Midnight Rain

I've never heard of James Newman and I picked up MIDNIGHT RAIN on the strong recommendation of a friend. After reading this book, I'm surprised that Mr. Newman isn't better known. This novel is that good. MIDNIGHT RAIN is a relatively simple story of a 12-year old boy who witnesses a terrible crime in a small town, and all the consequences that result. I read the novel in one sitting, and found myself in constant suspense. There were moments when I dreaded turning the page, because I was afraid of what was going to happen next. In a way, this novel reminded me of Stephen King's CARRIE: simply written yet tremendously effective. If Newman can write more books like this, he has a fine future ahead of him. Highly recommended.

An underground horror writer making his mass-publication debut with a "serious literature" mystery suspense/novel?! "No way," I thought. Well, instincts aren't always right. With MIDNIGHT RAIN, James Newman puts the others to shame. This is one of the most unpretentious, sincere, and enjoyable books I have read in a while. The first hand narration of Kyle Mackey, recalling his life as a 12-year old who had the misfortune of being the sole witness to a heinous murder, takes the reader to Midnight, NC circa 1975. Kyle Mackey, an unassuming, sensitive boy takes his bike to his "secret spot," an abandoned shack in the middle of the woods. It is there he witnesses a gruesome murder. A mystery follows, as Kyle finds not only is there noone he can confide in, but things are not as they seem. A poignant tale of the loss of innocence is woven in. That's as far as I'll go with the plot. I'd like to proclaim James Newman as a major player in the realm of fiction. His sheer story telling talent is obvious throughout, the charcters are real, the tone is consistent, this is just a hard one to put down. This is what fiction is all about-- entertainment without cheating the reader. There is no "literary snobbiness" here, just a born storyteller doing what he does best. A MUST-READ for all mystery/suspense, and even horror fans!

Got a few free hours to spare? You're going to need them with James Newman's first novel. I read the entire thing in one sitting, not necessarily out of choice or having that much free time, but because it was impossible to stop once I began. I don't think I have ever torn through a book this fast before. In the vein of McCammon's Boys Life, Newman's Midnight Rain is one of those books that so perfectly captures what it is to be young and what it means when that innocence ends. A dark-toned thriller about a horrible secret a young boy has no choice but to keep and deal with himself. Keep your eyes peeled for the horror cinema and author references. It is obvious that Newman is a huge fan of the horror genre and pays homage to a number of the genre's finest authors with tributes ranging from character names to drive-in theatres. A very nice touch. If his first novel is any indication, we can expect a powerful new voice in dark fiction for years to come. Books like Midnight Rain are the reason I read.

I ought to hit the ground fast. This book does, and doesn't let up on the pace one bit. A tight fun read, fans of BOY'S LIFE by R. Mccammon and SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES by Ray Bradbury, or IT by Steve King, or THE BOTTOMS by Joe Lansdale ought to enjoy this book. It's a warm comfortable yarn, with a smooth accesible voice that tugs you closer to the fire and begs you to make yourself comfortable. There's darkness here, and nostalgia, and the scent of wet pine needles. The rot of the forest, the creaking of old boards in an abandoned farmhouse. The notion that darkness can hide in any corner, and sometimes even in broad daylight. The midnight rain falls all day long for some of us. It'll teach you creeping paranoia, and make you wonder about your neighbours. If you enjoyed TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, you're going to love MIDNIGHT RAIN. I recommend it highly. This author is going to go places and you'll be in on his first novel. I give it a howling yowza and a thumbs up from the wild wet wilderness. Yours in horror, Steve Vernon

Jame's Newman's debut mass-market novel is a fantastic beginning to what's sure to be a stellar career for this fine talent. Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, this coming-of-age tale should be enjoyed most by fans of Robert McCammon's Boy's Life and Stephen King's "The Body", though the expert storytelling and razor-wire tension maintained throughout the narrative make this a good choice for anyone looking for a good, relentlessly compelling suspense tale.