I read Breathless when it was released last year and really enjoyed it so I was so excited to be able to read Amy’s second novel, Midnight. Wow, this is even better than Breathless. It is claustrophobic, atmospheric and, quite literally, chilling. The story sees Olivia boarding a cruise to the Antarctic during the midnight sun, endless daylight. Being a thriller there is plenty of mystery and murder on board. There was a steady pace through out with lots of little twists and turns.

I really enjoy books set in the Antarctic setting as I love the vast, vivid and adventurous setting it creates, where isolation can make you feel terrified and there is a strong fight for survival. I have read a few of these thrillers before but can honestly say this is one of the best! After reading the authors note at the end it really shows that the author has experienced this personally, the descriptions are superb and I could really picture it in my mind. I also loved the art theme throughout the book. These combined made a unique, interesting mystery.

There are a few characters to get your head around and I did guess a few of the twists but I didn’t guess these early on. I was constantly changing my mind as to what the outcome could be. This is definitely a novel I will be telling everyone about and a book I will buy for myself to add to my collection. I can’t wait to see what Amy McCulloch writes next! 4.5 stars raised to 5. Thanks to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this early copy in return for an honest review.

This story drew me in from the start with this close confinement thriller. It's set on board an expedition to the Antarctic, garnered from the author's actual journey there herself. I just loved the descriptions of what was seen and procedures to preserve the continent. It was very thoroughly researched.

When Olivia was separated from Aaron, I knew this was going to be good. Especially when all the unexplained incidents kept happening.

There was someone on board who was targeting her, but there was no place to hide. With a small cast of characters, it was difficult to decide who was behind it all, and just when you might have figured it out, the author totally squashes your idea dead.

It was a great thriller that had me guessing until the reveal.

I absolutely adored Amy’s book Breathless, and practically leapt at the chance to read Midnight. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to get the same kind of tense, claustrophobic, bone chilling thriller that she got with Breathless but she totally did.

Not only is this book set in the coldest, most inhospitable environment on the planet, you never know who or what to trust, even your own mind. It’s multilayered and well rounded and there’s flies that you don’t even know are clues threaded through it and it’s just brilliantly written.

I felt this one started a bit slower than Breathless. But keep in mind that’s not a negative thing. It’s not all guns blazing right from the off. It’s this gentle introduction, dripping in little suggestions, just enough to make you uncertain and keep you on the edge of your seat - something that doesn’t fade.

I devoured this book in one day. Apart from getting up to use the loo, get food, or let the dog in the garden, I was curled up under a blanket absolutely absorbed in this frightening world Amy has created. It’s the true definition of a page turner. You won’t be able to get anything else done once you’ve got this in your hands.

I love it when I read about authors visiting a place they want to set their book in, or buying all the books to research, or talking to a real-life person influencing a character - but Amy does this on an unbelievable scale. Not many authors would choose to go on a trip to Antarctica, go into the water and onto the ice, but you can really tell that she did so. It’s not just come from a book, or just her imagination. There’s a detail here, a passion here that only comes with experience and it’s amazing. You can tell she’s lived it. Hopefully not the murdery side of it, but she’s scene every danger and that comes through with every scene.

This is the second cruise-based disaster thriller story I’ve read this year. I’m starting to have second thoughts about my desire to go on one.

Both this and Breathless would make excellent movies, and yet, there’s part of me that doesn’t want them to, in a way. I think a whole lot of the terror comes from the not seeing, not knowing. And I feel a big screen might miss that.

People often say books are chilling and spine tingling, but this definitely, is in every possible way.

I thought Breathless would be hard to equal, but she’s done it, which bodes well for the next offering. It’s safe to say there will be Amy McCulloch shelves on bookcases around the world.