What do you think?
The Night the Light Went Out: A Mystery of Early America
September, 1821. Nine souls are trapped inside the Cape May Lighthouse as a treacherous storm ravages the New Jersey coast with punishing winds and rising waters … but the tempest escalating among those cut off from civilization may be even more lethal.
Deputy Sheriff George Moore, a newcomer to Cape May, knows nothing of the dark histories of the eight other people confined with him. When the first victim falls, everyone is left reeling. But was the death natural or was it a cold-blooded murder?
As the relentless march of death claims more victims, George must unravel the malevolent secrets swirling around him before it’s too late.
Step into the storm of the century as the ill-fated men and women in the lighthouse face the threatening sea, stifling darkness, and the sinister evil destroying them one by one.
Deputy Sheriff George Moore, a newcomer to Cape May, knows nothing of the dark histories of the eight other people confined with him. When the first victim falls, everyone is left reeling. But was the death natural or was it a cold-blooded murder?
As the relentless march of death claims more victims, George must unravel the malevolent secrets swirling around him before it’s too late.
Step into the storm of the century as the ill-fated men and women in the lighthouse face the threatening sea, stifling darkness, and the sinister evil destroying them one by one.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 5, 2024
Locked-room mysteries like “Murder on the Orient Express” have an honorable tradition. “The Night the Light Went Out” by USA Today Bestselling Author A. M. Reade follows in Agatha Christie’s footsteps. A nineteenth century lighthouse on Cape May during a hurricane is a compelling setting for this kind of story.
The protagonist is a Deputy Sheriff still haunted by his wife’s death but determined to do his duty. The writing is masterful at drawing us back to 1821 and the complexities of slave laws during that period.
The plot gets off to a roaring start when the deputy and lighthouse keeper rescue three sailors from a doomed boat. The sailors are locals but soon give evidence they’re not to be trusted. Perhaps this applies as well to the lighthouse keeper, his family, and friends. The deputy is kept guessing as the raging storm and mysterious maladies take their toll. Enjoy the ride along this twisty roller coaster of unpredictable threats.
Mood is like another character, gripping us as if in a skeleton’s bony fingers. Here’s an example:
“I have never been afraid in the dark. Darkness is when the most dastardly deeds occur, but it is also a time of quiet. Of rest. When darkness falls, good people find comfort in their homes and families. This darkness was different. This darkness held a sense of malice. I was not afraid, but I was on my guard. I was keenly aware of the need to remain cautious and vigilant for the remainder of the storm.”
Scenes of slow menace alternate with high drama. “I dashed into the churning surf, but as I got closer to the two swimmers approaching shore, they let go of Henry’s rope and made grasping motions at me. One man grabbed my left arm while the other took hold of my right. They must have thought the water was shallower than it was. I started sinking. I kicked mightily, trying to get my head above water and shouting at them to let go, but drowning men are desperate souls. They will clutch at anything nearby. I took in great gulps of salty water as the waves closed over my head several times.”
For a historical mystery where nature and human foibles duel for grim effect, “The Night the Light Went Out” can’t be beat.
The protagonist is a Deputy Sheriff still haunted by his wife’s death but determined to do his duty. The writing is masterful at drawing us back to 1821 and the complexities of slave laws during that period.
The plot gets off to a roaring start when the deputy and lighthouse keeper rescue three sailors from a doomed boat. The sailors are locals but soon give evidence they’re not to be trusted. Perhaps this applies as well to the lighthouse keeper, his family, and friends. The deputy is kept guessing as the raging storm and mysterious maladies take their toll. Enjoy the ride along this twisty roller coaster of unpredictable threats.
Mood is like another character, gripping us as if in a skeleton’s bony fingers. Here’s an example:
“I have never been afraid in the dark. Darkness is when the most dastardly deeds occur, but it is also a time of quiet. Of rest. When darkness falls, good people find comfort in their homes and families. This darkness was different. This darkness held a sense of malice. I was not afraid, but I was on my guard. I was keenly aware of the need to remain cautious and vigilant for the remainder of the storm.”
Scenes of slow menace alternate with high drama. “I dashed into the churning surf, but as I got closer to the two swimmers approaching shore, they let go of Henry’s rope and made grasping motions at me. One man grabbed my left arm while the other took hold of my right. They must have thought the water was shallower than it was. I started sinking. I kicked mightily, trying to get my head above water and shouting at them to let go, but drowning men are desperate souls. They will clutch at anything nearby. I took in great gulps of salty water as the waves closed over my head several times.”
For a historical mystery where nature and human foibles duel for grim effect, “The Night the Light Went Out” can’t be beat.
September 6, 2024
September 1821. Nine people are trapped in the relentless grip of nature's fury, and a Cape May lighthouse soon becomes a deadly battleground—not just against the storm, but even more so against the secrets lurking within.
I was hooked from the first page, making the book impossible to put down; and the atmospheric writing made me feel as if I too, witnessed the power of the storm. I found many things about the story fascinating, but particularly enjoyed the process wherein Deputy George Moore puzzled over each new clue to ferret out the truth. In fact, I liked this character so much, I hope the author plans to bring him back in future books.
All in all, The Night the Light Went Out is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of suspense and mystery. Highly recommended!
I was hooked from the first page, making the book impossible to put down; and the atmospheric writing made me feel as if I too, witnessed the power of the storm. I found many things about the story fascinating, but particularly enjoyed the process wherein Deputy George Moore puzzled over each new clue to ferret out the truth. In fact, I liked this character so much, I hope the author plans to bring him back in future books.
All in all, The Night the Light Went Out is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of suspense and mystery. Highly recommended!
September 21, 2024
"The Night the Light Went Out" is the latest release in the Cape May Historical Mystery collection by author A. M. Reade. Set it the autumn of 1821, a deadly hurricane traps nine unsuspecting people in the small dwelling of the local lighthouse keeper. With no choice but to ride the storm out together, these unsuspecting souls get more than they bargained for when their numbers begin to dwindle. Set almost entirely in the tiny confines of a cottage and adjoining lighthouse, author Reade does an amazing job of keeping the story interesting and the tension tight as the local deputy sheriff tries to sort out the circumstances surrounding the murders. An excellent addition to this interesting series! I highly recommend this book to both fans of historical fiction and thrilling mysteries.
September 4, 2024
What an exciting historical mystery set in Cape May in the 1800s! Most of the action takes place in an old but important lighthouse that saves ships and boats from crashing on the rocks on shore. But maybe not this time when an historic storm wreaks havoc on the Cape May coast. Some men and women are stranded on the small cottage attached to the lighthouse as the storm rages. Murder ensues. Several of the cottage-storm-captives die. The mystery surrounding each death unravels like a deadly snake. The history of each character is slowly revealed. The description of the scene within the cottage is so well-written that I felt my heart pounding with each chapter. Excellent book in the series, but it's not necessary to read the other two books - this is easily a stand-alone novel.
September 19, 2024
Author Amy Reade once again thrills readers with her latest #NewRelease in The Cape May Historical Mystery Collection! It's September, 1821 and a deadly hurricane is set to strike the Cape May area, unleashing ravaging waves and winds to all in its path.
Deputy Sheriff George Moore lends a helping hand to the lightkeeper's family to prepare for the carnage. The storm hits with an unexpected vengeance, trapping him, the family, and shipwrecked members to wait it out. Death, mystery, and nefarious undercurrents have other ideas, unlocking terrors not foreseen. A thrilling mystery, highly recommended!
Deputy Sheriff George Moore lends a helping hand to the lightkeeper's family to prepare for the carnage. The storm hits with an unexpected vengeance, trapping him, the family, and shipwrecked members to wait it out. Death, mystery, and nefarious undercurrents have other ideas, unlocking terrors not foreseen. A thrilling mystery, highly recommended!
Read
October 10, 2024Outstanding!
Please keep writing more of these Cape May books! I've read the other 2 more than once and I adore them! Phenomenal writing!
Please keep writing more of these Cape May books! I've read the other 2 more than once and I adore them! Phenomenal writing!
October 26, 2025
Great historical mystery! Author's descriptions makes you feel like you are trapped in the lighthouse with the characters. Twisty ending. Really enjoyed it.
July 15, 2026
It was okay, well written. I liked the ending and the history of it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews