An electrifying thriller from an exciting new voice in crime fiction: One million viewers witness a popular TV presenter commit suicide live on air – so why is his twin brother convinced it was murder?
At 9.01 pm, TV presenter Sam Midford delivers the monologue for his popular current affairs show Midnight Tonight. He seems nervous and the crew are convinced he’s about to propose to his girlfriend live on air.
Instead, he pulls out a gun and shoots himself in the head.
Sam’s grief-stricken twin Harry is convinced his brother was murdered. But how can that be, when one million viewers witnessed Sam pull the trigger?
Only Jack Quick, a disgraced television producer in the last days of a prison sentence, is desperate enough to take Harry’s money to investigate.
But as Jack starts digging, he finds a mystery more complex than he first assumed. And if he’s not careful, he’ll find out first-hand that there’s more than one way to kill someone . . .
Read our Preview reviewer thoughts here:
For a first-time author, Benjamin Stevenson weaves a sophisticated web of intrigue. Behind the bright lights and closely co-ordinated scripts of a popular evening TV show, lies a shocking incident. Jack Quick, a recently freed prisoner with his own debilitating demons, is persuaded to investigate. The reader is kept dangling from start to finish as scene upon scene is layered while long term plans unravel. Either Side of Midnight is a great read- not to be missed! – Steven, NSW, 5 Stars
This is the book you want to read if you like a good mystery, a good thrill and a great story. I loved it! From the start, I thought it would be just another murder mystery but by the time I’d finished I realised it was more about Jack, the person hired to investigate and get to the truth behind this suicide/murder, and the problems he encountered in his life. Jack Quick, a complex character with problems of his own, drawn into the very public suicide of Sam Midford, television presenter, one-half of the Midford twins. The other half, Harry Midford, the unsuccessful brother who hires Jack to investigate what he calls a murder. The story revolves around Jack and Harry and the troubles they have had in their lives but it then intertwines with the story of the twins’ lives, past and present. It is an intriguing story of twists and turns where you never really know what has happened until the end. My only complaint is the ending was a bit too drawn out for me and it leaves you hanging, not knowing but only assuming what does happen with the decision Jack has to make. – Donna, TAS, 5 Stars
Thank you for my free copy. When is suicide not suicide?? What a great plot for a book. Really enjoyed reading Either Side of Midnight. I really liked the straight forward sometimes cynical, sometimes satirical narrative from Jack’s point of view. I gained empathy for Harry as his character grew and developed throughout the book. Wouldn’t have picked the ending, what a great plot twist. Would love a sequel as the ending left me wanting more. Highly recommend. – Simone, WA, 5 Stars
This second novel by Benjamin Stevenson was kindly sent to me by Better Reading and starts with the conundrum that, if a person puts a gun in their mouth and pulls the trigger, live on TV, thus with many witnesses, could their death ever be anything other than suicide? Sam Midford, the host of a popular TV show “Midnight Tonight” dies in just this way, but his twin brother, Harry, born on the other side of midnight to Sam, believes it to be murder. Harry tasks the desperate, disgraced TV producer Jack Quick to investigate. Straight out of prison and battling an eating disorder plus coping with a moral conundrum of his own involving his brother, Liam, Jack accepts the challenge simply because he needs the money. Thus begins this twisting thriller which kept me totally engrossed throughout, not least because it explores the power of words and the devastating effects that others’ deaths have on people, including what some might argue are “living deaths”. I also loved the fact that this novel cast the male protagonist with an eating disorder which helps to break a stereotype. An ingenious, highly recommended book. – Pamela, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was really well written and kept me guessing right to the end with plenty of twists and turns along the way and an ending was something I never saw coming – Nicky, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved Greenlight, the first book featuring Jack Quick. When I heard that Benjamin Stevenson had another book coming out I was excited to read it. And Either Side of Midnight was everything I hoped for, in fact, I think that I enjoyed it even more. Crime books are definitely one of my favourite genres to read and when it is written by an Aussie even better. And set in Sydney, my hometown! I spent a rainy Saturday reading it, start to finish. It was really hard to put it down. Sam Midford is a talk show host on one of Australia’s highest rating shows. So when he shoots himself on live TV, millions of people are witnesses. Surely it is suicide. But Sam’s estranged, twin brother Harry is not convinced and enlisted Jack Quick to help him investigate. Jack is sceptical at first, I mean could it really be murder? Jack is a damaged man, dealing with his own demons and he just wants to make some money. But the more they look, the more he starts to believe Harry. But can they prove it? Who wanted Sam dead and why? And how did they do it? This is a clever and twisty case that will keep you guessing until the end. A fantastic and original story. Thanks to Penguin Books Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. – Mandy, NSW, 5 Stars
Either Side of Midnight will keep you up until midnight as it did me. The fast pace, the twists and turns, made it very difficult to put down. It also struck a chord with me as a parent of a young child wondering what unknown issues technological advances will bring through her teenage years. An enjoyable read that kept me guessing until the very end – an end I didn’t see coming. – Alice, NSW, 5 Stars
This story crept up on me. It started out good – but really hooked me after the first few chapters. The authors experience with show business and the media gave a real authenticity to the characters, which had me quite invested and reading wherever I could catch a spare moment- the bus, eating breakfast, even whilst cooking dinner! I loved the thrill of riding along the conspiracy theorist journey and feeling like I was behind the scenes of a true-crime podcast. There were some serious undertones of mental health to this story – this is not just a “who did it?” style crime novel, it explores eating disorders, suicidal ideation and clinical depression throughout multiple character arcs. It was multi-layered and dark at times, but with the underlying satirical humour that only a comedian/author could make look effortless. I will be looking out for Stevenson’s previous debut novel next time I am in the bookstore! – Michelle, SA, 5 Stars
Either Side of Midnight by Benjamin Stevenson was a great read. TV presenter Sam Midford shoots himself live on air during his television show. It was classed a suicide but his brother Harry does not agree. There are many twists and turns during the story, and as a reader, I was totally involved in the story. Just when I thought I had worked out what happened, the plot would change again. A great debut novel, I would certainly look for future books from this author. – Fay, VIC, 5 Stars
Either Side of Midnight was brilliant. A gripping read that had me page-turning and wishing I didn’t need to sleep. Extremely well written making it an effortless read. Readers of John Grisham and Dan Brown would enjoy this. – Danielle, VIC, 5 Stars
Well, what an absolute delight to read. Benjamin Stevenson’s novel Either Side of Midnight (of course I now understand the title! – it has so much depth and complexity to its meaning). Such a mature novel in the genre of Jeffery Deaver & Michael Connelly. Happily surprised. A very intriguing plot. This is an ‘I can’t put it down’ kind of book. I did wonder, as the story continued and suspense developed, where could it go without me being disappointed? I really enjoyed how Jack’s life and story had similarities to Sams, and both storylines helped unite the plot and climax to the ending, which I could not predict. Is it a crime if millions view it on TV? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. But with Jack using his journalistic skills, he turns into a detective and ends up finding out more about himself and discovers more answers than any of the characters perhaps wanted to know. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Highly recommend. Best I’ve read in quite a while. – Tracey, VIC, 5 Stars
This kept me guessing the whole way – the ending was a surprise but did make perfect sense. The book explores the incredibly fast-changing society we’ve lived in for the past 15 years or so and examines the impact of technology on our lives and on a legal system that suddenly needs to evolve with urgency. Even the premise of the deaths in the book are shrouded in legal clouds – are they murders? Suicides? Occasionally the story veered into overly wordy territory, but aside from that, it was a thrilling read. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but they are all interesting. I haven’t read the previous Jack Quick novel but I’d be keen to seek it out and find out more about him. This would be a great holiday read or a bit of rainy weekend escapism. – Katrina, TAS, 4 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the book Either Side of Midnight. More twists than a licorice stick which kept the pages turning for myself. Not have been involved in the world of TV loved how the novel was set up from the beginning and the plot evolved. Certainly one hell of a journey to find the truth. – Jacqui, QLD, 4 Stars
Benjamin Stevenson has written a complex and thrilling crime novel in Either Side of Midnight. The twists and turns kept me intrigued and wondering who to believe from the beginning right to the end. I haven’t read Benjamin’s previous novel on Jack Quick, but I am looking forward to reading that one next! If it is anything like this novel, I know that I won’t be able to stop reading! – Christine, WA, 4 Stars
This is the second book in the Jack Quick series. Having not read the first book, Greenlight, I was unsure as to what I should expect from this new Australian author. From the start I found myself drawn in by the concept that a man, Sam Midford, could shoot himself on TV in front of millions and yet have his estranged twin brother Harry, hire Jack Quick to prove that Sam was in fact murdered. Although the concept itself sounds bizarre, the plot evolves in a logical and rational manner. The writing style is eloquent and as someone who loves books which combine good writing with a fascinating plot, I was happy to find both within the pages of Either Side of Midnight. Jack Quick is a lovable though flawed hero. Not only is he dealing with his own personal demons, but when we meet him he is finishing a jail sentence for interfering with a police investigation. The deep love he feels for his family contrasts with the lack of love he seems to feel for himself and which is reflected in his Bulimic condition. Stevenson’s story has many twists and turns. Just as you feel that you have solved the mystery you are taken on another detour. He is an author to watch… I have actually bought his first book so that I can fill in the gaps in Jack’s story. I would recommend readers who enjoy suspense-filled stories to read this story and become acquainted with Jack Quick. Hopefully, Stevenson plans to write more books in the series as I would love to find out what happens to him next. If you enjoy Michael Robotham this is one for you. – Gaye, NSW, 4 Stars
Either Side of Midnight is the second in the Jack Quick series, (assuming Benjamin Stevenson will add more to these fast-paced thrilling crime novels) which sees a television presenter go from reading the midnight news to committing suicide live on air. Firstly, this novel does have two triggers in both suicide and eating disorders in men, both very rarely written about, let alone in novels. If the prologue doesn’t reel you into this Australian crime fiction, then the mystery of Mr Sam “Midnight” Midford will when Harry, Sam’s brother, hires the recently released from jail, Jack Quick. Both Quicks’ and the Midfords’ past and present are told, unlocking clues, creating a narrative for Quick’s upcoming documentary and twisting into a gripping ending. – Amanda, NSW, 4 Stars
Reuniting with my copy of Either Side of Midnight so I could write my review became somewhat problematic. After thoroughly enjoying reading the novel over a few short, sunny afternoons it disappeared on an adventure all its own being passed around family members and friends. Fans of Jane Harper and Chris Hammer will love this tale. Jack Quick is a comfortable fit for readers who enjoy a less than perfect character with his own backstory to be gradually revealed along the way to solving a deeply disturbing crime which, in this case, is shared in the opening pages of the book. The machinations of a live to air television program and all who are involved in its production are a titillating location for crime. Most readers will not have the first-hand experience of this world yet we all peer into its polished surface on an almost daily basis. It was quite fascinating to see how perceived success and failure in the industry had profoundly affected two men who shared the closest possible relationship. Factor into this world the much more familiar childhood experience of a small amusement park and the reader now is riding the Ferris Wheel that Benjamin Stevenson quite masterfully attends. Thanks for the ride. – Deirdre, VIC, 4 Stars
Benjamin Stevenson can really paint a picture with his words, which makes you feel like you are right there in the middle of the action with the characters. Having read Greenlight earlier this year, I was so excited to get my hands on a preview copy of his latest book. Either Side of Midnight starts out fast-paced and grabs you from the first few pages. While Jack isn’t always the most likeable character, I think Stevenson writes him in a way that people can at times sympathise with. An enjoyable read. – Liv, ACT, 4 Stars
First thing I had no idea that Either Side of Midnight is a sequel, which tells you that this novel can be easily read as a standalone. The story unfolds as Sam Midford shoots himself during a segment on one of Australia’s highest rating TV talk shows, with millions of witnesses. It is deemed suicide until Sam’s twin brother, Harry hires Jack Quick to investigate Sam’s suicide as murder. Jack, who has his own skeletons and demons, agrees to investigate with Harry purely because he needs the money. Though, the more Jack investigates it becomes apparent that someone did want Sam dead. This story has many twist and turns, with the storyline jumping from the Midford twins’ past to present while unravelling Jack’s struggles within his own family. I liked the comparison of brotherly love, with the relationship of Sam and Harry and Jack and his own brother. The plot of this book kept me guessing right up to the very end, with everyone a suspect and when all was revealed I did not see it coming. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good crime/mystery especially an Australian crime/ mystery. – Ally, TAS, 4 Stars
I love reading a good thriller and this book did not disappoint! From the beginning, Jack Quick, a TV documentary producer, in his fractured state but what I would also call canny demeanour, is hired by Harry, the twin brother of TV host Sam Midford on the Mr Midnight Show. Sam shoots himself in the head while the cameras are still rolling… Suicide? Harry thinks murder? Many twists and turns, innuendos and a lot of summarising by the reader of each piece of evidence or clue throughout the book which makes for a page-turner, but it is not until the very end that all is revealed. A plus for me was the Sydney setting! Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity of reading this Preview Book. – Dorothy, NSW, 4 Stars
An intriguing mystery. If someone shoots themselves, is it suicide or murder? This book delves into the mystery, with a focus on social media, relationships and revenge. It keeps you guessing, and second-guessing throughout. An enjoyable read, with a thought-provoking theme. – Ros, ACT, 4 Stars
I was left guessing until the end of this engaging and very original whodunnit, which explores a topical issue in our digital age. Looking forward to reading more from this author. – Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
Either Side of Midnight is a thrilling page-turner that will keep you guessing to the end. The story follows Jack, a former producer and podcaster, who is drawn into a puzzling mystery surrounding the suicide of a well-known television presenter. Jack is an interesting protagonist who is struggling with bulimia and the guilt of a childhood accident that has impacted every aspect of his life. Benjamin Stevenson interestingly parallels the investigation of the suicide with Jack’s personal struggles and relationships, leading you to feel like you are getting to know Jack on an intimate level. The twists that Stevenson has woven throughout the book will shock you and keep you hooked to the final page. A great read! – Emma, NSW, 4 Stars
Either Side of Midnight by Benjamin Stevenson is a classic whodunit novel that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Cleverly written and entertaining, the story unfolds chapter by chapter and with it the characters’ lives. The book is focused around a relatively new concept of ‘murder by counselling’ brought around by the increasing access to technology. I wish the author gave more attention to the true events mentioned loosely in his story as well as a little bit more background, as this issue is not yet commonly known. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read, pretty much exactly what I was expecting from this type of novel. – Ewa, VIC, 4 Stars
I feel like this book has slapped me in the face with the ending that I didn’t see coming, but makes so much sense I feel ridiculous for having missed it. There are so many twists and turns throughout this book, just when you think you’ve caught up and you agree ‘that must be it! It makes sense’ Stevenson pulls the rug out from under you and sends you spinning in another direction. Everyone is a suspect with their own motives and secrets. On the side, Jack is fighting his own personal demons as well as an impossible decision. And at the bottom of it all are the questions – can your words kill? Can you talk someone into killing themselves and if you do, is it murder? I enjoy my morally grey areas with a side of ambiguity, thanks. I did not know how to feel by the end! Crime books expect you to take a leap of faith, which I did quite happily following Jack Quick anywhere his leads and hunches took him, even if I may have felt a step or two behind at times! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to tracing back to Jack’s origin story in Stevenson’s previous book. – Brit, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed The Other Side of Midnight by Benjamin Stevenson… lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. The premise seems unlikely… How can It be murder when someone killed themselves on national TV? But there is a well-developed story behind this suicide and plenty of interesting characters with their own back story to keep us turning the pages. A great mystery… I enjoyed it thoroughly. Fans of a good mystery will love this book. – Sally, NSW, 4 Stars
This was a good thriller with an interesting premise. A man shoots himself on live tv but his brother is convinced it is murder. The book takes us through an examination of events throughout the brothers’ lives to determine the truth. It is, at times, necessary to suspend belief in reality, but overall this was an enjoyable read which highlights some interesting aspects of the digital era in which we live. – Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the first Benjamin Stevenson novel I have read but it won’t be the last. Sam Midford, host of the TV show, Midnight Tonight, pulls out a gun and shoots himself in the head live on air. His twin brother Harry doesn’t believe it was suicide. How can it be murder when the victim pulled the trigger? He enlists Jack Quick, a documentary filmmaker, straight out of prison, to help him find the answers he needs. Benjamin Stevenson takes us on a ride with Jack and Harry, lots of bumps and twists and turns along the way, but I never saw that final twist coming at any stage throughout the book. This is a brilliant novel, I found hard to put down and well worth the read. I want more Benjamin Stevenson. – Joanna, VIC, 4 Stars
This was my first Benjamin Stevenson novel and I found it a good thriller. The story began with a suicide on live TV and is entwined some interesting topics into the story, suicide, male eating disorders, brotherly / family relationships. The Presenter’s identical twin hired a documentary filmmaker, Jack, just out of jail, to help him prove it was murder! Jack had his own reasons for taking on the job. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. – Sue, VIC, 3 Stars
Either Side of Midnight had me absolutely clueless until the very last 20 pages or so when the ending was revealed. Did not pick it at all. Very well written and kept me guessing until the end! – Jessica, QLD, 3 Stars
Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian who has successfully made the transition to crime writing, thanks to his first novel, Greenlight, which was shortlisted for a coveted Ned Kelly Award. Either Side of Midnight is the sequel to Stevenson’s 2018 debut, but it can be read as a standalone release. This latest novel from Benjamin Stevenson is the compelling story of a murder mystery masked as a standard suicide. A complex case involving twins, a television presenter and a connected second murder, ensures that the reader is kept on their toes from start to finish. Stevenson also intersperses the main narrative crux with a glimpse into the personal life of his lead investigator, which adds an extra edge to this pacy crime thriller offering. Stevenson pulls out all the stops in his second novel, which ensnares the reader in plenty of speculation, theories, diversions, ambiguity, blockages and cat and mouse games. The audience is never sure who to trust, or what to believe in this unrelenting crime novel. It is wicked race to the conclusion, which is spread over six thrilling parts, each building carefully on the other in an urgent race to close this investigation. – Amanda, WA, 3 Stars
Thank you for the advanced copy of Either Side of Midnight by Benjamin Stevenson. Benjamin has started on the right foot with this debut novel, with room to grow. I can’t wait to read more from this author. From the beginning the author has you wondering how could the death of TV host Sam possibly be murder when screened live to air Sam pulling out a gun and shooting himself in the head. – Harry, QLD, 2 Stars
For me, the book was very average. The storyline was what enticed me to want to read it but I ended up feeling let down by the characters, none of them grabbed my attention. I thought the introduction was very good but ended up getting bored off and in with the writing. The plotline would start to get me in then I’d be turned off within a couple of pages. This was one of the rare times I’ve read crime fiction and unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll bother with that genre any time soon. I am grateful for the opportunity to preview this book. – Deb, QLD, 2 Stars
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