Vivian Gilbert Zabel’s MIDNIGHT HOURS

 Review by Sara Young

Who is really behind the anonymous screen name we contact so frequently, sometimes connect with so well? Vivian Gilbert Zabel presents one chilling scenario in her mystery/suspense novel, MIDNIGHT HOURS. [Available from 4RV Publishing, © 2008 ISBN 9780979751332]

Wheelchair-bound homicide detective Martin Rogers finds himself right in the middle of an investigation. It’s looking more and more like his new on-line companion, Midnight, is linked to a string of dead men. They have something besides Midnight in common, too: They were all disabled. Now Martin and his dedicated team of friends and colleagues must track Midnight down before Martin winds up at the end of that list. Along the way, Midnight takes Martin, Assistant District Attorney Lisa Harris, detectives Kyle Stone and Frank Thomas on a wild chase of dead-end leads and dizzying turns.

Though Midnight commits multiple murders, the atrocity is handled delicately. Two of the characters share a love interest. Sexual tension occurs, but they do not wander beyond chaste kissing. Some mild profanity is used within the confines of character context, but it is sporadic. The absence of graphic violence, gore, sexual content, strong adult language or overtones makes this easy read suitable for anyone between the ages of ten and one hundred who likes to think around the corners of the mystery genre.