Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore
Sullivan, MatthewWho ever heard of a bookshop staying open to midnight? But the Bright Ideas Bookstore is not just a shop, it is a haven, not only for the BookFrogs, the down and out regulars who frequent its aisles but also for bookseller Lydia Smith. When Joe Molina, Lydia's favourite BookFrog ends his life in the store, he leaves behind a puzzle, one that involves Lydia and the traumatic events of her childhood. Joe's trail of breadcrumbs - coded messages he has left in books - draws Lydia back into her past and the unsolved Hammerman massacre that has defined her life.
Intricately plotted and scattered with singular characters, this entertaining and disturbing mystery proffers the perfect diversion for booklovers and puzzle solvers alike. [Larger font]
Pages
326
326
Year
2017
2017
Reviews
02-11-2023
Generally well liked. Found to be quite readable and the mystery was quite good at not being too easy to figure out early. Reasonable discussion points.
04-08-2023
We found the book hard to read. Felt that the author tried to put too much in it.
08-05-2023
Best book we have read in ages. Loved the storyline. Overall a sad sad book but intriguing.
28-02-2023
A brilliantly engrossing novel - 100% of our group loved it! A good long-haul flight read!!
08-11-2022
This book, full of twists and turns, was enjoyed by everyone in our group. The mysterious thrilling plot kept us all guessing to the end. The book made strong statements about the long-lasting effects of abandonment, adoption and abusive behaviour.
08-11-2022
Some members thought it not up the standard of usual books, but others enjoyed the "whodunnit" aspect and the intricacy of the plot and the characters.
08-11-2022
Clever plot - we all enjoyed the book. We loved that books were integral to the lives and well-being of the characters. An engaging and absorbing read.
08-11-2022
3 of our group found the rape episode so upsetting that they decided not to read the reminder of the book. Those of us who finished it liked the writing style and enjoyed the rather mystical element to it.
07-10-2022
Most enjoyed, and liked the intrigue.
13-07-2022
Most of us felt ambivalent about the book initially, mainly because it seemed a bit contrived. However, once into it we enjoyed the unravelling of the puzzle and the cleverness of the plot. The characters were quirky and unusual and the book was very descriptive of people's lives on the edge. And despite some grim and sad elements, the book was optimistic about the way people were generally kind and helpful within their abilities. It is an easy read and just right for a distraction, rather than any deep thinking.
11-05-2022
Kept most of the group guessing right until the end.
08-05-2022
We enjoyed the suspense and originality of this book. Most of us read it. Enjoyed the background of 'books'.
06-05-2022
We enjoyed the book immensely. Although a sad story it was a great read.
22-04-2022
We were all disappointed with this book and felt it sat uneasily with all the other wonderful BDS choices we have read over the years. It had promise but didn't quite 'make it'.
21-04-2022
Very mixed reviews on this one. Three rated it at 4, 2 hated it, the other 7 were mediocre. Most thought the mystery was clever and the library setting interesting and original. Did not warm to characters and found the code unlikely.
08-02-2022
We enjoyed the book despite some improbable plot elements.
27-01-2022
A real whodunnit with no one guessing the perpetrator till the great reveal at the end. Sullivan hooked us in via his narrative however, due to the omniscient point of view he chose, character development was limited. Nonetheless, it was a page turner that kept us entertained as our Summer read.
08-11-2021
Everyone who read it really loved it. A couple of people just read it right through and couldn't put it down. Recommended.
25-06-2021
The group was split in regard to how much they enjoyed this book. This did lead to a very robust discussion though, with references to childhood trauma and it's continuing effects into adulthood. No one picked the killer and there was respect for the author and how they wove the different story lines together.
28-04-2021
Only one member was enthusiastic about this book.We enjoyed the bookshop atmosphere, but found the characters rather unconvincing and the clues in the cut out pages frustrating. As a thriller it was lacking in tension, as a novel rather pedestrian.
16-04-2021
All but one of those present at the meeting enjoyed the book for what it is - a mystery. The depiction of the bookshop rang very true for an ex-librarian member who has had experience of the lost and lonely who frequent public libraries. Perhaps Joey's method of communicating was a little elaborate - thank goodness the author included transcripts for the terminally lazy of us. The writer's style is very readable, the setting intriguing, the plot involved with twists - what's not to like
28-02-2021
Everyone bar one enjoyed this book. We were sad for Joey because all he wanted was a family. Lots of twists and not many picked the killer. Great discussion and some who don't often read these kind of books, want to read more.
10-08-2020
Lots of twists and unpredictable outcomes.
31-07-2020
Not a popular read. Comments included implausible, wooden and frustrating. Everyone agreed it was an easy read and 3 of the group did enjoy it as light, entertainment. We found Joey's coded messages an unlikely method of communication and the author's inclusion of those messages in the format chosen was annoying. Not a book any of us would recommend or be interested in seeking out more by that author.
04-05-2020
What a great yarn! Enjoyed by all that I have talked to about it. No meeting as a few of us are in isolation.
25-03-2020
Everyone in the group enjoyed this book. Highly original concept and well thought-out plot.
16-03-2020
All, except one person who doesn't like mysteries, enjoyed this book. The characters were clearly defined and the story with its twists and turns was well developed. An "enjoyable" read.
14-02-2020
Well-written, all enjoyed it! Inventive storyline. Kept us guessing until the end.
05-02-2020
All the members enjoyed the book and the discussion was lively. We were impressed with Matthew Sullivan's ability to write a female character so well.
22-10-2019
An interesting book that created a lot of discussion. Good book for a quick read.
16-10-2019
Everyone really enjoyed this book. A good read that kept you wondering.