In the Blue Hour: A Novel

Written by Elizabeth Hall

Narrated by Joyce Bean

From the bestselling author of Miramont's Ghost. Can a grieving widow unravel a message from the spirit world?

Elise Brooks dreams of a car accident on an icy road. Weeks later, her beloved husband, Michael, is killed in just such a crash. Now, overcome with grief and uncertainty, Elise believes his spirit may be following her in the form of a raven, trying to tell her something from beyond the grave.

Desperate to understand the signs, Elise embraces both the Native American wisdom she grew up with and the world of psychics and seers. So when a tarot-card reader suggests she take a journey to the mysterious address found in Michael’s old jacket, she embarks on a cross-country trek to follow the clues.

Accompanied by Tom Dugan, an engineer and scientist who does not believe in psychics, mediums, or the hoodoo “conjure woman” they encounter on the road, Elise navigates the rituals and omens of the spirit world in an attempt to unravel the mystery of her husband’s message.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Nov 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781531834951

Elizabeth Hall

Elizabeth Hall, the bestselling author of Miramont’s Ghost and In the Blue Hour, is a former teacher, communications consultant, and radio show host. She resides on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where she indulges in the fiber arts and keeps an eye out for whales.

Reviews for In the Blue Hour

[brokenteepee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very mystical book full of Native American lore, psychic experiences and dreams.Elise loses her husband of many years and she is barely existing. As she starts to notice the world around her again she begins to wonder if her late husband is trying to send her a message from the other side. As she further explores the possibility with his Native American family and with the help of new friend who knows more than a stranger should. As Elise opens her mind more and more to the signs around her she goes on a journey to try and find the answers she seeks.I really enjoyed this book as I do have a fascination with Native culture. The stories told were interesting to me. Elise was an interesting character with a fascinating story once it was all told. Her journey proved to be one of learning and discovery, not to mention answers for her. She did not know much of her childhood as her parents died when she was relatively young so it was good to see her find out who she was.The ancillary characters were well drawn and quite diverse and each added their own special spark to the story. The plot moved right along once Elise shook herself up and got moving along on her journey and my biggest complaint was that the answers were all given in the last two pages and then the book was done. An epilogue might have been nice. Other than that I did find the book to be a very engaging read.

[Adrienne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! It was a beautiful and mystical story!

[janerawoof · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Elise, a New Mexican weaver, has had a dream in which her car hurtles over a cliff. Soon after her husband, a Native American woodcarver of birds borrows her car and dies in such a horrific accident. Elise, at loose ends because she hadn't warned him, seeks a psychic's advice then finds a business card and a carved piece of obsidian in the jacket of her husband. From what the psychic has told her she goes on a journey east to find out what her husband may be telling her. She feels her husband's spirit may reside in a raven [or ravens] which follow[s] her. She deals with a "conjure woman" and there is much Native American spirituality mixed into the story.I enjoyed learning about Native American beliefs through Elise's friendships--with a former schoolmate, Monica, and with new people she meets. It was an easy read. A big theme was one's personal choices.

[al9g · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked "Miramont's Ghost" but I loved this one. It is heartbreaking but hopeful, poignant yet filled with promise and even in the midst of grief Elise finds that life can overcome. The characterizations are very good, especially Elise, the main character, the plot is interesting and there are a few twists and turns and bumps to keep the pages turning along the way. Hall's fascination with spirits and ghosts continues to inform her storytelling, but she does it well - with heart and a passion to share the story. I enjoyed the Native American lore in this one as well as the exploration of death and the spirit world. In some ways this one reminds me of Louise Erdrich, whose books I also enjoy.

[m.belljackson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If readers can suspend disbelief, not about all the spiritual - from Tarot to Medicine Men -but about the overwhelming number of coincidences, raven signings,and similar over-the-mountainside deaths and near-deaths, then it is a good ride. Season and landscape descriptions are vivid while dialogue enlivens plot.Also, though Monica needs to be strongly drawn, her incessant "white" comments end up soundingracist rather than reactive to racism.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very mystical book full of Native American lore, psychic experiences and dreams.Elise loses her husband of many years and she is barely existing. As she starts to notice the world around her again she begins to wonder if her late husband is trying to send her a message from the other side. As she further explores the possibility with his Native American family and with the help of new friend who knows more than a stranger should. As Elise opens her mind more and more to the signs around her she goes on a journey to try and find the answers she seeks.I really enjoyed this book as I do have a fascination with Native culture. The stories told were interesting to me. Elise was an interesting character with a fascinating story once it was all told. Her journey proved to be one of learning and discovery, not to mention answers for her. She did not know much of her childhood as her parents died when she was relatively young so it was good to see her find out who she was.The ancillary characters were well drawn and quite diverse and each added their own special spark to the story. The plot moved right along once Elise shook herself up and got moving along on her journey and my biggest complaint was that the answers were all given in the last two pages and then the book was done. An epilogue might have been nice. Other than that I did find the book to be a very engaging read.