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Midnight on Mourn Street
Reed Waters is the sort of middle-aged man few people notice. He's quiet, polite, solitary. He doesn't call attention to himself. Ever. Reed Waters has a secret.... Mauri Dyson is a teenaged runaway, impetuous and explosive. She lies, she steals, she prostitutes herself. Whatever it takes to survive. Mauri Dyson, too, has a secret.... When Mauri bursts into Reed's life one rain-soaked night she sets in motion a series of events that will spiral out of control, taking the two of them through tears and terror to the brink of madness--and a confrontation that will change them both forever.
- GenresHorror
220 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2008
1 person is currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 3, 2016
Autographed limited edition gift copy sent by author and Goodreads friend Christopher Conlon.
Reed is trying to distance himself from past trauma and find his way in life. Except that the past will not let him be. It literally arrives on his doorstep one night in the form of a hardened yet vulnerable teenage runaway named Mauri, who does what she has to in order to survive on the street. Will Bliss, a young black man trying to get into college and learn about classical music, has trouble fitting into his family and neighborhood; he strikes up an unlikely friendship, first with Reed, then with Mauri. The way their relationship plays out is what provides the interest of this book.
This is now the third novel of Conlon's that I've read which contains accounts of young people, violent crimes and disturbed characters. And yet, it is not a mere rehashing of the other two books. While fully showing us the revolting details of various crimes and without whitewashing their actions, Conlon shows us why his people do what they do, so that we have some understanding for them. Even though none of the main characters comes through unscathed, things end on an optimistic note. I wondered whether the ending was a bit too happy, given the rest of the story, however, it's a relief to think that the three friends can find at least some measure of healing.
Conlon makes the reader ponder why acts of violence happen. Are they accidents? What exactly is the root cause? And could things have been different had one of the early links in the chain of events been altered? Who ultimately bears the responsibility.
He also tells the story expertly, draws his characters vividly, and makes you care about them, so that once you start the novel, it's hard to put down.
Reed is trying to distance himself from past trauma and find his way in life. Except that the past will not let him be. It literally arrives on his doorstep one night in the form of a hardened yet vulnerable teenage runaway named Mauri, who does what she has to in order to survive on the street. Will Bliss, a young black man trying to get into college and learn about classical music, has trouble fitting into his family and neighborhood; he strikes up an unlikely friendship, first with Reed, then with Mauri. The way their relationship plays out is what provides the interest of this book.
This is now the third novel of Conlon's that I've read which contains accounts of young people, violent crimes and disturbed characters. And yet, it is not a mere rehashing of the other two books. While fully showing us the revolting details of various crimes and without whitewashing their actions, Conlon shows us why his people do what they do, so that we have some understanding for them. Even though none of the main characters comes through unscathed, things end on an optimistic note. I wondered whether the ending was a bit too happy, given the rest of the story, however, it's a relief to think that the three friends can find at least some measure of healing.
Conlon makes the reader ponder why acts of violence happen. Are they accidents? What exactly is the root cause? And could things have been different had one of the early links in the chain of events been altered? Who ultimately bears the responsibility.
He also tells the story expertly, draws his characters vividly, and makes you care about them, so that once you start the novel, it's hard to put down.
December 5, 2011
Christopher Conlon is my surprise discovery of the year and “Midnight On Mourn Street” is the best book I’ve read all year. Being Conlon’s first novel makes this accomplishment even more impressive. Conlon is well known in the poetry world and has some serious anthologies and tribute books under his belt (for Richard Matheson, etc.), but his fiction is top notch and really sets himself apart from nearly every other author working today. This is one of the finest debut novels I’ve ever read and I can’t wait to see what else he writes.
Conlon has a wonderful way of dropping just enough mysterious crumbs of emotional and story value to keep you invested for the entire journey. His dialogue is so natural and perfect you simply lose yourself in the characters, feeling like a voyeur in the room, as vulnerable as the characters themselves. The author treats each character with respect and dignity, but never shies away from dealing with the difficult moments. You never feel cheated or that Conlon takes the easy way out. With such a specific and truthful vision, I sometimes wondered if this story was an autobiography or was told to him by a close friend. I realize it is just fiction, but if felt incredibly authentic. Not so much a horror novel as a dark, suspenseful drama.
When reading this book, I couldn’t believe how emotional I was getting, not to mention the physical aspects. My chest felt tight, my throat was dry, and my anxiety level and worry for the characters were such that I found myself not being able to do anything but continue to read the book deep into the night when I should have been asleep hours earlier. This is one of those novels that not only earn my very highest recommendation, but one that I will revisit in the future. I’ve already ordered his new books, “A Matrix Of Angels” and “Lullaby For The Rain Girl”. “Midnight On Mourn Street” is a memorable and heartbreaking experience.
Conlon has a wonderful way of dropping just enough mysterious crumbs of emotional and story value to keep you invested for the entire journey. His dialogue is so natural and perfect you simply lose yourself in the characters, feeling like a voyeur in the room, as vulnerable as the characters themselves. The author treats each character with respect and dignity, but never shies away from dealing with the difficult moments. You never feel cheated or that Conlon takes the easy way out. With such a specific and truthful vision, I sometimes wondered if this story was an autobiography or was told to him by a close friend. I realize it is just fiction, but if felt incredibly authentic. Not so much a horror novel as a dark, suspenseful drama.
When reading this book, I couldn’t believe how emotional I was getting, not to mention the physical aspects. My chest felt tight, my throat was dry, and my anxiety level and worry for the characters were such that I found myself not being able to do anything but continue to read the book deep into the night when I should have been asleep hours earlier. This is one of those novels that not only earn my very highest recommendation, but one that I will revisit in the future. I’ve already ordered his new books, “A Matrix Of Angels” and “Lullaby For The Rain Girl”. “Midnight On Mourn Street” is a memorable and heartbreaking experience.
November 30, 2009
There are certain books that you read during your lifetime that carry a lot of weight to it that you remember those moments when you are reading it for the rest of your life. There are also certain books that move you more than most others. This was one of the books for me. I would dare say that this is near perfect if it isn't. For a book that packs in at only 220 pages this one feels like it is longer, but in a good way. I had to take my time with it, not because of lack of interest but because I felt the need to cherish that exciting and homelike feel that the characters and setting played upon my imagination. By the middle of the book, these three characters had felt like old friends. It fits into the suspense genere and a little on the horror side, but not with blood and gore but with the surreal aspect of a past haunting them.
September 28, 2014
This is the second book I've read by Conlon and this is the second book I've loved by Conlon. I don't know if I have read a story that simultaneously captures the worst of humanity and the beauty of it so clearly. The three main characters are so rich and complex. Conlon seems to have a knack for writing things to make you squirm with discomfort while wanting the best for his characters who've don't terrible things. We all make mistakes and how long should we suffer for them? That what I thought about after I finished reading this book. I will continue to read Conlon.
August 24, 2017
"He seemed like such a nice man," the neighbors always tell the reporters. And maybe he really was. Maybe "evil people" don't exist. Maybe there is no evil in the world at all, just "misunderstandings." Just the proverbial, "sh*t happens."
In "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon serves up a dark slice of life, complete with peppers, mushrooms, and extra pain. As always, however, he finishes the meal with a small dish of hope for dessert (one per customer, please).
Yes, things might be bleak - probably are bleak. In fact, you can expect frequent patches of bleakness throughout the months and years to come.
But fear not... it might get better. COULD get better.
That is... the possibility exists.
Maybe it will and maybe it won't, but at the end of the day, it is what you make of it. Nothing more, nothing less.
And yes, sh*t does happen.
Deal with it.
In "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon serves up a dark slice of life, complete with peppers, mushrooms, and extra pain. As always, however, he finishes the meal with a small dish of hope for dessert (one per customer, please).
Yes, things might be bleak - probably are bleak. In fact, you can expect frequent patches of bleakness throughout the months and years to come.
But fear not... it might get better. COULD get better.
That is... the possibility exists.
Maybe it will and maybe it won't, but at the end of the day, it is what you make of it. Nothing more, nothing less.
And yes, sh*t does happen.
Deal with it.
August 26, 2017
"He seemed like such a nice man," the neighbors always tell the reporters. And maybe he really was. Maybe "evil people" don't exist. Maybe there is no evil in the world at all, just "misunderstandings." Just the proverbial, "sh*t happens."
In "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon serves up a dark slice of life, complete with peppers, mushrooms, and extra pain. As always, however, he finishes the meal with a small dish of hope for dessert (one per customer, please).
Yes, things might be bleak - probably are bleak. In fact, you can expect frequent patches of bleakness throughout the months and years to come.
But fear not... it might get better. COULD get better.
That is... the possibility exists.
Maybe it will and maybe it won't, but at the end of the day, it is what you make of it. Nothing more, nothing less.
And yes, sh*t does happen.
Deal with it.
In "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon serves up a dark slice of life, complete with peppers, mushrooms, and extra pain. As always, however, he finishes the meal with a small dish of hope for dessert (one per customer, please).
Yes, things might be bleak - probably are bleak. In fact, you can expect frequent patches of bleakness throughout the months and years to come.
But fear not... it might get better. COULD get better.
That is... the possibility exists.
Maybe it will and maybe it won't, but at the end of the day, it is what you make of it. Nothing more, nothing less.
And yes, sh*t does happen.
Deal with it.
December 23, 2013
This was a short read on my Kobo, but very enjoyable. Christopher Conlon comes through again with another emotionally charged story of life's monsters. This short novel features only a few main characters and it was very interesting to see how their lives mingled amongst each other. Having previously read Lullaby for the Rain Girl, Conlon is one of my favourite authors without a doubt.
The events and twists that take place in this story are very real and life like, and could very well be playing out in any city anywhere.
The events and twists that take place in this story are very real and life like, and could very well be playing out in any city anywhere.
August 6, 2012
This is a really good novel that sucks you in and makes you read more to uncover the mystery. An underage runaway has shown up in D.C., looking for an old man, knowing he's not as kind as he acts. At the same time, the old man thinks he's normal but has a tormentuous memory that he can't quite bring to the surface. What keeps this book from being great is the rushed ending, so unbelievable it's pitiful.
October 20, 2011
If the two novels I’ve read written by Christopher Conlon, this one and "A Matrix of Angels," are any indication, he likes characters who had childhood experiences that have haunted them as adults. While not exactly the same, it appears from the description of Conlon’s book of poetry, "Starkweather Dreams," that it is told from the viewpoint of serial killer Charles Starkweather, and delves into the same psychological neighborhood.
If done right, this combination is the recipe for an intense, satisfying story. The conflict in such a tale comes from the character’s own mind as they attempt working out their issues. In this instance, the fact that the path one character is taking to accomplish this is on a collision course to disrupt that of the other, adds additional conflict. I love stories where it doesn’t appear that there is a way for characters we identify with to all meet their apparent goals. This makes the story unpredictable and keeps us interested. Will one of the characters realize their goal is wrong and change it? Or maybe the happy ending we’re hoping for isn’t in the cards. The only way to find out is to read to the end. With "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon gives us one of those intense, satisfying stories, done right.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
If done right, this combination is the recipe for an intense, satisfying story. The conflict in such a tale comes from the character’s own mind as they attempt working out their issues. In this instance, the fact that the path one character is taking to accomplish this is on a collision course to disrupt that of the other, adds additional conflict. I love stories where it doesn’t appear that there is a way for characters we identify with to all meet their apparent goals. This makes the story unpredictable and keeps us interested. Will one of the characters realize their goal is wrong and change it? Or maybe the happy ending we’re hoping for isn’t in the cards. The only way to find out is to read to the end. With "Midnight on Mourn Street," Christopher Conlon gives us one of those intense, satisfying stories, done right.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
June 28, 2012
The characters are real--and disturbing. Conlon excells at bringing characters to life--scars and all. He doesn't sugarcoat the characters or their circumstances. He makes the reader care about them and hope for a happy ending. I won't spoil the story by saying how this one ends--only that Conlon's stories are always full of surprises, from beginning to end.
January 20, 2009
Intimate, powerful, emotionally compelling, startlingly unconventional. I will read this again.
May 14, 2012
Dark, literate tale of the relationship between a middle-aged man and teen runaway, and the dangerous secrets each of them hold.
March 22, 2015
I'm not sure how this book ended up on my to read list. It has no fantasy elements or anything similar. It's just a depressing drama set in the real world. Not my thing, but well written.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews