The past is never truly buried…
Generations of Jillian Cley’s family have been tasked with a strange duty—tending the burial plot of Gabriel Vane, whose body was the first to be interred in the Hode’s Hill cemetery. Jillian faithfully continues the long-standing tradition—until one October night, Vane’s body is stolen from its resting place. Is it a Halloween prank? Or something more sinister?
As the descendants of those buried in the church yard begin to experience bizarre “accidents,” Jillian tries to uncover the cause. Deeply empathic, she does not make friends easily, or lightly. But to fend off the terror taking over her town, she must join forces with artist Dante DeLuca, whose sensitivity to the spirit world has been both a blessing and a curse. The two soon realize Jillian’s murky family history is entwined with a tragic legacy tracing back to the founding of Hode’s Hill. To set matters right, an ancient wrong must be avenged…or Jillian, Dante, and everyone in town will forever be at the mercy of a vengeful spirit.
Biography
A member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Mae loves creating character driven fiction in settings that weave contemporary elements of mystery and suspense with urban legend and folklore. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania, and is passionate about writing, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail and cats.
Discover more about Mae on her website, MaeClair.net
My Review
Beware of powers that push the boundaries of time!
In this second installment to the Hode Hill mysteries, we learn of a horrific crime committed over two centuries ago that still holds a town in its fearsome grip today.
Jillian Cley follows a long line of ancestors whose duty it is to tend the burial plot of Hode’s Hill Cemetery’s first ‘victim‘, Gabriel Vane. But when Gabriel’s remains are stolen just days before All Hallows Eve, it unleashes a string of macabre accidents all tied to the town’s early descendants.
Coincidence? Or is something, or someone, wreaking havoc on Hode’s Hill citizens?
Jillian must use her empathic powers as she joins forces with Dante DeLuca to end a curse centuries old.
Ms. Clair does a stellar job building tension and atmosphere as she guides the reader between events of the past and the consequences to be faced when greed uncovers murder and brings mayhem to the town.
The book is filled with expressive passages that let the reader immerse themselves in the world Clair has so perfectly created.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
Gabriel Vane wiped sweat from his face and zigzagged deeper into the woods. A sliver of moon shadowed him, ghost-white behind the frantic scuttle of spider clouds.
The old hickory tree overshadowing the grave rattled its branches with a sound like bones clacking together.
I give End of Day 5+ lovely kisses- a must read mystery!
A fabulous review, Jacquie. I am nearly finished the first book which is also great.
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It’s wonderful to hear you’re enjoying the story, Robbie!
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Yes! I enjoyed it, too 🙂
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Excellent review, Jacquie. Looking forward to this one.
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So nice to hear, John. Thank you.
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It was hard to set down, John. Definitely a good read!
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She is an excellent writer.
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Jacquie, what a lovely surprise to find your review today. I’m doing a happy dance, LOL!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here on your blog. And that picture you found to go with the post is awesome! Thanks for making my day! 🙂
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I usually read before going to sleep at night, but I got three quarters of the way through your book and HAD to finish it, so I read all afternoon!
That’s how good it is ❤
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Wow! That made my day, Jacquie. Thank you!
And that’s my habit too, to read at night before I go to bed. It’s my way to close out the day!
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Great review for a great book! Reblogged this on https://harmonykent.co.uk/end-of-day-by-maeclair1-mystery-bookreview-kensingtonbooks/
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Harmony, thanks for the reblog!
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Harmony. Much appreciated!
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I’m so glad to see you pull a few quotes from this book, Jacquie. She has a knack for turning mundane actions into something special with her beautiful prose.
This was a fabulous book. Great review.
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Wow! Thanks, Staci. That comment means a lot to me as I often spend time finding just the right word or turn of phrase. So nice to know it makes an impression 🙂
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It absolutely does. You already write great plots, characters, and settings. But language elevates good to great. Or, in your case, great to superb. Never doubt that.
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🙂
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There were so many truly great lines, I had a hard time choosing only two. Fresh, evocative writing!
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🙂
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Add me to the ones who enjoyed this story. Outstanding book.
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Thanks so much, Craig. I appreciate the support!
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I don’t want to give too much away, but that grave scene… wow! Gave me all kinds of chills 🙂
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Ha ha. Hope more people give it a chance.
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Great review, Jacquie! Have it in my TBR, but haven’t gotten to it yet.
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Fingers crossed you’ll enjoy it, Teri!
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Don’t have to cross my fingers to know I will, Mae – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all your books.
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Thanks, Teri!
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You’re going to LOVE it, Teri 🙂
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Good review of End of Day, a book by Mae Clair I enjoyed recently.
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Thanks so much for the share, Pat!
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You’re welcome.
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Awesome! Thanks so much for the reblog, P.H.!
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Good review of End of Day, a book by Mae Clair I enjoyed recently.
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This is definitely on my read list. I can’t resist that cover!
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There’s just something about an old graveyard, right? 🙂
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Yay! So great to hear that, Jacqui. Thank you!!
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I’m a Mae Clair fan, but I especially loved this book. The story wove together so well, and her writing…well, it’s just beautiful.
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Agreed, Judi. This story was a page-turner and yet I found myself re-reading many passages because they were so good!
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🙂 🙂
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Aww, thank you so much, Judi. I so appreciate the support!
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Great review for a great book:) I loved the passages you quoted!
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She did a fantastic job creating a mood with a few well-chosen words. Loved this one!
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Thank you, Denise! I so appreciate all your wonderful support! I’m doing a Snoopy dance!
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WOW! I love when authors build tension and create an atmosphere! They are like an added character to the story!
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Agreed, Sophie! Mae Clair did a phenomenal job with scene setting in this story. You’d like it 🙂
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Hi, Sophie! I am so glad you’re intrigued. I love crafting tension and—especially–building atmosphere. If you give End of Day a try, I hope you enjoy it. Thank so much for reading and commenting!
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Great review, Jacquie. I have this book in my kindle, and I’m reading it as soon as I finish yours! Can’t wait.
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It’s sooo good, Diana. You’ll love it! I’m reading Soul Swallowers now and am really enjoying it 🙂
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Ha! One big happy family here in blogland. Mac and Sam are starting to check each other out. Lol.
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🙂
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Love that series, Jacquie. You are in for a treat!
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So excited to hear that, Diana. Thank you!
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I have some traveling coming up, and I plan to do a lot of reading!
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🙂
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I’m slow to the Hode’s Hill party – I’m just finishing book 1 now… but I loved it and am dying to get my teeth into End of Day.
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Oh, you’re going to be hooked, Jessica! 🙂
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Oooo, I love the sound of that, Jess! 😀
Excuse me while I burst into a Snoopy Dance!
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Dance away!
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