The Midnight Before Christmas | 
 enlarge | Author: William Bernhardt
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Category: Book
List Price: $5.99
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Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 197596
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.7
ISBN: 0345428110
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780345428110
ASIN: 0345428110
Publication Date: November 2, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Like homemade eggnog with a bite of something stronger, this Christmas-themed thriller by William Bernhardt (best known for his legal thrillers set in Oklahoma City) introduces several thoroughly miserable characters destined to run afoul on Christmas Eve. Carl, an alcoholic ex-cop and ex-husband, rages against his former wife Bonnie and threatens to kill his 7-year-old son Tommy. The police still regard Carl as one of their own, and they won't listen to Bonnie's complaints of violence. Meanwhile, Megan McGee, a lawyer and ex-Episcopalian priest, is delivering Christmas cookies to the elderly, accompanied only by her unwanted roommate, a smelly and drooling bulldog named Jasper. By the time Bonnie catches up with Megan to get a restraining order on Carl, he has abducted Tommy and disappeared. Now, it's up to Megan to track Tommy down before Carl's bloody rantings become reality. The characters reveal more depth than anticipated from a holiday novel, and the chase is especially disturbing set against the backdrop of a quiet city celebrating peace on earth. For those who enjoy seasonal fiction, this fast-paced dose of Christmas thrills will provide a delicious escape after a busy shopping frenzy.
Product Description
Thirtysomething lawyer Megan McGee is facing a quiet Christmas with her bulldog when Bonnie Cantrell, a battered wife, comes looking for legal protection from her violent ex-cop husband, Carl. In a recent bout of rage, Carl vowed to kill their seven-year-old son, Tommy, rather than be separated from the boy. It's no idle threat, either--as Bonnie assures Megan: "He's tried before."
And when Tommy's school unwittingly allows him to leave with his father, Carl gets his chance to try again. Now, with the town all but shut down for the holiday, Megan races against time--and terror--to keep Carl's Christmas Eve jaunt from turning into a slay ride.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 The Midnight Before Christmas May 6, 2003
This story is about a man named Carl. He wanted to see Tommy, his son, for Chritmas Eve but he can't because his ex-wife, Bonnie, got total custody of Tommy. Carl had to find out a way to see his son, so when Bonnie wasn't at the daycare center, Carl got Tommy. Bonnie wasn't there because she had to get a restraining order for Carl not to go by Tommy. When Bonnie found out that Carl had taken Tommy, Bonnie and her lawyer, Megan, went out looking for them and they found them. So Carl took off so the cops didn't get them but he had to go to the hospital because he broke his arm. So when he was an explosion and he ran out of the hospital. When the lawyer found out that Bonnie was trying to kill Carl she was on Carl's side. When Bonnie called Carl on the cell phone she was prentending to be Tommy and she said that he was getting hurt so Carl went to the house with the lawyer and Bonnie had a gun in her hand so Megan knocked it out of her hand and the cops came and got Bonnie. So Carl went home with the lawyer and his son for Christmas.I would say that the book was okay but there could be more exciting.
 A GREAT BOOK!!!! May 1, 2002
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Have read several of Bernhardt's book and I think this is one of his best. Megan McGee is approached by Bonnie Cantrell who wants protection from her ex-husband, Carl Cantrell. She says that Carl has beaten her before and is afraid he will kill their seven year old son. Megan does what she can but she begins to wonder if Bonnie is telling her the truth. The story takes many twist and turns. It will hold your attention, it is short and a quick easy read. Carl tries to get his boy back, he is shot, but by whom? The ending is great and makes you think. A good book.
Fast & Full of Suspense November 28, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a short book that only takes a couple of hours to read, because you just want to keep reading it. It is full of suspense and also a little tear may come at the ending. It is centered around Christmas Eve and the happenings of an Attorney, Mom, Son & Ex Husband. The outside says Holiday Thriller and I would have to agree with this description. This was published in 1998 so should be easy to find at the libary or used book store. Mr. Bernhardt is an attorney, so I am sure that the items about the law are pretty true.
This book gave me hope August 25, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this book it made me believe in the miracle of Christmas! The main character was strong and fascinating and really and angel of mercy! Just when you think you know where this book is going it changes it course. I think this man is an excellent writer and hope to read more books by him!
Short and pleasant July 13, 2001
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
All I can say is that this short pleasant story focus the intrigue on the behavior of the characters, (the different members of a typical family) and its plot, fast paced and plenty of action also gives room for some reflections about the meaning of Christmas and the relationship between parents and their children. Finally, after a sudden turn of events disclosing the nature of the mystery, the suspiciously obvious ending comes naturally.
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