The Midnight Before Christmas Review
The Midnight Before Christmasby William Bernhardt
Ballantine Books, November 1998.
Paperback, 224 pages.
ISBN: 0345428102.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Megan McGee, a
kind-spirited lawyer, is prepared
to spend Christmas alone
with her bulldog, Jasper. Her lonely
plans began to change when
Bonnie Cantrell arrives at her office
seeking protection from her
ex-husband who she says has
vowed to kill their son Tommy.
To make matters worse, Bonnie's
ex-husband Carl is an ex-cop
and is on friendly terms with
the force. While Megan goes
and tries to get a restraining
order on Carl, he, in turn, kidnaps
seven year old Tommy from the
nursery. As the hunt for Carl
ensues, Megan begins to uncover
a crime that may be more sinister
than Carl's kidnapping and threats.
Can Megan solve the caper and
save Christmas for poor confused
Tommy? Will she find
any holiday company besides
Jasper the bulldog?
The Midnight Before Christmas is a surprisingly good Christmas mystery full of plot twists and appealing characters, including especially devious wicked characters. An excellent mystery with an ending full of Christmas spirit. An enjoyable book for the holidays.
Return to the December 1998 issue of The IWJ.
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