4.5 Stars. The chilling look inside the mind of a serial killer will haunt readers long after Midnight Fear reaches its stunning conclusion. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/?p=576 ( )

Midnight Fear
3 Stars

Caitlyn Cahill is slowly putting her life back together after her brother’s conviction for being the Capital Killer when she becomes the target of a copycat killer seeking to continue her brother’s legacy. FBI profiler Reid Novak, the man who put Joshua Cahill behind bars, returns from medical leave to investigate and provide the protection that Caitlyn so desperately needs.

The plot has potential and Joshua Cahill is one of those villains who simply makes your skin crawl. Nevertheless, the story takes too long to get going and lacks that special something that makes it difficult to put down. There is a limited number of suspects and one is obviously a red herring. Moreover, there is a gigantic plot hole that makes it easy to guess the identity of the copycat - there is no way the FBI would have denied Caitlyn protection unless Tierney had never requested it.

The romance is also weak as Caitlyn and Reid have virtually zero chemistry and their sex scenes are awkward and contrived. Moreover, the fact that Reid is recovering from a brain tumor may add depth to his character but it is not conducive to romance.

Overall, a rather mediocre mystery and there are much better romantic suspense novels out there.
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“Midnight Fear” by Leslie Tentler:

One would think having a brother turn out to be a serial killer, who murdered several women in some of the most appalling ways, would be enough for one person to endure. That’s what happened in “Midnight Caller.” But for Caitlyn Cahill, it doesn’t end there. In this newest novel of her trilogy “Midnight Fear,” Tentler brings the reader through another horrendous nightmare as a copycat tries to finish what Caitlyn’s brother Joshua started—and Caitlyn is the prime star of his fantasies. But FBI Agent Reid Novak is once again there to assist and protect Caitlyn, whom he begins to have strong feelings for. As tough as an agent he is, as faithful to his job and to Caitlyn, those traits may not be enough. A second brain tumor is coming back, the first he battled after Joshua’s arrest. Will Reid be around to protect Caitlyn from the copycat killer?

Tentler holds the reader mesmerized, unable to put the book down or the story to rest until the last page. A magnificent tale, written in such a way it’s near impossible to guess who the copycat is (I know I was taken by complete surprise and that’s hard to do!). This is one book to definitely pick up. You will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “Deadly Decisions”

“Midnight Fear” by Leslie Tentler:

One would think having a brother turn out to be a serial killer, who murdered several women in some of the most appalling ways, would be enough for one person to endure. That’s what happened in “Midnight Caller.” But for Caitlyn Cahill, it doesn’t end there. In this newest novel of her trilogy “Midnight Fear,” Tentler brings the reader through another horrendous nightmare as a copycat tries to finish what Caitlyn’s brother Joshua started—and Caitlyn is the prime star of his fantasies. But FBI Agent Reid Novak is once again there to assist and protect Caitlyn, whom he begins to have strong feelings for. As tough as an agent he is, as faithful to his job and to Caitlyn, those traits may not be enough. A second brain tumor is coming back, the first he battled after Joshua’s arrest. Will Reid be around to protect Caitlyn from the copycat killer?

Tentler holds the reader mesmerized, unable to put the book down or the story to rest until the last page. A magnificent tale, written in such a way it’s near impossible to guess who the copycat is (I know I was taken by complete surprise and that’s hard to do!). This is one book to definitely pick up. You will not be disappointed. ( )

Midnight Fear is Leslie Tentler’s second novel and follows Agent Novak’s dangerous job to catch a copycat killer before he kills the ex-socialite Caitlyn Cahill.

The book starts with a bang – or more accurately a murder and does not slow down after that. The plot is complex and in places very chilling, although the characterisation, particularly of Novak is at times a bit hit and miss, perhaps a bit 2D for my liking.

I didn’t realise that this was a romantic suspense until I started reading, this for me spoilt the book a bit as I felt it detracted from the plot – though this is my personal preference.

Overall an interesting read with a great ending. The book is let down by the unbelievable lead character and, in my opinion, a token romance plot. All in all, the brilliant plot outweighs the downsides - which is why this has a four-star rating. ( )