In "Heart of The Night," C.K. Bennett crafts a mesmerizing tale of intrigue, romance, and supernatural mysteries that captivates the reader from the first page to the last. Set against the backdrop of a quaint, seemingly serene village nestled in the heart of New England, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that combines the charm of small-town life with the thrilling elements of gothic fiction.

The story revolves around our protagonist, Julia Langley, a journalist from New York City seeking respite from her bustling city life and a painful past that lingers like a shadow. Her journey brings her to the picturesque yet peculiar town of Windhaven. Here, Julia hopes to find peace and perhaps some inspiration for her stalled writing career, but instead, she stumbles upon something far more sinister and enthralling—a series of unexplained occurrences and a village shrouded in secrets.

Bennett's superb prose brings the setting of Windhaven to life, making it almost a character in its own right. One can almost feel the mist of the town's foggy evenings and the eerie calm that pervades its empty streets. The sense of psychological isolation as Julia navigates this new world adds layers to the already tense narrative.

The plot of "Heart of The Night" thickens when Julia meets the enigmatic Adrian Hart, a local antiques dealer with a mysterious past and captivating presence. Bennett excels at building chemistry between Julia and Adrian, crafting a slow-burning romance that perfectly balances the novel's darker, more thrilling aspects. Their burgeoning relationship provides a counterpoint to the thriller elements, adding depth and warmth to the chilling atmosphere that surrounds them.

However, Bennett does not allow romance to derail the main thrust of the story. The novel's pacing is impeccable; as Julia digs deeper into Windhaven's mysteries, the tension spirals, driving towards an explosive conclusion that combines all the elements of gothic horror, mystery, and thriller. The supernatural elements are handled with care, interwoven into the plot seamlessly, adding intrigue without overshadowing the characters' development or the story’s realism.

Characterization in "Heart of The Night" deserves particular praise. Julia Langley is portrayed with a profound sense of authenticity and complexity. Her fears, desires, and internal conflicts are painted with sensitive strokes, allowing the reader to empathize deeply with her plight. Supporting characters, from the affable yet secretive town folk to Adrian's enigmatic persona, are crafted with depth and compelling backstories, enriching the narrative and creating a tapestry of interactions that is a pleasure to read.

The thematic elements of the novel are both timeless and timely, dealing deftly with issues of loss, identity, and the search for belonging. Moreover, the exploration of the supernatural provides a canvas for the characters to confront their inner demons and past traumas, making the story not just thrilling but also emotionally resonant.

Bennett’s narrative style is evocative, filled with rich descriptions and elegant prose that enhance the gothic feel of the novel. Notably, the author's use of symbolism, through the pervasive motifs of darkness and light, helps to reinforce the themes of redemption and revelation that underlie the story. The thriller components are skillfully played, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying, avoiding clichés and predictable turns.

Lastly, the conclusion of "Heart of The Night" is a well-crafted denouement that ties up the myriad narrative threads in a way that is both fulfilling and thought-provoking. It leaves the reader with a lingering sense of wonder, and perhaps, a thirst to revisit Windhaven again, if only through the pages of the book.

In conclusion, "Heart of The Night" is an engrossing read that hits all the right notes for a thrilling and atmospheric novel. C.K. Bennett has delivered a story that is both an homage to the gothic tradition and a fresh take on the genre that is sure to delight fans of mystery, supernatural, and romance. This book is a testament to Bennett's skills as a storyteller and an artist, making it a must-read for those who crave a story that haunts in the best way possible long after the last page is turned.