We’re back and getting back in the groove!
Thanks to Lake Union for the free advanced copies in exchange for our honest reviews.
AFTER NIGHTFALL – A.J. Banner (out now!)
Check out what Chandra, Sam, and I thought 🙂
Chandra’s Thoughts: 3/5 stars
Banner has a way of just taking you right into the story. From the very first chapter you’re left with questions and it continues throughout the entire novel.
At times the writing did feel a bit rushed and not as smooth as I have seen from other books by this author. Question. Answer. Him? Her? The best part is that you really don’t know who the killer is. Doubts are cast on every character, which is always a fun read in my opinion. I am a little put off by the very last chapter. I’m not sure how I feel about it and if it was really necessary. If you’ve read the book I’d love to discuss with you.
I did feel most of the scenarios were pretty realistic. When long time friends with a bit of a sordid history come together, jealousy, paranoia with that underlying of knowing the goodness in each can make for solid story telling.
If you’re looking for a quick whodunit type of read that will keep you entertained that I think this qualifies.
Sam’s Thoughts: 4/5 stars
If I had to describe the writing of A.J Banner in a word, I would choose “hooked” because that is exactly what happens to me when I read the first page of a novel she has written.
I read The Twilight Wife a few years back in a single sitting so I was thrilled when #cjsreads decided to buddy read her newest release, After Nightfall, for one of our August picks. This novel was no different from The Twilight Wife in regards to the amount of time it took me to read it as I read this one in a single sitting.
Essentially, this novel encompasses the basic plot for a noteworthy thriller. Lying husband? Check! Suspicious wife? Check! A dead body? Check!
I find Banner’s prose to be very realistic and easy to absorb; this is probably why I am able to sit down and binge read her books. However, I do find (and I had similar feelings with The Twilight Wife) that the conclusions are a little predictable. I am able to predict the ending pretty early on to the plot. Did this make After Nightfall less enjoyable? Not for me. However, I could see that being an issue for some readers.
I think this would be an awesome lighter, thriller to bring to the beach. Fan of Liane Morarity or SJ Watson? I think After Nightfall would suit your fancy just fine!
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars
This was my introduction to A.J. Banner – I do have THE TWILIGHT WIFE sitting on my shelves in the never-ending TBR. I will definitely be picking that one up sooner rather than later! AFTER NIGHTFALL is such a quick read at just under 300 pages, and Banner sucks you in from the first chapter.
The dynamics of a friendship can be so different in so many ways, and the one between Lauren and Marissa is definitely a complicated one. Best friends torn apart by a betrayal that are slowly trying to rebuild their friendship and let each other in. This all changes when Marissa finds Lauren’s body down on the beach. Marissa is determined to find out what truly happened that night – did Lauren jump? Did someone push her?
The thriller and mystery genre can become very predictable at times, but Banner did a great job keeping me on my toes. Most of the time you find yourself constantly changing your mind on who it could have been. There was a growing sense of foreboding and paranoia as the story progressed which really amped up the suspense.
If you’re looking for a great mystery without the police procedural, then this is the perfect choice! You’ll find yourself second and third guessing yourself as you race to the end.
What did you think of this one?
–Jess
Jessicamap Reviews 
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