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The Midnight Cool
The Midnight Cool: A Novel | Lydia Peelle
4 posts | 2 read | 18 to read
The Whiting Awardwinning author of the story collection Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing delivers her enchanting debut novel, set in 1916 Tennessee: a rich and rewarding tale of two flawed yet endearing grifters who pursue women, wealth, and a surprisingly valuable commodity for the troops in Europemules. A middle-aged Irish immigrant, Billy has a gift for illusionmaking damaged objects look new. His companion, Charles, the smooth-tongued teenage son of a prostitute, is a natural salesman, just like the mythical father hes never met. Longtime horse traders and partners, theyve recently turned their talents to trading mules. But in the summer of 1916, these seasoned grifters skilled in the art of the underhanded deal have just been swindled themselves. Theyre saddled with the one thing they may not be able to unload: a gorgeous, murderous black mare named The Midnight Cool. Charles should have listened to Catherine, the beautiful, rebellious daughter of Leland Hatcher, the richest man in Richfield, Tennessee, and the former owner of The Midnight Cool. The horse would be worth a fortuneif she werent a verified man-killer who attacks on sight. Charles and Billy are rooted in this muggy town until they can miraculously retrain their recalcitrant mare, and in the shadow of the growing inevitability of war, their bond begins to fray. Falling in love with Catherineand under the spell of the deceitful, wealthy Leland, the vision of himself hed like to beCharles pulls away from the older man. Despite their growing distance, Billy and Charles find their business thriving when the war in Europe pushes the demand for mules sky-high and the United States enters the fight. But when a trade goes terribly wrong, Charles is forced to reevaluate his allegiance to his country, the moral implications of his lifestyle, his relationship with Catherine, and, ultimately, his mysterious and surprisingly deep connection to Billy. Populated by spirited, memorable characters, The Midnight Cool is a startlingly profound tale of aspiration, loyalty, and loveand the eternal search for something lasting in a transitory world.
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MrBook
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#TBRtemptation post! I want this one! 1916 Tennessee. Irish immigrant Billy & his young partner, fatherless Charles, are grifters who shift from trading horses to mules for the war effort. They've been swindled though: they must retrain The Midnight Cool, a gorgeous black man-killing mare. Cool's owner is Leland Hatch--wealthiest man in town--& Catherine is his daughter. Charles likes Cat, & things fray with Billy. #blameLitsy #blameMrBook 😎

BookBabe "A gorgeous black man-killing mare"...this is a perfect example of the importance of proper punctuation ??? 8y
LitsyGoesPostal 😊👍🏻 8y
63 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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AustenJennings
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lydia peelle w/ edison cylinder last night. super awesome reading. plus her hubby ketch secor from the old crow medicine show played some old tunes on a guitjo

StephBengtson I love that old crow! 8y
53 likes1 comment
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LitHousewife
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I'm starting this while I'm waiting on the laundry. It's a bit more Western than I typically like. It also is about a horse, which is all that my girls talk about. I love the title. Here's hoping it works for me.

BookHermit Thank you for reminding me that I need to change over the laundry 👍 8y
LitHousewife @BookHermit Ha! You're welcome!!! 8y
63 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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LitHousewife
Midnight Cool | Lydia Peelle
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This came in the mail yesterday. I love the title, which is the name of a "murderous black mare." This definitely has potential. It's also my first 2017 release title. Where has the time gone?

LeahBergen This sounds great. Stacked! 8y
jennifersmeth Looks good! 8y
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BethFishReads I have a bunch for 2017. Noooooooo not ready 8y
LitHousewife @BethFishReads I'm sure you do!!! 😂 8y
MeganAnn I'm intrigued! 8y
Zelma I hate 2016 so I am more than ready for 2017! Bring on a new, fresh, better year. 👍 8y
46 likes6 stack adds7 comments