The third in the Lamplight “Murder” series by Morgan Stang, Murder on Hunter’s Eve expands the narrative in multiple ways. First, it expands the setting from an inn (book 1) or a train (book 2) to the entire city of Lamplight. Second, it expands the point-of-view from its main character of Isabeau Agarwal to another significant character. And third it expands its rating from a PG-13-ish first two books to a light-R in this third offering, making Hunter’s Eve more adult and grittier.
On the three nights of Hunter’s Eve (i.e. Halloween, in this world), monster hunter Isabeau Agarwal and Evie Turnstall are involved in an investigation of a murder that they witness, and another one that happens the same night that they haven’t witnessed. Meanwhile, a giant werewolf is stalking the town, killing its residents. Will Isabeau and Evie find the culprits and apprehend the monster? Or will they fail to unmask the scoundrel at the legendary Hunter’s Ball?
The first offering in this series was a fun romp in an inn, and it set the standard of apprehending both a murderer and a monster. The second book, aboard the Lamplight Express, was a clone of the first novel. Fun and exciting in its own way, it followed the first book’s recipe closely. When it came to the third, if it was the same, it may have been disappointing. Fortunately, it doesn’t follow in its predecessor’s steps.
The author dares to take a major step with one of its significant characters. It’s commendable, but also dangerous. This character has crossed a line it’s hard to uncross, and the characters even have a meta-moment discussing it in the novel (what a wink to the reader!). It’s a big risk. Only time will tell whether it will work in the subsequent books.
The book is full of vivid scenes that will remain in memory long after finishing the novel. Scenes include a werewolf rampaging downtown Lamplight, Evie’s encounter with a supernatural creature in a dark alley, Isabeau dramatic scene in a different dark alley, Evie looking for a dancing partner at the Hunter’s Ball, and the ultimate fate of the Eternal Maiden. These scenes hit the right notes.
Yes, a few superfluous appearances from characters in books one and two could have been skipped, and the vague relationship between the two main characters was frustrating (commit or not already). However, neither detract much from the overarching story. This is a perfect read for Halloween or whenever you’re in the mood for a spooky book.
If you enjoyed book one and two, it’s likely you’ll enjoy the third. Don’t be surprised, however, if it’s quite different from the pattern of the first two.