This small-town murder mystery has a large cast of interesting characters. It wasn't a page-turner for me, but I enjoyed getting to know the people of Beneficent and trying to figure out who was behind all that went on. I also enjoyed the post-World War II setting. Although I'm not a fan of crime novels, I thought it was well-written and entertaining. If you enjoy a good mystery, then you might enjoy getting to know the people in Beneficent, Mississippi.

I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own. ( )

As I began reading this book, I was not sure what I was going to think about it. However, the more I read, the more I wanted to continue reading. Told from the view of various characters, I wanted to read the book from only one perspective. However, I understand the need in this work of historical fiction to read from several perspectives.

Lisa Kemper, the female protagonist, was a character I found myself slow to warm up to, while Jack Daniels seemed more likable. This suspense novel eventually grabbed my attention and would not let me stop until I finished it.

The story does a realistic job of portraying small-town life while capturing the feelings of the characters. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

BENEFICENT- doing good; generous; actively kind.
Also, the name of the town WW2 veteran Jack Davis comes home to, and where Lisa Kemper has begrudgingly arrived to help out her dad establish a new career. Beneficent is the word townspeople are proud of, well, till a murder occurs, and then the realization that just MAYBE Mayberry RFD / Utopia / Beneficent is not a realistic ideal?
Does it matter what era it is? I think so. Do town like this truly exist? Perhaps in the midwest somewhere with a minimal population. I really do think it was the times. And a town of amazin' folks.
What this book proved to me is that love can flourish anywhere at any time!
" ..we were shocked when evil struck like lightning among us in the form of theft, betrayal, and murder." ( )

Another great book that was so hard to put down! The characters are rich, real, and memorable. As a newcomer to Beneficent, Mississippi, Lisa Kemper seeks to find the good in the citizens who claim to be according to their town's name. The story unfolds and Lisa isn't the only one wondering. The sheriff is questioning the same thing. This quiet, small community is challenged as never before when tragedy hits one of their own. Unusual happenings lead Lisa and her new friend Jack Davis to fear for their lives. Jack grew up in Beneficent and was on the magical, winning basketball high school team of 1942. He struggles with his long held beliefs about his faith and fellow residents. The more the reader discovers the more pages she/he desires to read. A moving, tender, yet traumatic story is a must read!

I highly recommend Lightning on a Quiet Night!

I was given an ebook copy of this book by the publisher and have given my honest review. ( )

From the very first page , I knew this was going to be a book I couldn't put down. The author writes about a small town much like that of Mayberry from the fifties. It's a quiet friendly town, where everyone knows each other. They are neighborly and watch out for each other. One of the main focus of the town is the sports team at the school. It seems like the whole town rallies around the promising team that almost makes it to the state tournament.

One stormy night a tragedy occurs that rocks the small quiet town. Their secure little quaint town will be tested and no on seems immune from the backlash of this unforgettable act of violence. The author demonstrates his ability to write a fast pace book with many twists and turns. The town has been so rigid in their belief that nothing bad could ever happen in their town, that when the unthinkable happens, they all believe it was an act of violence from an outsider. How could they believe one of their own would harm another?

The characters are well written with each one having to deal with their own acceptance of life in a small town , where violence steps in and takes their security away. I loved the history of an era almost forgotten and how the author writes with a flair of familiarity that gives readers a picture of that time period. The book has mystery, a little romance and people who you come to know by the words that gracefully glide across the pages. I could not put the book down and when I finished, I felt a sense of time traveling to an era that was an important part of history.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )