Ruth Cornier is a preacher’s daughter in Bottom Springs, Louisiana. But her father isn’t just a leader of the religious community in her small town. The residents and parishoners believe he is the authority of God and follow him without question. Hence, Ruth is under a lot of pressure to be a “good” girl (despite being 23 years old) and live up to expectations. However, one night from her past comes back to haunt her when authorities find a skull deep in the swamp. And they can’t dismiss it as an alligator attack. Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead is a psychological thriller in which Ruth must work with an old friend/accomplice to uncover the truth about the true evil lurking in their small town. Or else face the consequences of her actions from years ago. 

As a teenager, Ruth succumbed to the charm of a handsome contractor passing through town on a job. When things go too far without her consent, Everett, the outcast dubbed as the “Devil’s son” due to his alcoholic father, comes to her rescue. But things get out of hand. Now Ruth and Everett have a shared secret that renders them inseparable from that day forward. Despite making an unlikely pair, their friendship grows and remains strong to present day. When the aforementioned skull turns up, Ruth is convinced that their secret is about to be revealed. But then the identity of the remains turns out to be another notable figure in the town – and the Cornier’s neighbor. Now Ruth wonders if someone else was there that night. And if they are copying the method from the incident that happened years ago. 

Other clues about the swamp’s location point to the mysterious carved symbols found on the trees nearby. After some research, Ruth discovers an old spiritualistic practice that took place in Bottom Springs years ago. Surprisingly, this group has an unexpected connection to Everett’s mother, who died shortly after he was born. She also discovers decades-old connections among the town’s most prominent leaders and business owners. Ruth now realizes that the corruption and unpunished crimes are catching up to them in the present day. The only thing is, Ruth doesn’t know who – or what – is delivering justice. She has her suspicions, but won’t learn the truth until she takes matters into her own hands. And boy does she. 

Ashley Winstead proves her talent for delivering gritty and haunting storylines in Midnight is the Darkest Hour. She uses Ruth’s story to call out the hypocrisy of religious fanatics and “wholesome values” on which parishioners pride themselves. And of course the unfair and absurd expectations of women. Not only that, she pairs that with the relationship between two very different outcasts. Ruth and Everett are a formidable duo who work together to uncover the evil truth lurking in their town. And they are willing to go as far they have to go to take down those in power. Even though some romance is involved, it in no way distracts from the authentic bond between them and what’s at stake if they fail. In fact, Ruth discovers more about herself during this journey and realizes she and Everett are the only ones who can make things right. 

Midnight is the Darkest Hour is available October 3.