https://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2023/09/2023126-night-shift-charlaine-harris.html ( )

I love these. They're light and a bit cheesy and fun and I live in a small town (not quite as small as Midnight though) and I could totally see these happening here. It was exactly what I needed after reading a book that I just did not click with very well. I am very disappointed that I have to wait for the next one until next year. ( )

Night Shift
4 Stars

Life in the tiny and quirky town of Midnight, Texas takes a turn toward the even more bizarre when people begin committing suicide at the crossroad. Local vampire, Lemuel Bridger, is convinced that the explanation lies in a centuries-old esoteric text, which soon reveals the reason so many supernatural species are drawn to Midnight. Now the residents will have to band together to battle a dangerous foe determined on using the town and its people to further their own agenda.

Series note: This is book #3 and relies heavily on the previous 2 installments for character and plot development. Moreover, most of the main characters are from Harris's other series. Thus, not only should the books be read in order, but it is highly recommended that Sookie Stackhouse, Lily Bard, and Harper Connelly be read first (in no particular order).

All of the loose threads from the first two books are gathered together and tied off neatly in this installment. Most of the focus is on Fiji Cavanaugh, Midnight's resident witch, and readers are finally rewarded for their patience with Fiji and Bobo's much hinted at romance. That said, they do take their sweet time about it. There are also interesting revelations concerning Lemuel Bridger's past and how he became a vampire as well as developments in his relationship with Olivia.

The suspense plot is very different from that of the first two books as it is not a paranormal mystery, but a more traditional urban fantasy storyline with a demon attempting to gain entry via the crossroad and the ritual required to entrap him once again.

Overall, I have really enjoyed my sojourn in Midnight, Texas. While Night Shift is a delightful and satisfying ending, I am sad to be saying goodbye to the quirky characters. Looking forward to Harris's next writing adventure. ( )

Oh, man. I liked this series, I liked the reject characters from Harris' previous series, I liked the style, I generally just like the author's style. I was so hoping this last in the series would have been edgy and awesome and really satisfying considering it concludes the story of Midnight, at least for now, but no.

I was optimistic until the last quarter of the book, when Fiji started feeling more and more like a really predictable Mary Sue and not the interesting character I had taken her for until then. And the "climax" of the book, oh god, it was so gringe-worthy to me. I think I actually rolled my eyes. I'm so sad about this, I hope I hadn't read the third book and had left it at the second.

Four stars for the first three quarters of the book, two for the final one. So, have a grudging three out of five. ( )

Charlaine Harris does it again! It's hard to rate what she does best. Setting, she makes you feel like you're there, whether it's outside under the dry Texas sun or inside the crowded shop. Characters: each and every character is fun, entertaining and uniquely ghoulish. Plot: I had such a good time being on the ride of the story that I didn't give a second thought to plot. It was woven in around and through the settings and character development. If you liked True Blood, you'll love Night Shift! ( )