Midnight Is the Darkest Hour: A Novel by Ashley Winstead

Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead is a gripping and dark novel perfect for fans of Verity and A Flicker in the Dark. Set in the small town of Bottom Springs, Louisiana, the story revolves around Ruth Cornier, a librarian who has always felt like an outsider. Her father, the fiery pastor of Holy Fire Baptist, preaches about God and the Devil, but the townspeople are more terrified of local legends like the Low Man, a vampiric figure believed to kill sinners on moonless nights.

The town is thrown into chaos when a skull is discovered in the swamp, surrounded by mysterious carved symbols. Ruth, along with Everett, an old friend with a dark past, delves into the town's murky secrets to uncover the true evil lurking within. As they navigate through Bottom Springs' underbelly, Ruth is confronted with the harsh realities of love, religion, and the power dynamics that shape their lives.

Midnight is the Darkest Hour is a tale of murder, obsessive love, and the beastly urges that lie dormant in everyone, even in the God-fearing folk of Bottom Springs. Winstead's novel is a powerful exploration of the expectations placed on women, the ways people seek salvation through love and religion, and the lengths one must go to reclaim their power. This twisted and haunting story is a testament to the monstrous work of being a girl in a world filled with darkness and secrets. ❤️📚❤️