her. She didn’t care how much pain she caused or who she caused it to. As long as she had the upper hand, everything was fine with her. Apart from her being dead, that is.
In conclusion:
Creepy from the very beginning, The Midnight Side kept giving me the chills to the very end.
All in all, it was an entertaining, creepy mystery with a great dose of thrill. However, the case of Alette’s death wasn’t all that difficult to solve. It had been quite easy to figure out who killed her and how manipulative she turned out to be, even dead. I did feel sad for poor Jason though.
I don’t like meddling with ghosts and after life stuff in real life, but reading about it in fiction books is actually entertaining. The Midnight Side provided a great journey that I found enjoyable.
Writing style:
The novel is written in a 3rd person POV, and has an omnipresent narrator. From experience I know that the 3rd person POV in a contemporary book is difficult to pull off, but Natasha Mostert turned out to be a fully capable writer, who makes the reader immerse in her stories.
Story line:
Isabel lives in South Africa, miles away from her cousin, Alette, who resides in the UK. So when Isa receives a phone call from Alette, it’s nothing unusual to her. Then she receives a different call, informing her of Alette’s death, from two days earlier. With Isa’s travel to the UK begins this mystery of murder, manipulation and ghostly ambitions.
Themes:
-Lucid dreaming as the string connecting the living with the recently deceased
-Obsession with someone is dangerous and usually tragic
-manipulation as a means to succeed in accomplishing one’s plans
Characters:
Isabel (Isa) – not surprisingly, she was portrayed to be the dependent cousin. When they were younger, Isa couldn’t spend a day without getting Alette’s approval. She could never deny Alette’s games of dare.
When Isa decided it was time to stand up for herself, although a bit late, she proved that she had a backbone when one was needed.
Jason, Alette’s ex-husband, who couldn’t escape his late wife even after she was dead, had to deal with a deathly obsessed person who just wouldn’t let go. Fending off a ghost seemed to be a difficult task.
Michael was another obsessed character. He was quite obvious with his affection for Alette and I knew all troubles that seemed to haunt Isa came from him.
Alette – a ghost who just wouldn’t find peace until she brought revenge to the people she thought had forgotten her. She didn’t care how much pain she caused or who she caused it to. As long as she had the upper hand, everything was fine with her. Apart from her being dead, that is.
In conclusion:
Creepy from the very beginning, The Midnight Side kept giving me the chills to the very end.
February 28, 2017
Absorbing mystery, usual twists and turns, with a bit of supernatural, kept my interest.
March 4, 2014
THE MIDNIGHT SIDE
By Natasha Mostert
Can The Dead Reach Back to Exact Revenge?
A re-release of Natasha Mostert’s debut novel, a fantastic tale of obsessive love gone awry unleashes a powerful story filled with suspense and terrifying thrills. Again mysticism takes a crucial role in this story, but makes it so much more than merely a ghost story.
For readers that love the Occult and Life after Death, this story will sure to please. Can a ghost manipulate a telephone to make a call after her death? Can Lucid dreaming be a doorway into the unnatural world beyond life? Can true love, not obsessive love, forgive when ruination was delivered upon them?
Isabelle De Witt wakes from a dream of mourning her recently deceased lover when her telephone rings. It is her cousin, Alette, who is supposed to be in London. Later that day Isa, in her design office in South Africa receives a call from a London solicitor informing her of Alette’s death. The kicker, Alette died two days ago, so how could she have called that very morning?
Isabelle is asked to travel to London to deal with Alette’s affairs, in more way than one. Being the sole heir she temporarily moves into Alette’s house where she meets Alette’s ex-husband Justin as he enters uninvited in the middle of the night.
She is compelled by letters written by Alette prior to her death to help enact revenge against Justin. The phone calls don’t stop as Alette haunts Isa into doing her bidding. Secrets are revealed that propel Isa into agreeing to bring justice for Alette. Hi-jinks ensue and forbidden relationships blossom. Guilt and fear lead Isa into deathly situations all the while she is still being manipulated by her cousin’s ghost. Truths become evident that twists the story once again leading to an unexpected ending.
This thrilling suspenseful story did not disappoint. It is rich in detail and fast paced to keep the reader engaged until the satisfying end. The theme of love beyond the grave is an intriguing concept added to the theme of unrequited, obsessive love and the insecurities of love that compel us to do act unreasonably. The story brings a new meaning to the adage, Rest in Peace.
To see other titles by Natasha Mostert visit her website at: http://www.natashamostert.com/
FTC Disclaimer: I was loaned an ARC of this title by Net Galley for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded.
By Natasha Mostert
Can The Dead Reach Back to Exact Revenge?
A re-release of Natasha Mostert’s debut novel, a fantastic tale of obsessive love gone awry unleashes a powerful story filled with suspense and terrifying thrills. Again mysticism takes a crucial role in this story, but makes it so much more than merely a ghost story.
For readers that love the Occult and Life after Death, this story will sure to please. Can a ghost manipulate a telephone to make a call after her death? Can Lucid dreaming be a doorway into the unnatural world beyond life? Can true love, not obsessive love, forgive when ruination was delivered upon them?
Isabelle De Witt wakes from a dream of mourning her recently deceased lover when her telephone rings. It is her cousin, Alette, who is supposed to be in London. Later that day Isa, in her design office in South Africa receives a call from a London solicitor informing her of Alette’s death. The kicker, Alette died two days ago, so how could she have called that very morning?
Isabelle is asked to travel to London to deal with Alette’s affairs, in more way than one. Being the sole heir she temporarily moves into Alette’s house where she meets Alette’s ex-husband Justin as he enters uninvited in the middle of the night.
She is compelled by letters written by Alette prior to her death to help enact revenge against Justin. The phone calls don’t stop as Alette haunts Isa into doing her bidding. Secrets are revealed that propel Isa into agreeing to bring justice for Alette. Hi-jinks ensue and forbidden relationships blossom. Guilt and fear lead Isa into deathly situations all the while she is still being manipulated by her cousin’s ghost. Truths become evident that twists the story once again leading to an unexpected ending.
This thrilling suspenseful story did not disappoint. It is rich in detail and fast paced to keep the reader engaged until the satisfying end. The theme of love beyond the grave is an intriguing concept added to the theme of unrequited, obsessive love and the insecurities of love that compel us to do act unreasonably. The story brings a new meaning to the adage, Rest in Peace.
To see other titles by Natasha Mostert visit her website at: http://www.natashamostert.com/
FTC Disclaimer: I was loaned an ARC of this title by Net Galley for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded.
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