The Midnight Before Christmas: A Holiday Thriller

Have read several of Bernhardt's book and I think this is one of his best. Megan McGee is approached by Bonnie Cantrell who wants protection from her ex-husband, Carl Cantrell. She says that Carl has beaten her before and is afraid he will kill their seven year old son. Megan does what she can but she begins to wonder if Bonnie is telling her the truth. The story takes many twist and turns. It will hold your attention, it is short and a quick easy read. Carl tries to get his boy back, he is shot, but by whom? The ending is great and makes you think. A good book.

This is a short book that only takes a couple of hours to read, because you just want to keep reading it. It is full of suspense and also a little tear may come at the ending. It is centered around Christmas Eve and the happenings of an Attorney, Mom, Son & Ex Husband. The outside says Holiday Thriller and I would have to agree with this description. This was published in 1998 so should be easy to find at the libary or used book store. Mr. Bernhardt is an attorney, so I am sure that the items about the law are pretty true.

I love this book it made me believe in the miracle of Christmas! The main character was strong and fascinating and really and angel of mercy! Just when you think you know where this book is going it changes it course. I think this man is an excellent writer and hope to read more books by him!

Another tense, face-paced, exciting, suspenseful, delightful morsel with a wonderfully surprising ending!Does this mean a new series with Bonnie and Carl?William Bernhardt is definitely my favorite writer, and this was the perfect christmas gift!

On Christmas Eve in Oklahoma City, ex-cop Carl Cantrell beats up one man, viciously knocks down another person, and violently rages at his ex-wife Bonnie because he insists on seeing his seven-year old son, Tommy. Though he tries to forcibly enter her home, Bonnie refuses to allow him to see the child because she fears that Carl will abuse him as he has done before. Carl blames all his troubles on Bonnie and not the alcohol that has cost him his law enforcement position. Carl vows to see his son over the holidays or no one will ever see the kid alive again.Because of his harassment, Bonnie turns to lawyer Megan McGee for relief. She tells the attorney that the local police offer no solution because they still consider Carl one of theirs. However, it turns out to be too late to obtain a restraining order because Carl has calmly taken Tommy from the Villa Veronica Day Care. Even though they may rescue Tommy this time, Megan knows that she is dealing with a serious lunatic who has the protection of his former peers at least until something horrendous happens to the boy.THE MIDNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a taut thriller that focuses on every nurturing parent's worse nightmare. The relationship-based story line is tense and exciting as the terror grows in counterpoint to most of the townsfolk celebrating the holiday season. The characters are first rate, but it's interesing to observe the lack of loving affinity between the victim and his tormentor. William Bernhardt, renowned for his wonderful Ben Kincaid legal thrillers, scribes a fantastic Yuletide novel that should elate fans who get off on a non-stop family drama.Harriet Klausner