After Midnight (Albrand novel)

After Midnight is a suspense novel written by Martha Albrand, first published in 1948. The story centers around a woman, Christine Allen, who returns to Vienna after World War II to search for her missing husband, Paul. Vienna is under Allied occupation, and the atmosphere is thick with intrigue, suspicion, and lingering dangers from the recently ended conflict.

Christine's search leads her into a web of secrets, political conspiracies, and dangerous individuals connected to both pre-war Nazi elements and the emerging Cold War tensions. She encounters various characters, including former resistance fighters, black marketeers, and individuals with hidden agendas, all of whom may hold clues to her husband's whereabouts or be actively working to prevent her from finding him.

The novel is characterized by its post-war setting, creating a palpable sense of unease and moral ambiguity. Albrand uses the backdrop of divided Vienna to explore themes of identity, loyalty, and the lasting impact of war on individuals and societies. After Midnight is generally considered a well-crafted suspense novel, showcasing Albrand's skill in creating intricate plots and believable characters within a historical context. While not as widely read as some of her other works, it remains a notable example of post-war suspense fiction.