• The Midnight Cool

  • By: Lydia Peelle
  • Narrated by: Don Hagen
  • Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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The Midnight Cool  By  cover art

The Midnight Cool

By: Lydia Peelle
Narrated by: Don Hagen
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Publisher's summary

The Whiting Award-winning author of the story collection Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing delivers her enchanting debut novel, set in 1916 Tennessee: a rich and rewarding tale of two flawed yet endearing grifters who pursue women, wealth, and a surprisingly valuable commodity for the troops in Europe: mules.

A middle-aged Irish immigrant, Billy has a gift for illusion - making damaged objects look new. His companion, Charles, the smooth-tongued teenage son of a prostitute, is a natural salesman, just like the mythical father he's never met. Longtime horse traders and partners, they've recently turned their talents to trading mules. But in the summer of 1916, these seasoned grifters skilled in the art of the underhanded deal have just been swindled themselves. They're saddled with the one thing they may not be able to unload: a gorgeous, murderous black mare named The Midnight Cool.

Charles should have listened to Catherine, the beautiful, rebellious daughter of Leland Hatcher, the richest man in Richfield, Tennessee, and the former owner of The Midnight Cool. The horse would be worth a fortune - if she weren't a verified man-killer who attacks on sight. Charles and Billy are rooted in this muggy town until they can miraculously retrain their recalcitrant mare, and in the shadow of the growing inevitability of war, their bond begins to fray. Falling in love with Catherine - and under the spell of the deceitful, wealthy Leland, the vision of himself he'd like to be - Charles pulls away from the older man.

Despite their growing distance, Billy and Charles find their business thriving when the war in Europe pushes the demand for mules sky-high and the United States enters the fight. But when a trade goes terribly wrong, Charles is forced to reevaluate his allegiance to his country, the moral implications of his lifestyle, his relationship with Catherine, and, ultimately, his mysterious and surprisingly deep connection to Billy.

Populated by spirited, memorable characters, The Midnight Cool is a startlingly profound tale of aspiration, loyalty, and love - and the eternal search for something lasting in a transitory world.

©2017 Lydia Peelle (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Midnight Cool

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superb

absolutely loved this novel. the writing was brilliant, the story so heartfelt, surprising, and fascinating. narration was spot on. this is one of those recordings I found myself sitting in parking lots not wanting to turn off. loved loved it.

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Engrossing

Powerful...thought-provoking, the story will remain in your mind , I urge you to listen...not disappointing.


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Good Choice

I'm happy I chose to read this. I wasn't satisfied with the ending though. It definitely left me hanging!

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