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Who would ever suspect that their mentor, teacher, and friend was a cold-blooded killer? Jessie Martin didn't—at least not until she answers the midnight call.
Late one August night, Jessie's lifelong mentor and friend–and presently a popular, charismatic, and handsome high school teacher–Terrence Butterfield calls. He utters a startling admission: he's killed someone. He pleads for Jessie's help, so out of loyalty she rushes to his aid completely unaware that she's risking her relationship, her career, and her life–and that of her unborn child–to help Terrence.
Does Jessie's presence at Terrence's home implicate her in the gruesome murder of the teenage boy found in the basement? Why does Terrence betray Jessie when he has a chance to exonerate her of all charges? Has he been a monster in disguise for all these years?
To reclaim her life and prove her innocence, Jessie must untangle the web of lies and reveal the shocking truths behind the homicide. The quest turns out to be the fight of her life: to preserve everything and everyone she holds dear.
"A Must-read." USA Today Network
"The tricky legal maneuvering intrigues...Millman writes with verve." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"If you like courtroom battles, this legal thriller fits the bill!" – Chanticleer Reviews. The Midnight Call won First Place for "Best Police Procedural" in the CLUE Awards.
"An intriguing courtroom thriller." – Top Shelf Magazine
"Witty, smart, and entertaining. An intriguing mix of hopes and fears, where the line between right and wrong blurs into some juicy, legal skullduggery." Steve Berry International and New York Times bestselling author of The Malta Exchange
"Death comes to a small city--itself caught up in a struggle for survival--and slowly begins to dismember the lives of all involved. Most at risk is pregnant attorney Jessie Martin, who will soon be engaged in a battle for justice, freedom, and ultimately, the life of her unborn child. Jode Millman tackles issues of wealth, power, and mental illness--as well as the ability of a woman to speak up in a world designed to suppress her. The powerful ending of this novel dwells in terrifying ambiguities--while leaving readers with hope that the best lies ahead for a heroine not afraid to answer the midnight call. Jenny Milchman, USA Today bestselling author of Cover of Snow & Wicked River
"Jodé Susan Millman's The Midnight Call is an impressive debut. Deft plotting peels back the payers of this deliciously creepy and convoluted suspense novel in which surprises abound and nothing is as it seems. Don't think you know how this plays out- just put yourself in Millman's capable hands and enjoy the ride." – Karen Dionne, USA Today and #1 International bestselling author of The Marsh King's Daughter.
"Friendship, insanity, the drama of a courtroom, with a touch of romance rounding out the narrative, will have readers struggling to answer the question: What happens after you answer that terrifying midnight call?" – Booktrib.com
"The Midnight Call is a fast-paced page-turner written by Jodé Millman. A story that is sure to draw you in from the beginning and hold your attention until the very end. The Midnight Call will have you second-guessing every move until the unexpected end." – Lovely Loveday.com
"Millman hits the bull's eye in this, her debut novel. The plot is tight as a drum and filled with suspense from the first chapter to the last. Everything works here – the characters, the dialog, the description, the story – which demonstrates the author's excellent research skills and imagination. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Police and legal procedural fans, this is a new author to watch!" – Itsallaboutthebook.org
"A good solid thriller with the potential for sequels. So, if it's midnight and the phone rings, what would you do? Would you answer the call?" PinkPurlandProse.com
"Right from the start, the story drags you into a complex, thrilling plot with plenty of subplots to add mystery. This is an 'action all the way' thriller, there's no let-up and the story will leave you wanting more – indeed, I hope there is a sequel to this."- ReadersFavorite.com
"Recently, local author Jode Millman wrote a fictional book, but it's based on the Fentress case that takes place in Poughkeepsie, and there is a lot of truth to this fictional work. It's called "The Midnight Call". It's a good read, and I highly recommend it." —Robyn Taylor@UltimateExplained.com
"The opening chapter grips the reader and reels one straight into the story and life of pregnant attorney Jessie Martin. Millman's descriptive writing style and knowledge of law and litigation kept me invested in the story."—NovelsAlive.com
"Jodé Millman offers readers something to contemplate throughout this piece, with some strong plot ideas and a decent delivery."—Pecheyponderings.com
Being a Good Samaritan is hazardous.
Amid a violent Hudson Valley thunderstorm, Jessie Martin discovers a woman lying unconscious in a roadside ditch. The badly beaten victim, Lissie Sexton, a local prostitute, claims she's escaped the attack of a killer.
Jessie's more than a casual driver who passes by; she's a criminal-defense attorney. And Lissie is more than an ordinary hooker. She's the key witness in a cold case under investigation by Jessie's estranged longtime friend, Detective Ebony Jones.
And now Ebony can't find her witness. Jessie's new boss has sent Lissie into hiding. If Jessie reveals Lissie's location she compromises her client, her firm and her professional ethics. If she doesn't, she risks alienating not just Ebony but the entire police department backing her.
PRAISE FOR HOOKER AVENUE
"A worthwhile beach read for summer vacation."—USA Today Network
"In this ambitious sequel, Millman certainly doesn't skimp on the action – every page seems to reveal a new drama or explain an old one, and the tale's pace never lags."—Kirkus Reviews
"Hooker Avenue is a solidly intriguing mystery, and the author does an excellent job of creating compelling characters that draw the reader into the narrative."—The BookLife Prize
"Jode Millman's second book in the Queen City Crime Series is an intriguing and suspenseful police procedural. It's inspired by the crimes of serial killer Kendall Francois, christened the "Poughkeepsie Killer" by the press, who murdered eight sex workers before he was caught in 1998. Blending the genres of thriller, romance, and mystery with suspense, relationships, crime, office politics, courtroom drama, and high stakes, this book will keep you engaged and entertained while giving you a fascinating look into how these complicated investigations unfold."—Chronogram Magazine
"HOOKER AVENUE is great for anyone searching for a fast-laced crime novel....Full of action, mystery and the search for a serial killer, HOOKER AVENUE is ideal for fans of Law & Order and Criminal Minds." —Booktrib.com
"Loved it! Jessie Martin is an eager lawyer who wants to help those in need, but when a victim comes between her and a new job, something's gotta give! Kudos, Madam Millman, for another great piece. You are evolving as the series progresses and I hope things continue to advance accordingly."—Matt Pechey@Reedsy.com
" Just like in horror films, when the eerie music starts and the main character heads directly into the danger zone, author Jodé Millman delivers a spine-tingling opening chapter in Hooker Avenue. Hooker Avenue delivers a riveting thriller with solid characters ready to go the distance. FIVE STARS"—NovelsAlive.com
"Sharp writing and well-honed characters make this nearly four-hundred-page read a one-sitting page-turner. From the police station to the courtroom to Hooker Avenue the suspense never slows as characters work to find footing in their personal lives while searching for a brutal serial killer."—Nesiesplace.com
"Hooker Avenue by Jode Millman intrigued me right from the word go. Written by an attorney, the story is based on a true crime committed a few decades ago. Jode Millman has brought all her experience to the table and written a highly credible story with believable, likable characters. This is a many-layered story and if you love police procedurals and true crime stories, you'll love this one."—Readersfavorite.com
"So many skeletons are banging on the closet doors to be set free, in this heady mix of sizzle, punch, and danger. And, even more intriguing, it's all based on a true crime."--Steve Berry, International and New York Times bestselling author of The Omega Factor
"Jode Millman's HOOKER AVENUE is a terrific follow-up to her first novel. With her intimate knowledge of the law and her meticulous eye for detail, Millman creates an immersive and unexpected story. If you love police procedurals, you'll devour this book!" -- Karen Dionne, USA Today and #1 International Bestselling Author of The Marsh King's Daughter
"Dark, dangerous and deviously suspenseful, Hooker Avenue kept me turning pages late into the night. I adored the fascinating cast of characters and the rich Hudson Valley setting. A truly terrific book!"-- Alison Gaylin, USA Today Bestselling, and Edgar Award-winning author of The Collective
"Seemingly disparate storylines converge and surprise in Millman's second Jessie Martin novel. This outstanding exploration of the legal system and those it leaves behind is also jam-packed with enough suspense and to keep you turning pages well into the night."--Edwin Hill, author of The Secrets We Keep
"Hooker Avenue is a satisfying and twisty tale of estranged female friends, one a lawyer and one a cop, who are forced to collaborate when a serial killer menaces their community. Jodé Millman atmospherically weaves a tale of two cities: today's down-on-its-luck Poughkeepsie filled with bottom-rung prostitutes and their clients, and the grand boulevards and mansions of its former Dutch and French settlers. Crime fiction at its best!"--Deborah Goodrich Royce, author of Ruby Falls
Great sequel! Another fast-paced and entertaining procedural by Millman who is adept at creating beautifully flawed characters you want to root for despite their failings. Reading about the continuing journeys of Jesse, Hal, and Ebony was like visiting old friends. Can't wait for the next book in the series! --Jerri Williams - Retired FBI Agent, Author and Host of the "FBI Retired Case Review" Podcast.
"HOOKER AVENUE is great for anyone searching for a fast-laced crime novel....Full of action, mystery and the search for a serial killer, HOOKER AVENUE is ideal for fans of Law & Order and Criminal Minds." —Booktrib.com
"Calling all true crime and murder mystery fans! If you've been looking for your next fix, this book (HOOKER AVENUE) is perfect for you. Inspired by a true story, the second installment of Queen City Crimes is a gripping, shocking tale that will leave you itching for more. Jodé Millman's use of suspense and vivid imagery of the characters' journeys allows for deep immersion and investment"—Thewritingbarn.com
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