Bright Midnight

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Janis Joplin, Peter Ham—all of them iconic rock stars, all of them dead at age twenty-seven. How could a group of great musicians all die at the same age? All evidence points to the deaths being unrelated, but were they really?

Gantry Elliot is a relic of rock and roll era still writing for Rolling Stone magazine—covering “classic” rock and roll and struggling for relevance in the age of hip-hop and electronic dance music. Even though he’s an encyclopedia of music trivia, Gantry can’t compete with the new kids on the block and is now reduced to watching the clock tick down on his once dynamic career. But Gantry’s vast knowledge may be the only thing that can unravel the mystery of 27.

When anonymous packages start showing up at his office and then his home, Gantry initially shrugs them off as another Club of 27 conspiracy nerd trying to get attention. But as the clues became more intimate, more personal, more sinister, he realizes this is not a game: someone knows the truth, and the truth may put Gantry’s life in serious danger.

Aptly called, “'The Da Vinci Code' for rock and roll fans,” author Chris Formant has written a terrific debut novel that creatively and deftly takes readers on a dangerous cold case hunt to uncover the mystery behind these deaths. Truth or fiction, lies or conspiracy, 'Bright Midnight' will keep you guessing until its final chorus.

My Review

I like music and I can honestly say that I have heard of some of the iconic rock stars that were featured in this book, yet not all of them. Of course, though these artists were way before I was born. What really won me over with this book was the author's love for music. He respected and honored the artists in this book. Thus in turn I was digging the story. It helped that Gantry shared such a passion as well for music. I enjoyed reading about his connection with Janis Joplin. As I was reading this book, I felt as if the artists had come alive and I could hear their voices. Even if this was just a story about music I would have enjoyed it. Yet, the mystery surrounding all of the artists' murders was great. I kept trying to solve the mystery before the reveal but I could not. I was not disappointed in how the story ended either. I am looking forward to reading more books by Mr. Formant. Music fans will enjoy Bright Midnight as will readers who are looking for a great book to read!