Vortex

Moffett and Keoph, Private Investigators #3

by Ray Garton

Karen Moffett and Gavin Keoph have investigated vampires in Los Angeles in Night Life and werewolves on the northern California coast in Bestial, but this time they face something utterly baffling… and deadly. Blockbuster horror novelist Martin Burgess has money to burn and enjoys spending it to find out if the paranormal things he writes about are real. He hires Moffett and Keoph again and sends them to California’s Mt. Shasta. Long believed by spiritual seekers and New Agers to be a “vortex” of magnetic and spiritual energies, Mt. Shasta is a mystical locale, allegedly the site of alien visitations, paranormal apparitions, bizarre physical phenomena, and even Lemurians, an ancient race of little people from Atlantis believed to be living inside the mountain. Strange things are happening in the small town at the foot of the mountain, things that have remained invisible to most, but not all, of the residents—things that have caught the attention of Martin Burgess and his small army of computer geeks and conspiracy theorists. Skeptical of the New Age mumbo-jumbo, Moffett and Keoph encounter an extraordinary, hungry creature that is being used to malevolent ends by a powerful and cruel enemy. Uncovering the mysterious secret in Mt. Shasta is one thing—staying alive long enough to share it with anyone is another.

Genres: Horror

131 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2014

About the author

Ray Garton is the author of several books, including horror novels such as LIVE GIRLS (which has a movie in the works), CRUCIFAX, E4 AUTUMN, and THE FOLKS; thrillers like TRADE SECRETS and SHACKLED; and numerous short stories and novellas. He's also written a number of movie and television tie-ins for young readers. He lives with his wife, Dawn, in California.

Reviews

[Marvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Garton has been scaring the pants off of readers for a while. The books I have read by him, noticeably Live Girls and New Neighbor, are adult dark fiction with a good bit of horror reminiscent of the splatterpunk days and even some fairly kinky dark erotica. However he has written over 60 books. So it is fair to say that there is probably a lot of themes and variations in the author's clearly talented repertoire.

Vortex is certainly different from anything else I've read by him. Vortex features a pair of detectives, Karren Moffett and Gavin Keoph, who specializes in the investigation of the paranormal. Their main employer, Martin Burgess, is a very rich writer of horror tales who uses the two to check out odd happenings around the globe. In this particular tale, the odd happening centers on Mt. Shasta in Northern California. If you are familiar with the area, you probably know that its attraction to the New Age target population of the human race rivals that of Sedona, Arizona. Damn vortexes!

Moffett and Keoph are an interesting pair complete with some emotional baggage between them which I presume come from other stories Garton has written. However, Vortex works well as a stand-alone novella. The author has a way of getting you involved with the characters quickly and he is able to do that here with even the secondary ones. The plot itself is fairly simple but features a very intriguing creature and a talented and empathetic girl, a clever lamb among the wolves so to speak. I really do not want to give too much away. The story is too brief to go into detail. It will spoil the surprises. So it is sufficient to say that Vortex is fast moving, enjoyable and actually a bit charming. The horror element is there but certainly not at the levels I expect from the author. That is exactly why I was surprised and thrilled by this entry. It certainly makes me wonder about the other books he has written about Moffett and Keoph.

If one is looking for an intriguing cross between mystery and the paranormal, this will be a good bet. It is a solid and fast read that still leave the reader satisfied despite its brevity. And if you are still hungry after devouring the adventures of these two investigators, then you can always hunt down the other tales. How can you lose?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may be biased, as I'm a huge fan of Ray Garton, but I really enjoyed this book.

Something is amiss in Mt. Shasta, a quiet mountain town, renowned for being a "vortex" of mystical energy and paranormal activity. According to legend, little people live inside the mountain. Some townsfolk have disappeared suddenly, mostly children. Karen Moffett and Gavin Keoph, posing as mystery writers, are hired again by Martin Burgess to investigate these strange occurences. Will they discover that the legend is true?

Vortex is a short novel that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys a good, creepy story. I have a beautifully illustrated hardcover, limited edition, signed by Ray Garton himself. Thanks, Ray!

[Nev Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Loved it, loved it, loved it.

To summarise: grab some snacks, a couple of drinks, lock the door and close the blinds. When you start to read this little sci-fi horror mystery, you will not want to be disturbed.

Highest Possible Recommendation."

See here for the full review:

Vortex

[Dez Nemec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this out for tomorrow's jaunt on the treadmill, opened it up, and a few hours later I'm done. Extremely fast-paced. Both the characters and elements were interesting (with the exception of Crystal, the bimbo girlfriend). It's always a good thing when a story wasn't long enough.

[Jim Lay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read from one of my favorite authors. My only complaint with Vortex is one I have with novellas in general: They are too damn short. Like a ride at an amusement park that is over way too soon. And Vortex had several really intriguing ideas that I wanted to know more about; the strange boy-creature, PyK, and the place he came from. Penny and her life at the mysterious Aquino Academy. The other "special" children held there, etc.
Overall a satisfying read. I look forward to anything Garton does.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to read as much of Ray Garton's work as I can. I enjoy his writing style and story telling abilities. Reading one of his books is like going on vacation, Not much heavy lifting, a chuckle here and there, and always entertaining.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vortex
The Horror of Ray Garton, Book 3

By: Ray Garton
Narrated by: Caroline McLaughlin

Powerfully, Subtly, Horrifically Fabulous!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 08-26-23

Purported to be a “Vortex” of energy, Karen and Gavin head to Mt. Shasta California to investigate Martin Burgess’ latest paranormal book subject. Strange doesn’t begin to cover the horrific goings on they uncover, and the conspiracy of evil that just might be their curtain call! Engrossing and horrifying, “Vortex” drew me in with subtle, soothing, almost hypnotically smooth, clear narration, that at times belied the absolute horror of the subject matter, allowing me to clearly grasp the magnitude of what was playing out! To say that my enjoyment of this brilliantly horrific story was magnified tenfold would be an understatement! And believe me, THIS story was brilliantly and beautifully horrific! The plot was diabolically different. To avoid engaging in spoilers, I’ll stop there, but have no concerns, the writing is so good, so clear, so compelling complete, that everything you need to know to throughly understand is there, perfectly explained in an interesting manner that beautifully enhances the story! The characters are interesting, incredibly unique and fully explained and developed! The entire production was fantastic, so much so that I not only listened once, straight through, but twice, on successive nights! And like a favorite novel or movie, it was even better the second time through! It’s a save bet that I won’t stop at two! “Vortex” gets five stars across the board! I loved it!

[Vultural · Rating 2 out of 5]

Garton, Ray - Vortex

Our author must have been on a fueled bender with this one.

The famed horror novelist (author with looking glass) rehires his usual private eyes to check out spooky goings on up around Mount Shasta.

Situations and tropes are hurled into the blender.

A ravenous beast, the lost continent of Lemuria, telepathy, mercenaries, the Illuminati, the secret academy, a megalomaniac.

One turns pages, waiting to see what Garton will add, and you neglect to hone in on the plot.
Because the plot is as watery as a bowl of guppies.

Worst cliché he adds is children in danger, a sign of the truly stunted imagination.
Sheer folly.
Resembles a pitch for a cheap FOX Horror film.

[deidra · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've been a fan of Ray Garton for a long, long time so i was primed and ready for Vortex!! Mount Shasta is ground zero for all things mysterious and paranormal. and true to its reputation, strange things are afoot in Mt. Shasta. while some folks are turning up missing, other odd, out-of-place strangers in weirdly marked vehicles are seen in town. add to the mix, a mystery involving missing children and you have an engaging, heady read.
my only complaint would be i was left wanting to know more about the confounding Pike. i wanted to know more, much more. there was so much more to explore. but that is the hallmark of a gifted writer--leave them wanting more!!
to sum up:
highly recommended.
4 1/2 stars out of 5.

[J.C. Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Garton's Vortex
Most of us, possibly all of us, wonder what else is hiding on this planet. Are vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters real? Are human-like beings hiding in the mountains, underground, or in a deep forest?
Ray Garton creates a mystery deeply woven with the undertone of dark horror. The author's writing reminds me of traditional horror with raw creativity. Ray Garton's books push the horror genre higher, daring the reader's imagination to explore countless possibilities. Vortex achieves this and more.
Take a plunge, purchase this book, and experience the secrets Mount Shasta has to offer.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mt. Shasta. A beautiful mountain lake community where people can get in touch with their personal energies? Their truths?

Or a vortex for ghosts and aliens?
A filling station for flying saucers?
A mountain full of tiny people from Atlantis?

Maybe, all of the above. Bankrolled by the uber-famous horror writer Martin Burgess, it’s up to investigators Karen and Gavin to find out wtf is going on that mountain.

What they find out may kill them both. May kill us all.

It’s been a minute since I read some Ray Garton. He does a very good job here and packs a lot of Garton crazy in a short number of pages. Solid as always.

[Michael Myett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good little story with surprisingly good character development for such a short story. It was more frightening because if not plausible it is certainly a possible premise. I would recommend this book to lovers of folklore horror. Pet peeve, to much political commentary that did not move the story forward. I received a copy of this audiobook from the narrator. I am choosing to review it to hopefully help others choose books that are right for them.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn't enough here. I liked the premise, but I don't think that anything was developed enough. This was my 1st read by Ray Garton, and even though I didn't really like this, I do think that I will give him another shot.
Overall, I liked it enough to finish, but I just didn't feel that it came together very well - just not enough there.

[Dan Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short read. Moffett and Keogh are back investigating the paranormal for Martin Burgess. This time it's in Mt. Shasta and it has nothing to do with UFO's. Creepy and gory, another winner for Ray Garton. Loved it!

[Warren Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always happy to take another trip with Gavin Keoph and Karen Moffett

[Paul Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you trying to control that thing? Man, you can’t even keep it contained

[Clark Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

This book by Ray Garton, in my opinion, had a better developed plot and less sex than his earlier works like “Live Girls.” The main issue I had with this book was that it is too short; more like a novella.

[Steven jb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like a head of greasy, unkept hair, this was truly a mess. While it began well, the characters did not develop well, and the quality plummeted as the story bore on. Instead of blossoming, the plot thinned with a lack of mystery, wooden action, and unfinished themes. It felt amateurish. I usually enjoy this author's work. This I did not.

[Cory Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vortex is one of those books that has consistently avoided my vicarious attempts to read. Originally published as a limited edition hardcover, it quickly became a collectible and all of my attempts to acquire a reasonably priced copy on eBay were always met by some jerk sniping me at the last moment.

Of course, it was only natural that I jump at the chance to read a review copy of the ebook that Ray has now released as his first self-published title. I know... many of you hate ebooks; and there is a special place in my heart for real books too, but until I can throw around money on books like Donald Trump's son at a strip club, I've got to read 'em when I can. To be honest, I would read Ray Garton's work if he hand wrote it on a roll of toilet paper if I had too.

Vortex continues the adventures of Garton's weird detective duo, Karren Moffett and Gavin Keoph who have been hired by the same guy who brought them together in the first place, Martin Burgess. The type of guy who can afford a copy of all of Garton's rare books, and the type who can afford to impress his new girlfriend by hiring these investigators to look into the strange things going on at Mt. Shasta, a spiritual and New Age retreat where something isn't as it should be.

Fans of Garton's Night Life and Beastial will love to see a return of familiar, well-loved characters who jump to life with Garton's high energy and engaging dialogue. Garton moves the story along with his simple mastery of adding all kinds of action, humor, and enough weird science fiction paranormal goodies to make the writers of season ten of The X-Files feel ashamed of themselves.

This is a novelette, so expect to want more when you're done with this one. You don't need to read Night Life or Beastial in order to enjoy Vortex, but, fair warning, you may seek them out when you're done if you happen to be one of the neglected souls who have yet to read either of those classics.

Ray Garton may be one of the architects of Splatter Punk, but he doesn't always make things Splatter. Sometimes he just gives us what we need... Thrills, spills, and smiles. I wish Mr. Garton all the best with his stroll into self-publishing, he just raised the bar... Like a boss.

-Cory Cline

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vortex is a dark, chilling thriller. Garton takes classic horror elements and weaves them into a mystery with charm and terror in equal measures. He's never afraid to go to extremes. Garton's a magician, presenting surprise after gruesome surprise with graceful (literary) flourishes. The mounting tension had me swiping furiously at my Kindle to get to the next revelation. Absolutely terrific!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this story of legend haunted Mt. Shasta. Great characters. Hope to see more stories involving Karen and Gavin and yeah, even trippy Crystal. Thanks for another great read, Ray. Highly recommended.