Texas), Night Shift (A Novel of Midnight

I love the midnight series. They are a fun read and being a fan of Charlaine Harris novels I love that she incorporates characters from some of her other series. I hope this isn't the last of the Midnight series!!!

Just as ever, Harris is right on to what holds the reader's interest. Can't put it down once I start reading. Looking forward to the tv series but I'm hopeful more stories will come out of Midnight, TX

Best of the three and it gives detail on the characters. What a surprise. They start out pretty much ordinary if a little bizarre. Then it turns out they are all unusual supernatural characters. Good plot, if not totally original, it is well done.

First off, Charlaine Harris is one of my very favorite authors. I have read most of her books and have never been disappointed; the Midnight, Texas novels are no exception. Once I had read the first, I absolutely had to read the second in the "trilogy", and of course, the third book, Nightshift.

Thanks to the first two books establishing the history of this motley group of neighbors, Nightshift was able to tie all the loose ends from the first two books together and Harris came up with a wonderfully unexpected ending. However, now that she's given her characters so much life, the finale leaves me wanting to know more about them; it was nice hearing mention of Sookie and Louisiana, along with bringing in one of the characters from the Sookie Stackhouse series, which I really appreciated.

I waited for, and was rewarded with all the twists and turns Harris is famous for, and so much more . . . it exceeded my expectations and raised the bar for her wonderfully detailed imagination. I highly recommend Nightshift to anyone smart enough to appreciate Harris.

Have`nt finished Day Shift but so far both books ( Midnight Crossroad) have been just so - so. We know there`s a vampire and things are weird with other characters but nothing real exciting has developed with any one of them maybe except for Fiji. I know the Reverend may be something special as well as the 2 gay men. I am interested enough to want to know what`s happening so I continue to read but being half way through #2 book, I sure hope the characters reveal themselves soon.

First things first: this is the third book in the series and if you haven’t read the first two then this book won’t make a whole lot of sense (honestly, it might not make a whole lot of sense anyway, but we’ll get to that later). This wraps up the trilogy and doesn’t work as a standalone novel (IMO).

Midnight, Texas – kind of like the Island of Misfit Toys, except instead of polka-dotted elephants you have an oddball assortment of supernatural beings and the occasional (strange) human. Everyone co-exists more or less peacefully and no one wants any outsiders poking around in Midnight’s business. Unfortunately, a series of suicides committed in Midnight is drawing plenty of unwanted attention, and unsettling even the most unflappable of the Midnight residents. Something dangerous and powerful is brewing in Midnight – but is it unstoppable?

Man, this story was just all over the place! Don’t get me wrong, I (mostly) enjoyed it, but there’s no getting around the fact that the road to Midnight was paved with plotholes. Big chunks of the story were given over to characters that ended being little more than window dressing with backstories that were mainly pointless. The denouement was…anticlimactic (you’ll get that awful pun once you’ve read the book!).

Sounds like I really disliked this book, doesn’t it? Ah, but that’s the funny part – I liked it despite the unwieldly plot. Yes, I rolled my eyes at some of the clunky dialog and silly plot devices, but overall I did like it. Over the course of three books I’ve come to like these quirky characters. There’s a kind of charm to these stories, like an upside down version of Mayberry. I think what Charlaine Harris does best is mix the macabre with the mundane; supernatural beings are given a healthy dose of humanity – they love their pets, clip coupons and shop at Walmart. They might murder someone one night and host a pot-luck supper the next. It’s like a genre bending mix of Horror and Cozy Mystery, and I think it’s clever and appealing.

I *believe* this is the final book of the series, and it does a nice job of tying up loose ends and story threads. There’s some swearing and sexual content (nothing explicit). I’m not one who usually pays a lot of attention to cover art, but the covers for all these books have been fantastic – completely captures the spirit of Midnight!

The series, in order:

*Midnight Crossroad (A Novel of Midnight, Texas)
*Day Shift: A Novel of Midnight, Texas
*Night Shift (A Novel of Midnight, Texas)

One of the problems with loving and reading everything an author writes is you get to know the author's "go to" storylines. I loved the first and second books in this series, but the third one read like a rehash of Harris' Southern Vampire Mystery, substituting a witch and human for a mind reading waitress and shapeshifter. It also felt a bit "called in". I imagine that sometimes authors just want to get the work done and move on and that's what Night Shift felt like to me.

The most interesting character, Bernardo was pretty much sidelined in this book which was also disappointing. Ms. Harris is generally an excellent writer and I love much of her work, but this one isn't her best.

I just read the Midnight, Texas trilogy in very short order. I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Harris, after reading the Sookie Stackhouse series ( that I will be re-reading ) I loved that a few of the characters from Bon Temp made an appearance in Midnight. The Midnighters all had unique and adorably quirky personalities. The protagonists were all worthy of their ends . A standing ovation and I look forward to watching the new TV series on NBC this July.

I didn't think that volume three was as good as the first and second volumes. I thought the ending was too strange (and not in a good way). I usually read British detective novels, so maybe it's just me.

weird sexual story with the virgin witch's orgasm being the powerful element to defeat the demon. Hey, I know women are powerful but that was a little ridiculous. And really no better way for Bobo and Fiji to get together except in public in front of the whole town?

Absolutely spellbinding! Since this is the third book in the series, the characters are already well established, except for a couple of new ones we meet this time. The stories are well imagined and delightfully written. Always expect the unexpected in Charlaine Harrises books!

I have read most of Mrs. Harris's books (I think it is all of them, but I may have missed one). In the series prior to Midnight, Texas, the Southern Vampire/Sookie series, I read with my own bias toward a character (tall, vampire, blond) and watched how he evolved over numerous books into a dominating presence who sucked oxygen from his scenes -- other chapters without him seemed like plot advancement filler. When (spoiler ahead) blondie did not win the girl in the end, readers made the author's life a misery (sometimes a scary one). (Even though she planned from the start how the series's romance would end, Ms. Harris continued to indulge our hunger for the outsized vampire, perhaps beyond her own interest in him. His depressing conclusion was unsatisfying -- as if she'd really had it with him).
She remedies this situation (one character spiraling beyond a controllable orbit) in the three-book Midnight, Texas trilogy. This book, Night Shift, could wrap things up with no issue -- by the end (no surprise, not much of a spoiler) most characters are still alive and happy. It amuses me the way Ms. Harris is determined to keep the cast of characters an ensemble -- even the main character in this book seems beige, like faded wallpaper, background. The vampire, Lemuel, will not carry any reader's interest for any length of time. His obscure hobby (reading an old book written in Etruscan) is so dry and dull we leave him to it. Ms. Harris leads him in to the story by describing his skin tone as "bleach" (not too sexy) and while Lemuel is deadly and deep-voiced, his appearance, because he is a rare hybrid energy-blood vampire, is not remarkable beyond being not-human. One wonders what his gorgeous human wife (deadly in her own way, fit and young) sees in a night-only companion who runs a pawn shop in the middle of nowhere (and in his spare time kills people, invites a nasty female vampire to be a houseguest who stifles his libido, and reads a book in a dead language). She's kind of a cypher, we leave her motivations unresolved.
If anyone in this book is a lead character, it's mousy, plump, 30-something Fiji, a witch and shop owner of modest means. (Do I want to watch characters worry about money? Don't I read to escape that preoccupation?) Well-meaning, Fiji struggles not to be a doormat (with some success by the end). Her familiar, a cat, treats the witch as if she were subordinate -- maybe that's how all cats do. She is more interesting in scenes with other characters who have spark (John Quinn, an old flame of Sookie's, pays a couple visits; and the blood-lusty buried demon has a thing for her, not her personally (too bland!) but her status as a virgin who threatens his awakening). Until the live wire types appear, however, Fiji's early chapters take on the slow pace of the small isolated town setting. You tap your toes waiting for some drama to present itself. The crummy older sister who shows up unexpectedly could liven up the place, bring a guy home from a bar, or misbehave somehow, but she is caged in -- the conventions of the neighborhood (and her fun-averse younger stick-in-the-mud sister) lock her down and all she accomplishes as a cast member is to firm up Fiji's backbone.
The ending is strangely over-dramatic and creepy, maybe an editor's weird sexual fantasy (write it this way or we terminate your contract). Respectable, mild-mannered Fiji has to take one for the neighborhood team, in front of them all. She should be mortified unto paralysis. This is why over 275 pages she grew a spine? The ceremony mirrors werewolf pack leader ceremonies in the SV series that today in 2016 would be considered rape. But Fiji is not a teenage girl, and like a dutiful book heroine she chooses to sacrifice her dignity and submit to the ceremonial demands to preserve the safety of her community. It takes that crazy degree of drama to get Fiji off her dimpled, virginal fanny. She should go for gold and pull Quinn into the circle. Instead, she wants a man so clueless and low-T, he has overlooked her for three years, its own tragic mystery. Bobo's back story is left behind, detailed in earlier books, and I forgot what life sadness made him the way he is (in this book, ham-handed, morose and regretful). Like Sam Tramell, Bobo seems wimpy and undeserving, yet he prevails (I should have known! and I keep buying Mrs. Harris's expensive e-books). Quinn strikes out a third time by my count, over my reading history with him, but Fiji is not his equal in star power. Also, if I remember correctly, he may be over-endowed for this particular ceremony -- it's not supposed to kill Fiji. Moreover, Mrs. Harris may have future book plans for him -- hopefully Quinn meets a female firecracker, a were-gorilla or were-giant squid. I will wait for that book to be stocked at my library.

Charlaine Harris is a master storyteller! I can read her books over and over, and still get pulled into the web and pick out new details I missed in previous readings. This book is incredible! It pulled me in immediately, and didn't let go.

I loved the mystery of this small town, but, in the third book of this series, it was time we started to learn what made Midnight such a lure for the strange and wonderful. No everything has been explained but it's a start.

Love this series.....More then the Sookie Stackhouse series. I especially enjoyed the slow build to the end. Ending was a slight let down but then I read the dang book so fast I might have got carried away.

This book is suitable for all ages. It is basically kind and engaging with a bit of the mystical, a bit of mystery, and a lot about friendship and caring for one another. Another recurring theme for Ms Harris is that her characters appreciate and embrace the differences among them. A really pleasurable read. Thank you once more!

One of my favorite things about reading a series with a host of characters is getting to know them better and better with every book, and that is definitely the case with this third (final?!?) installment in Charlaine Harris’ Midnight, Texas series. With every book it seems she focuses more heavily on different characters, allowing the reader to develop a deeper relationship with each of them. And something about that makes it so much easier to accept some of the things that happen in Night Shift. It definitely pushes the envelope further than the first two books.

And really, if you’re a Charlaine Harris fan (like ME!) then you aren’t remotely put off by it. In fact, you relish the craziness. It’s fun and entertaining, and feels like you’re visiting old friends who always happen to be up to some new shenanigans.

So what’s so different about Night Shift? Hmmm…well, I’ll say it’s more overtly sexual than the others. If you’ve only read her Aurora Teagarden series, maybe you aren’t used to the racier side of Charlaine Harris’ work. However, if you started with her Sookie Stackhouse series like I did, this will seem tame. By no means a complaint on my part, but if you’re used to reading more…reserved…books, then you stand forewarned.

But also, we see a side of Fiji that we’ve never seen before. Questions from the earlier books are answered. And the population of Midnight, Texas comes together like never before to save a lot more than their own skin, and at a very unusual cost to two of our favorite residents.

I’ll admit, when it comes to Charlaine Harris, I’m biased. I could read her stuff ALL day. And I would. If I weren’t now officially out of new Charlaine Harris novels to read. And, sadly, I just read that this series was always meant to be a trilogy, so there are no more to look forward to. :(

But, as I said before, rumor has it she is working on more Aurora Teagarden books (at least two), and I find it hard to believe that she doesn’t have some amazing new series in the works. So, I will sit and wait. And maybe start rereading Sookie if the waiting gets too rough.

Note: I received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group (via NetGalley) in exchange for a fair and honest review (and trust me, honest is always what you'll get).

I have been looking forward to this for a while. I started reading it some time ago and have not been able to finish it. It had a great start and a very good plot with characters I have enjoyed. Which is why I felt angered and betrayed when (SPOILER ALERT) one of the lead characters had to have sex to save the world!!! Really???!!! I was insulted. Sex is a good thing. However, it can become a bad thing when a woman is forced to have sex for any reason. I didn't appreciate this plot twist and have not been able to finish the book. I have read all of Harris' novels. I have always been able to count on her to produce creative and interesting stories. However, this time, I'm not sure what to make of her or this story.

Caution: All my reviews contain spoilers.

I hope that my purchase of this book helps Ms. Harris fund time needed to write something worthwhile. The Midnight books are like a train wreck, hard to ignore for someone who loves the paranormal/speculative/urban noir genre. But the shallow, "cozy" storytelling in the three books that make up this series, the "telling" instead of "showing," and the cliche characters and cliche situations are delivered by an author who can do much better.

There's no depth or tension to the main plot points: Olivia's psycho-badness is due to family abuse - check. Fiji develops all the witch skills just in time to finally hook up with Bobo in the least sexy description of a sex act needed to save the world from a kind of Renfield demon that I've ever read - check. Quinn the incredible hunk still can't find a honey (????) - check. And the point of the gay, pet-owning angels, and Manfred's weird relative news was . . . ?

The Midnight books are probably good, quick "beach reads" for many people. If you're interested in Better Storytelling Harris fiction, read the Harper Connelly mysteries.

If you want really kick-ass, immersive paranormal/vampire fiction with strong characters and storylines, check out Mark Henwick's Bite Back series. Contrast these two series, then decide what you're really looking for in the genre!

This is the final book in the Midnight, Texas series. The first book is Midnight Crossroad. The television series: Midnight, Texas based loosely on the series is really good, too. Its been renewed for season two.
Unlike the two previous books in this series, this installment seems to be the neat, well, attempting to be neat, tie up and conclusion of the series, instead of being the story that focuses on Fiji and the evil lurking beneath Midnight.
It was good book but I feel like their could have been one or two more books in this series. For one, several characters are left in limbo. Will one find love? Will the other deal with her father? Will two others make their own way in Midnight? It leaves the door open for novellas, short stories, or even a novel.
The final "chapter" of Midnight, Texas was still good, a twist here and there, a good dose of personal drama, and supernatural trouble balanced in an enjoyable way. I will miss Midnight, Texas, and the misfits that call it home.

Third and last in the Midnight, Texas, urban fantasy series and revolving around the extremely small population of a town that survives only because of the crossroads; it’s a distant spin-off from Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series.

My Take
I am so BUMMED that this is the last in the series. I absolutely adore the people in this and the conflicts Harris comes up with. This is quite the unique story / series. (And, yes, the Midnight, Texas television series is based on this.)

”That’s like saying someone doesn’t really fit in the Weirdo Club.”

It doesn’t ring very true in that I cannot see how anyone in this practically deserted town is making a living. Yet, it is a fascinating story with intriguing characters — each could probably fill their own series!

Yep, everyone’s got a story, which is what makes this so interesting. Diederik has grown up overnight, almost literally and has a very healthy interest in women. Fiji has self-image issues but is quite secure in her witchiness. And man, does she ever go off on Bobo! Olivia. Oh, boy. That poor girl has a lot of anger to release. Lemuel’s history is still to be told, although Harris has been dropping tidbits here and there. Chuy and Joe revealed themselves in Day Shift , 2. They’re a fascinating switch on the whole angel concept. And we finally find out why the Reeds are in town! Hoo, boy.

As for that Kiki. She is a “treat” to read, mostly because she ain’t gettin’ nowhere with anyone, lol.

What I do need to ask is, is it Fate? Is it kismet that all the necessary "ingredients" are in Midnight when needed? It would make the most sense for such a disparate group to gather. I do enjoy how well they all get along with each other. Sure, everyone has their issues and quirks, but you can't help but see the pleasure they get in each other's company. Especially when the how of demon-trapping comes up. Poor Fiji.

Minor themes include Bobo finally realizing (and screwing up) what he’s missing, which he manages to, um, “repair” in quite the spectacular fashion — although it was a too easy solution! In fact, all the solutions at the end, as Harris provides us with an epilogue of core character summaries, are easy — which doesn’t mean I dislike it! In fact, after what all happens to them, they do deserve this wrap-up.

The odd bit is reading this, as Harris includes a present tense style which ached mah brain although Harris made up for it with the global third-person subjective point-of-view — we sure do listen in on a lot of people’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions as we scoot from character to character.

There’s a fascinating tidbit in here about the evolution of how we now celebrate Halloween. And it makes perfect sense.

The Story
It’s the book, the one whose cover is the skin of a werewolf, that has Lemuel so fascinated. But the truth of what pulls those suicides to Midnight and its crossroads comes from an unexpected source with even more unexpected requirements from a large group of people who must work together as a team.

The Characters
Fiji Cavanaugh inherited Great-aunt Mildred Loefler’s house and witchy practice, the Inquiring Mind, which is across the street from Midnight Pawn. She’s in unrequited love with Bobo. Mr. Snuggly is her familiar, a cat who can speak. Waikiki “Kiki” Cavanaugh Ransom is her bitch of a sister who thinks she’s a sexual goddess. She is the most selfish “child”. Marty Ransom is Kiki’s about-to-be-ex second husband. Their mom sees Kiki as too perfect and Fiji as a thief. Their dad is descending into Alzheimer’s.

Manfredo Bernardo was introduced into the cast in Midnight Crossroad , 1, and is a psychic who is actually real. Xylda Bernardo was his psychic grandmother who taught him everything he knows. Magdalena is the lawyer Manfred needs to pay off. Agnes Orta is Magdalena’s mother, and she’s a fan of Manfredo’s. I think Anna is Agnes’ deceased sister. Another fan is Agnes’ neighbor, Linda Ortega. Lucy Trujillo is Linda’s deceased mother while Donnie is her deceased brother. Father Antonio is Agnes' accommodating priest.

Bobo Winthrop is the owner of Midnight Pawn located on the crossroads of Witch Light Road and the Davy highway. Aubrey was the spy/girlfriend from Midnight Crossroad . Olivia Charity is an assassin with a dark childhood. Lemuel Bridger is an unusual vampire who lives off the energies of people or their blood and is the night manager for the pawn shop.

The Reverend “Rev” and his ward, the always starving Diederik Quinn, who happens to be John Quinn’s son, are complete opposites. Yep, you’ll remember Quinn with the events business in the Sookie Stackhouse Universe. All three of them are weretigers. Tijgerin had been Diederik’s mother. The late Gertrude Flannigan has a cottage in Midnight and Tommy Flannigan is the next-of-kin.

Chuy Villegas and Joe Strong are a gay couple who run the Antique Gallery and Nail Salon; they’re also angels kicked out of Heaven. Rasta is their little Peke. Dr. Tappet is Rasta’s vet.

Sylvester Ravenwing is the new man in town who is now running the Gas N Go and living in the Lovells old house.

Teacher Reed is the town handyman finally released from running the Gas N Go. He’s married to Madonna who runs the Home Cookin Café and is a great cook. Grady is their toddler.

The Midnight Hotel is…
…an excuse to spy while claiming to be a hotel for the elderly who are waiting to get into assisted living. It also provides long-term housing for independent contractors temporarily working at Magic Portal. Lenore Whitefield and her husband, Harvey, run the hotel. The six-to-midnight clerk is a junior college freshman, Marina Desoto. Eva Culhane, the site project manager, did the interviews for the hotel employees. Some of the guests include Denise Little who loves to read, the nasty Shorty Horowitz, and the writer staying in the second-floor front room.

Tommy Quick, Mamie, and Suzie had been guests under extremely unusual circumstances, but are now in Safe Harbor Assisted Living and Nursing Home. Manfred visits them often. Estella “Stell” Hardin is a nurse there on whom Manfred is sweet. Chet Allen is another guest at the home.

Sheriff Arthur Smith is smart, flexible, and decent — and practically engaged to Magdalena. Deputy Anna Gomez despises everyone in Midnight.

The suicides include Joshua Allen; the homeless Tabby Ann Masterson; Francine Owens, who is a customer of Fiji’s; and, Price Eggleston, a right-wing fanatic who had kidnapped Fiji and tortured Bobo (Mamie Eggleston is his nutjob mother).

Bonnie Vasquez, the wife of a local rancher, and the pretentious Willeen Elliott are customers of Fiji’s. Theo Barclay is an angry werewolf. Lucas Evans runs a hardware store in Killeen. Velda and Ramon are shapeshifters about to get married. Dr. Sheridan treats Fiji in Davy. Margaret and Louis Hatter are used to their daughter’s stupid behavior. Israel T had been an target of Great-aunt Mildred’s ire.

Ellery Queen is Wicklow’s right-hand man and has been trying to take over from him for years. Nicholas Wicklow has set spies around his daughter, Melanie Horton Wicklow. Tiffany was Nicholas’ second wife. Melanie’s mother was Cara.

Squirrel Hands, a Chickasaw wise woman, made a deal with Colconnar, a demon with an itch for power.

The Dallas vampires
Christine understands Etruscan and was turned by Dr. Quigley, who was himself made by Arria Auclina, an Etruscan vampire. Joseph Velasquez is the current Master of Dallas; Stan had been his predecessor.

The Cover and Title
The cover is so gloomy in its solitary purples and greens, cheered only by a yellow-orange sunset. A lone building of stone, each window creepily diffe rent, pawn in each of the big picture windows. A beat-up vintage pickup on the left, a coyote in profile but looking out at us in the forefront on the right. A receding string of lonely utility poles is implied with a camper just behind the foremost one, a tall cactus on the other side. The ground appears to be all dirt and gravel with a greenish cast while the landscape around and behind the pawn shop is miles of scrub. The author’s name is in an embossed mint green sans-serif font at the top with the series information tiny in white below it. The title is at the bottom in a white serif.

The title refers to the critical watchers’ time of night, the Night Shift, when things go very badly awry.

I love this series for many reasons, but the biggest is Harris' writing style. It isn't just a story, it is a reading experience. From the first line "The first suicide arrives one October night." I feel like part of the town of Midnight, Texas, flawlessly slipping into each character's head when the point of view changes. And I like everyone in the town. Would I live there if it was real? Hell, yes! You should see the weretigers... *fans self*

Something is waking up underneath the crossroad in Midnight and the very secretive residents of the town must work together to figure out what it is and how to stop it. We finally get to learn about everyone's past, but unfortunately all the loose end were tied up so it appears this will be the last Midnight, Texas book...and that makes me sad. I will miss quirky Fiji, adorkable Manfred, awkward Bobo, scary Olivia, mysterious Lemuel, somber Rev, contrite Chuy and Joe, and hanging out at the Pawn Shop.

Many thanks to Harris for letting me move into Midnight, Texas for a little while.

5 "Ritual Sex" Sheep

"Night Shift" wraps up the Midnight, TX trilogy, and I think this book is the best of the three installments. I would love to see more books in this world, and I'm very excited about seeing the TV show based on the books this fall. While you can certainly read this book as a stand alone, I would recommend starting with the first book in the trilogy, "Midnight Crossroad." In this book, the main players are Figi, Manfred, Lemuel, and Olivia because most of the story is told from their viewpoints. I was a little disappointed that Joe and Chuy didn't get more chapters, but I can always reread "Day Shift," which features them more heavily. In fact, I would love to see a spin off or a continuation of the story with Joe and Chuy as the main players.

The main story line involves an unknown entity that is forcing people to commit suicide at the crossroads of Midnight. Initially, the townspeople are worried because they do not want attention drawn to Midnight, but they soon come to realize that their lives could be in danger. We don't find out what the big bad is until the last third of the book, and I was genuinely surprised when I found out what was terrorizing the people of Midnight. Harris does a good job building suspense, and the townspeople have to come together to defeat the force. The secondary story line involves the true identities of Teacher and Madonna Reed, and the conclusion to that mystery was a bit anticlimactic. Still, I enjoyed the ride.

I can't write a review without mentioning Mr. Snuggly. I am a cat person, and Mr. Snuggly is so perfectly drawn. He plays a big part in defeating the big bad at the end, and I always have a good laugh wen he is in a scene. I will be sorely disappointed if he is not part of the TV series. Bobo, Quinn, and the Rev are also part of the action, and I would love to see a book about the Rev at some point. Maybe just a short story or novella about his past. I have truly enjoyed this trilogy. I'm not quite ready to revisit the world of Sookie Stackhouse, but I'm ready to reread the Midnight books from the start.

I love this series. Plain and simple. I don't care if others hated it, I adored it. And I will happily admit that I am sad that this is the last installment because had it been another 10+ book series I would have devoured every single one. Sigh... Charlaine Harris gets me every time. Her books are pure magic in my hands and I will read every one she puts on the shelf. Sure I may be a little behind in her releases but I still always looks forward to them. With that, this is the final book in the Midnight Texas series and should be read in order of publication. If not, the characters will be very confusing to you as they are all the same throughout the series. Only, they grow more in each one. Seeing them change and develop is a great touch and I will miss them all terribly.

For those who are unfamiliar with this series, let it be known that it is of paranormal and fantasy nature. There are demons, witches, vampires, psychics (remember Manfred from the Harper Connelly series), angels, and more. There are spells to be cast, bad guys to be killed, and a cast of characters who will seep their way into your heart. There is also a great story line underneath each book that will hook you from the get-go. In this one, the residents of Midnight have to save the town from an old demon and will stop at nothing to do so. Even if it means banding together with people you may not really like...

Overall, I loved this book, I loved this series, and I love Charlaine Harris. She has been a favorite author of mine for many many years and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! I am sure rooting for her to start a new series to hook me. If you ARE familiar with the series and as sad as I am to see it go remember this: NBC will be airing the television show this summer!! Wohoo!! I can't wait to watch it and see how it compares to the books!

A quick read, fun and breezy, but the missed opportunities for a much more exciting finish to this brief trilogy left me demanding a rewrite. The "danger" I speak of is not demons or bad guys but either a looming publisher's deadline or simply Ms Harris just growing tired of Midnight and deciding to wrap it all up in a towel and chuck it. There were setups aplenty that made me anticipate something exciting, notably revolving around the Reeds who mention being under a magic spell so as not to be recognized. I thought they were hunters there to capture the young weretiger for the battles in the pits and the trip to Killeen to get equipment to capture such a fierce beast. What a letdown when we learned their real purpose and Mr Reed's exploration of Fiji's house was never addressed. The shady old folks and the hotel and how people earned a living in a virtual ghost town was explained, but that too was pretty feeble. I don't think Ms Harris was ever as fond of Midnight as the Sookie Stackhouse series because she didn't have a proper female heroine to inhabit. Fiji didn't have a lot of feistiness and Olivia who killed for money just was not likeable. At least my favorite boy, Mr Snuggly, comes into his own at the end without ever losing his sass. That part was worth the wait.

The final book in the Midnight, Texas trilogy was the best one. I enjoyed the other two very much, but we learned so much more about the characters in this one, compared to the other two combined.

You can read my review for Midnight Crossroad here, and Day Shift, here.

In a way, this book could have been a stand alone with all the character development, and the story itself. This one felt like an urban fantasy novel, albeit at a slower pace, but that’s what is enjoyable about Charlaine Harris’ writing. The first two were more of a regular story with some of the characters just happening to be supernatural beings.

One way that this felt like a stand alone was in regards to the romantic interests for the resident witch, Fiji. In a way this felt like a typical romance novel. In the first two books no one was interested in her, and now she has three men. But that was needed for various plot reasons in this book, whereas it wasn’t in the previous ones.

If you read the other two, and enjoyed them, you will definitely like this one. If you haven’t read the first two, I wouldn’t say you really need to. There are a couple spots that you might be a bit puzzled about because they were the climaxes of the first two books. But you wouldn’t be confused enough that it would interfere with this story..

Harris ties up the loose ends very well, but leaves it open enough that she can return to Midnight, Texas. If she does, I know I’ll be reading the new adventures.

When I saw my library had this book I grabbed it pretty quickly.
I have read the other two books so I knew I had to read the next book as soon as I was able too.

So I loved the story line but I felt the way that some things were left opened that there could possibly be another book, even if this is only meant to be a trilogy. I love Midnight, Texas and its characters. In this story it seems that something evil is lurking below Midnight and it is causing deaths, but what is it exactly? How can the residents of Midnight stop whatever it is? On top of trying to get answers for whatever is happening at the crossroads it seems that Olivia's past will come into play and we get to get a bit of insight into her. It is not really pretty, but I can see why she is the way she is.
It seems that a virgin will be the one to stop this creature but the way it needs to be done I felt bad because it had to be done in public. I can just see the embarrassment that the character went through and felt what she felt. Though it didn't turn out to be a bad thing just weird.
We really get to see how good of a witch that Fiji truly is, and that she doesn't like to see any of her friends get hurt even though they all do not hang out. While dealing with her feelings for the man she wants but she knows he has no clue how she feels, she also has to deal with her family and this demon that is rising.
I really enjoy how all the main residents of this small town come together and help each other out and they do not judge one another.
The one thing I will say she might want to rethink how she describes people at times. For example Lemuel she mentions that he is as white as bleach. Now I am not sure how bleach is white as I always assumed it was clear.
The only reason I gave this book a four and not a solid five like I thought is just because of the openness of some things that went on within the book. I don't want to get into them because I feel like it would give a lot away.

The last book in the Midnight, Texas, trilogy is a real show stopper. Big things have been building up in this teeny-tiny town. Now something is calling people to the crossroads stoplight and making the commit suicide. It's just a good thing that everyone who lives in town is a supernatural being (almost every one). One resident in particular with have a major role in saving the town, with a little help from the rest.

As with the previous books, we get an even deeper look into the residents of Midnight. We especially learn much more about Lemuel's history, which I had been very curious about previously and was so happy that mystery was revealed. We get to meet some family members of the citizens also, plus clear up some things I've been wondering about throughout the series.

I was a bit disappointed with the big finale. There was kind of a let down after that. Maybe that was intentional, to leave the reader in a place to feel like the series was indeed finished. And if you're an avid reader, you know that feeling of finishing up a series--ugh! But overall this was another great addition to the Midnight, Texas, series. I really enjoyed the entire thing. It was full of fun, mystery, humor, action, adventure, friendship and the author's creativity. Hey, it made me want to move to Midnight, Texas, so it really must have gotten into my blood!

Night Shift is the final book in a trilogy based on the (fictional) paranormal town of Midnight, Texas. Its residents (Fiji, Bobo, Lemuel, Olivia, Manfred, Teacher, Madonna, Mr. Snuggles the cat, Diederik, Quinn, Joe, Chuy, the Rev, and newcomer Sebastian) are faced with mysterious suicides in the crossroads in the center of their town. Lemuel dedicates his nights to the daunting task of translating a werewolf-bound book written in a language that only 3 vampires know (excluding himself) to find out what is going on and how they can solve the problem.

I have never been let down by Harris's writing abilities, and this book is no different. I've loved all the books I've read by her, and this trilogy somehow makes an odd, small town really interesting to me. Most of the 14 residents have close-to-equal page time and we have gotten a pretty decent background on most of them. I have really enjoyed reading these books and getting to know the characters as their personalities are carefully revealed throughout the course of all three books. I highly recommend this trilogy!
I was given a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: I received a review copy in exchange for a honest review.

3 1/2 stars.

Night Shift is the third and supposedly final book in the Midnight, Texas series. I hope this isn’t the last book, because I enjoy the series too much to see it end after three books! Anyone familiar with this series knows that the town of Midnight is a peculiar place and nothing is ever as it seems. What initially drew me to this series was the premise and plot but I stayed for the characters. Harris has created one of the most unique and fun cast I’ve ever read about.

Night Shift takes place approximately a few weeks after the events of Day Shift. The Town of Midnight gets a temporary relief as they plan for their annual Halloween-Sahmain celebration at Fiji’s. However, the reprieve is abruptly cut short when the suicide rate sky rockets (before this, it was 0%), occurring right in the middle of Midnight in front of Bobo’s pawnshop. What’s even stranger is the people committing suicide are ones that aren’t a fan of Fiji, Midnight’s resident witch. Once again it’s up to Fiji and the gang to figure out why the deaths are occurring and put a stop to it before it brings unwanted attention to their little town.

The main plot this time around isn’t as interesting as the first two books in the series. In my opinion, the multiple suicides and the big bad villain lurking underneath the town never really held my attention. The entire town was on a time sensitive mission but I never felt the urgency of it nor did they. And then when the big showdown finally took place it was solved so fast I thought I missed it. It was also very anticlimactic. It literally took two drops of blood and was summed up/solved in four sentences.­ I felt the author rushed the ending.

Even though the plot was somewhat of a letdown, the characters more than made up for it. As I said before, I’ve stuck around with series because of the wonderful characters. They may all be supes (except Olivia and the Reeds) and hiding secrets but at the core they’re just like everyone else. They want to try to make a decent living, live a happy life and care and protect their friends and families. That might sound boring but it isn’t the case. The people of Midnight make the most mundane of tasks fascinating and you’re never bored. And Of all the books in the series, we finally learn the most in Night Shift about the characters. Prior to this book everyone was an enigma. Readers will learn more about Manfred and his family, what Olivia been hiding and running from, how the Reeds are keeping Madonna’s restaurant afloat and meet a relative of Fiji, other than the ghost of Aunt Mildred.

All in all this was a good conclusion to a wonderful series and everything tied up nicely. I am still crossing my fingers in hope that this isn’t really the end. There is still so much more to explore! In all honestly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters. But if this is truly the end, I am glad that I’ll still get my dose of Midnight, Texas when the show based on the series is aired later this fall. Thank goodness for that. I highly recommend this series to everyone. It’s a light, fun read with the perfect balance of paranormal and mystery.
1

NIGHT SHIFT is the final book in Charlaine Harris’ trilogy about Midnight, Texas. While the book ties up most of the loose ends left hanging by the other two books, I do find myself wishing the series wasn’t over. It took some time for the series to hit its stride, and now it’s finished. I’ll miss my time in Midnight.

In MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD and DAY SHIFT, individual characters faced danger. In NIGHT SHIFT, the entire town of Midnight is threatened. People are being drawn to the crossroad to commit suicide, and while the press interest isn’t welcomed by the town, it’s the hidden danger that’s the big worry. What’s causing the deaths? And who is talking to Fiji?

Lemuel plays a bigger role in this book than in previous ones, which I liked. Part of the fun of this series is all the different characters that live in Midnight. Seeing how they co-exist and have formed friendships. Plus I just like vampires, what can I say? There’s also angels, shapeshifters, a witch, and a psychic. I’ve said before that Midnight’s a town I’d want to live in — everyone minds their own business, but they also come together when necessary, and there’s just enough danger without it being too overwhelming.

Fiji really came into her own in NIGHT SHIFT. I wasn’t a fan of the whole Fiji/Bobo misunderstanding romance, but otherwise, A+ for Fiji. There’s this great scene where she gets revenge on someone who violated her privacy, and then another when she tells her sister off. It was great to see that she wasn’t a pushover and could stand up for herself, as well as take a few for the team.

I do think too much of the action/revelations in NIGHT SHIFT took place off the page, or if they were shown, there wasn’t a lot of processing. Manfred learns about an important ancestor, but I can’t recall reading about his feelings after the reveal.

Some of the events also seemed out of place, based on the characters’ actions in the previous books. Take Olivia for example. She’s nearly killed by her father’s henchman, but then gets a phone call from her dad that hints at future making up. And this is after her father not believing that stepmom and friends molested Olivia when she was a child. Olivia thinking that she might talk to her dad in the future just doesn’t jive with the way she’s been characterized in the other books.

Overall, NIGHT SHIFT and the Midnight, Texas trilogy as a whole is okay. Good, not great. I did expect more from Charlaine Harris because of the hype of Sookie Stackhouse. But Midnight is a good trilogy to read when you want something a little slower, not full of feeling like the characters are going to die every other page.

The best one and apparently the last one. The ending left it open to continue, but as of now Midnight, Texas is a trilogy. Figures it would finally start getting good and then end.

The plot: An ancient evil is rising underneath the crossroads of the tiny mysterious town where only secretive, strange people seem to live. Lemuel the vampire has to translate an ancient text that will explain how to stop the evil before it rises to cause unstoppable destruction.

I felt like I had finally started to "get" the people of Midnight and understand them. Before, they seemed kind of grumpy and as if none of them liked each other, but now I understand, they are all just introverts.

They DO like each other, they just don't like to hang out - unless someone is getting killed or an unspeakable evil is rising...

What I liked is that we learned a LOT more about Manfred and Lemuel, Quinn was back, and Fiji's character had a lot of development and was great in this. Lemuel had a bigger part and we get to see interaction with other vampires. We find out more about his and Olivia's relationship. It was good!

What I didn't like. There was a flimsy love triangle involving Fiji and Bobo and Quinn. Yes, Quinn. Again. Bobo wasn't in it much until the end and it was predictable. Harris should really stay away from romance.

We meet Fiji's sister, who is not very nice, to put it mildly. Mr. Snuggly is awesome, as usual. Overall, this was well-paced and quite enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised.

Apparently, NBC is making a TV show about it, which, hmmm, not sure about that. The first two were okay, but not that exciting. And with only three books, I am guessing they are going to have to expand a lot of the characters and it will have to be more complex?

It seems that people are coming to Midnight, Texas, and killing themselves right at the main crossroads of this small town. Something is going on, with the first suicide happening in October, and Lemuel, the vampire who works at night at the local pawnshop, Midnight Pawn, owned by Bobo Winthrop, is reading and translating ancient texts to find out clues. As more and more he delves into the book, he begins to realized something terrible is driving these people, most who have done some sort of harm or not a good friend of the local witch, Fiji Cavanaugh. That t might even be the reason that supernatural beings like him and tiger shapeshifters, witches, killers and psychics come to this town.

Bestselling author Charlaine Harris who brought the Sookie Stackhouse series I loved a lot, has me addicted to this trilogy with this last book. I really wish this town was real, so I could take a trip and visit it and its unusual inhabitants along with the mundane ones living there too. Edgy at times and down to earth at others, Night Shift captures the reader’s imagination with a paranormal mystery hook, line and sinker.

Finally! Third book into the series and things are really picking up! Night Shift by Charlaine Harris takes a huge step forward in story after spending books 1 and 2 building up the characters. Finally, the town starts getting looked into. Characters finally wonder why they all ended up settling in Midnight. Considering all of their talents, the chance it’s a coincidence is statistically close to zero. So how did this tiny nowhere town manage to attract them all?

It all starts with a suicide. The second suicide in the same apparent location that sends up warning signals to the residents, and not only because of the media and legal fallout from having the suicide spot investigated. Something there is drawing folks to the Midnight crossroads and convincing them to kill themselves, and somehow, they all connect to Fiji, in one way or another. Turns out also that those books Lemuel has been obsessed with are all about why Midnight is such a strange melting pot of supernatural. It’s incredibly convenient, but considering these books are a light, fun read, something that can be overlooked.

Speaking of overlooked, Bobo finally realizes exactly how Fiji has been feeling for him and decides to make a move. Except, it’s the wrong move and sends Fiji into a fierce, resentful anger. It doesn’t hurt that there’s also a deliciously available weretiger right there anxious to pick up the pieces. Will Fiji finally move on from Bobo? I wish she would!

If you’ve read the first two books of the Midnight, Texas series, you’ll finally get some form of payoff with Night Shift by Charlaine Harris. Just don’t expect it to be amazing. The climax was fun, but campy, much like the series itself. If you want something heavy or serious, this is definitely not your book. But if you don’t mind small town gossip and campy supernatural issues, this is sure to be a fun read.

ETA: I heard this is supposed to be the third, and final book of the series. If that's the case, I am truly disappointed. It felt as though the story was finally picking up and I really wanted to get into the meat of things, not just have it taper off. Why create such great characters and spend time building them up just to end after three?

// I received this title for free in exchange for an honest review //

‘Night Shift’ is the third book in Charlaine Harris’ ‘Midnight, Texas’ urban fantasy series.

I must admit that I went into ‘Night Shift’ a little bit wary. I really, really disliked Harris’ sophomore effort in a series that brings minor and beloved characters from all her other series together … But second book ‘Day Shift’ lacked emotional heart for me, and largely because two of my favourite characters established in book #1 were inexplicably cut down. But I was quickly buoyed by ‘Night Shift’, because those two favourites – Fiji and Bobo – and their unrequited love affair was touched upon quickly, hinting that it’d be a lodestone for this instalment. And lo and behold, it was.

Something is stirring underneath the town of Midnight, Texas. Strangers are being pulled to the town to commit suicide at the crossroads, and everyone in town is aware that this is just the prelude to a bigger bad waking … The best way to describe the action of ‘Night Shift’ is with this exchange between witch Fiji and psychic Manfred, which I loved because it speaks to a more menacing and intriguing “big bad” that’s plaguing the town of Midnight, and just because I love how meta it is that Charlaine Harris gives some love to ‘Buffy’ when she herself is the creator of what has become another iconic vampire series (there’s also mention of Fiji reading some Anne Rice, which also tickled my meta);

***
“Maybe you’re right, Manfred. Did you ever watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer?”
The change of subject left him teetering.
“Ah … sure. My grandmother loved it.”
“Do you ever wonder if Midnight’s on the Hellmouth? Like Sunnydale?”
Manfred laughed. “That’s exactly what it feels like,” he said. “You must be Willow, and Olivia must be Buffy. And Lemuel is Angel.”
That brought a smile to Fiji’s face, too. “I would classify Olivia more as Faith,” she said. “Bobo can be Xander.”
“So Diedrik would be Oz.”
For a reason Manfred couldn’t fathom, Fiji flushed.
***

I loved the mystery at the heart of ‘Night Shift’, both because it’s more satisfying than the more human mysteries of the past two books and because Fiji very much gets to be at the centre of things. For this reason also, Bobo doesn’t get a lot of page time which I didn’t love … but I can appreciate this book being more Fiji’s show, Bobo had to remain a bit of a mystery to her (and therefore, to readers). I adore Fiji and any time Charlaine Harris chooses her as the series focus, the plot is vastly improved.

I also appreciated that Harris at least touched on a little mystery for Manfred, by mentioning the young woman he crushed on in book #1, but who has all but vanished from the series since; "Manfred wondered how Creek Lovell was faring. He’d had a crush on her the size of a boulder, and he’d never figured out if it was returned."

I can’t find anything on the internet about whether or not ‘Midnight, Texas’ will continue beyond ‘Night Shift’ – but I sure hope so, for this little emotional nugget about Manfred and Creek, and also because my old favourite from Sookie’s world – Quinn, the weretiger – has hope in his heart by the end of ‘Night Shift’, and I’d love to see how it works out for him.

I really, really loved ‘Night Shift’ – even as things got a little ridiculous towards the end, I just found it great fun and really thought Harris hit her stride juggling all these characters and their relations against a menacing big bad. ‘Midnight, Texas’ is currently filming as a TV-movie, which I’m also ridiculously excited about (not least because Dylan Bruce – who played Paul in ‘Orphan Black’ is onboard to play Bobo!), and the IMDB description has it billed as “Twin Peaks meets True Blood” which is just so on-the-money I can’t stand it, and my hopes are up high.

‘Night Shift’ is Charlaine Harris at her tangled, paranormal-noir best – with beloved witch Fiji as the emotional centre of this instalment, plus a good subplot about Olivia and Lemuel and enough kernels of complication to leave fans hoping for more instalments … ‘Night Shift’ is the high of this series so far, and I want more.

Midnight, Texas, has become the crossroads that people are drawn to to kill themselves. Why? We find out in this eye opening third novel in the Midnight Texas series. This series has gotten progressively more fascinating, drawing us into caring for these characters by revealing them a bit at a time. In the last book, we found out Olivia's true occupation, and in book 3, we see Fiji grow even further into her powers and also force Bobo to come to grips with his true feelings for her. When evil comes to Midnight, its inhabitants are revealed in all of their otherworldly glory. In a fabulous, Charlaine Harris creepy kind of way. As a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books that the TV show, Trueblood was built upon, I appreciate how this author likes to build a story slowly. Fine tuning the characters as the plot develops. This series was no different. The first book was just setting us up for future novels, and in book 3, she really hits her stride. Night Shift gives us the opportunity of viewing the inhabitants of Midnight through night vision goggles, revealing all their secrets to the reader in fluorescent green lighting.

In this novel, not only do we get insight into Fiji's character, but we finally get to see why those mysterious books that Lemuel had looked for, a big part of book two's plot, are so important. Lemuel becomes a historian, if you will, hunting down the reason why all of these deaths are happening. We are given insight into his background that makes him a bit more interesting than he had been previously. Lemuel had always played the straight guy to Olivia's slight insanity. The two of them, as a couple, for me never worked, until I read this story. Their brand of love, may work only for them, but it does work, and it makes both of their characters a little more sympathetic and like able.

Diederick, the young tiger shifter, son of Quinn, from the Sookie Stackhouse novels, adds some much needed comic relief. He has grown up from a child to a mature young man in the space of a year. He has discovered sex, and his conversations with Fiji and Quinn are pretty funny and make me pretty happy that I don't have kids and won't ever have to have the "talk". His private thoughts about the women in Midnight, and Fiji in particular are pretty funny, and her uncomfortable reactions, priceless.

I have really enjoyed exploring this new series, especially since it inhabits the same world as Sookie Stackhouse. I could've kept reading those books forever, and in their absence, Night Shift is a very good substitute.

The series in Midnight, Texas is getting progressively better with each book. I love the diverse cast of misfits in this curious town, and each resident has their own abilities and secrets. So far, I have found the female Midnighters more interesting than the men... but with the emergence of my favorite character from the Sookie Stackhouse series, Quinn, that may change as the series progress.

In this installment of the series, stranger-than-usual happenings are occurring in Midnight. People are traveling there in a trance-like state to commit suicide in the middle of the crossroad. Even more curious, all of these suicidal people seemed to have wronged the resident witch, Fiji, in some way. And Fiji is changing. She has decided to live up to her potential as a witch. She is done pining after Bobo and is taking control of her life. Well, until some disembodied voice starts talking to her and everything goes to pot. I enjoyed Fiji's growth in this book, especially that her and Olivia are growing closer together. And I am a huge fan of Fiji's egomaniac familiar/cat - Mr. Snuggles. His haughty dialogue (yes, he can talk) is totally what I would expect from any cat.

Olivia, resident human assassin and girlfriend to the resident vampire, Lemuel, plays a prevalent part in this book as well. We learned quite a bit about Olivia in Day Shift... but now we really get the down and dirty and learn all about her tragic past and some of the reason why she became her particular brand of badass. We also learned more about the mysterious Lemuel, the rare vampire, and his origins. Olivia and Lemuel pay a visit to the vampy nest of Joseph Velasquez (Stan's successor), who you may remember from Sookie's series. I am really excited to see how the future between Olivia and Lemuel will unfold, particularly now that we have learned that
Show Spoiler

A new character is introduced and has taken over duties at the Gas and Go... and this individual has has a special relationship with Manfred, the resident psychic. I hope he sticks around for a while.

I can't wrap up this review without mentioning my favorite character, John Quinn. Quinn is a tiger shifter who survived the Sookie Stackhouse series, and he was one of my favorites. I was so excited when he joined the Midnight cast in Day Shift... and we got to see even more of him in Night Shift. Quinn has left his son, Diedrick, to be raised in Midnight because its too dangerous to take him on the road. But now Quinn is back, Diedrick is rapidly maturing, and it seems that we may see much more of Quinn in future installments. At least I hope so. He is wonderfully yummy and I would like for him to find his HEA. I would even love to see him get his own spinoff series - hint hint, Ms. Harris. Quinn's former mate, Tijgerin, is no longer in the picture. It appears she died... but I don't remember how. If you know, please shoot me a comment below!

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book and, because there was more than one plot conflict occurring, it kept me turning the page all day long. The main conflict did have a bit of an odd resolution.. but, hey, what else can you expect in Midnight?

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 2 flames.

Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.

Night Shift is the final book in the Midnight, Texas trilogy by popular American author, Charlaine Harris. Midnight, Texas is home to some very unusual residents. Some are humans with special qualities; some are decidedly not human, despite their appearances. But when the Crossroad starts to attract people bent on committing suicide, the psychic, the witch, the vampire, the shapeshifters (were-tigers), the angels and their human friends all realise that Midnight is also home to a powerful Demon.

The rather gorgeous Sylvester Ravenwing has arrived to manage the Gas N Go, but is there another reason he’s in Midnight? When her somewhat obnoxious older sister, Kiki turns up, it really is the last thing Fiji Cavanaugh needs. Lemuel Bridger is working on the translation from Etruscan of the old Vampire books found in Midnight Pawn, hoping he will discover just what is ailing the town. When he eventually learns than someone’s virginity needs to be sacrificed to prevent a virgin sacrifice of a much deadlier sort, some of the town’s residents are more enthusiastic than others.

From each earlier series that Harris has written, readers will recognise a secondary character who plays a larger role in this series: Sheriff Arthur Smith, Bobo Winthrop, Manfred Bernardo and John Quinn all appear. This instalment features several suicides, a hardware store visit, a séance, an attempted murder, a magical killing and a very sexy climax. The back story of several regular characters is explored, and Harris gives the reader a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, while still allowing scope for the town to be revisited. Very enjoyable!

I received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, this does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review.

So this is the third (and final? I'd heard it was a trilogy but it feels like there could be more books) book in Harris' Midnight series, which is a spin-off/tie in to most of her other series. You can check out reviews for Midnight Crossroad and Day Shift to find out more about the Easter Eggs. Beware spoilers, either for previous books or for this one. You have been warned.

In any event, strange doing were shaping up in the last installment, and they've only gotten stranger since. We meander through the lives and thoughts of the most central residents of Midnight. And there are some pretty exciting paranormal elements.

Olivia and Fiji get to be friends. Bobo finally opens his danged eyes. And Manfred gets the shock of his life. And Fiji finds her power. We get a nice chunk of Lemuel's , Chuy and Joe's back stories too. All the other characters also have significant and meaningful roles in the story and I am back to liking Quinn a little better too. There is a ton of relationship stuff, romantic and otherwise in this story. And those parts were really good.

So was the main mystery story arc. It came a little out of left field, but it was really quite interesting. And other plot threads tied in nicely too. All in all, this was a much better book, both in terms of plotting and in terms of entertainment, than the last one. Plus, this one had a real ending as well. It is definitely my favorite book in the series, and after a somewhat rocky beginning, I have to say, I'd be pleased to see more of Midnight.

Awesome. This book was very good, in my opinion. The story moved at a slow and steady pace without being boring. The build up leading to the ultimate satisfying finale. Loose ends tied up for this chapter in the life of Midnight, Texas. Waiting "impatiently" for the next book.

All the characters are memorable and have their own secrets and issues. It's hard for some to not compare this series to Sookie Stackhouse, but for me this story offers a good way to show that in Charlaine Harris' universe, other places and things exists and runs parallel to the other worlds she's created in this universe. The people of Midnight, Texas were drawn to this town because it offers a simple and stable life that they wouldn't have anywhere else. All creatures can co-exist comfortably. In order to do this, they would do anything to protect their home from any and all threats.

Definitely a satisfying read and I would recommend this series. Seriously, who doesn't love Mr. Snuggly?

*Original review on Goodreads & My Blog*

That was a good ending to a great trilogy! I feel like we could go on and have some more books though. I'm really going to miss these characters and I would like to see how their lives turn out and what other things they get into in Midnight. I would like to know more about Sylvester Ravenwing too.

Maybe Charlaine Harris will decide to write another one some day =)

Happy Reading!

Mel ♥

Towns spring up on crossroads for many reasons — around businesses selling gas or refreshments, to provide rest for weary travelers or even as a place to hang people for all to see, as was the case in the 19th century. In Midnight, no one knows if it was something positive or negative that caused the town to emerge in the middle of Texas but something evil is emerging now and residents need to know its origins — and fast.
It all begins with people committing suicide at the Midnight crossroads in “Night Shift,” a paranormal mystery by Charlaine Harris, author of the Louisiana bestselling Sookie Stackhouse mysteries. Might be a coincidence in any other town, but the tiny hamlet consists of residents who are anything but ordinary. While a phone psychic, a quirky witch and an unusual vampire research what evil lurks beneath, other plot threads involving supernatural beings pop up that keep readers guessing who’s who and what their purpose is until the very end.
“Nightshift” is the third book in Harris’s new Texas series and, as in her other books, the characters become a reader’s friends, making it hard to let go when the story concludes. This time around I became quite attached to Fiji, the dowdy but extremely likeable witch who realizes her powers when the evil presence at the crossroads comes visiting. For not the first time, I wish Harris would write faster.

I kinda have a love-hate thing going on with this series. I love the story and the characters but a few things I don't like. Some of the pace of these books is a little slow for my liking. Then the ending of this book was a bit odd.

I do enjoy that the Midnight Texas books are mainly mystery/paranormal/Urban Fantasy. Sometimes I just need a cleansing or a break from romance. These did have some romance aspect to it but only a tiny bit.

With this latest installment to the series we are getting some secrets revealed and some answers from the previous books. I have yet to figure out if this is the last book or if there will be another. The ending was to odd for me to tell one way or the other. I think she did that on purpose though.

The characters are my favorite of these books. We have a vampire, witches, psychic, were tiger, fallen angels, humans. A little bit of everything for everyone. I love that Fiji is coming into her own. We learn more about Olivia and Lemuel. I absolutely love that QUINN is in this series and another character from the Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) series. That was such a great bonus to these books.

Lots of story lines and characters and a great "world" from Charlaine Harris. I enjoyed these a lot and if there will be another one I am all for it!

This is the third book in this series, which began with Midnight Crossroad and proceeded with Dayshift. There is definitely an overall story arc so it would be best to read these books in order. Some characters and situations from Harris' other series (Sookie Stakehouse/Trueblood, Harper Connolly etc) appear in this series.

Something odd has been happening in Midnight, Texas - odd even for Midnight. People have been traveling to the tiny Texas town to commit suicide, and all are determined to do so in the center of the town. All the towns leading citizens, the vampire, the psychic, the witch, the weretigers and the rest of the residents are confused by this disturbing turn of events and desperate to halt it for fear that it would draw unwanted attention to their home. As the town works together to solve the problem more of the residents pasts are revealed.

This is an interesting series and one that has recently been picked up for a tv series. Fans of Harris work will definitely want to read this series, and those who are unfamiliar with her work would do well to begin with this series, although all should read this series, or any series by this author, in order.

I have to say, Night Shift was definitely Midnight Crossroad and Day Shift combined, but better. It contained all the dark intrigue from Midnight Crossroad, the mystery from Day Shift, and a puzzle. Dark forces are causing suicides at the Crossroad. The resident of Midnight hurry to find out what is causing it before it's too late.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again; I think the entire series was foreshadowing, building up to the end of Night Shift. Not a bad thing, but it made the two previous books nowhere near as interesting as Night Shift.

Only a few more key characters are introduced in each book, and they're all with a purpose, which is usually unknown at first. I don't have anything to say about the characters that I haven't already said, but their personalities and pasts are all slowly unveiled as the books go on.

I'm not sure if all Charlaine Harris books are like the Midnight, Texas series (these are the first books by her I've read) but the style of writing used is unique and something very different from the usual. It kept me reading on even when it got boring.

*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*

NIGHT SHIFT is the third book in the Midnight, Texas series by Charlaine Harris.

Point of View: third person
Tense: past (except for the prologue, which is written in present tense)
Sexual Content: one sex scene, but it’s not graphic
Setting: Texas
In Night Shift, the unusual residents of Midnight, Texas have another problem to solve. A demon is drawing people to the crossroads and making them kill themselves.

While Day Shift focused mostly on Manfred and Olivia, Night Shift focused more on Fiji and Bobo. But there’s also a lot going on with all the other residents, such as Madonna, Lemuel, Manfred, the Rev, etc.

If you haven’t read any of this series, I suggest you start at the beginning. This book contains vague references to earlier events that will leave some readers wondering what the heck had happened in the past if those readers haven’t read the previous books.

*To read more of this review, please visit booksthathook dot com

I love this series. While the Harper Connelly books were not my favorite series of hers, Manfred was my favorite character in the books so when I picked up the first Midnight, Texas book and realized he was a featured character, I was thrilled.

The story is great - people are coming to the town to die on the crossroads, and only the group of residents can figure out why. In each book the characters continue to grow more complex and evolve, as we learn more about them. It's a great way to really help connect us to the characters and to keep us coming back for me. The characters never feel stale or old and they work well together. I loved this book, it might even be my favorite so far. I can honestly say that I didn't want to put it down. If I had to list any negatives about it.....I can't. I really can't come up with anything. There is just something engaging about these books and these characters for me. Excellent read and eagerly waiting for book #4!

Good ending to this trilogy. I have enjoyed each of these characters. We get more details about them to finally understand them completely and get more of their backgrounds. This one was more serious, not many LOL moments.
The twist that was taken in this story had me baffled but filled with anticipation of the outcome. Not at all what I expected, but impressed with the wrap up nonetheless.
I do wish we got more books out of this series as it would be great to continue on with these characters. I am also looking forward to watching the TV series coming out soon. I hope they get more stories out of the characters than just these 3 books.

I am glad I have waited a bit before I read another series authored by Harris. How could anything top Sookie? I am not saying that Night Shift is another Sookie series in any way. It is creepy, and mysterious, and quirky. This novel is an easy read, full of all types of creatures. I felt that some of the character interaction was not cohesive, but perhaps, due to the circumstances, that was the books intent. I didn't get the warm fuzzy feeling that the citizens of Midnight were good friends, even through their shared experiences. It felt as if each person or couple distrust every other group or couple, and that made me uneasy. Again, perhaps that was the authors intent. If there is a sequel I will read it. I want to find out if..... I borrowed this book through the Sacramento Public Library via the Kindle the store program.

The only bad thing about this book is that now I'm going to have to read the two earlier books in this series. This is a story of Midnight Texas where folks that are a little out of the ordinary kind of congregate. I don't want to tell you too much, since it was such a delight meeting all the characters, and learning about them at the pace that the author wanted us to. There are supernatural forces at work here - both good and bad, and some of our preconceptions about the supernatural are totally destroyed. I tore through this book very quickly and now I'm reading it aloud with my wife, because I recommended it to her and she started it, and then when it was time for a new read-aloud book she immediately said - how about the one that I'm already reading. That's just how good it is. Can't wait to see what came before in Midnight, Texas.

Things are definitely getting interesting in Midnight, Texas and it's SO fun to go along for the ride! I'm really loving this series and the whole ensemble cast. Add in danger, romance, some new arrivals, finding out a few of the town's secrets...yeah, Night Shift upped the game and, damn, it was a blast!

The quick of it is that a big bad is rumbling in Midnight and people are acting strange. Well, stranger than normal. This is Midnight after all. This time around, though, it's life or death as people are drawn to the town's crossroads--in an almost possessed way-- and are killing themselves. It's up to the town's main players to figure out why and put a stop to the madness that's infecting so many.

One of the things I'm loving about this series is that there isn't one person this series is about. It's really a group story. There's lots of head hopping between all of the characters but it's done in a masterful way and works. It so works. I love spending time with all of them. With the witch and her familiar, the psychic with a crush, the vampire and his ladyfriend, the tigers, the fallen angels and even the lowly human pawn shop owner. It was fun seeing little bits of their pasts and their desires and their secrets brought to light. They all just came alive and I totally want to live in Midnight--minus the big bad scary happening lol I just love their eclectic mix mash of personalities, abilities and such.

The big bad and a new arrival into town were...interesting and curious and brought some very interesting revelations to the townsfolk. There was a little weirdness at the end with how it was all dealt with that was just...odd but other than that I loved seeing the group deal with the weird happenings and figuring out a way to stop it all.

I devoured Night Shift and can't freaking wait until the next one. The wait is going to be painful. I need me some more were-tigers, please! If you like a little paranormal woo-woo and a good mystery...definitely one to check out. Plus, seriously, weretigers!

*I received a copy for an honest review good or bad

I have read, or tried to read, many of the books by Charlaine Harris. Most off them fall short of the hype, or seem slapdash and unfocused. There have been only two series I can say with any honesty that I have enjoyed. The first is the Lily Bard series, the second is Midnight, Texas.
This third book brings more into the light about the denizens and citizens of this crossroads town, lending to surprising depth and growth of nearly everyone. What's more surprising is the amount of humor that I came across. I'm not sure if it was intentional but those moments were timed beautifully.
As a stand alone book Night Shift would be a fine read, but you would get more from starting with book one of the series. That said, I can easily recommend this book. I hope you enjoy it.

Night Shift is the 3rd book in Charlaine Harris's Midnight, Texas series...and I think it is the best one! You learn more about the residents of this Texas town, and why some of the strange things that have been happening have come about!

I couldn;t wait for this book,,,and now I am only sorry that I read it so fast! Love the way the author has "fleshed out" the charactersI understand that this series was meant to be a trilogy so we may never know what happens in the rest of their lives, so you can bet I will be rereadig all of the books to see if I missed picking up on anything...Five stars!

I enjoy the characters that Ms Harris has created to populate Midnight. So much so that I'll probably read the 4th book when it comes out. But that being said, the writing is horrible and many of the conversations lack any semblance of authenticity. And one of the situations involving Fiji was just ludicrous and made me feel stupid just to be reading it.

This was like the worst book in this series! I tried reading it and couldn't get into it. Since I had read the first two and I heard this one was the final book in the series, I decided I had to get through it so i listened to it. Didn't work...I still got bored and had to FORCE myself to pay attention! I've never had to do that with one of Ms. Harris's books and it makes me sad. I hope her future books are better than this one!!

Is this it? Seems as if finally all the secrets of the Midnight citizens are out. Almost. There are still a few questions left.
This third installment of the mysterious citizens of Midnight was, again, an entertaining page turner, no dull moments when it comes to Charlaine Harris' writing. However, just like with the first two books of the series I always felt kind of disconnected from the characters. While the story was strong going, the characters, despite their many secrets, were somewhat flat.

Charlane Harris' novels get better with each one she writes. Although each book stands on its own, her characters have back stories that are interestingly intertwined with characters and locations of her various series of books. This, the 3rd in the Midnight series, explores more of the town's occupants, and explains further the meaning of these crossroads. I have become an avid follower of her writing, and it is quite hard to patiently await her next offering.

As for violence and sexual content, neither are off-putting. Suffice to say, the characters care for each other and band together against the bad guys.

Don't miss your chance to read the works of this accomplished author!

Haste makes waste. The bare bones of what might be a compelling story are here, but there is no flesh. Characters are drawn in charcoal lines and never filled in with any color or precision. The premise is silly, at best. This could have been a fine story in the hands of someone who bothered to take the time it required, instead of turning in what reads like a first draft to the publisher. The characters disappoint, the writing style is childish and far from polished. Simply stated, this is not the work of a professional writer.

I love Charlaine Harris. I've read all of her books, and I have truly loved each series. And the thing I particularly enjoy about this series is that the main character isn't actually a person, its a location. The town of Midnight is the central focus, as we toggle between each character's perspective. And that gives these book such a enormous amount of atmosphere. It pervades everything, and make this series especially mesmerizing and richly textured. The concept of bringing characters from all her separate series together into one tale is unique in my reading experience. And its brilliant. I loved this, I hope you will too. And as always, here's hoping she gives us another installment.

I love this quirky series! I purchased this book when it came out and somehow it got put to the bottom of my TBR. I am so glad I found it. I stayed up way too late reading it. We find out a lot more about the residents of Midnight when they all have to pitch in to stop the trouble brewing at the crossroads. We even get a new resident. This series isn’t for everyone but if you like things a little off center I suggest you give this series a shot.

Something is wrong in Midnight, Texas. Not the usual things, the pale man who only comes out at night, the famous psychic, the Rev, who only dresses in black and has an animal cemetery at his church. Something bad is happening and no one can seem to stop it. People are showing up at the crossroads and committing suicide. If the group of people who have become a family to each other don't stop them, the world will have something to worry about too.

Charlaine Harris's latest book about the town of Midnight is about danger, mystery, and family. Fiji, the resident witch, is not very happy to find her sister on her doorstep, Kiki (short for Waikiki, their parents having a thing for tropical paradise) has left her husband and rather than go home to stay with their mother, has decided to inflict her annoying self on Fiji. Fiji's great-aunt Mildred had left her the house her shop was in and Kiki had always been jealous. In fact, Kiki always wanted what Fiji had, and since arriving in town was sniffing around all the eligible males in sight.

In the meantime, Olivia was worried her father had finally found her. She suspected Teacher, the local handyman, and would be taking steps to confirm her suspicions. It's just that they needed to pull together as a town and figure out why everyone was literally dying to be there at the crossroads in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. In my last review for this series, I suspected there would be a greater role for Teacher and Madonna Reed. I wasn't wrong.

I loved this latest novel by Charlaine Harris, who isn't having a problem moving on from the Sookie Stackhouse books. Some authors never rise above their first great triumphs, but Ms. Harris is doing just fine, thank you very much. There is talk of a TV movie for this series also.

I received an ebook from Ace/Roc for my unbiased review.

I read this, the latest book in the series, first then went on to read the first two and, thereby, confirm my impression that this book was rushed off to the presses too soon. It didn't feel as honed as most of Charlaine's work. There were problems with syntax, pacing, and some even more "out there" plot elements, all of which Charlaine effortlessly overcomes in her other books. And, if I'm honest, I thought Fiji's public sexual deflowering was a little rude. As a character, she deserved better treatment. Just sayin'.

Night Shift is easily the best of the Midnight, Texas series. CH really found her stride with this world and with writing in the third person. The characters were sharp and distinct. The story provided a ton of info about their backgrounds, so I feel like I finally got to know them. Plus the story basically explains why all the characters ended up in Midnight. I loved this book and wish it wasn't the last in a trilogy. Maybe the weird residents of Midnight can discover a new problem for another three books. LOL

This was the third book in the series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I would enjoy going to visit Midnight if it was a real place.

I hope there will be more books about this town. I suggest reading the books in order and hope you like them as much as I did.

Charlaine Harris has done it yet again with another fast-paced read in her final book "Night Shift" in the "Midnight Crossroads" trilogy. I have to admit that, while I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series, I found that around book 12 and 13 it was becoming too much for the reader which is why I love Harris' shorter series' like "Midnight Crossroads". This book concluded the trilogy like a present wrapped on Christmas morning with a bow on top or sprinkles on your favorite ice cream sundae.

The story starts sometime after "Day Shift" focusing on what makes Midnight,Texas tick, or more accurately, what lies beneath the crossroads in the small town. We learn more about Fiji, her family situation and more about her character as she is the star of this book, we learn more about who Olivia really is and, most importantly, we finally get a look into what the Reeds have been doing this entire time.

This book is a nice closing to the series with a satisfying ending. While it is not my favorite in the series, because the first one-hundred or so pages are quite slow, it is one of the best final novels of any of Harris' series.

I totally give this book a 5 star rating!! The town coming together to save the world, even though real world problems were effecting them. Fiji finally realizing how powerful she was, BoBo finally stepping up and knowing the true story of the Reeds made this book a page turner. Oh yea and putting the demon back was a great part too!! Hoping for another book in this series, but if not I was satisfied with the ending.

What's not to like. A large cast of interesting characters, a dynamite story, and a build up to an exciting climax, heh. Oh yes, a vampire, 2 gay Angels, a witch and a talking cat. After all, this is Charlaine Harris!

I liked this novel well enough. Like most of Charlaines novels, this is a quick, pulpy read. I do find it funny that the Fiji character is just Sookie Stackhouse in another place basically. Cute series of books, still reserving judgement on the TV series based on them so far.