I really know when I’ve hit a series I love – it’s the only time I read as fast as I did, speeding through the Hode’s Hill books without pause.
Here is my review of book #2, END OF DAY, and if you missed my review of book #1, CUSP OF NIGHT, you can catch it HERE.
End of Day by Mae ClairMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Generations of Jillian’s family have been tasked with tending the grave of Gabriel Vane. Legend has it that as first to be buried in the Hode’s Hill cemetery, Gabriel guards the burial ground from evil. Jillian takes her role very seriously, but is also dealing with the fallout of her brother-in-law’s murder, which has left her sister, Madison, in a catatonic state.
And then someone robs the grave, removing Gabriel’s bones, and all hell lets loose…
In this, the second of the Hode’s Hill novels, we delve further into the life of minor characters from book #1. Jillian is a complex character with empathic abilities. We saw a little of her in ‘Cusp of Night’, along with her devoted Husky, Blizzard, and learn that the dog is a therapy animal that helps keep Jillian grounded when her ability goes into overdrive.
Back also are Dante, and police detective, David, along with several new characters who end up facing more supernatural mayhem, when a spate of fatal accidents befalls residents of the area – residents who all have family buried in the graveyard Gabriel should be protecting.
Like book #1, a slowly revealed historical story unwinds alongside current events. These interlocking stories draw you along, eager to know exactly how Gabriel ended up dying at such a young age, and how the removal of his bones can be escalated to a matter of import to the local police force. After all, grave robbing isn’t really an urgent matter, or so the fact-led detectives believe.
I read this book even faster than book #1. There isn’t much I can add to my comments on Clair’s excellent writing, other than to say this time around I didn’t NOTICE the writing, which for me is the highest accolade I can bestow on an author.
If you haven’t tried this series yet, I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good mystery well laced with the supernatural and a little bit of gruesome!
View all my reviews
I’m now closing in on the end of book #3, review next week!
deborahjay 
I loved this series, too. Great to see it getting some press.
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It definitely deserves it.
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Super review, Deborah.
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Cheers John! 😀
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😊
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I love this series. This particular book is one of my all-time favorites.
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I read this one the fastest, meaning it was my favourite too.
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Great review, Debby, and I’m so glad you are enjoying Mae’s series. I loved all three books, with the last one being my very favorite. And I’m still agog over blue people!! Who knew??? 😉 Can’t wait to see what you think of how the series wraps up. I know you’ll love the finale! 🙂
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Yes, that made me go and research blue people – I had no idea!
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I did the same thing. I was flabbergasted.
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Debbie. Mae is an extraordinary writer and I ditto your mentioned accolades. Bravo! 💙
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😀
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I also enjoyed this series, Deborah, and this is my favourite book of the three.
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Mine too ❤
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Ha! I can tell you’re hooked on this trilogy. It’s a great read. Enjoy the last!
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Lol, you’re not wrong! And I did ❤
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Debby, I apologize for arriving so late. I’ve been offline caught up in NaNo and a office move. But I’m thrilled by how much you enjoyed End of Day. Your review has me grinning ear to ear. Thank you for the wonderful review and for sharing with your readers! 🙂
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That’s no surprise, if you’re involved in NaNo. Not something I would ever undertake (life and work just wouldn’t permit), but I have enough friends who do it to understand the commitment.
Nice to have pleased you with my review – I have certainly enjoyed reading the entire series and I salute you for your excellent writing skills.
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