Review of Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew J. Sullivan
As a long-time fan of atmospheric mysteries, I felt a magnetic pull toward Matthew J. Sullivan’s Midnight in Soap Lake. Having been captivated by his previous work, Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, I was eager to see how he would delve into the eerie depths of a small town shrouded in secrets and folklore. Sullivan has a remarkable talent for blending emotional complexity with suspense, and this book promised an even darker, more haunting journey.
Midnight in Soap Lake introduces us to Abigail, a woman searching for solace in the desolation of Soap Lake, Washington, a place where whispers cling to the air like morning mist. The story swiftly plunges us into a mystery that begins with the fragile figure of a young boy, Tommy, who stumbles into Abigail’s life while carrying the heavy heart of loss. His mother, Esme, has recently passed under mysterious circumstances, and as Abigail attempts to unravel this tragic puzzle, she finds herself entangled in a web of sorrow that permeates the town.
What struck me most about this book were the characters, each layered with pain and complexity. Abigail is incredibly relatable; her grief simmers just below the surface, making every choice she makes feel achingly real. Tommy, a vulnerable and quiet presence, offers a stark emotional contrast against the backdrop of the town’s collective trauma. Sullivan masterfully portrays their relationship as a poignant exploration of connection amidst despair.
The themes Sullivan weaves throughout the narrative are rich and resonant. The story delves into motherhood, loss, and trauma in ways that are both sensitive and unflinching. As someone who often grapples with the complexities of these subjects, I appreciated how motherhood was depicted not just as a source of love, but also as a space fraught with fragility and unresolved pain. The folklore of TreeTop, a specter that haunts the town, serves as a potent symbol for how communities wrestle with guilt and myth—distancing themselves from the very truths that bind them.
Sullivan’s writing style is another highlight. His prose is infused with a poetic dread that captures the suffocating atmosphere of Soap Lake. Vivid imagery invites readers to sink into the narrative like a warm bath—until the water slowly turns cold. He balances lyrical language with an authentic representation of psychological depth, crafting dialogue that reveals rather than overtly explains each character’s struggles.
However, I found the pacing to be a mixed bag. While the deliberate rhythm aligns beautifully with the story’s meditative tone, there were moments, especially in the middle chapters, where the narrative slowed to a crawl. Some subplots left me yearning for resolution, and the ambiguity, while serving the mood, occasionally blurred the focus.
Nonetheless, Midnight in Soap Lake is more than just a mystery; it’s a deep dive into human emotion and the ties that bind us. Sullivan transmutes grief into something hauntingly beautiful, making for a reading experience that lingers long after the last page is turned.
This novel will resonate strongly with readers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven stories that don’t shy away from the darker aspects of human experience. If you’re willing to wade into its depths, prepare for a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the stories we carry with us. Sullivan has crafted a tale that isn’t just read; it’s felt, echoing long after you finish.
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