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3:33 AM
From the bestselling author of Mercury’s Son
Tiredness kills...
Jack’s brother was a hell of a singer before he died.
Saffron would do anything to change what happened. Jack just wants to come to terms with it.
Her dreams are haunted by guilt until her nightmares seep into the waking world. His mind is clouded by grief, and his memories are changing.
Drawn to each other, they have a chance to break free from the past. As their lives collide, Saffron and Jack will find that a guilt denied only festers and some secrets refuse to die.
Tiredness kills...
Jack’s brother was a hell of a singer before he died.
Saffron would do anything to change what happened. Jack just wants to come to terms with it.
Her dreams are haunted by guilt until her nightmares seep into the waking world. His mind is clouded by grief, and his memories are changing.
Drawn to each other, they have a chance to break free from the past. As their lives collide, Saffron and Jack will find that a guilt denied only festers and some secrets refuse to die.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2021
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 14, 2025
3:33 is a book by Luke Hindmarsh, an author that I was greatly impressed by when he made his debut with MERCURY'S SON. That was a cyberpunk dystopian science fiction novel so I was curious what he would end up doing with a more straight Stephen King-esque horror novel. 3:33 was a novel I picked up as soon as it came out and I've been reading it over the course of a week, savoring it. I have very strong opinions on this book and want people to know it's a really good work all round.
The first thing to note when I talk about the Stephen King feel is that I'm quite serious. It really does invoke some of the horror master's style. It is a story about how ordinary people encounter things that are utterly beyond their rational ken and are not subject to typical rules like, "vampires cannot cross running water" or "a silver bullet kills a werewolf." No, the story follows the rules of a nightmare, which is to say you don't know them and cannot know them. It makes for an actually terrifying experience in places, particularly when juxtaposed with the distressingly mundane.
The premise is centered around two separate characters and an entirely mundane but tragic event. Saffron is an overworked nurse and Jack is an indie band member with his brother Eddie. Saffron makes a mistake driving while operating on too little sleep and Eddie is killed along with multiple other people. However, Saffron has the luck not only to get away with her crime but one of the dead drivers is blamed in her stead. Jack, by contrast, is emotionally devastated by the event and stuck trying to figure out how to move on with his life.
What follows is a creepy and surreal tale of both individuals becoming intertwined with dark supernatural currents, dreams, and a terrible figure that is waiting just beyond the edges of their consciousness. Luke Hindmarsh makes use of New Age mumbo jumbo that the two try to examine their experience, though, uncovering something much more sinister beyond the pop psychology that only opens the door further to something that should not exist.
I think what makes this book so effective is the large amount of page time that is devoted to getting into the heads of both our leads. Saffron is a decent person who has done a terrible unforgivable thing but can't bring herself to confront it. She's not even sure it really happened and digs herself deeper by trying to get close to Jack while he's trying to cope with the loss of his brother. Jack is something of a jerk going through a religious crisis in reverse. A fairly normal atheist with a religious mother and a, well, bat-guano crazy Crowley worshiping brother, he wishes he had something to turn to in his time of need.
The author nicely uses real life occultism as a basis for his works while also giving it a somewhat jaundiced eye. There's something real and terrifying in this world but the people trying to make contact with are fooling themselves that they understand it. It's also something that isn't sweet or enlightening. Indeed, enlightenment doesn't seem to be the province of good or decent people at all but embracing the worst of your impulses. There's also the question over whether our protagonists are simply going mad.
Ultimately, this story really effected me and I am giving it high points as a horror novel. The ending was a bit abrupt and I would have liked for the author to have continued it with an extended epilogue but I am satisfied with what happened. I think Luke Hindmarsh has a career ahead of him in either science fiction or horror after these two very solid books.
The first thing to note when I talk about the Stephen King feel is that I'm quite serious. It really does invoke some of the horror master's style. It is a story about how ordinary people encounter things that are utterly beyond their rational ken and are not subject to typical rules like, "vampires cannot cross running water" or "a silver bullet kills a werewolf." No, the story follows the rules of a nightmare, which is to say you don't know them and cannot know them. It makes for an actually terrifying experience in places, particularly when juxtaposed with the distressingly mundane.
The premise is centered around two separate characters and an entirely mundane but tragic event. Saffron is an overworked nurse and Jack is an indie band member with his brother Eddie. Saffron makes a mistake driving while operating on too little sleep and Eddie is killed along with multiple other people. However, Saffron has the luck not only to get away with her crime but one of the dead drivers is blamed in her stead. Jack, by contrast, is emotionally devastated by the event and stuck trying to figure out how to move on with his life.
What follows is a creepy and surreal tale of both individuals becoming intertwined with dark supernatural currents, dreams, and a terrible figure that is waiting just beyond the edges of their consciousness. Luke Hindmarsh makes use of New Age mumbo jumbo that the two try to examine their experience, though, uncovering something much more sinister beyond the pop psychology that only opens the door further to something that should not exist.
I think what makes this book so effective is the large amount of page time that is devoted to getting into the heads of both our leads. Saffron is a decent person who has done a terrible unforgivable thing but can't bring herself to confront it. She's not even sure it really happened and digs herself deeper by trying to get close to Jack while he's trying to cope with the loss of his brother. Jack is something of a jerk going through a religious crisis in reverse. A fairly normal atheist with a religious mother and a, well, bat-guano crazy Crowley worshiping brother, he wishes he had something to turn to in his time of need.
The author nicely uses real life occultism as a basis for his works while also giving it a somewhat jaundiced eye. There's something real and terrifying in this world but the people trying to make contact with are fooling themselves that they understand it. It's also something that isn't sweet or enlightening. Indeed, enlightenment doesn't seem to be the province of good or decent people at all but embracing the worst of your impulses. There's also the question over whether our protagonists are simply going mad.
Ultimately, this story really effected me and I am giving it high points as a horror novel. The ending was a bit abrupt and I would have liked for the author to have continued it with an extended epilogue but I am satisfied with what happened. I think Luke Hindmarsh has a career ahead of him in either science fiction or horror after these two very solid books.
May 25, 2021
Smidge under 5*
I don’t read many thrillers*, but this was neat, plausible, and downright creepy, with clean prose. Clever in keeping away from OTT gorefest, the characters were ordinarily familiar, and could even be from over the road. That familiarity, I found added a layer or two to the creepiness as the story progresses.
The combination of regular folk, a tragedy and ordinary lives interwoven with the supernatural, occultism, academia and what could lay beyond, was well packaged and taut in delivery with a strong support cast of secondary characters.
I twigged part of the ending in advance, and if anything I would have preferred, all the support cast to have been directly involved in the conclusion, rather than some being peripheral in associated events to round matters off. It certainly ended on a chill and with the psychological consequences, I’m curious to see if it is developed further in future works, or becomes darker.
Wanting more is no bad thing, and remember to screw your floorboards down.
Up there with Michael Marshall (Smith), with the potential to be another Straw Men series. Matching in jumping genres on readability, with effortless characterisation and immersion.
I don’t read many thrillers*, but this was neat, plausible, and downright creepy, with clean prose. Clever in keeping away from OTT gorefest, the characters were ordinarily familiar, and could even be from over the road. That familiarity, I found added a layer or two to the creepiness as the story progresses.
The combination of regular folk, a tragedy and ordinary lives interwoven with the supernatural, occultism, academia and what could lay beyond, was well packaged and taut in delivery with a strong support cast of secondary characters.
I twigged part of the ending in advance, and if anything I would have preferred, all the support cast to have been directly involved in the conclusion, rather than some being peripheral in associated events to round matters off. It certainly ended on a chill and with the psychological consequences, I’m curious to see if it is developed further in future works, or becomes darker.
Wanting more is no bad thing, and remember to screw your floorboards down.
Up there with Michael Marshall (Smith), with the potential to be another Straw Men series. Matching in jumping genres on readability, with effortless characterisation and immersion.
May 26, 2021
Wow. I loved this book. The characters are clearly drawn, their personalities are distinct, and their predicament is fascinating. I really felt like I was right there with them. And although (I hear) this is Hindmarsh's first foray into horror, he absolutely smashes it. There are scenes in this book that will definitely creep you the *&^% out. Finally, the occasional Nirvana references seal the deal for me. How can anyone not like a novelist who's a fan of Nirvana?
July 6, 2021
Suspense filled
Saffron is a young nurse headed home after a long shift. Jack and his twin Eddie are members of a band. Jack goes off after a show. Eddie and the others are in a fatal car crash. Saffron's car is the first in the wreck. She is riddled with guilt Jack feels guilty because he wasn't there. Saffron has terrifying dreams every night. Jack and Saffron meet. Jack's brother tries to take him over. Can they put the guilt behind them before it's to late?
Saffron is a young nurse headed home after a long shift. Jack and his twin Eddie are members of a band. Jack goes off after a show. Eddie and the others are in a fatal car crash. Saffron's car is the first in the wreck. She is riddled with guilt Jack feels guilty because he wasn't there. Saffron has terrifying dreams every night. Jack and Saffron meet. Jack's brother tries to take him over. Can they put the guilt behind them before it's to late?
July 8, 2021
You must have noticed that the Amazon cover for the horror novel 3:33 AM above has the tagline Guilt Will Haunt You – and if there was ever one subtitle that perfectly describes a narrative in one line then it’s the aforementioned one.
Luke Hindmarsh is a new author for me but not to the industry. This is his latest novel and the writing style undoubtedly supports that fact. This novel also attracted me not only because of its haunting front cover and plotline, but also because a reviewer I wholeheartedly follow on Goodreads, C.T. Phipps, gave 3:33 AM a stunning review. You can read Phipps’ review here.
Now, there were many factors which I liked about 3:33 AM and a minority that I disliked.
3:33 AM - Pros
• It’s quite unique to find a horror novel which can appeal to non-horror readers as well as enthusiasts of dark fiction. The book is extremely multi-genred but in a very balanced way. There’s the right amount of comedy, drama, action and most of all, horror, so it’s an all-in-one package.
• The pacing is excellent and not once did I feel bored. I actually read a majority of the book’s length after lunch and I rarely read anything after lunch due to the laziness associated with an afternoon meal (for me at least).
• The writing style is very simple but the descriptions and vocabulary are top-notch. In this sense there’s deeper meaning all throughout the novel but hidden under a layer of normalcy.
• All the characters are interesting and unique. From the main duo (Saffron, Jack) to supporting characters like Lucy and Ian, it’s quite an ensemble. I really liked Lucy’s characterization as she formed the light in an otherwise dark narrative.
• I am quite enamored by rock music especially of the 2000s. Bands like Godsmack, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson and others I am in favor of, are frequently mentioned in the storyline. As the major male character is part of a rock band, it makes sense, but I also applaud Hindmarsh for letting rock stay rock instead of what passes for rock these days (heavily digitized tracks).
• Both love and family form crucial parts of this horror novel. This aspect is quite reminiscent of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor.
• New Age and occult elements are really well researched. I read two biographies last year namely of Aleister Crowley and Helena Blavatsky and I have to state, as per my knowledge, Hindmarsh outdid himself by being able to write such an awesome fictional novel alongside doing a lot of heavy non-fictional research.
Cons of 3:33 AM:
• The story’s length was an issue for me as I believed a shorter print length say of 250 to 280 pages could’ve led to a more thrilling experience overall.
• Many passages seemed repeated like not exactly copy-pasted but like there was a lot of filler content as if to forcefully make the novel longer.
The Verdict
However, none of 3:33 AM’s miniscule flaws can overshadow its greatness. It’s not only the epitome of a spectacular horror novel, but in my opinion, transcends the horror genre as a whole. It’s one of the best novels I have ever read regardless of the category.
So, whether you prefer reading horror or not, 3:33 AM will keep you awake, and who knows, you might constantly check the clock to reassure yourself it’s not 3:33 AM, as the legendary Oscar Wilde once said:
“Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.”
Read this review on my website: https://www.literaryretreat.com/333-a...
Luke Hindmarsh is a new author for me but not to the industry. This is his latest novel and the writing style undoubtedly supports that fact. This novel also attracted me not only because of its haunting front cover and plotline, but also because a reviewer I wholeheartedly follow on Goodreads, C.T. Phipps, gave 3:33 AM a stunning review. You can read Phipps’ review here.
Now, there were many factors which I liked about 3:33 AM and a minority that I disliked.
3:33 AM - Pros
• It’s quite unique to find a horror novel which can appeal to non-horror readers as well as enthusiasts of dark fiction. The book is extremely multi-genred but in a very balanced way. There’s the right amount of comedy, drama, action and most of all, horror, so it’s an all-in-one package.
• The pacing is excellent and not once did I feel bored. I actually read a majority of the book’s length after lunch and I rarely read anything after lunch due to the laziness associated with an afternoon meal (for me at least).
• The writing style is very simple but the descriptions and vocabulary are top-notch. In this sense there’s deeper meaning all throughout the novel but hidden under a layer of normalcy.
• All the characters are interesting and unique. From the main duo (Saffron, Jack) to supporting characters like Lucy and Ian, it’s quite an ensemble. I really liked Lucy’s characterization as she formed the light in an otherwise dark narrative.
• I am quite enamored by rock music especially of the 2000s. Bands like Godsmack, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson and others I am in favor of, are frequently mentioned in the storyline. As the major male character is part of a rock band, it makes sense, but I also applaud Hindmarsh for letting rock stay rock instead of what passes for rock these days (heavily digitized tracks).
• Both love and family form crucial parts of this horror novel. This aspect is quite reminiscent of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor.
• New Age and occult elements are really well researched. I read two biographies last year namely of Aleister Crowley and Helena Blavatsky and I have to state, as per my knowledge, Hindmarsh outdid himself by being able to write such an awesome fictional novel alongside doing a lot of heavy non-fictional research.
Cons of 3:33 AM:
• The story’s length was an issue for me as I believed a shorter print length say of 250 to 280 pages could’ve led to a more thrilling experience overall.
• Many passages seemed repeated like not exactly copy-pasted but like there was a lot of filler content as if to forcefully make the novel longer.
The Verdict
However, none of 3:33 AM’s miniscule flaws can overshadow its greatness. It’s not only the epitome of a spectacular horror novel, but in my opinion, transcends the horror genre as a whole. It’s one of the best novels I have ever read regardless of the category.
So, whether you prefer reading horror or not, 3:33 AM will keep you awake, and who knows, you might constantly check the clock to reassure yourself it’s not 3:33 AM, as the legendary Oscar Wilde once said:
“Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.”
Read this review on my website: https://www.literaryretreat.com/333-a...
June 30, 2021
3:33 AM is a story that will take you on a wild ride through grief, guilt and exploration. Saffron is a young nurse who experiences a traumatic event while driving home from a late shift. This event “haunts” her by replaying in her dreams and interfering with her everyday life. Her free spirited friend, Lucy, tries to help her cope and suggests some alternative therapies to assist overcoming this event.
Saffron then meets Jack who is unknowingly going through his own challenges with grief due to the same traumatic event. Saffron and Jack learn more about each other and begin a journey that will lead them though mysticism, occultism and fear as they start to put all of the pieces together. They have a connection, but don’t understand why. Can they figure it all out without loosing each other, or themselves to the powers they don’t yet understand?
3:33 AM is an enthralling work of fiction that will travel through some serious twists and turns! As stated previously, there is some alternative medicine, mysticism, religious symbology and occultism intertwined in this tale. Hindmarsh has done a fantastic job pulling all elements together to keep the story briskly moving. I had a hard time putting it down because I had to know what happened next! I loved it! Check it out!
Saffron then meets Jack who is unknowingly going through his own challenges with grief due to the same traumatic event. Saffron and Jack learn more about each other and begin a journey that will lead them though mysticism, occultism and fear as they start to put all of the pieces together. They have a connection, but don’t understand why. Can they figure it all out without loosing each other, or themselves to the powers they don’t yet understand?
3:33 AM is an enthralling work of fiction that will travel through some serious twists and turns! As stated previously, there is some alternative medicine, mysticism, religious symbology and occultism intertwined in this tale. Hindmarsh has done a fantastic job pulling all elements together to keep the story briskly moving. I had a hard time putting it down because I had to know what happened next! I loved it! Check it out!
June 3, 2021
We start this novel with our two main characters, Saffron and Jack. Both are dealing with major traumatic events that are unknowingly related. As a result of these events, Saffron begins looking into more metaphysical means of releasing guilt and pain (is this ever a great idea in most circumstances? Probably not so much). On top of this, Jack is finding that his memories after this trauma aren’t altogether reliable. This opens the door for things that should not be allowed to exist. Will Saffron and Jack find a way to overcome what has befallen them or is it all too late?
This was a weird read for me. The character building was top notch and that lead to a more meaningful ending, but there was a certain something that just didn’t sit properly. Most of the real action occurs in the last 25% of the book so that would probably be important to know going in.
Despite my weirdnesses about parts of this story, the book was pretty good and I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy thriller-lite aspects and metaphysical ideas. It’s a 3 star read for me.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Crossroad Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a weird read for me. The character building was top notch and that lead to a more meaningful ending, but there was a certain something that just didn’t sit properly. Most of the real action occurs in the last 25% of the book so that would probably be important to know going in.
Despite my weirdnesses about parts of this story, the book was pretty good and I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy thriller-lite aspects and metaphysical ideas. It’s a 3 star read for me.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Crossroad Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 1, 2024
3:33 AM is a strong piece of horror fiction. Very strong. But at its heart it’s also something much more unique - a supernatural romance told like a thriller, entwining passion and peril in a mesmerizing dance of fate, with a tension that continues to build all the way to its grizzly climax. It’s also a beautiful exercise in dramatic irony, maybe one of the best examples of it that I have come across in recent memory. Though to say any more would spoil one of the book’s most unique aspects, which I’m certainly not about to do. All I can say is 3:33 AM is probably my favourite of Hindmarsh’s work, his classiest in terms of prose and execution, doling out revelations and scares in crisp, vivid detail. And while those elements certainly contribute to its appeal, it’s the MCs that really make the piece, that elevate its allure above the average page turner, the psychology and dynamics of both broken lovers explored in depth and the tragedy of their doomed relationship never failing to captivate. There were definitely moments where I had to put the book down just to catch my breath. Though I wouldn’t have had it any other way…
April 10, 2023
An brilliant and challenging conceit that was really well executed. The novel uses a flirtation with the supernatural to ask profound questions -- it more than manages to walk that delicate line of being thought-provoking, without being gimicky or trite. Exceptional writing, plotting, and an excellent cast of characters. Would definitely recommend!
August 11, 2021
Saffron is an exhausted nurse, headed home after another long night shift, when the absolute unthinkable happens. One small distraction, one wrong move and a massive deadly car crash ensues. Waking in the hospital, injured but alive, she is overcome by guilt and grief and hides the truth from the investigators. A few rooms away, Jack watches his twin brother, Eddie, succumb to his injuries and grief pours through him, in an all-consuming rage.
The following months, that should be bringing her healing and relief from her pain and her guilt is doing anything but. As the days drag on, her guilt deepens, her mind begins desperately looking for relief, for answers of any kind, anything to help relieve her of this burden. Her friend, Lucy, in tune with things of a more spiritual nature, is there to help guide her down a path of self-hypnosis and astral projection.
Meanwhile, across town, Jack is dealing with his own loss and grief, struggling to get his life back on track. The crash not only took his brother, but his bandmates and his life-long dream of making it big in a rock band, with his brother at the front. Jack is also trying to help take care of his mother, who has become more frail and sickly, cancer slowly consuming her. Jack spends much of his time trying to understand the occult rituals that Eddie was into, emptying out his flat brought more to light than dirty clothes and cupboards full of old tea and sugar.
A chance meeting, a deep connection to the occult and a woman consumed by guilt. This story was a slow burn of guilt, deception, madness and horror as things beyond their control threaten to destroy them both. Will Jack or Saffron survive the aftermath of 3:33 a.m.?
4 stars from Uncomfortably Dark for a well-written novel, complex and chilling to the core.
The following months, that should be bringing her healing and relief from her pain and her guilt is doing anything but. As the days drag on, her guilt deepens, her mind begins desperately looking for relief, for answers of any kind, anything to help relieve her of this burden. Her friend, Lucy, in tune with things of a more spiritual nature, is there to help guide her down a path of self-hypnosis and astral projection.
Meanwhile, across town, Jack is dealing with his own loss and grief, struggling to get his life back on track. The crash not only took his brother, but his bandmates and his life-long dream of making it big in a rock band, with his brother at the front. Jack is also trying to help take care of his mother, who has become more frail and sickly, cancer slowly consuming her. Jack spends much of his time trying to understand the occult rituals that Eddie was into, emptying out his flat brought more to light than dirty clothes and cupboards full of old tea and sugar.
A chance meeting, a deep connection to the occult and a woman consumed by guilt. This story was a slow burn of guilt, deception, madness and horror as things beyond their control threaten to destroy them both. Will Jack or Saffron survive the aftermath of 3:33 a.m.?
4 stars from Uncomfortably Dark for a well-written novel, complex and chilling to the core.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews