A Book A Week

There exists a profound connection between Southerners and religion, a bond deeply ingrained in the fabric of Southern culture. As a native of South Texas, my early years were shaped by regular Sunday masses and cherished memories forged within the embrace of various church events. Over time, my relationship with faith underwent a transformation, one marked by contemplating the inherent contradictions within the religion I was taught to embrace. Religion, while a potent ethical guide for many, has been exploited throughout history to serve personal gains and hidden agendas. In her latest novel, Midnight is the Darkest Hour, Ashley Winstead explores this complex interplay in a gripping Southern Gothic mystery that will captivate readers from start to finish.

The town of Bottom Springs in rural Louisiana epitomizes Southern religiosity. Pastor James Cornier, head of the Holy Fire Born Again church, isn't just a local religious figure; he is the de facto leader, enforcing his fundamentalist Christian beliefs upon the entire town. His daughter, Ruth, knows the weight of his teachings intimately, having lived her entire life under his authoritative rule, where a woman's role is confined to silence and obscurity.

Everett and his father were shunned for their lack of church attendance, becoming pariahs of Bottom Springs. Childhood friends Everett and Ruth share a dark secret from years past, vowing never to speak of it again, a vow that gradually eroded their friendship. When a human skull is discovered in the swamp, adorned with peculiar carvings Pastor Cornier deems occultic, rumors of the legendary "low man," a vampiric entity haunting the town for decades, resurface. Everett and Ruth join forces to investigate the skull's origins and protect their shared secret, unearthing sinister truths misaligned with the church's teachings in the process.

Midnight is the Darkest Hour unfolds as a meticulously plotted thriller, exploring themes of feminism, religion, and morality. The town of Bottom Springs comes to life through a cast of characters brimming with authenticity, each wrestling with their own perceptions of the world. Pastor Cornier, a sanctimonious figure casting a long shadow over the town and his daughter's life, embodies the type of self-righteous authority familiar to many churchgoers. Ruth's journey to forge her path, diverging from her father's prescribed vision, adds an ominous layer to the narrative. Flashbacks seamlessly interweave with the present-day mystery, offering tantalizing glimpses into unfolding events and hinting at more profound, shocking revelations.

Winstead masterfully introduces the specter of an otherworldly threat, enhancing the narrative with an air of macabre suspense. This element fuels the imagination, inviting readers to contemplate the lurking horrors beneath the surface. At its core, Midnight is the Darkest Hour is a tale of self-discovery and acceptance, exploring the evolving ideologies that serve as ethical compasses in our lives. The novel's gripping mystery, meticulously crafted plot, and well-drawn characters contribute to its resonant impact, making it a compelling read that lingers far beyond the final page.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 21)