Southern Gothic

Max Porter #4

by Stuart Jaffe

Times are rough for Max and Sandra. The resurrected Tucker Hull has reduced them to living in a trailer and taken away any decent income they could find. The ghost detective, Marshall Drummond, refuses to move on and takes up residence in their trailer. Barely able to afford food, they are desperate to get back on their feet. So, when Max's sole client is murdered in the mysterious Baxter House, he knows they've reached the breaking point. And there's only one way out -- push on through. Max, Drummond, and Sandra will face secret societies, stolen gold, hidden codes, the darkest magic, and of course, the Hulls. The only question -- will they live through it all?

Genres: Paranormal

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2015

About the author

Stuart Jaffe is the madman behind the Nathan K thrillers, Max Porter paranormal-mystery series, The Malja Chronicles, The Bluesman series, and much more. He has written numerous short stories in Fantasy, SF, and Horror. He was also the co-host of The Eclectic Review (http://eclectic.libsyn.com) -- a podcast about science, art, and well, everything.

Stuart lives in rural North Carolina, and for those who keep count, the latest animal listing is as follows: one dog, two cats, one albino corn snake, three aquatic turtles, assorted fish, seven chickens, and a horse. Thankfully, the chickens and the horse do not live inside the house.

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts with the Porter's low but fighting to keep going, but they feel like a wedge is between all the characters. Stress is hard, and this shows it. The twists and turns of the mystery carry you quickly to the end. The eerie atmosphere really sets this one apart from the previous books.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Sandra are rebuilding after their last run in with the Hulls. They are determined to stay in North Carolina and move forward. Max has a client that wants him to research his family history but he ends up dead and, of course, the Hulls end up being involved. Cecily Hull offers them a job – she wants to take down Tucker Hull. Many mysteries will have to figured out before this while dealing with a corrupt detective. I’m really enjoying this series! I love learning the history.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was intense. Max and Sandra are rebuilding their life, unsuccessfully when the Hull's kick them out. Finding another dead body, more magic and the Hull's back in their life, well it's a kick they didn't see coming. I did find Max kind of a jerk throughout, and he isn't always supportive of Sandra. That woman is not without magical resources. It has an interesting ending so book 5 should also be interesting.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Gothic Review

Once again Max, Sarah and Drummond Wade into an impossible task, and get waylaid by old foes. Interesting, wired locations, and characters twist the the plot. Another great read.

[georgia ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Brilliant can't stop reading.
I love the way they always out play the Hulls.
Can't wait to complete all Max Porter books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book has cutting edge terror. I was reminded of Dante's downward spiral. I loved the end. I just hope it continues

[Mitsy Docter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and his team are the best in the business. Stuart Jaffe has created some amazing stories rich in South Carolina history. As a history teacher I can’t get enough.

[Sctechsorceress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Even though I took a long time to read it.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Stuart Jaffe's Paranormal-Mystery series just before book 6, Southern Curses was released. The main characters are husband and wife and a ghost detective who adds a Noir flavor to the stories. The characters may have some special abilities but Stuart does a great job of letting us experience their day to day lives and the interaction, frustrations and joys as they adventure thru the paranormal and reality. They are not "super heroes" and the story lines involve them solving the mysteries in "realistic" way, using their limited special abilities, their humanity, their teamwork and their brains.
I have been devouring this series, as fast as a book a day, when I am able to keep reading, and you will want to keep reading.

I received a free copy of book 6, Southern Curses, in exchange for an honest review.
I purchased book 1 through 5,
and because I believe in supporting authors I enjoy, I also purchased a copy of book 6 when it was released.
If this sounds like your kind of story, I highly recommend it to you.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Stuart Jaffe's Paranormal-Mystery series just before book 6, Southern Curses was released. The main characters are husband and wife and a ghost detective who adds a Noir flavor to the stories. The characters may have some special abilities but Stuart does a great job of letting us experience their day to day lives and the interaction, frustrations and joys as they adventure thru the paranormal and reality. They are not "super heroes" and the story lines involve them solving the mysteries in "realistic" way, using their limited special abilities, their humanity, their teamwork and their brains.
I have been devouring this series, as fast as a book a day, when I am able to keep reading, and you will want to keep reading.

I received a free copy of book 6, Southern Curses, in exchange for an honest review.
I purchased book 1 through 5,
and because I believe in supporting authors I enjoy, I also purchased a copy of book 6 when it was released.
If this sounds like your kind of story, I highly recommend it to you.

[Teri J Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

I got the first book in this series for free. I fell in love with Max, Sandra, and Drummond. Couldn't put any of the books down. Very interesting story line. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I hope there's more.

[Matthew Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not the best in the series, this book does get better and better as it goes. Keep it up, Jaffe!
I quite enjoyed the treacherous levels of Baxter house, and it got me thinking of Pit and the Pendulum.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They feel like they are on the bottom. But are they. Local Police are watching Max. Again they get in over their heads. Meet Cecily Hull. And it goes crazy from there.