The Midnight Knock by John Fram

I’ll admit I came to John Fram’s The Midnight Knock a little late, but it was absolutely worth every minute. As a self-proclaimed thriller lover who’s been hunting for a reliable horror author to anchor my spooky season reads, this book was a stunning and solid introduction.

The novel is set in a strange, remote motel in the Texas desert, but the plot quickly throws you for a loop. I went in blind and didn’t realize it had a chilling, Groundhog Day-like element until I was deep into the story. The resulting narrative complexity made my head spin—I had to reread passages just to ensure I hadn’t lost my grip on reality! That feeling of disorientation was incredibly entertaining and a testament to how well the bizarre plot was executed.

This is a deeply atmospheric, creepy, and dark tale. Fram does an excellent job with the cast: most of the characters were intriguing and, eventually, developed enough to root for. They aren’t perfect; each harbors a dark side, but their actions often feel justified by the circumstances. While the true villain was easily identifiable, it didn’t detract from the tension.

While I’m still processing the full experience and trying to decide exactly where it lands for me, The Midnight Knock is proof that John Fram is an author worth following. I’m eager to explore more of their work to see if I can find my permanent new go-to for a good scare.

The Midnight Knock by John Fram