The Midnight Ride

by Ben Mezrich

From the celebrated,  New York Times  bestselling author comes a commercial thriller of an MIT grad student who unwittingly uncovers the hidden connection between the Gardner Museum heist and the most fascinating secret in American history. THE CARD SHARK : Hailey Gordon is looking to make some fast cash to help pay her tuition when she’s caught counting cards at the Encore casino in Boston. She grabs her winnings and makes her escape. With guards closing in, she dives into an unlocked room to hide . . . only to find a dead body. THE EX-CON : Recently released from prison, Nick Patterson hasn’t felt hope in a long time, but the job he “inherited” in prison promises to change that. He enters hotel room 633 to find that the person he was supposed to meet has been murdered. Next to the corpse stands a terrified young woman—Hailey Gordon. THE PROFESSOR : American history professor Adrian Jensen learns of the death of his professional nemesis, Charles Walker, the night after he received Walker’s latest research. Skeptical at first, Adrian nearly deletes the file. But when one small, new detail catches his eye, he makes it his mission to uncover what could be one of the biggest secrets of the Revolutionary War. All three strangers find themselves on the cusp of an incredible discovery—one that someone is willing to kill to keep buried.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Historical, Historical Fiction, Suspense

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

Ben Mezrich has created his own highly addictive genre of nonfiction, chronicling the amazing stories of young geniuses making tons of money on the edge of impossibility, ethics, and morality.

With his newest non-fiction book, Once Upon a Time in Russia, Mezrich tells his most incredible story yet: A true drama of obscene wealth, crime, rivalry, and betrayal from deep inside the world of billionaire Russian Oligarchs.

Mezrich has authored sixteen books, with a combined printing of over four million copies, including the wildly successful Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, which spent sixty-three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and sold over 2 million copies in fifteen languages. His book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal – debuted at #4 on the New York Times list and spent 18 weeks in hardcover and paperback, as well as hit bestseller lists in over a dozen countries. The book was adapted into the movie The Social Network –written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher – and was #1 at the box office for two weeks, won Golden Globes for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best score, and was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 3 including best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin. Mezrich and Aaron Sorkin shared a prestigious Scripter Award for best adapted screenplay as well.

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first book by this author and my last!

If you are interested in (a) the American Revolution (b) Paul Revere (c) the Liberty bell (c) Boston and all the historical landmarks (d) a Jefferson cipher (??) (e) MIT and underground passages then this is the book for you. You will find endless pages of details that may or may not be facts.

I was tricked: The story begins with the Gardner Museum art heist only to find it was a misdirection leading into all the above mentioned plot lines, but most of all there is no end to this story as it is part one of a series.

It would have been good to know this beforehand so I wouldn’t waste my time!

[Grandma Susan]

DNF. Profanity

[Ken Chong · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea is good: about a philosopher’s stone discovered by a Revolutionary War hero. The various landmarks as backdrops are equally fascinating at the same time intriguing.
How ever the writing is choppy and the danger posed by the 2 professional assassins, though looked promising and thrilling eventually look amateurish.

[Maven · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept is fantastic, the execution is wanting. I read as an ARC so I can only hope that they were not done editing. Character development was weak and I hope this is a series, otherwise....

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The card shark, the ex-con, and the professor. All three strangers find themselves on the cusp of an incredible discovery. One that someone is willing to kill to keep buried. AAAAHHHHHH!!! Can you feel my excitement? The Midnight Ride by Ben Mezrich is like a good movie playing out on the pages. It’s exciting, questioning, and thrilling! Literally, I can see it being on the big screen. Somebody call Brad Pitt and George Clooney because this needs to be a thing. I guess you can tell that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really hope there’s more and it becomes a series.

~Tanja

*Thank you to @GrandCentralPub for sharing this title with me.


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[mark… · Rating 4 out of 5]

Th Boston Globe at th height of th pandemic published a serialized novella over two weeks entitled “Th Mechanic.” It evolved into this full novel. I learned this after reading “Th Midnight Ride” and wish I’d known it at th start, it contributes to understanding th pacing and relentless action! Think of th movie “National Treasure” with Nicholas Cage as a Netflix limited series in five 30-min episodes. In fact if you like “National Treasure” you’re gonna love this one.

This is th first fiction by Ben Mezrich I’ve read, highly recommend his others, some adapted for film: “21” and “Th Social Network…

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[Bill Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great way to pass a long plane ride. Like the Da Vinci Code, Midnight Ride is a thriller based on historical mysteries. Want to know how Paul Revere is connected with the Gardner Museum theft? Then this book is for you. Yes, it’s implausible, but these stories always are. The ending leaves it wide open for a sequel(s). It’s a fun popcorn read; enjoy it for what it is.

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soooooo implausible. No thank you!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

DEBUT Nonfiction writer Mezrich's (Bitcoin Billionaires) heart-pounding debut thriller is based on the 1990 heist at Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, with a National Treasure twist. When MIT student and mathematical genius Hailey Gordon is caught card-counting, she grabs her winnings and runs. While trying to hide from hotel security, she finds a room door ajar and its occupant dead. Ex-con Nick Patterson has inherited—okay, stolen—a heist job from a now-dead fellow inmate. Hoping to go straight after this theft, Nick enters his fence's hotel room to find him dead and a scared Hailey standing over the body. Meanwhile, history professor and Paul Revere expert Adrian Jensen receives a surprise delivery from his colleague and intellectual nemesis, Charles Walker, less than 24 hours before Charles meets his demise. Charles's discovery throws Hailey, Nick, and Adrian together into the most dangerous adventure of their lives—one that will change their lives or get them killed. VERDICT Fans of alternative history thrillers will enjoy this recommended adventure novel, which is already optioned for film.

[Dan Banana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't like at first but, grew on me. Good characters. Seemed to copy some other story lines but went off well on it's own eventuality.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harvard professor Charles Walker has made a historical discovery that will change the course of the world. Too bad he won't live to see how his colleagues react. Meanwhile, beautiful MIT PhD student and card counter Hailey is hiding from the casino's goons and walks in on a murdered man and an ex-con Nick, who sees his only change of a big score going down the drain. Tufts professor Adrian Jensen knows what Walker has discovered, but he's never trusted Walker's scholarship anyway. As two violent mercenaries try to find the secret for their secretive and sinister bosses, Hailey and Nick go on the offensive, running from the Boston police, the FBI, and the bad guys, of course. By my count, the couple goes more than 24 hours without sleep, food, or a nice cup of tea, but you'll probably keep reading.

[Lisa Cerqueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally started reading this when the author published chapters daily in "The Boston Globe" for two weeks early in the pandemic. His blend of memorable characters, local settings, and a mystery involving Paul Revere, the Gardner museum heist, and the Bunker Hill Monument had me hooked. When he expanded his original writings into a full-length novel, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely did not disappoint.

Part "National Treasure," and part Freedom Trail, I was drawn into the mystery right away and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Allyson K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My inner history nerd squealed while reading this. Its a fast-paced action-filled mystery, but with history at its center. Really really enjoyed this one. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I got sent this book and went into it blind but it really was a ride... pun intended. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the diversity of the main characters. Honestly, this read just like a movie and would make a fantastic movie. I am curious to see if this will be made into a series, because it kinda reads like it will be, and I would definitely read a sequel.

The card shark, the ex-con, and the professor find themselves crossing paths in a dangerous game being played. They may just be on the cusp of a world-changing discovery, but where this information comes from, death and danger seem to be surrounding. How far are these three strangers willing to go to uncover the mystery when it might just get them killed...

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Good adventure, which is great, because Speilberg bought the movie rights!







Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Edelweiss for the egalley.

[Cindy (leavemetomybooks) · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW IS LIGHTLY SPOILERY.

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This book was a total bait and switch. The beginning was great — the Gardner Museum robbery is fascinating, and I loved how Mezrich set up the weirdest, most seemingly random, stolen item (an eagle finial from a flag pole) as the real target of the robbery, with the paintings and Chinese vase stolen as afterthoughts/examples of poor impulse control.

But then… yikes. The book devolves into the DaVinci Code starring Paul Revere as Jesus, with just as much pedantic lecture-splaining and ridiculous clue solving.

Our main characters are: Hailey, a hot MIT grad student/math genius/card counter with a troubled/secret past; Nick, a nice guy robber recently released from prison (assuming he is also hot); and Adrian, a professor and specialist in Revolutionary War-era history/Paul Revere stan. Also enjoys bicycles.

These three accidentally encounter each other at exactly the right time(s) to share boring facts at length and move the ridiculous plot along.

A few questions: Do kids in Boston really pay THAT much attention on class field trips? And Hailey was a foster kid but briefly lived with a dude who collected antiquities but then ended up back in the system but somehow held onto his crumbling ancient manuscripts? And she lives/has a secret lair in the tunnels below MIT? And Nick doesn’t need to check in with a parole officer? Like ever? And there’s a WORKING, LOADED CANON ON A TOUR BOAT? And a guy can get battery acid-ed and thrown off a roof, but because of his lifetime of training (lol) can walk away and not even show a limp? And Nick has been shot in the shoulder but is running around and climbing stuff with only an occasional manly grimace? And Adrian never changes out of his bicycle suit? And Paul Revere was basically a copper wizard?

And that ending … it felt like the setup for a Scooby-Doo special or a particularly bad middle grade mystery series. I love books with implausible nonsense - hello, Jason Bourne, but Jesus H./Paul R. This book was not good.


* I received a review copy from Grand Central Publishing. The paperback publishes November 1.

[Eryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of Ben Mezrich since I read The Accidental Billionaires several years back. I honestly had no idea he also wrote fiction and was beyond excited to see The Midnight Ride. I grew up outside of Boston and always love when thillers are set there. I love being able to picture exactly where the book is taking place.

The first few chapters of The Midnight Ride were a bit all over the place as the characters were introduced and the general plot started to unfold. It didn't take long for everything to come together and turn into a wild ride. The book reminded me quite a bit of The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol, only set in Boston. It was a ton of fun to read and I loved Hailey's character. Even better, the ending definitely left it open for a series. Fingers crossed!

4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of National Treasure meets Da Vinci Code! It’s definitely not realistic but it’s an entertaining and action packed popcorn thriller that makes for a fast read. The POV changes around constantly which makes it a little tough at first to keep all the characters straight. I really liked Hailey and would have loved to have seen more from her POV. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which is never my favorite, I’d happily pick up the next book in the series but would have preferred more of a wrap up to the storyline. It’s a good start to a new series that you can easily read in a day. 3.5/5⭐️

[Kerrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're like me, and were really interested in the book because the blurb you read about it talked about the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum heist, don't bother with it. It is incidental to the story. If you're a fan of books like The Da Vinci Code, then do bother reading it.

[Isabella K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

If National Treasure and The DaVinci Code had a baby, that baby would be named the The Midnight Ride. I like so many elements of this book separately: the historical mysteries, compounding clues, morally dubious characters, and enormous stakes. But the book starts to get seriously convoluted by the midpoint, and I found it increasingly difficult to follow the progression of clues and discoveries that were being made, and where the connective tissue was coming from. So many enormous plot twists and reveals are attempting to be made without any real, clarifying explanation of how we came to these conclusions or how the science and math of it all work logically. I was also pretty disappointed that the villainous characters introduced up top are either almost entirely absent for the majority of the novel, or are defeated with minimal effort. Not to mention that Hailey, our protagonist, conveniently is a genius on all subjects pertaining to history, math, chemistry, and con artistry such that every major clue is solved within mere seconds thanks to her photographic memory and never-ending well of knowledge.

Aside from these negatives, I read the entire book in a day and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of exciting clues and set pieces. I just wish it had been less clunky of a read, with a clearer plot, and some serious stopdowns for character development/relationships.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. Takes many liberties with...uh...the Sons of Liberty and other historical notes.

Apparently this novel started out as a daily fiction feature in the Boston Globe during the pandemic, which is awesome when you think about it. I'm sure the serial nature of the columns were probably more engaging than the novel that came of it. That said, it's a good summertime read, and I recommend it to those who want an adventure that won't be too taxing.

[Rachel Sehgal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did anyone else notice that at one point (a chapter from Patricia’s POV) the FBI agent’s name switched to “Zack Townsend” instead of Lindsell? Whatever happened to the picture with the wineglasses, and the fancy physics equipment the professor had with him to measure the sound waves from the bell? Did this book even have an editor? Maybe we’ll find out in part 2. Please don’t tell me this is planned as a trilogy.

[Ouida Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I live in Boston and have been to many of the places listed here, it was more interesting than could be for others. I’ve wondered about the art theft, too, and this is an interesting theory. Rude that it leaves dangling without warning that it is part one of a serial

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

the whole thing seems to take place over just a couple of hours, so it doesn't get deep; just a breezy story

[Nathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every book should have an ending. This one just leaves it open so that the reader is forced to read the next book.

[Dawn McGill Dalrymple · Rating 3 out of 5]

I switched back and forth from reading to listening. This book reminded me of the movie National Treasure. So if you like that you will love this! Lots of American Revolutionary War history especially Paul Revere. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Libro.fm for the book to read and review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting from the beginning! History buffs will enjoy this read. Revolutionary War, Liberty Bell, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, etc. The pace moved fast and the characters are believable. Spielberg has the rights to this book and two more. It's going to make a great thriller movie! Can't wait for the next book to come out and continue the story and number three.

[Morgan Beckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ben Mezrich, Grand Central Publishing, and Goodreads Giveaways for the copy of The Midnight Ride!

The Midnight Ride by Ben Mezrich is a fun, adventurous story that follows a slew of characters as they race to solve one of America's oldest mysteries. The book was fast-paced and gave me "National Treasure" vibes. It was a gripping, entertaining read that kept me hooked the entire way through. Mezrich did a great job with The Midnight Ride.

I felt that the story was strong, but the characters were lacking. The book follows the viewpoint of many characters, which made it hard to get to know them well. As a result, all of the characters felt somewhat one-dimensional and flat. Hailey was the most intriguing of the characters, and it is because we get the most backstory on her. There were several chapters where we read the viewpoint of a character who was never used again. I believe if Mezrich had focused the story more on a few select characters, the book would gain more depth. The Midnight Ride is very plot-driven. Striking a more equal balance between plot and character would have served it well.

Based off the ending, it appears there will be a sequel. I will most definitely be reading it if that's the case! I hope that will give the characters a chance to shine a bit more. I thought The Midnight Ride was a solid book and I anticipate reading more from Mezrich in the future.

[Pcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed light, like a YA level story on reality but quick enjoyable read.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun thriller including art heists, casinos, history and secrets of the Revolutionary War in the US. 🖼

Three very different people stumble upon the same crime and want to learn the secrets that are worth killing for. 🔫

They are:
📖 Hailey Gordon - MIT student who moonlights at casinos, and stumbles across a dead body
💰 Nick Patterson - the ex-con who just left prison; he “inherited” a job, which is where he meets Hailey, in the room with the dead body
🤓 Adrian Jensen - the professor; the death of a colleague leads to him following clues through history

This was a fast read, and kept me hooked, wanting to know what piece of information they were going to stumble upon next. I don’t know a ton about American history but it was fun to have recognizable historical events and figures woven into a heist gone wrong, and people who will kill to keep a secret.

✨Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review. ✨

[Michael Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Boston "Da Vinci Code" type thriller.

The Gardner Museum art theft actually had nothing to do with the paintings. It was part of a conspiracy going back before the American Revolution.

Hailey Gordon, a mysterious genius MIT grad student/card counting shark is chased by security at the Encore Casino. She runs into Nick Patterson, a small-time thief who just got out of jail. They both end up in a hotel room at the Casino. There is a dead body on the bed. That happens on page 28. This plot barrels along.

Mezrich fills the story with Boston places; Kings Chapel, The Warren Tavern, The Paul Revere Home, the Boston Common, the State House, The USN Constitution, the Bunker Hil Monument. At times it feels like a better title would be "The Freedom Trail Conspiracy."

Mezrich also does a very clever job weaving historical facts into the wild conspiracy. The twist on the Gardner Museum theft is based on one of the odd parts of the caper and the suspects he names where all prime suspects. The details on Paul Revere, the Constitution, and Boston history are pretty accurate.

Piled on top of that is the fun crazy conspiracy stuff. We get all the standard stuff;

A hidden message.
A secret code.
Cool ways to kill people.
A conspiracy hundreds of years old, run by forces more powerful than we can imagine.

We also get the classic thriller characters;

Our heroine has a mysterious background.
She is beautiful, brilliant, and brave.
She happens to be an expert in exactly the arcane knowledge needed to solve the mystery.
She has amazing good luck when the bad guys try to kill her.

The first bad guy is a beautiful woman with a mysterious background.
She is beautiful, brilliant and brave.
She is a ruthless master trained killer.
She has amazing bad luck when she tries to kill the good guys.

The second bad guy is a beautiful man with a mysterious.... etc.

We get a brilliant self-important academic who gets in over his head with the conspiracy.
We get a decent Harvard academic who stumbles on a secret he shouldn't know.

We get a Boston cop who has no patience with this stuff and just wants to solve murders.
We get a sophisticated FBI art theft investigator who is a classic smart cop.

This whole crowd runs around Boston having derring-do adventures and violence.

I was a little disappointed in the ending because it becomes clear that this is just book one in a series and we don't really get all of our questions answered in this book.

Apparently, the next book is set in Philadelphia.

This was a fun exciting thriller. I particularly enjoyed it because of the Boston stuff.