Two 'Til Midnight

The winner of the prestigious 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Two 'Til Midnight is Dillard's exemplary debut novel. Possessing the pace of a thriller, the intensity of a drama, and the humor of a late-night comedy set, Two 'Til Midnight takes a chilling look at the citizens of a close-knit town in a USA led by Trump. Dr. Garnet Gibbs, the protagonist, is content with living her day-to-day routine, teaching at the local university. She finds herself, however, often caught in the middle of the community's theatrics, as her family and friends alike experience challenges with coexisting with those who are unlike them in a number of ways. As residents are forced to face issues related to racism, sexuality, the military, terrorism, and much more, the ability to forge civility is proving to be quite a tall order. What's more, the element of the supernatural is weaving its way into the town's already-volatile state of affairs, adding an extra dimension of suspense. With plots extending from Vegas to Afghanistan to Jamaica, Two 'Til Midnight serves as a literary mirror, a subtle social commentary, and an undeniable barometer for gauging where a modern-day America falls on the diversity continuum.