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Midnight at Eberly Manor
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
0 days and 08:50:33
100 copies available
U.S. only
"An intricate thriller with the parlor mystery traditions of Agatha Christie's work. A compulsively readable novel ... about justice, redemption, and moral compromise." - Kirkus Reviews
"Slow-burning legal thriller with chilling gothic overtones." - Book Reviews (A Rating)
Cassie Thompson has a picture-perfect life: a high-rise condo on the river, a sleek red Mercedes, and a rising career as a lawyer in Philadelphia. It's a long way from her humble roots in rural Pennsylvania - and she's not looking back.
But when a cryptic message offers her a tip that could cinch a high-stakes case, she follows the lead to the imposing Eberly Manor, a Gothic mansion hidden away in the suburbs. There she meets five strangers and a secretive judge with a chilling ultimatum: survive a series of high-stakes games, or face the truth she's tried to outrun.
As the night spirals into chaos, Cassie must outwit her opponents, confront her past, and fight to survive the night. Because in this game, only one can win, and losing is a death sentence.
"Slow-burning legal thriller with chilling gothic overtones." - Book Reviews (A Rating)
Cassie Thompson has a picture-perfect life: a high-rise condo on the river, a sleek red Mercedes, and a rising career as a lawyer in Philadelphia. It's a long way from her humble roots in rural Pennsylvania - and she's not looking back.
But when a cryptic message offers her a tip that could cinch a high-stakes case, she follows the lead to the imposing Eberly Manor, a Gothic mansion hidden away in the suburbs. There she meets five strangers and a secretive judge with a chilling ultimatum: survive a series of high-stakes games, or face the truth she's tried to outrun.
As the night spirals into chaos, Cassie must outwit her opponents, confront her past, and fight to survive the night. Because in this game, only one can win, and losing is a death sentence.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
34 people are currently reading
18634 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 1, 2025
My first thriller and WOW I loved it! I loved the concept of the deadly games, and most of the time I didn’t even know what to feel but I was IMMERSED. This is definitely leaving me some type of haunted and I love it. What a read.
November 28, 2025
my jaw is actually stuck on the floor. i would never have believed this was his debut novel. the incredible attention to detail in his descriptions brought the pages to life and the plot twists genuinely stunned me.
December 20, 2025
You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you read this. You may think you know what’s happening, but you’re wrong! Your jaw will drop. When I finished reading, I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea of justice in modern society. What does it mean to make amends and be just?
Congrats on this debut novel, K.P.!
Congrats on this debut novel, K.P.!
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February 11, 2026I dnf’d this. Maybe I was not in the right headspace because I just could not get into it. Felt like it took forever to get the plot going
January 14, 2026
At the center is Cassie Thompson, a protagonist who immediately feels real and layered. She has built a glossy, successful life far removed from her rural Pennsylvania past, riverfront condo, red Mercedes, and a hard-earned legal career in Philadelphia. But Gillespie wisely avoids painting her as purely admirable. Cassie is ambitious, driven, and willing to bend ethical lines to get ahead. That moral ambiguity makes her fascinating rather than alienating, and the novel’s greatest strength is how effectively it makes readers root for someone who may not entirely deserve it.
The inciting incident, a cryptic message promising a tip that could secure a major case, pulls Cassie into Eberly Manor, a Gothic estate that immediately signals danger. Once inside, the story locks into place: five strangers, a chillingly composed judge with unfinished business, and a deadly series of games where survival depends on strategy, nerve, and confronting long-buried truths. From this point on, the pacing is relentless.
The “games” themselves are a standout element. They are tense, psychologically charged, and written in a way that subtly invites the reader to play along mentally, an effective trick that deepens immersion and unease. As Cassie is forced to make impossible choices, the pressure mounts not just physically, but morally. This isn’t simply about staying alive; it’s about whether she can face who she’s been and what she’s done to get where she is.
Gillespie’s handling of twists is confident and controlled. Rather than relying on shock alone, the reveals feel earned, emerging naturally from character motivations and misdirection. While a few late developments may feel faintly predictable, the author keeps enough uncertainty in play that doubt lingers right up to the final moments. The ending, in particular, is satisfying, resolute without being simplistic.
Stylistically, the novel fits comfortably alongside comparisons to The Guest List and Alice Feeney’s work, but it maintains its own voice. The prose is clean and purposeful, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the psychological tension consistently sharp.
The inciting incident, a cryptic message promising a tip that could secure a major case, pulls Cassie into Eberly Manor, a Gothic estate that immediately signals danger. Once inside, the story locks into place: five strangers, a chillingly composed judge with unfinished business, and a deadly series of games where survival depends on strategy, nerve, and confronting long-buried truths. From this point on, the pacing is relentless.
The “games” themselves are a standout element. They are tense, psychologically charged, and written in a way that subtly invites the reader to play along mentally, an effective trick that deepens immersion and unease. As Cassie is forced to make impossible choices, the pressure mounts not just physically, but morally. This isn’t simply about staying alive; it’s about whether she can face who she’s been and what she’s done to get where she is.
Gillespie’s handling of twists is confident and controlled. Rather than relying on shock alone, the reveals feel earned, emerging naturally from character motivations and misdirection. While a few late developments may feel faintly predictable, the author keeps enough uncertainty in play that doubt lingers right up to the final moments. The ending, in particular, is satisfying, resolute without being simplistic.
Stylistically, the novel fits comfortably alongside comparisons to The Guest List and Alice Feeney’s work, but it maintains its own voice. The prose is clean and purposeful, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the psychological tension consistently sharp.
December 13, 2025
Midnight at Eberly Manor is a gripping psychological thriller that hooks you from the start. Brilliant yet has a few flaw Cassie Thompson makes for a fascinating protagonist that is ambitious, secretive, and easy to root for even when she stumbles. The short, suspense-packed chapters keep the tension rising as Cassie navigates the eerie, sprawling manor and its high-stakes challenges.
Author K.P. Gillespie masterfully blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity. Every character is hiding something, and the deeper Cassie digs, the more twisted the question of justice becomes. The final twist hits hard shocking, haunting, and perfectly executed.
If you love atmospheric thrillers filled with puzzles, secrets, and nonstop suspense, this is an addictive one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and unforgettable, Midnight at Eberly Manor will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Yes i highly recommend this book that we leave you on the edge of your seat.
Author K.P. Gillespie masterfully blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity. Every character is hiding something, and the deeper Cassie digs, the more twisted the question of justice becomes. The final twist hits hard shocking, haunting, and perfectly executed.
If you love atmospheric thrillers filled with puzzles, secrets, and nonstop suspense, this is an addictive one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and unforgettable, Midnight at Eberly Manor will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Yes i highly recommend this book that we leave you on the edge of your seat.
December 26, 2025
I won this book on goodreads for an honest review-
What if the mistakes you made in life were to catch up with you, the things you do to win a case, the things you do to escape trouble. Welcome to eberley manor. Judge Haskins invites Cassie. There are five players- what do they have in common? Is this a game of life and death? Each room has a mystery and Cassie is determined to win but can she? Will her secrets be exposed? Grab this book for an intriguing read!
What if the mistakes you made in life were to catch up with you, the things you do to win a case, the things you do to escape trouble. Welcome to eberley manor. Judge Haskins invites Cassie. There are five players- what do they have in common? Is this a game of life and death? Each room has a mystery and Cassie is determined to win but can she? Will her secrets be exposed? Grab this book for an intriguing read!
January 20, 2026
I won this book thru a Goodreads giveaway. This was definitely a very weak thriller, the best parts were the "deadly" games. The writing was repetitive and the story just did not flow. The transition from present day to the past was clunky. The police procedural chapters were not realistic and just how did the detective find out that the judge and police chief were corrupt??And the epilogue did not make sense...people buy Eberly Manor and a week later bodies are being found??? Should have been an explanation as to how the first body was found, because they brought in cadaver dogs after, but why??? Why did they suspect the judge had killed others??? TOO MANY HOLES!!!
January 14, 2026
Midnight at Eberly Manor is a quick psychological thriller, and the suspense throughout the final 60% of the book was particularly strong. That said, it took me longer to read than most books I pick up. There were a noticeable number of grammatical errors, which always irk me, though I was able to look past them. I struggled with the beginning of the book. While I understand the intent was character building and development, the transitions were less than smooth. The frequent jumping around made it difficult to fully connect with the story. However, once the main character arrives at Eberly Manor, the narrative really comes together and the plot becomes well written and engaging. If you can push through the opening chapters, you’ll likely enjoy the remainder of the story. Overall, I gave this book 3 stars. The games, guessing, and increasing intrigue added to the experience, and the overarching storyline was solid.
January 12, 2026
Where do I begin? I wanted to DNF this book multiple times and after finishing it, I should have. It was slow, boring and predictable. So many errors as well, it read like an essay with so much filler and unnecessary information just to fulfill a page count. So slow, yet the ending felt rushed and unfinished. I kept giving this book a chance based on reviews but was very disappointed.
January 19, 2026
Cassie Thompson is a young and successful lawyer in Philadelphia. As she is working on her current case, she gets an e-mail from a stranger telling her that he has crucial information on her case and needs to meet with her. When Cassie travels to the Philadelphia suburbs to go to Eberly Manor to meet the person, she discovers that it was all a ruse to trap her in a real life game of life and death with several other people. And when some missteps in her own past begin to catch up with her, Cassie fights for her life to get a chance to survive and admit to her mistakes.
This one is definitely a thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Throughout the book that are twists that appear, with a pretty big twist towards the end. And as someone who lived in the Philadelphia area for a long time, I appreciate the setting and the fact that the author inserted so many Philly references into the book.
Was the writing a little shaky at times? Yes. And was the plot a little unbelievable at times? Yes. But I have to say I was pretty impressed for the author's first novel and definitely enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one is definitely a thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Throughout the book that are twists that appear, with a pretty big twist towards the end. And as someone who lived in the Philadelphia area for a long time, I appreciate the setting and the fact that the author inserted so many Philly references into the book.
Was the writing a little shaky at times? Yes. And was the plot a little unbelievable at times? Yes. But I have to say I was pretty impressed for the author's first novel and definitely enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
I always look forward to reading novels by new authors, and I enjoy writing reviews in hopes of making readers aware of new up and coming talent. "Midnight at Eberly Manor", by K.P. Gillespie, was such an enjoyable read! I was so taken in by the plot, characters, and setting, that I had this novel completed within a day.
The main character, Cassie Thompson, grew up in humble beginnings. However, at the age of 29, she finds herself as a senior partner in one of the most prestigious law firms in Philadelphia. Cassie didn't get to this position by playing fair. She did what she had to do to make it to the top (and stay there). Due to a careless action and a well-kept secret, the life that she so carefully has built, is about to come crashing down on her.
In Mr. Gillespie's biography, he mentions that he is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie (among others). I definitely felt an Alfred Hitchcock/Agatha Christie vibe in this novel!
Without giving anything away, the ending leaves openings for possible future novels (at least I hope so). I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr list. I wish Mr. Gillespie great success in his future writing endeavors!
The main character, Cassie Thompson, grew up in humble beginnings. However, at the age of 29, she finds herself as a senior partner in one of the most prestigious law firms in Philadelphia. Cassie didn't get to this position by playing fair. She did what she had to do to make it to the top (and stay there). Due to a careless action and a well-kept secret, the life that she so carefully has built, is about to come crashing down on her.
In Mr. Gillespie's biography, he mentions that he is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie (among others). I definitely felt an Alfred Hitchcock/Agatha Christie vibe in this novel!
Without giving anything away, the ending leaves openings for possible future novels (at least I hope so). I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr list. I wish Mr. Gillespie great success in his future writing endeavors!
November 19, 2025
K.P. Gillespie delivers a tense mind game where every solved puzzle opens a darker door in Midnight at Eberly Manor, which pulled me in from the first chapter.
Brilliant, flawed, ambitious Cassie Thompson has more secrets than she cares to admit, making her a fascinating protagonist. The book’s short, suspense-packed chapters ramp up the tension as she takes on the chilling, high-stakes challenges in the creaking, sprawling manor.
Gillespie blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity to superb effect. Every character is hiding something. What does justice even mean in this twisted environment? The final twist hit like a gavel: shocking, haunting, and perfect for the piece.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that mix puzzles, secrets, and a protagonist you can root for even when she stumbles, this is an addictive, one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and utterly compelling, I’ll be thinking about Eberly Manor for a long time.
Brilliant, flawed, ambitious Cassie Thompson has more secrets than she cares to admit, making her a fascinating protagonist. The book’s short, suspense-packed chapters ramp up the tension as she takes on the chilling, high-stakes challenges in the creaking, sprawling manor.
Gillespie blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity to superb effect. Every character is hiding something. What does justice even mean in this twisted environment? The final twist hit like a gavel: shocking, haunting, and perfect for the piece.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that mix puzzles, secrets, and a protagonist you can root for even when she stumbles, this is an addictive, one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and utterly compelling, I’ll be thinking about Eberly Manor for a long time.
December 5, 2025
This book has a way of pulling you into and not letting go. Once you open the pages of this book you will definitely be finishing it.
First I want to talk about Cassie Thompson, how she started out as a brilliant young girl and aspired to do good things in her life.
But things took a turn in her life as they often do and she was faced with a difficult decision to use underhanded tactics to prove herself within her firm which unfortunately does happen. But her defense caused predators to be released back into society instead of receiving their justice.
I also want to mention that the games that were thought of and played at Eberly Manor were amazing, and required a certain set of skills for each game. And the ending, the ode to one of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe's works was diabolical, a great lasting momento of revenge and skewed justice.
First I want to talk about Cassie Thompson, how she started out as a brilliant young girl and aspired to do good things in her life.
But things took a turn in her life as they often do and she was faced with a difficult decision to use underhanded tactics to prove herself within her firm which unfortunately does happen. But her defense caused predators to be released back into society instead of receiving their justice.
I also want to mention that the games that were thought of and played at Eberly Manor were amazing, and required a certain set of skills for each game. And the ending, the ode to one of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe's works was diabolical, a great lasting momento of revenge and skewed justice.
February 3, 2026
This was a really good book. I would definitely read more from this author.
We follow Cassie who is working her way up in a law firm and she isn't always seeking justice. She has many enemies because of her courtroom antics. Then one night she makes a terrible mistake and justice finds her.
The first 30 percent is just learning about her and how she works in a courtroom. It is good backstory but nothing too thrilling happens. Then twists start coming. She is summoned to Eberly Manor for a night of games. It is awesome.
There is a redemption arc and forgiveness and horror. It is set in a gothic like manor and truly just bizarre in the best way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
We follow Cassie who is working her way up in a law firm and she isn't always seeking justice. She has many enemies because of her courtroom antics. Then one night she makes a terrible mistake and justice finds her.
The first 30 percent is just learning about her and how she works in a courtroom. It is good backstory but nothing too thrilling happens. Then twists start coming. She is summoned to Eberly Manor for a night of games. It is awesome.
There is a redemption arc and forgiveness and horror. It is set in a gothic like manor and truly just bizarre in the best way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 9, 2025
Midnight at Eberly Manor completely blew me away. I went in expecting a standard thriller, but this story is so much richer and more intense. The Gothic atmosphere of the manor, the secretive judge, and the twisted games kept me hooked the whole time. Cassie is a complex, flawed character, and watching her fight through both the past and the deadly challenges was honestly edge-of-your-seat stuff. The plot is clever, full of surprizes, and never drags for a moment. If you love locked-room mysteries or dark psychological thrillers, this one is a total must-read. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, even when I probably should of been sleeping!
February 1, 2026
Needs a strong edit. So many metaphors, similes and redundant adjectives. Something drug out a paragraph that could’ve been said in one sentence. If I read how clothes “drape” someone, or how something “envelops” a room one more time, I’d have screamed. Some parts were so slow, then the end felt rushed. Lots of typos and grammatical errors yet, though this is an ARC so perhaps they’re still editing. Somewhat predictable, though the final pages offered a small twist (but has some holes that could’ve been addressed).
January 15, 2026
Midnight at Eberly Manor gripped our Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup readers from start to finish.
The suspenseful plot, complex characters, and eerie manor setting created a thrilling atmosphere.
Themes of justice and redemption sparked lively discussion in our group.
Kevin Gillespie’s writing cleverly balances mystery with psychological depth.
Highly recommended for fans of classic Gothic thrillers and modern suspense.
The suspenseful plot, complex characters, and eerie manor setting created a thrilling atmosphere.
Themes of justice and redemption sparked lively discussion in our group.
Kevin Gillespie’s writing cleverly balances mystery with psychological depth.
Highly recommended for fans of classic Gothic thrillers and modern suspense.
January 15, 2026
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup — Review
Midnight at Eberly Manor pulled our group into a world of suspense and mystery from the first page. Every twist and turn inspired discussion on justice, morality, and hidden motives. The manor itself felt alive, shaping the story’s tension. A thrilling, thought-provoking read that kept our members talking.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
Midnight at Eberly Manor pulled our group into a world of suspense and mystery from the first page. Every twist and turn inspired discussion on justice, morality, and hidden motives. The manor itself felt alive, shaping the story’s tension. A thrilling, thought-provoking read that kept our members talking.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
January 15, 2026
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup — Review
Our discussion of Midnight at Eberly Manor revealed just how masterfully Kevin Gillespie crafts psychological suspense. The characters’ choices sparked debates on right and wrong, and the gothic setting made the story immersive. Readers left reflecting on the power of secrets and redemption.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
Our discussion of Midnight at Eberly Manor revealed just how masterfully Kevin Gillespie crafts psychological suspense. The characters’ choices sparked debates on right and wrong, and the gothic setting made the story immersive. Readers left reflecting on the power of secrets and redemption.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
January 15, 2026
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup — Review
Midnight at Eberly Manor kept our Meetup members on edge with its intricate plotting and atmospheric manor. Conversations explored guilt, ambition, and morality, leaving readers pondering each twist long after the session. A compelling thriller that resonates with fans of classic mysteries and modern suspense alike.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
Midnight at Eberly Manor kept our Meetup members on edge with its intricate plotting and atmospheric manor. Conversations explored guilt, ambition, and morality, leaving readers pondering each twist long after the session. A compelling thriller that resonates with fans of classic mysteries and modern suspense alike.
Shared by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup, Charlotte, NC
January 18, 2026
Good but not great
The premise is interesting. A lawyer lured into deadly games all tied to a mistake in her past. It takes quite a bit of background building to get to the action though. Once the games began, things got more interesting. The resolution of the story was a bit underwhelming. There were glaring typos throughout the book. It wasn’t a horrible read, but I definitely wouldn’t read it again or give it my glowing recommendation.
The premise is interesting. A lawyer lured into deadly games all tied to a mistake in her past. It takes quite a bit of background building to get to the action though. Once the games began, things got more interesting. The resolution of the story was a bit underwhelming. There were glaring typos throughout the book. It wasn’t a horrible read, but I definitely wouldn’t read it again or give it my glowing recommendation.
February 18, 2026
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I was initially quickly drawn into this story. Sadly, soon after that, the book became too predictable. Minor details were forgotten by the author and were used on multiple occasions but in different contexts, adding confusion. To me, the details in a thriller are the most important part, so this was disappointing. The overall story idea was intriguing, but it felt like it had not been fully edited.
February 26, 2026
That Prologue had me hooked right away! I was so engrossed in what was happening at Eberly Manor that I didn't care about the other stuff in the book. I felt like a lot of that could have been left out. The games were the show stopper in this book! I LOVED that aspect. It was so wickedly creative! Overall, I enjoyed this book!
I won this book from Goodreads. I want to that them and the author for the chance to read this book.
I won this book from Goodreads. I want to that them and the author for the chance to read this book.
November 13, 2025
Wow!!
Shocking psychological thriller. Follow attorney Cassie Thompson. She has secrets. More than one. But justice is not always fair.
Couldn't put this book down. Cassie is drawn her to Eberly Manor where she and five other people are thrust into a series of games because of their crimes. Loser dies.
Unbelievable ending!!!
Shocking psychological thriller. Follow attorney Cassie Thompson. She has secrets. More than one. But justice is not always fair.
Couldn't put this book down. Cassie is drawn her to Eberly Manor where she and five other people are thrust into a series of games because of their crimes. Loser dies.
Unbelievable ending!!!
November 15, 2025
A sad twist
On our way to a very satisfying ending, the jolt left me sad. It was a great story Of a character getting her just comeuppance until then.
Aside from the few word usage errors, there was no warning of The unsuitable and unnecessary language..
It's so sad. I really liked the story. Then I didn't. So sorry. I love to give great reviews.
On our way to a very satisfying ending, the jolt left me sad. It was a great story Of a character getting her just comeuppance until then.
Aside from the few word usage errors, there was no warning of The unsuitable and unnecessary language..
It's so sad. I really liked the story. Then I didn't. So sorry. I love to give great reviews.
January 2, 2026
Cassandra Thompson, a lawyer in Philadelphia, finds herself involved in competition with five strangers in a series of intricate games that she must survive. The book is a psychological very descriptive thriller and reminds me of Agatha Christie style books. Thank you to Goodreads for my Kindle copy of this book giveaway.
January 13, 2026
solid psychological thriller: my wife couldnt put ot down! Cassie the flawed lawyer gets pulled into creepy games and puzzles at this old manor full of secrets and dark justice.The atmosphere is eerie the twists keep coming and the short chapters make it hard to stop reading. She said some timeline jumps were a little confusing but overall gripping and atmospheric good for thriller fans.
January 15, 2026
Our Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Meetup thoroughly enjoyed Midnight at Eberly Manor.
The story’s twists kept everyone guessing and engaged.
Cassie Thompson is a protagonist full of depth and nuance.
The manor itself almost becomes a character with its haunting presence.
A must read for anyone who loves atmospheric, page turning thrillers.
The story’s twists kept everyone guessing and engaged.
Cassie Thompson is a protagonist full of depth and nuance.
The manor itself almost becomes a character with its haunting presence.
A must read for anyone who loves atmospheric, page turning thrillers.
January 15, 2026
Kevin Gillespie’s debut, Midnight at Eberly Manor, is a smart, compelling thriller.
Our Meetup readers appreciated the moral ambiguity and psychological tension.
The book’s intricate plot kept the group discussing long after the session.
Themes of justice, redemption, and past sins are explored masterfully.
This is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary Gothic suspense.
Our Meetup readers appreciated the moral ambiguity and psychological tension.
The book’s intricate plot kept the group discussing long after the session.
Themes of justice, redemption, and past sins are explored masterfully.
This is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary Gothic suspense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews