A Desolate Hour

Point Pleasant #3

by Mae Clair

Sins of the past could destroy all of their futures . . . For generations, Quentin Marsh's family has seen its share of tragedy, though he remains skeptical that their misfortunes are tied to a centuries-old curse. But to placate his pregnant sister, Quentin makes the pilgrimage to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, hoping to learn more about the brutal murder of a Shawnee chief in the 1700s. Did one of the Marsh ancestors have a hand in killing the chief -the man who cursed the town with his dying breath? While historian Sarah Sherman doesn't believe in curses either, she's compelled to use her knowledge of Point Pleasant to uncover the long-buried truth. The river town has had its own share of catastrophes, many tied to the legendary Mothman, the winged creature said to haunt the woods. But Quentin's arrival soon reveals that she may have more of a stake than she realized. It seems that she and Quentin possess eerily similar family heirlooms. And the deeper the two of them dig into the past, the more their search enrages the ancient mystical forces surrounding Point Pleasant. As chaos and destruction start to befall residents, can they beat the clock to break the curse before the Mothman takes his ultimate revenge? . . .

Genres: Paranormal

228 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2017

About the author

A member of the International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. Her preferred genre is mystery/suspense, though she flavors her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore.

Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter

You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com

Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quentin Marsh was a musician until an accident crushed his hand to where he will never be able to play the same way again. Now working in the family business with his twin sister Quentin finds himself heading to Point Pleasant, West Virginia on the request of his sister to find out more about their family line. Quentin's sister has just found out she's pregnant with twins and a psychic has warned her that the twins in her family line have all been cursed and after Quentin's accident they both can't just ignore the warning.

Sarah Sherman is the local historian in Point Pleasant so when Quentin arrives he finds himself directed to Sarah to find out more about his family history. While most people would find the talk of family curses a bit strange and think Quentin was just a little on the crazy side Sarah is familiar with the history of Point Pleasant where the town has endured it's own share of disasters over the years along with the legend of the Mothman, the winged creature said to haunt the woods.

A Desolate Hour is the third book in the Point Pleasant series by Mae Clair. While the series follows more along the lines of what you would find in the romance genre with changing the main characters in each read along with the plot focusing on new things I would still highly suggest reading the entire series in order. Each of the books builds upon the story that came before it and also the previous characters and events still play a huge part so I would think one would be a bit lost not knowing what had come in the previous books.

I absolutely love the story involved in the Point Pleasant series myself. It would be hard to categorize this series as it has so many elements added into each book with always including a bit of romance, a bit of mystery to solve mixed in with the supernatural wonders that surround this town and it's residents. The story revolves around a real life event that took place in the town but has added it's own dark twists and turns all along and becomes more and more intense as each read takes place. Definitely one that I'd recommend reading as with each story I'm never quite sure what to expect in Point Pleasant.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many secrets are buried deep within the very fiber of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Those secrets span time and even the universe as the legend of the Mothman lives on in its re-telling to those who have not seen this creature. But he is real and there are those who know, who have been touched by him and one man must return to Point Pleasant to end an ancient curse his family has endured for decades, all for the love of his twin sister and her unborn twins. Is there a connection between the curse his ancestors brought on Point Pleasant and the mysterious Mothman? Is there a way to end the curse that few believe in? Are they getting too close to the Mothman’s secrets, as well?

Ancient ire wreaks havoc on the town as two strangers find they have a connection that runs deep and the mystical forces fight back, or are they fighting to finally be unveiled?
Visit the past, the present and the story of an ancient Shawnee curse, as well as uncover a tale from space that will change the face and fortune of Point Pleasant, as well as that of its most infamous resident.

Witness A DESOLATE HOUR in the small river town. Mae Clair rocks another intriguing mystery with a paranormal flare as we are taken back in time to witness another dark hour on the soul of humanity and the impact on the present. The power of Mae Clair's talent comes through, once again as the world fades away and secrets become real! Fabulous world building, characters that come alive and the veil of mystery becomes like a cloud over it all.

I received an ARC edition from Lyrical Underground in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Point Pleasant - Book 3
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (July 18, 2017)
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Suspense | Thriller
Page Count: 228
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is apparently the last in the series but this was my first book by the author Mae Clare.
The book, to me, was a fairly entertaining read. It did deal with curses and aliens. Quentin wants to know the reason why twins in his family are cursed, and Sarah is the genealogist who helps him. Together they go on a journey into the past which involves supernatural elements and romance. That makes the book an adventure.
Since I don't read romance, nowadays, this book was enjoyable and pleasant. But I need to read the previous books to really get to know the characters.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and the finale, so I will do my best to not include spoilers. Just make you want to run right out and buy this mystery series. If you are a creature feature lover, like me, this will be a must read collection you want on your reading shelf.

It’s nice to be back in Point Pleasant, with familiar friends and monsters, waiting for the next adventure to begin.

Book II left me feeling so sad for Mothman and I worry about what will become of him. He has lived for A Thousand Yesteryears, the only one of his kind.

The Ouija Board had foretold QM would become a part of Sarah’s life. WTH is QM?

The curse brought HIM to Point Pleasant.

Caden is a cop in Point Pleasant and knows the Mothman, and others, that I won’t speak about. You’ll have to meet them all yourself…and you might want to have someone with you when you do.

Lach is back and there is always trouble when he makes an appearance.

Stone amulets…a deadly blade…a curse

Shawn and Preech will play their part as the curse rises from the past, demanding retribution. You can never escape the past…innocent or guilty, it just doesn’t matter.

A Desolate Hour, great title by the way, has an aura of menace from the beginning.

“A Desolate Hour when a tear in time renders past and present in one.” How can that be anything but bad news?

When Mothman vanishes for long periods of time and everything is normal in Point Pleasant, I wonder where he goes, what he’s doing. He didn’t ask for his fate. Alone. Isolated. Angry. Suffering.

As the people and forces in Point Pleasant draw together, it is ‘the culmination of A Desolate Hour’, and the door closes on the Mothman’s story. Mae Clair did a bang up job with the ending, leaving me satisfied, but…

I am so sad to be leaving Point Pleasant and the marvelous characters and adventure I have had, but I do not despair. I know Mae Clair has another marvelous story up her sleeve and I aim to get my hands on it.

If you are a creature feature lover, if you crave reading about myths and legends, if you like to be scared and surprised, run and soar through the air, this is one series you don’t want to miss.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of A Desolate Hour by Mae Clair.

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[C.S. Boyack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding series conclusion

This is the conclusion of a three book series. I’ve enjoyed them all, and the author’s research efforts really helped the series. The conclusion is a bit different than I expected, but in many way’s it’s even better. I can’t recommend this series highly enough.

[Sue Coletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That ending made me gasp. A DESOLATE HOUR is the third and final book in the Point Pleasant series, and I think it's my favorite. Beautifully written, characters I loved spending time with again (especially Eve and Caden), and suspense from the beginning to that last chilling sentence. Throughout this series I loved learning about the folklore and strange happenings in Point Pleasant. In Book 2, A THOUSAND YESTERYEARS, I felt so bad for Mothman, being the only one of his kind, but in A DESOLATE HOUR we're left with a better understanding. I can't really say more without spoilers. The Native American curse really worked for me too. I also loved reading where all the characters are today, after the story ends. It's the perfect wrap-up to an enjoyable series.

If you enjoy paranormal, folklore, romance, and suspense rolled into one intense ride, you need to read this series. Highly recommend!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley, then purchased my own copy. It's that good!

[Jeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I haven't read the previous books in this series, I had absolutely no problem falling right into the storyline and enjoying it very much!

This has a little of everything. The darkness and mystery surrounding Point Pleasant, West Virginia and the "Mothman". It also had aliens (but not what you're thinking), evil spirits, and curses. Sometimes the present is indeed influenced by the past and those mistakes come back to haunt you.

I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be picking up the previous books to enjoy.

I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Run from the thunder,

Run from the rain,

Lightning can’t hurt you,

The wind is in vain, ”
Sarah keeps saying in A Desolate Hour.
.
Mae Clair is one of the best writers I've read. I've read a lot, indie and traditional. She's one of the best overall. Her writing style and also the characters she creates are amazing, yet, characters any of us can easily relate to. Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down until I had read every word. I loved the characters, especially Caden and Eve. But more characters are added to the story here in A Desolate Hour, like Sarah and the mysterious QM from book 2. Each with her or his secret and karmic burden.I want to make a special mention of Shawn, a perfect portrayal of an evil character, no matter his justification.

By the way, the title is a perfect fit for the story. The author couldn’t have found a better one.

For someone who is reading Book 3 it would be helpful to read the previous stories to fully tie all the threads together. But the book can be read as a standalone and there are reminders along the first chapters smoothly weaved in the plot that help the reader understand who’s who.

I knew I had to prepare myself to say goodbye to this incredible cast of characters at the end of this book, especially to Drayandor. Sadly this did nothing to lighten the blow. With every passing page I marveled over the genius of the words before me and fretted over the dwindling number of pages left ahead of me. Now a few words about the story.
Amazing. Entertaining. Beautiful, [of course.] I don't know if I'd want to know a person who couldn't absolutely adore this entire series. As I mourn my goodbyes to these characters I have come to know and love (and sometimes hate, see Obadiah's descendant) and attempt to pull myself together to face life again, I offer a most sincere plea to Ms. Clair to be so kind as to spin another tale for us (and quickly). The world is truly a better place with her books in it for everyone to enjoy.

The suspense builds constantly making readers curious to see what comes next. And the expectations aren’t in vain. Almost each chapter, and even scenes, end in cliffhangers that urge you to postpone other chores and go on reading.

For example:

“Everything that happens around here gets blamed on Cornstalk’s curse.”or

“The tip of the scars he carried from the Mothman poked from beneath his sleeve. . . . the welts had never changed in appearance or texture. Until today. Normally vibrant red, they were now jet black." or
"It was time to leave, to get out before someone spied his Charger in the
driveway. He cleaned up the sink, wiped up his bloody prints, and looked
around for a piece of paper.
There was one more thing he had to do to make the scene complete."

Based on a real tragic event the three books combine, in a skillful way, folklore, paranormal and romantic suspense. If you love mysteries linked to the Men in Black, UFOs, the Mothman, Ouja boards, curses spanning the centuries and marking the main characters’ lives or reincarnation this is a series you SHOULDN'T”T miss!


To sum up - another superb story, packed full of action and emotion, by the talented Mae Clair that will keep lovers of the paranormal/romantic suspense genre well entertained!

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping End to a Remarkable Series

When I find an author whose work I like, I read the whole backlist as fast as I can. I’ve read everything the talented Ms. Clair has to offer and have waited (quite impatiently) for this final installment of the Point Pleasant series.

I was not disappointed. It was SO worth the wait.

A DESOLATE HOUR manages to intertwine the distant past with the book’s present (the 1980s), an advanced planet with our own fragile one, and aliens and witches with human residents of a cursed town. Not only does this all come together seamlessly, it does so while introducing new and interesting characters and revisiting old favorites, solving an intricate mystery, ending a centuries-old curse, and wrapping up all the loose ends in a heart-wrenching and bittersweet way.

I prefer character-driven fiction, and this novel—this series—fits that mold. As was the case with the first two books, I’m still smitten with Caden Flynn in this story. He’s my favorite of the returning cast, but all the protagonists through the series are multifaceted and likable. The antagonists have legitimate motivations behind them, making them realistic and believable. And then there are the characters whose motivations and intents were hazy… I may have loved them most of all. A surprise revelation at the end was a punch to the gut; it’s a poignant resolution I’ll not soon forget.

A DESOLATE HOUR features genuine characters and intricate plotlines, fast-paced action and eerie, palpable settings. I was sucked in with the first word and read the whole novel in one afternoon, desperate to see how it all ended and left breathless when I finished. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author to fans of this genre.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Mae Clair has blown me away with her incredible story-telling ability. The novel starts at an easy pace catching up the reader with what happened in the previous novels, as well as, providing background regarding Quentin Marsh and Shawn Preech. Things quickly speed up as one thing after the other happens in Point Pleasant and while Quentin and Sarah work to piece together stories from the past. There are so many significant characters in this novel that tie everything together, but the amazing thing is the author’s complex development of so many completely different characters and personalities. Whether it’s the calm and cool Caden Flynn, gossipy townspeople, or the Mothman – the vivid language and descriptions bring all of these characters to life, leaving no question in the reader’s mind what someone looks like, talks like, etc. The colorful descriptions carry over to the setting and various objects in the story, but a specific part that sticks out to me involved a path in the grass where a dog had been running in circles. It was mentioned quickly and was a small detail but something that I could easily visualize, strengthening the notion that all was not well and this dog was seriously in distress.

A Desolate Hour is a powerful, suspenseful novel that I could carry on about all day. The author’s blending of real-life occurrences, folklore, and fiction result in a fascinating read that will appeal to any fans of mystery/suspense/supernatural novels. People, including myself, frequently refer to novels saying “you won’t be able to put it down,” but A Desolate Hour is truly a novel that once you start reading it, there is no stopping until you’ve reached the end.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Quentin Marsh reluctantly makes the journey to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to appease his pregnant twin sister about an ancient curse that she is convinced is haunting their family. She believes that it is tied to the murder of a Shawnee chief named Cornstalk who is said to have cursed the village as he died.

Quentin takes a room at the local inn where he meets Sarah Sherman and other people of the town. They seem curious, but friendly enough. He sets about trying to trace if his family had anything to do with the centuries-old murder, but at first has no luck.

Many people in the town have seen an elusive creature called locally as “Mothman.” Quentin has had an experience with him as well. It seems as though the many disasters the town has suffered have been tied to Mothman, but the details remain elusive.

Sarah and Quentin team up to dig into the past to discover the truth about Mothman and Chief Cornstalk. They discover that they have more in common than they first believed.

Caden Flynn is the local Sergeant of the police department and Eve, his wife have only been married for a month. They figure prominently in this story as well. Shawn, a local ne’r-do-well has seen Mothman too and remains terrified by it. He hears voices – or is it a memory – telling him to kill it. Then there’s Lach Evening. He knows a great deal, or does he?

Then the killings and “accidents” start. When it becomes apparent that Mothman has to die, the descendants of the original settlers take it upon themselves to do the deed.

This book is extremely well written and plotted. The chapters are long, however and I believe this has the result of slowing the action down somewhat. The history behind the story is fascinating; whether it is based on real events or not. This is my first Mae Claire novel, but I went immediately to Amazon and checked out her other books. I put them on my wish list.

I want to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.

[Natalie Ducey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb end to an outstanding series! Author, Mae Clair, crafts another brilliant story in this third and final book in the Point Pleasant series. Once again, Clair seamlessly weaves folklore, paranormal, suspense, thriller, and a little romance in this highly engaging story. The character development is exceptional and the pace is intense! We are introduced to Quentin Marsh, a past resident who returns to Point Pleasant looking for answers and possible family ties to a centuries-old curse. He becomes acquainted with many of my favourite characters in the series, including Sarah. Sarah Sherman’s character, introduced earlier in the series, takes on a pivotal role in its conclusion. A researcher/historian, and skeptic of curses, she is integral in unveiling Point Pleasant’s dark mysteries. Her role takes on more than that of a researcher. She is part of the mystery.

Clair masterfully takes us on a riveting journey, piecing together the past, unveiling legends cloaked by time. In true form, Clair never falls to engage all our senses. We are immersed in the small town of Point Pleasant and the looming, ominous feel of the TNT site. We can smell the sultry air; it’s moist to the skin. The mysterious existence of the Mothman is forever present, and the potency of a centuries-old curse is penetrating.

Clair has delivered an exceptional series, and I highly recommend it. Much like the first two books in the series, A Thousand Yesteryears and A Cold Tomorrow, I believe A Desolate Hour can stand alone as well, but I suggest that you treat yourself to the full series or you’ll be missing out on two fantastic reads.

Again, a superb end to an outstanding series!

[Debbie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Desolate Hour…
This is the third and final story in the Point Pleasant Series and oh, how I wished it wasn’t!
Quentin Marsh and Sarah Sherman have a terrifying mystery to unravel. It is one that is far reaching and has touched--and scarred--the lives of many, many people, past and present. Quentin and Sarah won’t solve the puzzle alone, for all the beloved characters residing in Point Pleasant have a special part to play. Some good and some not so good…

I am not one to provide spoilers (because that ruins the fun of the journey, right?) However, I will tell you there are characters to love and characters to loathe. Although Drayandor tugged at my heart-strings from the moment we met, in this final installment, the tormented truth of his story induced a tear or two. (Okay, okay, I cried like a baby.)

I also hold a special fondness for the mysterious Lach Evening and I’m sure if Ms. Clair toys with the possibility long enough, she can dream up countless adventures to send him on. Do you hear me Mae Clair? I, for one, am not quite ready to say goodbye to this man.

This is a “must read,” spine-tingling, edge-of-your seat, page-turning series crafted by the talented Mae Clair. A Desolate Hour brings the saga to a wistful, but satisfying end. I highly recommend this book as well as all the books in the Point Pleasant series! You won’t want to miss it!

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point Pleasant West Va is the setting for this amazing trilogy by Mae Clair! The Desolate Hour is the telling of reincarnation, curses, aliens and love recaptured! The desolate hour is described as the past and present becoming one via a tear in time. Author describes events that took place in 1777 and how they have effected the lives in what is now 1982. Quentin Marsh travels to town in the hopes of researching why twins in his family are jinxed. Sarah Sherman is a genealogist and local history expert making her the key person to help Quentin. Events of 1777 which included Indian and settler murders and black magic are behind the curse placed on the Marsh family. Questions of the Mothman and appearances by prior characters in this series make it a fast paced read. I don't advise reading this as a stand alone; besides why cheat yourself this adventure that has it all! "A copy of this book was provided to me by Kensington Books and author via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and my comments here are my honest opinion."

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Desolate Hour” continues where “A Cold Tomorrow” ends. Everything from the first two books are explained with a couple of surprise twists I didn’t see coming. We are introduced to the Ouija board’s mysterious clue “QM”--or the new character, Quentin Marsh. Quentin fits right into the town seamlessly as he searches for more information about his family’s curse on behalf of his pregnant sister. Caden, Eve, Ryan, Katie and Sarah are back in the thick of the story, along with Mothman, men in black, and the curse. Ms. Clair has weaved folklore and history into an amazing tale. I loved the first two books and this final novel didn’t disappoint—in fact it took everything up a notch. I’ve grown to love this town and the people in it and was glad for the journey they took me on! I highly recommend this series for those who love an entertaining, well-written story with some paranormal, a bit of reality and a little romance.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Point Pleasant series, A Desolate Hour introduces Quentin Marsh. Is he the possible "QM" picked for Sarah by the Ouiji board in the previous book? Or is he in town to track down the source of a family curse and is it tied to the Mothman? Once again, Ms. Clair is able to get me to read a book that is our of my normal genre with characters and stories that are engaging and likeable. Well, likeable with one major exception. And while I understand why Shawn was so rotten, it was a bit overboard for me. This was the only drawback to another wonder story. But, the continuing saga of the town and its residents along with a healthy serving of history more than counteracted my dislike of Shawn.

A copy was provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The culmination of the Point Pleasant series, A Desolate Hour brings all the open threads from the overall story together. This book explains the curse behind Point Pleasant's ill fortune. (I'll try to avoid spoilers!) We meet the descendents of the people involved when Chief Cornstalk laid the curse: Quentin Marsh, Sarah Sherman, and Shawn Preech. We also meet the other characters involved again, especially Caden Flynn, with his own connection to the infamous Mothman that haunts Point Pleasant. We also learn more about the Mothman, and feel for it as it faces the source of its pain after a couple hundred years. I especially love how the author continues with the theme of the series, from yesteryears to cold tomorrows. The book is a ride of suspense, and by that last rollercoaster drop, has given the reader a satisfying end to the adventure.

[Wendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Point Pleasant Series

A great series. I enjoyed the blend of history, folklore, and fiction. Especially how the Mothman was woven into the story. That's what initially drew me to the series and i wasn't disappointed.

[N.A. Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Mae Clair, having wandered happily through pretty much everything she’s written. Take a pinch of history, a curse or time-traveling threat, a touch of the supernatural and a whole lot of mystery and you have one of her books!
A Desolate Hour is the last in her Point Pleasant series, but you don’t need to read the first or second to enjoy this one – the creepiness is nicely explained as the story unfolds. This book is a superb ending to the series.
Something happened in the area in 1777 – the brutal murder of a Shawnee Chief who cursed the town of Point Pleasant with his dying breath. At the same point in time, a man named Obadiah Creech (great name!) performed a ceremony of evil incantation in revenge for the death of his wife, and Jonathan Marsh happened upon it.
Over the years, the town has been devastated by a series of catastrophes and is barely managing to stay alive as a result. Adding to its sad history are the sightings over the centuries of a supernatural being the townspeople call the Mothman, an enormous alien being with huge wings and dazzling red eyes.
Living now in Point Pleasant is a descendant of Obadiah Creech – Shawn Creech, former winning dirt-track racer but now a day laborer and a drunk, being divorced by his wife for domestic violence. Quentin Marsh, a descendant of Jonathan Marsh, arrives in town to see if he can determine why, when twins are born into his family, one of them always meets disaster. His sister is carrying twins and wants him to discover the nature of the curse and why their family is involved. Was his ancestor involved in the killing of the Shawnee Chief?
Sarah Sherman, a historian working at the town library, helps Quentin in his search. Although she doesn’t believe in curses, she feels compelled to use her knowledge of Point Pleasant to uncover the long-buried truth, perhaps because she and Quentin possess eerily similar family heirlooms. As the two of them dig into the past, Shawn Creech become possessed by an evil spirit linked to Obadiah’s hunting knife. The deeper Sarah and Quentin go in their search, the more the ancient mystical forces surrounding Point Pleasant become enraged.
I’d love to say more, but I want the reader to discover the enjoyment of a good read for themselves.
As I’ve said with previous books, Mae Clair has crafted a gem of a creepy thriller about supernatural occurrences and a centuries-old monster. The tale is chilling, but not particularly gory. I loved the characters, so well-drawn, and the author is supremely talented at physical descriptions, which add color and atmosphere to the overall tension of the story. There are many twists and turns in the plot, and I couldn’t wait for the author to resolve all the questions she created for me. This is one book a reader cannot put down, and I highly recommend it.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and last book in the Point Pleasant series comes to a satisfying conclusion. Just as the second book shifted to a different character to lead the narrative, this one focuses on Sarah and a visitor, Quenton Marsh, who arrives in Point Pleasant to investigate an old family curse. The Mothman, an alien presence, a possession by a vengeful ancestor, and the family curse are all linked to Point Pleasant’s history and as expected, Clair brings all the plot threads together at the end.

After book 2, I was particularly invested in the relationship between Caden and the Mothman, and though I would have liked more focus on the depth of their connection, I appreciated that Clair gave some attention to its resolution. I also was relieved that romance took a back seat to the action in this book – no wedding rings this time around.

The pace races along as the book zeroes in on the climax. Frequently shifting scenes and POVs give the impression of building intensity as the action and plots narrow in on the TNT, the old military site that is home to the Mothman. The characters, as expected, were well-developed. The writing quality is excellent. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy paranormal stories with a focus on legends and folklore. And start with book one; you won’t regret it.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Desolate Hour is one take on the Mothman story. I didn't realize that this is the third book in Clair's Point Pleasant Series, so I was a bit lost on some things at the beginning of the book. Fortunately, as the story progressed and things started coming together, those things began to make sense and I found myself getting wrapped up in the character's lives. My initial confusion aside, the plot was well thought out and I can only imagine the amount of research that went into the telling of this tale.
There are so many theories about the Mothman and Clair certainly weaves a chilling and engaging tale with one such theory. The story does center on Quentin and Susan and their connection to the Mothman legend, but there are also several other characters that are central to the story. In all honesty, every character in this story was interesting - love them or hate them, they all played their part in this tale.
Overall, A Desolate Hour is everything I would expect from a Paranormal Suspense novel. It's creepy, chilling, engaging, a bit disturbing at times, and keeps a reader turning the pages to see what will happen next.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well - I hated to see this series wrap up - but what a satisfying ending.  I'm a devoted fan of all things supernatural, which is what initially drew me to these books, but even if the supernatural elements were nonexistent, I'd continue to return for the characters.  They're believable, compelling, charming, loathsome, mysterious - for the most part, people you'd meet on the street (maybe not the aliens - but you never know) and enjoy having as friends.

If you thought there were no shocking secrets left to be revealed, guess again.  Just another thing I enjoyed about this series - layers upon layers of intrigue coaxing me into reading just a little longer before turning out the light.

Combining elements of mystery, suspense, folklore, the supernatural, and a bit of romance, this eerie, atmospheric series would appeal to readers across the board.  Highly recommend!

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fast Moving Mystery!

A Desolate Hour is the third and final installment of the Point Pleasant Series. I found this book to be even better than the other two, if that is possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the other two.

This series is not only a paranormal mystery but a suspenseful thriller that gripped this reader and held me spellbound until the satisfying finish. Mae Clair has thoroughly done her research into the Mothman Prophesy. Some characters and events are purely from her imagination but others were documented as she explains in the back of the book.

The characters have their own distinct personalities and characteristics. Each scene is richly descriptive of the surroundings, so much so, that I felt I was in the scenes experiencing what the characters experienced. It was frightening to think of at times, especially the glowing red eyes of the Mothman. When an author can capture the reader’s attention in that way then she is a seasoned professional writer of mysteries.

I am a fan of Mae Clair who looks forward with great anticipation to her next series of books.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyrical Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of A Desolate Hour. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Quentin Marsh’s family has seen its share of tragedy, supposedly tied to a centuries-old curse. For his sister's sake, Quentin makes the journey to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to uncover the truth. There, Quentin meets Sarah Sherman, local historian whose family also has ties to the past. When digging into the historical fact leads to some surprising results, will the town be placed in extreme danger?

This book goes into the legend of the Mothman, as did the other novels that make up the Point Pleasant series. The legend, and the curse of the ancestor, were the only things that make the book even remotely unique. The story itself can be classified as romantic suspense and really did not capture my attention. In the end, A Desolate Hour was a quick read but not one that I would recommend.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to a fantastic series! I love Mae Clair's writing and she did not disappoint with this third and final book in the Point Pleasant Series.

The author's research, along with folklore and legend surrounding the Mothman made this an intriguing series. You'll see familiar characters along with one or two new ones. Caden Flynn is one of my favorite characters and I'm so glad he played an important role in this last installment. (And what I had hoped for him came to pass, but I'll not tell!)

If you like folklore, myth, legends, suspense, and a bit of romance, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Andrea Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be hooked after the first book

Usually I get bored half way through a series, but not this time, The Mothman, a creature of nightmares brought to life in a normal town. All characters are believable and the supernatural and alien aspects are no so farfetched, the thought of the Mothman will get you looking over your shoulder in the dark. The books all connect really well with a core set of characters and Latch Evening is the icing on the cake... no spoilers but he is a believable alien. The series came to a natural end, but I will be reading it again.

[Cathy Gudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful series and a great take on the Mothman! Loved the characters! Great read!