Review of Minutes to Midnight

[Erin Dydek]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Minutes to Midnight" by James Glass.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Time is running out for Detective Rebecca Watson. Soon after being informed about a stolen car that crashed into a van carrying 55-gallon drums containing several mutilated bodies, she learns that she's being activated in the Navy Reserves. But before she can solve the case, her 30-day deployment with the USS Vella Gulf begins, and so does another investigation into a series of murders along Vella's route. With one trail growing cold and a second heating up, how will Rebecca find the clues she needs to solve both cases? And what sort of trouble will she find herself in along the way?

Follow Detective Watson as she rushes to solve both crimes before her enemies thwart her efforts in Minutes to Midnight by James Glass. I enjoyed the pacing in this well-developed pair of mysteries. Glass successfully created two separate cases for Rebecca to solve, and each one had a detailed list of characters and clues to sort out. I loved how this book lets the reader get to know Watson in her civilian life and her military life. Both aspects presented different challenges that allowed me to get a realistic view into Rebecca's struggles and triumphs with her relationships, whether with co-workers, love interests, or family.

I also enjoyed the military aspect of the book. The author used his 22 years of experience in the United States Navy to give the reader a glimpse into the structure and organization of the ship and military life. He also created authentic tension between the ranks of the crew members that helped add suspense to the case on the USS Vella Gulf.

One thing I didn't like about the book was how rushed the ending felt. Because Rebecca was involved in solving two complete cases, there needed to be more time left for wrapping up the conclusions. There were no loose ends, but the book's finale left me feeling a bit hollow. Little room was left for personal connections and closure with the victims' families. There was also a more intimate relationship that Rebecca dealt with that only got a little time to develop throughout the book because she was preoccupied with her duties.

There were also more than ten typos. While these errors didn't detract much from the reading experience, they still required a reduction in the rating. Therefore, I give Minutes to Midnight four out of five stars.

I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy gritty, slow-burn mysteries. The description of the damage done to the bodies was disturbing, but the details were disclosed in a brief forensic report. Since the crimes involved solicitation/prostitutes, there were some discussions of sexual acts performed by the victims, but no characters engaged in activities themselves. Instances of non-borderline language were present throughout the book as well.

******
Minutes to Midnight
View: on Bookshelves

[Alex Reeves]

You said something about the ending being rushed, but I think that is to be expected when you consider the title; Minutes to Midnight. It seems like detective Watson had little time solving both cases, and maybe the rushed ending only amplifies the short time she has to solve the murders. Great review, by the way!

[Shedrack A]

Seems like Rebecca has a lot on her hands. I hope she succeeds before enemies foil her plans.

[Kemzy5]

I wish to read about Rebecca and her investigations. Thanks for your lovely review.

[NetMassimo]

This seems like an intriguing mystery that also involves a ship and its crew, depicted in a realistic way thanks to the author's personal experience. Thank you for your great review!