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The Bay at Midnight
Her family's cottage on the New Jersey shore was a place of freedom and innocence for Julie Bauer—until her seventeen-year-old sister, Isabel, was murdered. It's been more than forty years since that August night, but Julie's memories of her sister's death still shape her world. Now someone from her past is raising questions about what really happened that night. About Julie's own complicity. About a devastating secret her mother kept from them all. About the person who went to prison for Izzy's murder—and the person who didn't. Faced with questions and armed with few answers, Julie must gather the courage to revisit her past and untangle the complex emotions that led to one unspeakable act of violence on the bay at midnight.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
611 people are currently reading
7322 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
81 books15.2k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 805 reviews
October 25, 2022
This novel has been sitting on my shelves since 2012, when I bought a used copy! I liked the memories of Lucy and Julie's childhood, but I didn't feel close to the characters and wasn't moved by the story. I was eager to discover the murderer, but the ending felt rushed. About the plot, there was nothing new under the sun!
All in all, there was enough mystery to keep me guessing and to make me want to finish the book, but nothing amazing!
Read in 2020
All in all, there was enough mystery to keep me guessing and to make me want to finish the book, but nothing amazing!
Read in 2020
January 31, 2016
Quick Summary
Cozy mystery writer Julie Sellers answers her door one afternoon and her whole life changes. The daughter of her former summer beach playmate, Ethan Chapman, informs her that the man she believed to have murdered her 17-year old sister, Isabel, 42 years ago has died. Ethan's brother, Ned, left a note that seems to confirm her long-held suspicions.
What I enjoyed
The story also focuses on the women in Julie's family, including her 17-year old daughter who looks remarkably like Isabel. The narrative is delivered in three voices: Julie's, her younger sister, Lucy, and her mother, Maria. It also transitions between 1962 and the present and is done skillfully. I never felt lost and the fusion of the three perspectives was just about perfect. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and though I figured out the mystery fairly early, there was still some surprise.
Narration
The three narrators delivered fine performances, with the exception of the one delivering Julie's story (Julie McKay). She has an affectation when reciting dialogue that ended in "he said" or "she said." She separated them from the sentence, highlighting "said" and elongating the word into a question. It was highly distracting and annoying, marring an otherwise wonderful performance. I got used to it about halfway and was able to enjoy the story so stick with it!
The bottom line
This was my first book by the author and I like how she tells a story, weaving in many dimensions of the characters' lives that somehow connect and make them relevant. She painted a vivid picture of each, flaws and all. My only criticism was how after creating such a lush story, the author seemed to rush the ending. However, I have several more of her books on my shelf and am now excited to start them. 3.5 stars
Cozy mystery writer Julie Sellers answers her door one afternoon and her whole life changes. The daughter of her former summer beach playmate, Ethan Chapman, informs her that the man she believed to have murdered her 17-year old sister, Isabel, 42 years ago has died. Ethan's brother, Ned, left a note that seems to confirm her long-held suspicions.
What I enjoyed
The story also focuses on the women in Julie's family, including her 17-year old daughter who looks remarkably like Isabel. The narrative is delivered in three voices: Julie's, her younger sister, Lucy, and her mother, Maria. It also transitions between 1962 and the present and is done skillfully. I never felt lost and the fusion of the three perspectives was just about perfect. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and though I figured out the mystery fairly early, there was still some surprise.
Narration
The three narrators delivered fine performances, with the exception of the one delivering Julie's story (Julie McKay). She has an affectation when reciting dialogue that ended in "he said" or "she said." She separated them from the sentence, highlighting "said" and elongating the word into a question. It was highly distracting and annoying, marring an otherwise wonderful performance. I got used to it about halfway and was able to enjoy the story so stick with it!
The bottom line
This was my first book by the author and I like how she tells a story, weaving in many dimensions of the characters' lives that somehow connect and make them relevant. She painted a vivid picture of each, flaws and all. My only criticism was how after creating such a lush story, the author seemed to rush the ending. However, I have several more of her books on my shelf and am now excited to start them. 3.5 stars
August 14, 2017
This was my first Diane Chamberlain book and I loved it! It had so much of what I love in a book; the old family secrets and drama going back and forth to 1962 and present day. I enjoyed reading the different characters thoughts and stories. Really refreshing not to be able to figure out the whole story until the end! Loved that much of it was set 'on the shore' in New Jersey. Great summer mystery read. I think I've just discovered another new favourite author!
September 4, 2017
After reading Diane Chamberlain's latest book "The Stolen Marriage," I felt the need to read one of her earlier books. I am realizing that I have now read all of the author's works save one. If you haven't yet read any of DC's books, I cannot recommend them enough. They're absolutely amazing!
In "The Bay at Midnight" we meet mystery writer Julie, her mother Maria, and youngest sister, Lucy. All three women are haunted by the death of their oldest sister and daughter, Isabel in 1962. Those wounds are ripped open again when Julie receives a visit from the brother of Isabel' s childhood boyfriend. In his hand, a letter, written by his newly deceased brother that implies to Julie that the wrong man was sent to prison all those years ago. Soon enough both families find themselves relieving the past and pursuing both guilt and innocence. But Julie is not prepared for the next bomb to drop when her teenage daughter announces her pregnancy.
The Bay at Midnight is a terrific tale about the tulmutous relationships between mothers and daughters and how family tragedies can either bring them together or tear them apart.
In "The Bay at Midnight" we meet mystery writer Julie, her mother Maria, and youngest sister, Lucy. All three women are haunted by the death of their oldest sister and daughter, Isabel in 1962. Those wounds are ripped open again when Julie receives a visit from the brother of Isabel' s childhood boyfriend. In his hand, a letter, written by his newly deceased brother that implies to Julie that the wrong man was sent to prison all those years ago. Soon enough both families find themselves relieving the past and pursuing both guilt and innocence. But Julie is not prepared for the next bomb to drop when her teenage daughter announces her pregnancy.
The Bay at Midnight is a terrific tale about the tulmutous relationships between mothers and daughters and how family tragedies can either bring them together or tear them apart.
March 2, 2021
This is the story of three generations and how the events of the summer of 1962 affected their lives. Diane chamberlain has a knack of making you feel like you know all her characters and this is no exception. I felt I was there for that summer. Tons of twists, turns and emotional moments that make you want to read one more chapter.
March 5, 2008
Ok, finished this one in less than a week. I swear I felt like I was there in 1962 at the Jersey Shore. Really enjoyed this one. She keeps you guessing right up until the end!
October 2, 2017
THE BAY AT MIDNIGHT was extraordinary! I tend to start with an author's newer books, fall in love with their style--then quickly devouring their backlist. "A 2006 hidden gem."
Each of Diane Chamberlain's books are unique and different. A complex story of three generations of women, hidden family secrets, death, intrigue, love, relationships, romance, and mystery.
Appreciating the era, the lake cottage bungalow setting; born in the 50’s and in my teens in the 60’s -- reminiscent of past summer family vacations, teenage rebellion, segregation, young and forbidden love, and all the other fun things.
Urging you to return to simpler times when we were 12 and 13 yrs old. (It is always funny to hear of hidden secrets even in generations of the 30s and 40s; capable of the same mistakes; however, kept them very taboo, due to the times.)
The teenage loves of next door lake neighbors for both generations, the relationship between mother and daughters, sisters, and how Diane portrays them so eloquently, with her past expertise in social work as well as being a talented author – making for a five-star novel! Pulled another 3 am to finish!
1962 at the Jersey Shores for the setting of the main story which involved 3 sisters (daughters), mother and father, and grandparents at their summer bungalow and another family next door with two sons and a dad with a past connection to the mother.
A setting for a night of horror with a murder of the oldest sister; cover-ups, guilt, and the wrong person dying, in prison and not until years later did the mystery start to unravel which changed the lives of all involved.
Combined with current day events of Julie’s struggle with her pregnant daughter, the strained relationship between Julie and her mother Maria, secrets of years past, and the reentering of her past next door neighbor and a new budding friendship and romance.
Faced with doubt, questions, and guilt It is time to bring all the lies and secrets to the surface. The families have to revisit their past and gather the courage to face the complex emotions which led to the one unexplained night at midnight on the bay.
An Oldie but Goodie! Highly recommend all Diane's books. You MUST read her upcoming PRETENDING TO DANCE , a 5 Star +, top books of 2015!
Each of Diane Chamberlain's books are unique and different. A complex story of three generations of women, hidden family secrets, death, intrigue, love, relationships, romance, and mystery.
Appreciating the era, the lake cottage bungalow setting; born in the 50’s and in my teens in the 60’s -- reminiscent of past summer family vacations, teenage rebellion, segregation, young and forbidden love, and all the other fun things.
Urging you to return to simpler times when we were 12 and 13 yrs old. (It is always funny to hear of hidden secrets even in generations of the 30s and 40s; capable of the same mistakes; however, kept them very taboo, due to the times.)
The teenage loves of next door lake neighbors for both generations, the relationship between mother and daughters, sisters, and how Diane portrays them so eloquently, with her past expertise in social work as well as being a talented author – making for a five-star novel! Pulled another 3 am to finish!
1962 at the Jersey Shores for the setting of the main story which involved 3 sisters (daughters), mother and father, and grandparents at their summer bungalow and another family next door with two sons and a dad with a past connection to the mother.
A setting for a night of horror with a murder of the oldest sister; cover-ups, guilt, and the wrong person dying, in prison and not until years later did the mystery start to unravel which changed the lives of all involved.
Combined with current day events of Julie’s struggle with her pregnant daughter, the strained relationship between Julie and her mother Maria, secrets of years past, and the reentering of her past next door neighbor and a new budding friendship and romance.
Faced with doubt, questions, and guilt It is time to bring all the lies and secrets to the surface. The families have to revisit their past and gather the courage to face the complex emotions which led to the one unexplained night at midnight on the bay.
An Oldie but Goodie! Highly recommend all Diane's books. You MUST read her upcoming PRETENDING TO DANCE , a 5 Star +, top books of 2015!
April 25, 2008
Mystery writer Julie Bauer is surprised when the daughter of a childhood friend turns up on her doorstep, bringing with her evidence that the man convicted of killing Julie's sister years ago might have been innocent.
Combines mystery and romantic suspense. Well-drawn, emotional characters and lots of family relationship issues. Highly recommend.
Combines mystery and romantic suspense. Well-drawn, emotional characters and lots of family relationship issues. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2021
Pažintis su Diane prasidėjo nuo šios knygos 🙂 Istorija įdomi, bet buvo pakankamai nuobodi. Atrodo mezgė intrigą, bet įdomiausia buvo gal tik paskutinių 50 knygos puslapių. Tikrai bandysiu skaityti ir kitas jos knygas ☺️
December 14, 2018
3.75 stars
This book turned out better than I had hoped. It was a really pleasant read and I didn't regret reading this book. I must say, this novel was not a thriller (I had thought it was a thriller), though a mystery was what book was centered around. It focused more on how this mystery impacted on every character rather than solving the mystery. Obviously, the perpetrator was revealed eventually, but they were not uncovered through a process of investigation, it was through reminiscence of a certain character that led to the revelation of the culprit.
What I should compliment this book was its very well-thought characters. Their personalities were extremely deep, by this I mean they were constructed in a thorough way that enabled me to re-imagine them in real life. The characters included Julie, Lucy and Mariana. Julie and Lucy were Mariana's daughters and their oldest sister, Isabel, was murdered many years ago and a man was wrongly accused of her murder. Julie always blamed her sister's death on herself since there were certain things that Julie caused which might indirectly lead to Isabel's death, which was known to every one (not a thriller, clearly). This was just a process of dealing with emotion when Isabel's death once again was open in the present time. It began with Julie meeting with her old friend, Ethan, who was also a part of the tragedy that took place on Isabel. From that, Julie's life was spiraling tremendously, in addition to her discovery about her daughter, Shannon, wanted to move into her dad's before going to college. Julie was very protective of Shannon, so this was apparently a shock to her. Why Julie was so protective also stemmed from Isabel's murder.
Seeing Ethan again raised many feeling from Julie. Well, it was undeniable that they had mutual feeling and things continued to escalate. From there, in Julie's point of view in present time, it was focused mostly on their rebuilt relationship and anxiety arising following the reopening of Isabel's case.
What really uncovered who might kill Isabel was Mariana's perspective. At first, I wondered why the author wanted us to know Mariana's childhood and adolescence while Julie's and Lucy's perspectives were enough? There was no place for redundancy here, guys, and the past was told in a perfect way that didn't bore me too much. Therefore, I was able to guess the killer before they were revealed. However, it didn't matter who the killer was, the most important thing this book revolted around was how to cope with death and how to deal with it when it came back from the past and haunted us, and how to deal with rising emotion. In this novel, I also followed Julie's messy relationship with her own daughter and how her daughter thought about her. It was a very thoughtful insight into mother-daughter tension and the only way to relieve the bond of that tension was to tell the truth. The truth was what mattered most.
I didn't rate it a full 4 stars since I had wanted it to be a thriller when it wasn't. However, I enjoyed reading it. It was not heavy with a very tense mystery and not suspenseful whatsoever. The tragedy happening was indeed unfortunate, but I felt sad and pitied for the main character (Julie). If you like a pleasant, light read for the winter time, I will definitely recommend this book.
This book turned out better than I had hoped. It was a really pleasant read and I didn't regret reading this book. I must say, this novel was not a thriller (I had thought it was a thriller), though a mystery was what book was centered around. It focused more on how this mystery impacted on every character rather than solving the mystery. Obviously, the perpetrator was revealed eventually, but they were not uncovered through a process of investigation, it was through reminiscence of a certain character that led to the revelation of the culprit.
What I should compliment this book was its very well-thought characters. Their personalities were extremely deep, by this I mean they were constructed in a thorough way that enabled me to re-imagine them in real life. The characters included Julie, Lucy and Mariana. Julie and Lucy were Mariana's daughters and their oldest sister, Isabel, was murdered many years ago and a man was wrongly accused of her murder. Julie always blamed her sister's death on herself since there were certain things that Julie caused which might indirectly lead to Isabel's death, which was known to every one (not a thriller, clearly). This was just a process of dealing with emotion when Isabel's death once again was open in the present time. It began with Julie meeting with her old friend, Ethan, who was also a part of the tragedy that took place on Isabel. From that, Julie's life was spiraling tremendously, in addition to her discovery about her daughter, Shannon, wanted to move into her dad's before going to college. Julie was very protective of Shannon, so this was apparently a shock to her. Why Julie was so protective also stemmed from Isabel's murder.
Seeing Ethan again raised many feeling from Julie. Well, it was undeniable that they had mutual feeling and things continued to escalate. From there, in Julie's point of view in present time, it was focused mostly on their rebuilt relationship and anxiety arising following the reopening of Isabel's case.
What really uncovered who might kill Isabel was Mariana's perspective. At first, I wondered why the author wanted us to know Mariana's childhood and adolescence while Julie's and Lucy's perspectives were enough? There was no place for redundancy here, guys, and the past was told in a perfect way that didn't bore me too much. Therefore, I was able to guess the killer before they were revealed. However, it didn't matter who the killer was, the most important thing this book revolted around was how to cope with death and how to deal with it when it came back from the past and haunted us, and how to deal with rising emotion. In this novel, I also followed Julie's messy relationship with her own daughter and how her daughter thought about her. It was a very thoughtful insight into mother-daughter tension and the only way to relieve the bond of that tension was to tell the truth. The truth was what mattered most.
I didn't rate it a full 4 stars since I had wanted it to be a thriller when it wasn't. However, I enjoyed reading it. It was not heavy with a very tense mystery and not suspenseful whatsoever. The tragedy happening was indeed unfortunate, but I felt sad and pitied for the main character (Julie). If you like a pleasant, light read for the winter time, I will definitely recommend this book.
June 12, 2007
I have a feeling my opinion is going to be much higher than those of you who are mystery novel buffs who may read this book when it comes out. But it would probably be the same as those of you who read books and have the ability to critically analyze them.
The Bay at Midnight was cliche, jumpy, and easily predictable. The characters were two demensional at best, and the story line was thin and lacking in certain places. It jumped characters, perspectives, and times much more often then neccessary. And two seperate romances blossomed up way too quickly and made me want to barf.
The relationship between the mother and daughter could have been really good, but instead it was just one sided really. Making the mother seem like a saint trying to do everything she can, while the daughter (who is the least demensional character in the book I should add) came off as a shallow, irresponsible bitch. Maybe I'm biased because I'm the same age as the girl, and sort of in the same position (minus being knocked up), but the daughter acts more like she's just entering high school rather than heading off to college.
The ending was horribly cliche and sappy... like something out of a Lifetime movie. Hey, perhaps this will become one. Hopefully Chamberlain will get enough feedback similar to mine, that she will revise and try and put more depth into this story and it's characters before it comes out in two months.
The Bay at Midnight was cliche, jumpy, and easily predictable. The characters were two demensional at best, and the story line was thin and lacking in certain places. It jumped characters, perspectives, and times much more often then neccessary. And two seperate romances blossomed up way too quickly and made me want to barf.
The relationship between the mother and daughter could have been really good, but instead it was just one sided really. Making the mother seem like a saint trying to do everything she can, while the daughter (who is the least demensional character in the book I should add) came off as a shallow, irresponsible bitch. Maybe I'm biased because I'm the same age as the girl, and sort of in the same position (minus being knocked up), but the daughter acts more like she's just entering high school rather than heading off to college.
The ending was horribly cliche and sappy... like something out of a Lifetime movie. Hey, perhaps this will become one. Hopefully Chamberlain will get enough feedback similar to mine, that she will revise and try and put more depth into this story and it's characters before it comes out in two months.
March 13, 2012
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite authors. This book was a fantastic read -- I found myself thinking about the characters while I was unable to read -- I love books like that!! This book revolves around a family that suffered a tragic loss during the summer of 1962 while vacationing at the Jersey Shore. The oldest daughter Isabel is murdered, and this family has went on with life but never fully recorded. This book starts 40 years in the present after a new revelation in the case has happened. Each character tells the story from their Point of View, which only adds to the readers understanding of the event. Even though I had figured out lots of the details of that tragic day, I still very much loved this story and would recommend this book to anyone who loves writers like Jodi Picoult.
April 13, 2015
The story is decent I guess? But the plots are a bit too predicable? Too much drama on teenage pregnancy at the middle part of the book? The Main Character is a bit on the unlikable side? I mean, no wonder her daughter has problems with her.
August 22, 2016
4.8 Just because the ending felt a bit rushed. Another great read! I am really sad it ended.
March 21, 2017
Excellent book!! I highly recommend! And if you do audiobooks, the narrators are awesome! This one will definitely be going on my favorite books shelf.
August 15, 2023
Liūdesį sukelianti knyga. Pati turiu 3 seses. Nežinau, kaip aš jausčiausi būdama tokioje situacijoje. Jautri istorija. Jausmų patyriau įvairių. :)
August 24, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up. Diane is one of my favorite authors. I haven't loved all of hers, but this one is one I really enjoyed. Julie's sister was murdered in the summer of 1962. Julie knew even as a 12-yr-old that her black friend did not kill her sister. A letter from one of the suspects makes that even more evident. Even though I figured out who killed the sister and why early on, the unfolding of the story was very entertaining. A mystery, romance, family issues, and racial issues make this an interesting read.
February 17, 2020
Su Chamberlain knygomis esu susipažinusi jau gana senokai. Ilgą laiką neskaičiau jos knygų, tad nusprendžiau, jog dabar pats laikas būtent jos knygos. Man norėjosi nesudėtingos, bet įtraukiančios istorijos. Tokią ją ir gavau.
Dvylikametė Džulė karštas vasaras kartu su savo šeima leisdavo Naujojo Džersio pakrantėje. Ten šeima turėjo savo vasarnamį.
Bet viena vasaros naktis negrįžtamai pakeitė visos šeimos gyvenimą.. Buvo nužudyta Džulės septyniolikmetė sesuo Izabelė.
Ši baisi nelaimė palaužė jų šeimą.. Bei tos nakties įvykiai pakeitė ne tik jų gyvenimus..
Prabėgus kiek daugiau nei keturiasdešimt metų Džulė vis dar kaltina save dėl įvykusios nelaimės.
Į moters rankas patenka laiškas, kuris priverčia vėl prisiminti tos nakties įvykius bei iškelia į dienos šviesą dar daugiau klausimų. Ar išties tikrasis Izabelės žudikas pūna kalėjime?
Džulė pasiryžta bet kokia kaina surasti atsakymus į jai rūpimus klausimus.. Moteris žino, jog tai nebus lengva ir teks kapstytis po tamsiausias savo šeimos paslaptis.
Norėjau įtraukiančios, bet nesudėtingos istorijos. Būtent tokia ir buvo ši Chamberlain knyga. Nuo pat istorijos įžangos mus pasitinka intrigėlė, su kuria kartu keliaujame ir tolimesniais knygos puslapiais.Juose atrasime ir tokius dalykus, kaip toleranciją.. Nesvarbu kokios spalvos tavo oda bebūtų. Bei atleidimo galią.. Nors kartais tai padaryti atrodo, jog tikrai laabai sunku.
Istorijos esmę išgirsime iš kelių veikėjų lūpų. Bent man tikrai patinka toks rašymo stilius ir visuomet tokį pasakojimą būna tikrai įdomu skaityti.
Pati šios knygos prie stipriausių šios autorės knygų priskirti negalėčiau, bet Diane gerbėjams ją perskaityti tikrai verta. Manau, jog istorijos kulminacija Jus tikrai nustebins.
Dvylikametė Džulė karštas vasaras kartu su savo šeima leisdavo Naujojo Džersio pakrantėje. Ten šeima turėjo savo vasarnamį.
Bet viena vasaros naktis negrįžtamai pakeitė visos šeimos gyvenimą.. Buvo nužudyta Džulės septyniolikmetė sesuo Izabelė.
Ši baisi nelaimė palaužė jų šeimą.. Bei tos nakties įvykiai pakeitė ne tik jų gyvenimus..
Prabėgus kiek daugiau nei keturiasdešimt metų Džulė vis dar kaltina save dėl įvykusios nelaimės.
Į moters rankas patenka laiškas, kuris priverčia vėl prisiminti tos nakties įvykius bei iškelia į dienos šviesą dar daugiau klausimų. Ar išties tikrasis Izabelės žudikas pūna kalėjime?
Džulė pasiryžta bet kokia kaina surasti atsakymus į jai rūpimus klausimus.. Moteris žino, jog tai nebus lengva ir teks kapstytis po tamsiausias savo šeimos paslaptis.
Norėjau įtraukiančios, bet nesudėtingos istorijos. Būtent tokia ir buvo ši Chamberlain knyga. Nuo pat istorijos įžangos mus pasitinka intrigėlė, su kuria kartu keliaujame ir tolimesniais knygos puslapiais.Juose atrasime ir tokius dalykus, kaip toleranciją.. Nesvarbu kokios spalvos tavo oda bebūtų. Bei atleidimo galią.. Nors kartais tai padaryti atrodo, jog tikrai laabai sunku.
Istorijos esmę išgirsime iš kelių veikėjų lūpų. Bent man tikrai patinka toks rašymo stilius ir visuomet tokį pasakojimą būna tikrai įdomu skaityti.
Pati šios knygos prie stipriausių šios autorės knygų priskirti negalėčiau, bet Diane gerbėjams ją perskaityti tikrai verta. Manau, jog istorijos kulminacija Jus tikrai nustebins.
January 2, 2015
I would give this book 2.5 stars if half stars were an option. I find it hard to believe this book is written by the same author who wrote "Necessary Lies". The writing and characters just seemed so shallow compared to that book.
January 21, 2008
A good mystery. I liked it a lot.
July 22, 2008
JUST bought it...
August 22, 2008
I enjoyed this novel because it was suspenseful and had interesting characters.
September 29, 2015
Another great read - I really love the way Diane's books flow so well.
June 7, 2016
The first Diane Chamberlain book I've read but it definitely won't be my last!
April 22, 2022
Loved this book!
January 14, 2014
This is my second read by this author and it won't be my last. I love how she writes a tale.
A night in summer of l962 will be a night that won't be forgotten by Julie and her family. It is the night that her sister Isabel is found dead in the summer of 1962 when they are at their summer holiday home. Memories of that fatal night live with the family, but could the person who was convicted of her supposed murder have actually been wrongly accused when a childhood friend, Ethan, turns up on the doorstep with evidence that could indicate they were.
This page turner takes us on a journey in the present and flash backs to 1962. Each chapter flits between the present and past and different characters tell each chapter. All intermingling to unfold what really happened on that night all those years ago. Secrets are kept over the years but things come to fore to divulge what really happened. Should the note be taken to the police and should the case be reopened? Will it all be too painful? Julie and Ethan decide they need to know what really happened. Truths come out and secrets told.
I loved the characters/relationships. It was sad in parts when the secrets that had been kept are uncovered and how this affected relationship with mothers and daughters. There was a bit of a twist in the end and did come as a wee bit of a surprise but this brought it all to a tidy end.
Stories of young love and tensions between neighbours and families. How one note could change everything you think you knew about the past.
A night in summer of l962 will be a night that won't be forgotten by Julie and her family. It is the night that her sister Isabel is found dead in the summer of 1962 when they are at their summer holiday home. Memories of that fatal night live with the family, but could the person who was convicted of her supposed murder have actually been wrongly accused when a childhood friend, Ethan, turns up on the doorstep with evidence that could indicate they were.
This page turner takes us on a journey in the present and flash backs to 1962. Each chapter flits between the present and past and different characters tell each chapter. All intermingling to unfold what really happened on that night all those years ago. Secrets are kept over the years but things come to fore to divulge what really happened. Should the note be taken to the police and should the case be reopened? Will it all be too painful? Julie and Ethan decide they need to know what really happened. Truths come out and secrets told.
I loved the characters/relationships. It was sad in parts when the secrets that had been kept are uncovered and how this affected relationship with mothers and daughters. There was a bit of a twist in the end and did come as a wee bit of a surprise but this brought it all to a tidy end.
Stories of young love and tensions between neighbours and families. How one note could change everything you think you knew about the past.
May 18, 2010
The Bay at Midnight was a longer book than I usually read, although it kept me interested and completely entertained from cover to cover. This book is much deeper than your normal chick lit or beach read, but not too intellectual.
A story filled with family secrets that eek out slowly enough not to ruin the plausible twist ending. With all mysteries, my fear lies in discovering the ending too soon. Not so with this book. I enjoyed every chapter that bounced between different points of view and different moments in time.
The main character Julie has been living with a large burden of guilt thinking that she helped cause the murder of her older sister, more than forty years earlier. Her younger sister Lucy, her mother Maria, and Julie have been completely affected by their loss and never pulled together as a family unit to complete the grief circle.
I enjoyed the slowly unfolding of events through both a glance back in time and the revealing of struggles that these ladies are facing in their current lives.
A definite must read that I would recommend to ladies of all ages.
A story filled with family secrets that eek out slowly enough not to ruin the plausible twist ending. With all mysteries, my fear lies in discovering the ending too soon. Not so with this book. I enjoyed every chapter that bounced between different points of view and different moments in time.
The main character Julie has been living with a large burden of guilt thinking that she helped cause the murder of her older sister, more than forty years earlier. Her younger sister Lucy, her mother Maria, and Julie have been completely affected by their loss and never pulled together as a family unit to complete the grief circle.
I enjoyed the slowly unfolding of events through both a glance back in time and the revealing of struggles that these ladies are facing in their current lives.
A definite must read that I would recommend to ladies of all ages.
June 4, 2009
What a lovely read! A tale of mystery, romance, coming-of-age, and family relationships, the story is centered around the summer of 1962 on the bay where Julie and her family spend lazy summers at their beach house. Julie, then 12 years old, is a spunky child who fills her days fishing, boating, reading Nancy Drew, and collecting "clues" in the hopes of stumbling upon a mystery to solve. A mystery she never bargained for, however, is the murder of her 17-yr-old sister Izzy. The story shifts in time between present day and that fateful summer of 40 years ago. Julie has always suspected that the wrong man went to prison for Izzy's murder - and she is about to find out what really happened as family secrets are revealed and she is forced to face the memory of events she had hoped to leave in the past.
This was my first Diane Chamberlain book, and I was pleasantly surprised! I hope to check out more of hers.
This was my first Diane Chamberlain book, and I was pleasantly surprised! I hope to check out more of hers.
December 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book – but it wasn’t popping with Diane’s usual pizzazz and excitement. The plot and characters were well developed and I fell in love with her characters as usual....I completely connected with Julie.....though I found her daughter, Shannon pretty hard to take (regardless of that statement I think Ms. Chamberlain nailed the 17-year old attitude for sure !) I also fell in love with the setting for the majority of this book - I have a vivid visual of the area past and present. This was the only book of the 10 Chamberlain books I’ve read so far that I felt was predictable. It was still a great read and I’d absolutely recommend it....but it would be tenth on the my list of Ms. Chamerlain’s books so far. (and that truly says something about her as a writer....she is terrific ! and I can hardly wait to read another of her stories !)
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