A Hush at Midnight

by Marlene M. Bell

A manipulator.

A fatal plan for revenge.

Award-winning author of the Annalisse series, Marlene M. Bell, brings distant friends together in the rural South only to have one of them become the victim of a brutal crime of passion.

Once celebrated for her show-stopping pastries and irresistible desserts, former celebrity chef Laura Harris is now making headlines for a far darker reason.

Laura has been accused of murder.

How could this petite chef have brutally smothered the beloved small-town matriarch, World War II ferry pilot veteran, Hattie Stenburg? Hattie wasn't just a pillar of the community; she was Laura's confidant and mentor. The shocking twist? Hattie’s will contained recent changes, bypassing next-of kin and leaving her entire fortune and historic estate to Laura.

As Laura scrambles to clear her name, she uncovers sinister secrets lurking beneath the town’s idyllic surface. The real murderer is always one step ahead, leaving taunting clues and threatening Laura to leave Texas—or face deadly consequences. With time not a luxury, Laura must untangle the web of deceit before the killer makes her the next victim.

In "A Hush at Midnight," Marlene M. Bell twists an amateur sleuth crime mystery into a race against the clock to solve her mentor's murder.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adult, Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Marlene M. Bell shares many traits with the bold, curious protagonists she writes, chief among them, the uncanny ability to stumble down unexpected paths. Her foray into writing began with popular articles on raising sheep, only to veer into far more thrilling territory with the acclaimed Annalisse series. Starring a New York antiquities appraiser who chases dangerous criminals in far-flung locales, the series has won eight international literary awards and an avid fan base around the world.

When Marlene’s not busy plotting her next heart-pounding novel, she’s exploring her wooded Texas farm with camera in hand and thirty sheep faithfully in tow. As an accomplished painter and nature photographer, she’s always hunting for the next spark of inspiration—or the next adventure calling her name.

Visit marlenembell.com to stay up to date with new releases or request a signed copy.

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlene M. Bell, the Author of “The Hush At Midnight” has written an intense and captivating novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, and Fiction. I appreciate that Marlene M. Bell, lists the cast of characters in a page at the beginning and describes them. The author vividly describes the dramatic characters as complex, complicated and very suspicious.

When Chef and Cookbook Author Laura Harris goes to visit her mentor,Hattie Stenberg, in the small town of Stenberg, she takes note that something seems off. Hattie, once a World War Two pilot, and one of the matriarchs in town, isn’t feeling well and seems frail. A young neighbor with an attitude seems to be both hovering and assisting Hattie, and convinces Laura to let Hattie rest. Laura first leaves for the night, but something makes her return to see her friend and mentor. Laura listens for Hattie’s dog, and finds Hattie in the groundkeeper’s house and bed, dead. Laura notices bruises and suspects this to be a homicide. There are many collectibles and expensive heirlooms in the main house.

When the will is read, it seems that Laura is the beneficiary and inherits Hattie’s wealthy estate. There are secrets, twists and turns, and discoveries of other characters and their motives. The Police suspect Laura. As Laura tries to clear her name, threats, calls, messages , and danger surround her. I highly recommend this intense and suspenseful novel.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this fabulous author , will be trying to read all her books !
This book had me turning pages and trying to figure out who really killed Hattie! Poor Laura was main suspect and trying to see who framed her ! Love the friendship and the romance too!
I received this arc for a fair and honest review , Marlene your a great author and will be reading everything I can by you !

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will warn you to have some snacks handy. A Hush At Midnight made me hungry for chocolate.

Celebrity Chef Laura Harris has come back to Stenberg to visit her friend and mentor, Hattie Stenberg. She gets more than she bargained for as the threats mount and Hattie is murdered. Why? What could Laura have that anyone would possibly want?

Laura feels the police have tunnel vision, so she inserts herself into the investigation.

When she finds out she is to inherit Hattie’s fortune, she meets Hattie’s attorney, Brent Hill. Could there be romance in the air?

A Hush At Midnight is more than a cozy but less than a blood and guts thriller. There is plenty of mystery and danger to keep the pace of the novel rolling along. We also have plenty of suspects and I am constantly trying to rule out the innocent. I like trying to figure out what’s coming before the author has to tell me, but I like it even more when an author can keep me guessing.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining mystery where amateur sleuth Laura must prove her innocence after she discovers the body of her elderly friend. The local police seem inept and her first task is to convince them this was an actual murder. A grouchy and intimidating detective makes her think she must find the murderer or be under a heavy cloud of suspicion herself.

Laura is a likable character. As is often the case with amateur sleuths, she takes too many chances and often get into potentially harmful situations. There are a number of suspects. While the villain was no surprise, the reason took quite a bit of explanation.

The aspect of this novel I liked the best was Bell's writing style. It is almost lyrical and includes great descriptions. I could easily visualize Laura in the bluebell field. This is another novel from Bell I can recommend.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Marlene M Bell for sending me this FREE ARC Copy to promote and review for her as part of their Release Day earlier this month.

Even tho this was only the 5th Book I've read by Marlene I have to say im loving her writing style and storytelling, it really makes for a fun and enjoyable Mystery to read.

This one is about a Woman, Laura Harris who works as a Chef at a Manor where she finds her mentor dead in the groundskeepers bed and she tries to help the police solve the murder.

As the story evolves we learn that someone is taunting Laura to leave .

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Laura was definitely my favorite. I felt bad all that she endured as she learn about the murder and who did it.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery of Stenberg was described.

Overall a Phenomenal Book about a Murder in a Manor. I hope there's a Book 2 since I feel like Laura would be wonderful as solving more!!

[Stephanie Stoffella · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when a book start with a detailed list of characters, it’s going to be an involved read. The interconnected relationships were well managed and added so much to this mystery read.

Laura was once known for her baking, but now must prove her innocence. Her dear friend was found in bed deceased, and Laura will not rest until she finds out who killed Hattie.

Paced well, very detailed, good twist, resolved well.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery set in a southern town in Texas. I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the subtle historical vibes sprinkled through the story. I didn't fully connect with the main character, but I did like her very much. I liked her compassion and empathy.

[Denise Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mystery! I felt like I was right along with the main character, helping her try to look for clues and solve it!!! My first book by this author, but I will definitely be looking for more!

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger lurks around every corner for pastry chef Laura Harris.

Laura has traveled from California to Texas to help a friend with her new bakery. On the way, she stops to visit a dear friend and mentor, Hattie. Hattie is a spitfire, and it is a shame that she is murdered early in the book, and we don't have a chance to get to know her better. Stories about Hattie's past are shared with the readers, which helps bring her to life as we learn about her aviation days and much more. She may have been 93, but she lived a full life. I loved that she would correspond with Laura via handwritten letters. This is a dying art form.

Laura is convinced that someone murdered Hattie but is having a hard time proving it to the police. They think Laura might have killed Hattie, which is a silly notion considering Laura's stature, and what motive could she have to kill her? A chase to the end ensues to uncover the murderer and honor Hattie. She has some help from her father and Hattie's lawyer.

I will admit that I did not like Laura much in the first half of the book. I felt like she steamrolled over everyone in trying to prove Hattie was murdered. There is a confrontation with her pilot boyfriend that doesn't go well. Laura didn't show much mercy for anyone if they got in her way. However, once the mystery is unraveled, Laura does soften. There are acts of kindness near the end of the book that redeems her previous actions.

While Laura is a pastry chef, we don't see her cooking much or creating pastries with Duska. I would have enjoyed a little more kitchen action with her friend. There is an unresolved issue regarding her friend, Duska. I don't know if this will be a series and if this situation will be resolved in the next book.

While I didn't guess the killer, I had my suspicions about one of the characters. I can't pinpoint anything specific; something just didn't seem right. I was glad a few other characters were not involved in the crimes. You won't lack for potential suspects.

I can't finish my review without mentioning Moon Pie, Hattie's Corgi. I love dogs, and it is even better when one is included in a book!

While there are a few unresolved situations, I still enjoyed the mystery and hope this becomes a series. I can see a lot of potential for this town and the characters. We give it 4 paws up.

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where are all the cozy mystery readers? This one’s for you!
Laura finds herself heading to Texas at the invitation of her parents. This situation works out for her as she is not getting along with her siblings. She is also reunited with Hattie, who was like a grandmother to Laura and someone she has missed. The interesting thing – they communicated by writing letters! This is something that has gone by the wayside these days. I always thought it was fun (and still do) getting handwritten notes in the mail.
We are also introduced to Hattie’s care person, Nicole, and her mother, Edith. They are the colorful characters in this tale, based on their personalities.
We meet Jordan who has a story of his own. Hattie was a kind, caring person and helped him out.
We meet Brent, the good-looking lawyer. Every story needs a good-looking lawyer.
We meet Detective Adams. We meet Laura’s dad, Zane. And Connie. And Duska. And Moon Pie, a cute corgi, who adds to this tale.
Laura is what I would call an amateur sleuth. She wasn’t happy with the way the detectives were handling the cases they were handed so she decided to investigate on her own, much to the detectives’ dismay and admonishments. She gets herself into all kinds of trouble along the way, when she only wanted to help, not cause harm.
While cozy mysteries aren’t my normal type of book to read, I did enjoy reading about Laura’s misadventures and her persistence. I like the fact that she found out what she was made of, her inner strength, her never-give-up attitude until she found the answers she was looking for. And maybe even a bit more.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Hush at Midnight" is a well-written, action-packed, and fast-paced book with believable characters who complement each other. The protagonist, Laura, her father Zane, and Brett, Hattie's estate lawyer, work together to solve the murder of Laura's mentor, Hattie. I stayed up late to finish the book because the author is a fantastic writer, and I couldn't put the book down. Throughout the book, there were twists and turns that kept me engaged. Usually, I can figure out who the killer is early in the book, but this one stumped me. I was on the edge of my seat until the end. Great job, Ms. Bell. I look forward to your next book.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell - ⭐⭐

In A Hush at Midnight, Marlene M. Bell presents a complex web of deceit set against the backdrop of a small Southern town. Former celebrity chef Laura Harris finds herself at the center of a brutal murder investigation after being accused of killing her mentor and beloved community figure, Hattie Stenburg. As Laura navigates the treacherous waters of her past and the town's dark secrets, she must unravel the mystery before the real killer silences her for good.

While the premise of this novel is intriguing, I found myself contemplating DNFing it several times. The target audience seems unclear; much of the language felt more suited for an older demographic, reminiscent of what one might expect in a book aimed at my grandmother. The protagonist's behavior and mannerisms did not resonate with her supposed age of late 30s to early 40s, which detracted from the believability of her character.

Another point of confusion was the setting of Coldspell, which is mentioned several times in relation to the town of Steadman where the estate is located. However, the narrative never clarifies whether it’s a 30-minute drive or a three-hour trek, leaving me puzzled. Additionally, it struck me as odd that Laura had never visited the estate before, despite their close relationship—this lack of familiarity felt inconsistent with their bond.

I was surprised to see A Hush at Midnight boasting an average rating of 4.68 on Goodreads. The writing and storyline simply do not live up to that praise. The plot required a significant suspension of reality, especially regarding the identity of the killer. The inclusion of certain elements, like the sabotage angle concerning the bakery, seemed unnecessary and merely served to prolong the narrative without adding depth.

I wish the author had provided more context for terms like "Staffordshire." After some Googling, I gathered that it referred to a type of porcelain figurine, but a clearer explanation would have helped avoid confusion. On a positive note, I appreciated the semi-romance between Laura and Brent, though I felt Brent's unprofessional behavior undermined that relationship.

Characters like Lucas left me questioning their purpose in the story—what did he truly add? Furthermore, it remained unclear whether Laura grew up in San Francisco or Texas, which felt like a missed opportunity for deeper character development.

Overall, A Hush at Midnight had the potential for a compelling narrative, but it fell short in execution. Thank you to Ewephoric, Marlene M. Bell, and NetGalley for providing a copy of the ARC.

[Book Reviewer]

In A Hush at Midnight, Marlene M. Bell crafts a fast-paced and suspenseful murder mystery that plunges celebrity chef Laura Harris into a nightmare. Accused of the brutal murder of her confidant and mentor, Hattie Stenburg, Laura finds her life spiraling out of control. The headlines splash her name and the accusation everywhere, and the question haunts us: how could someone like Laura, admired and celebrated for her culinary genius, end up at the center of such a dark scandal? As everything around her unravels, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Laura Harris is a powerhouse of resilience. Her journey through false accusations and the fight to clear her name is inspiring. Despite the crushing weight of public scrutiny, she pushes forward, showing incredible strength and determination. I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Laura emerges from her ordeal not just stronger but transformed, and it is impossible not to admire her grit. She quickly became my favorite character, a testament to Bell's skill in crafting a compelling and relatable heroine. The plot had me hooked from the very start. Every twist and revelation pulled me deeper, refusing to let go. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages, desperate to piece together the mystery. Bell's narrative keeps the suspense high and the action relentless, making the book nearly impossible to put down. As I read, the story's rhythm kept me constantly engaged. The way the tension built and unfolded made for an utterly consuming reading experience. But it’s not just the plot that stands out. Bell’s writing style is another highlight. She writes with a vivid and immersive quality that brings every scene to life. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, making the atmosphere almost tangible. As someone who deeply appreciates the craft of writing, I was impressed by her ability to paint such a vivid picture with words. Her prose pulls you right into Laura's world, and it’s clear that Bell has a gift for creating a setting that feels as real as the characters.

Marlene M. Bell proves herself to be an exceptional novelist. Her storytelling captivates, her characters resonate, and her writing elevates the entire book. I highly recommend A Hush at Midnight to anyone searching for a gripping, well-written mystery. If you’re a fan of thrilling plots and strong, enduring protagonists, this novel will not disappoint. Bell has crafted a story that stays with you long after the final page.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marlene M. Bell’s A Hush at Midnight is a thrilling murder mystery that takes place on a historic estate in Texas. Laura Harris, a former celebrity chef, recently moved to Texas to help her friend improve her pastry business. This move allows her to be closer to her father and reconnect with her elderly friend and mentor, Hattie Stenburg. But tragedy strikes when Hattie is murdered shortly after her visit, and Laura becomes the prime suspect.

Laura is determined to solve her friend Hattie’s murder, but it seems like an uphill battle. The police aren’t convinced Hattie was murdered, someone is trying to sabotage her friend’s pastry business, and there’s someone leaving Laura threatening messages to get her to leave Texas. On top of that, Laura’s mom recently passed away, and her dad might have a new love interest. Laura’s love life is also facing some challenges.

This murder mystery has a lot going on, which kept me turning the pages. I liked a lot of the characters and was appropriately skeptical of the characters the author designed as potential suspects. I loved the setting of the historic estate with all of its charm and secrets. I was quite annoyed with the police department and their attitude towards Laura. Initially, it seemed a bit unrealistic that they would be so clueless and inadequate. I recently learned from an author event with Alafair Burke that she has to make the police seem incompetent to keep the story interesting. That made a lot of sense, and it gave me a different perspective while I finished this book.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery and appreciate receiving a copy of A Hush at Midnight courtesy of Marlene’s marketing expert in exchange for an honest review.

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog

[Jean Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Marlene Bell book I’ve read. The previous books were part of the Annalisse series.
I love a good murder mystery and that is exactly what author Marlene Bell and her MC Chef and Cookbook Writer Laura Harris dish up in this entertaining novel. Laura returns to her Texas roots after a stint as an award-winning chef in California, where her brother runs the family restaurant.
Laura is halfway home after an uneasy visit with old family friend Hattie Stenburg when a niggling feeling tells her to return to the house only to find Hattie dead in the guest house. She calls the police and has to convince them her death was murder only to find herself in their crosshairs. Hattie, it seems is worth a lot of money. The suspects soon pile up, including disgruntled neighbors, a missing caretaker, and Laura’s boyfriend. With little trust in the police, Laura investigates Hattie’s death herself.
At her side is her widowed father who eyes an eye on her. But trouble is also brewing in her hometown where her friend's bakery is hit with bad reviews and equipment failure. Are the two related? It’s all beginning to be too much. But Laura has a new friend, the sexy smelling lawyer who handles Hattie’s affairs, and things are heating up in that department pretty quick.
With plenty of clues, mysteries, twists and turns, Bell takes the reader of a ride as she spins her tale of greed and revenge.
I really enjoyed the rural Texas setting with vivid descriptions of the countryside and life in small town America. There’s a good romance brewing even as Laura comes to grips with her current beau. Lots of layers, lots of details to wade through until the ultimate satisfying ending!
I recommend this book to lovers of complex murder mysteries.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former celebrity chef Laura Harris is thrown into a whirlwind of danger and suspicion when her beloved mentor, Hattie Stenburg, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Hattie, a respected figure in the small town of Stenburg, has left her fortune and estate to Laura, igniting questions about the chef's role in her death. As Laura works to clear her name, she unravels dark secrets about the town and the people around her, with a relentless killer always a step ahead. Now, Laura must navigate a deadly game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth.

This is an atmospheric, gripping tale that blends suspense with a deeply emotional mystery. From the moment Laura discovers Hattie’s body, the tension never lets up. The author has painted a vivid picture of the small town, where everyone has their secrets, and the tension between what’s hidden and what’s exposed kept me hooked from start to finish.

I loved how Laura was portrayed, not just as a victim, but as someone who’s determined, even when faced with overwhelming odds. I was genuinely hooked by the way this story was presented. Reading this one was an intense experience. A Hush At Midnight is a haunting read, and I found myself thinking about it long after finishing.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hush at Midnight is a gripping mystery set in East Texas, centered around Laura, who discovers the body of her friend, Hattie. I was pulled in by the vivid descriptions of the Stenburg Estate and quickly felt part of Laura’s story.

Laura, a pastry chef, is an interesting character. I felt the gasp as she tried to find her breath when discovering Hattie’s lifeless body. I rooted for her in her search for the killer, and I wanted her to prove her innocence. Not only does she root out the who-dun-it, but she discovers a lot about herself as well.

I enjoyed the twists and that I was kept guessing. The clues had me suspecting different characters at different times and I appreciate that. The setting is described so well, the danger, mystery, and suspense is stimulating, and the slow-building romance adds the perfect amount of softness. I wonder if this is the beginning of a series.

First Line: A killer sunset plunged toward the horizon, casting its tangerine glare on the Stenburg Estate’s green metal roof and aging brick.
Genre: Mystery
Author: Marlene M. Bell
Page Count: 368

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you love cozy mysteries with a dash of suspense and a sprinkle of small-town secrets, a hush at midnight will have you hooked from the first page!

the story follows former celebrity chef laura harris, who unexpectedly inherits her late mentor hattie’s estate—along with a heap of trouble. when laura becomes the prime suspect in hattie’s shocking murder, she must navigate hidden secrets, betrayal, and danger to uncover the truth and clear her name.

what i loved most about this book was its layered storytelling. marlene m. bell delivers twist after twist, keeping you guessing until the very end. the charming small-town setting contrasts beautifully with the dark undercurrents of greed, lies, and deception. laura is a relatable protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, and her journey is as emotional as it is thrilling.

🌟 highlights:
✔️ twisty, page-turning plot
✔️ well-developed characters you root for
✔️ a mix of suspense, drama, and a touch of romance

this is a must-read for cozy mystery fans who enjoy stories with depth and surprises. 📚💫

[Mitra Mustafa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell

Looking for a cozy mystery with twists, secrets, and small-town charm? This book has it all!

Former celebrity chef Laura Harris returns to Texas, seeking a fresh start and reconnecting with her mentor, Hattie Stenburg. But her visit takes a dark turn when Hattie is found murdered just hours after Laura leaves. When Laura is named the sole heir to Hattie’s fortune, she becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, she dives headfirst into solving the murder, uncovering layers of deceit, danger, and unexpected romance along the way.

What I Loved:
- The rural Texas setting is rich and immersive, with vivid descriptions that pull you into the story.
- A layered mystery full of red herrings and suspicious characters, Nicole, Jordan, Connie, who can you trust?
- Perfect balance of cozy vibes with suspenseful, page-turning moments.

Some subplots (like the bakery drama) felt unnecessary, and the police’s incompetence stretched believability. Laura’s character might not appeal to everyone, but her determination shines through!

If you love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and a touch of romance, this one’s for you! The story’s vibrant setting, engaging twists, and interconnected relationships make it a page-turner. Grab your snacks (this book will make you crave chocolate) and settle in for a cozy, suspenseful read!

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hush At Midnight is a book with our FMC being with Laura, who is a celebrity chef who finds her mentor deceased on the bed. I also loved the author putting in a list of who’s who in the very first pages, as a reader it is important to me to understand the cast of characters as I am reading especially if I’m new to an author. The story takes place in a small town in Texas where Laura our FMC has just arrived at a house where she is talking to a woman named Hattie who is a World War II ferry pilot. Hattie is Laura’s mentor and closest pen pal, while she is there visiting Hattie, something tragic happens and she finds Heidi lying on the bed deceased.
Nicole, the house helper and neighbor is letting on more than she knows, and Jordan is the groundkeeper for the estate. Lucas is her beau, and an airline pilot who is always on the move. She gets a weird phone call about someone involving Lucas and calling Lucas her husband. And Laura doesn’t know what to do and on top of that with everything going on with Hattie she is a little confused. The ending of the book is a little interesting as it is not who you think is the person that does it. There is also a new love interest mentioned in this particular book. I cannot wait to leave the next book in the series!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Famous pastry chef Laura Harris has found herself entangled in a murder investigation, where she is the number one suspect. There is no way she has the strength nor motivation to snuff out the life of her dearest friend and mentor, World War 2 veteran Hattie Stenburg. It is absolutely unfathomable. And if that isn’t shocking enough, Laura has been informed that she is set to inherit her late friend’s fortune.

The chef is desperate to clear her name and bring Hattie’s killer to justice. Still, between investigators sniffing around and being inundated with anonymous, threatening texts and phone calls, it all seems too overwhelming. Someone is even tampering with Laura’s bakery, compromising the safety of her and her co-partner.

Can Laura get to the bottom of Hattie’s ruthless murder before it’s too late?

Cozy mystery lovers, I have a treat for you! Marlene M. Bell, author of “A Hush at Midnight,” weaves an immersive story brimming with suspense and small-town sleuthing. Laura needs to be able to grieve for her oldest friend, but instead, she is trying to prove her innocence while investigators warn her not to leave town. Despite being advised to stay in her own lane, Laura digs her heels in, determined to uncover the truth. Laura’s investigative prowess seems to be causing more harm than good as she deals with the smug sheriff who wants to pin everything on her.

Laura stealthily begins her investigation, poring over her new homestead and looking for clues as to who would have done this to Hattie. From the hostile neighbor who was a caregiver to Hattie to the missing groundskeeper who lived on site, Laura has an inkling one (or both) may have been involved. The author has done an excellent job of sprinkling breadcrumbs of information and teasing readers with possible suspects. As Laura continues to unearth startling information, the threats become more frequent, and readers will hold their collective breath as Laura gets closer to the truth and a cold-blooded killer gets closer to Laura!

Marlene M. Bell has a talent for building an immersive storyline and well-developed characters. Despite her small stature, Laura is a force to be reckoned with. She has a no-nonsense attitude that readers will adore. Between her thirst for justice by any means necessary and her enviable sleuthing skills, the author couldn’t have chosen a more root-worthy main character. Supporting characters included the handsome attorney Brent Hill, with his weakness for helping damsel in distress, Laura; Stenburg’s smug sheriff, Adams, whose snide comments made him a character readers will love to hate; Zane Harris, Laura’s supportive dad who would do anything for his daughter. And show-stealer Moon Pie, affectionately called Moonie, is a lovable corgi that isn’t afraid to growl and show its teeth. The novel had no shortage of unique characters.

“A Hush at Midnight” by Marlene M. Bell will appeal to readers who love an immersive mystery. Laura’s relentless digging was all-encompassing, and I felt like I was alongside her, piecing clues together. Moreover, the pacing was perfect, steadily building in intensity and rising to a spine-chilling climax. You won’t be able to tear yourself away from this thrilling novel!

[Kimberley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story that catches interest from the start and doesn’t disappoint throughout. Tragedy reveals a mystery that begs to be solved, though law enforcement doesn’t appear to take it seriously. Several suspicious character although the wrong one is the main suspect. The rest plays out on surprising revelations, and there is a budding romance. I loved the historical accounts and learning about the figurines in the story. Also the inclusion of James Herriot country. I loved those stories growing up. The dedication in the beginning was awesome, mentioning my hometown, Modesto. Very cool! The book itself was well put together. I look forward to reading more. Thanks so much Marlene.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good mystery? Check out this book:
A Hush At Midnight by Marlene M. Bell.

When Laura Harris discovers the body of Hattie, her longtime friend she is determined to find the killer. Laura discovers the entire estate has been left to her. She is the prime suspect. Who could have murdered this sweet lady?
Laura is being targeted by someone, but who?
I didn’t suspect the ending but was turning the pages fast to find out the person responsible for this murder. A good read.

Marlene M. Bell is a new author to me, but I will love to read more books written by her.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hush at Midnight is a southern mystery with a murder. Chef Laura visits her good friend Hattie and finds her dead. She is immediately suspicious but the police want to rule it an accident. Laura is eventually suspected of murder which I think she put on herself. She wants to find out what happened to her friend and insists to the police that it is not an accident. As circumstantial evidence mounts against Laura she must prove she didn’t do it. She also has to prove who did since the police are focused on her. A good amateur detective story that is very entertaining.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of friends will meet up for some fun but one of them is murdered. She is accused of the murder and people wonder how such a petit woman caould murder in such a horrible way. Is she innocent? Who else could it be? How will it all go? See if she is guilty
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fat and easy read for me! I couldn't help but read as fast as I could! I had to know who really killed Hattie and framed Laura! The romance and the friendship was another thing I enjoyed in this story! The characters are complex and at some point in time a suspect! The story has a great blend of mystery, suspense and a touch of romance! Definitely a great read! Thank you Partners in Crime Tours and Marlene M. Bell for sharing this book with me!

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell is a delightful cozy mystery that is perfect for a chilly winter afternoon, a hot summer night, and every season in between. Marlene delivers yet another story filled with deception, danger, and duplicity. And murder, of course.

The main character, Laura Harris, can be difficult to pin down at first because while she is around forty years old, she sometimes slips into a level of impetuosity that is often found in a younger and more immature character. With that said, Laura does deserve happiness and seeks answers and justice for the murder of Hattie Stenburg, her long-time, elderly, and very wealthy friend who had lived a rich and colorful life but still had so much more to give.

A Hush at Midnight offers plenty of suspects and an abundance of red herrings that will keep readers on their toes. While some elements and even a few characters seem unrelated to the overall mystery, a deeper dive shows that they are indeed relevant as foils and as character motifs. Lucas and Connie are perfect examples of those vengeful people we often encounter who are just plain weird and often hide their true selves behind lies or even within a faux retro diner that perfectly imitates a certain character’s false personality. Grab a copy of A Hush at Midnight and let me know if you see that comparison too.

Laura has her work cut out for her because the local Stenberg police and other officials treat her like a meddler and a nuisance. When she meets Hattie’s handsome lawyer, Brent Hill, Laura immediately tumbles headlong into infatuation (impetuosity at its finest). While Hattie is murdered early in the story, she takes center stage and is arguably the most exciting. She was no doubt a force to be reckoned with throughout her entire life. Moon Pie “Moonie” the corgi is all over the place and will either annoy you or melt your heart, or maybe both. What a canine!

The murder takes place at Hattie’s estate in the fictional Stenburg, Texas, which is close to Austin and a couple of hours from the fictional Coldspell, which is where Laura lives and works as an esteemed pastry chef. Needless to say, Laura is always on the move between Stenburg and Coldspell, with her devoted dad and her friend Duska adding even more dynamic characterization into the mix.

The overall story is intriguing and fun; however, another round of editing would banish any grammatical errors and fill in any storyline gaps even more. The pace is fast, and the mystery is mystifying. Who has motive and means to kill Hattie? Apparently, everyone does, including Laura. But someone clearly wants Laura out of the picture; therefore, the plot continues to thicken with each chapter. It is anyone’s guess because so many characters are shifty.

Take a break and settle into this cozy mystery that will whisk you away to small-town Texas, where murder, mayhem, and just deserts (and maybe even a few decadent desserts) are always on the menu.

I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

[Katy McCollom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I devoured it over a single weekend. I highly recommend.

[Kara Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery, loved the character development and the twist and turns. Perfect for spooky season

[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters, and Marlene keeps you engaged! I love a mystery!!