Spiteful Spectres

Blue Moon Australia #1

by S.C. Stokes, Steve Higgs

Murderous ghosts, crazy cultists, and a sexy cop looking to lock him up… Darius Kane got more than he bargained for when he became the Gold Coast's first paranormal investigator.

Hired to solve the murder of a local mechanic, Darius soon discovers the victim is just one in a series of suspicious deaths, but is there really a ghost at the heart of the case?

The cops sure don’t think so, but whoever is behind it doesn’t like Darius poking around and if he’s not careful the so called ‘Casper Killer’ will add him to the list of victims.

Joined by an eager journalist, a loyal beagle, and a band of brothers from the pub, Darius is well and truly in the killer's crosshairs.

Can they uncover the truth before they are added to the Caper Killer's unfinished business? Or will they discover the ghost they are chasing is just the puppet?

One thing is for sure, Australia is in for a surge of paranormal nonsense, and someone is going to have to sort it out.

388 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Sam is a writer of magically-charged fantasy adventures. His passion for action, magic and intrigue spawned his Arcanoverse; a delightfully deluded universe that blends magic, myth, and the modern world in a melting pot that frequently explodes.

When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.

Reviews

[Anastasia]

Spiteful Spectres by S.C. Stokes and Steve Higgs is the first book in the Blue Moon Australia Investigations series. Darius Kane becomes Australia's first paranormal investigator following his friend Tempest Michaels who set up Blue Moon Investigations in England. After rescuing a kidnap victim from a group of crazy cultists, he starts looking into a series of killings which are purported to have been carried out by ghosts with the killer becoming known as the Casper killer. I loved this book and love that Australia is the setting for this spin off series. Darius is so much like Tempest but partnering with his adorable beagle Max whereas Tempest has his minature dachshunds Bull and Dozer. A very entertaining cozy mystery.

[Jane litherland]

Darius Kane is the first ( well the only) Paranormal investigator on the Gold Coast. Friend’s from the military of Tempest Michaels,he was persuaded by his buddy to join the Bluemoon franchise. Thus Bluemoon Australia begins its debut in the heart of surfer’s paradise. He has his trusty Beagle and his band of brothers in the pub to keep him sane. His mum’s friend from book club Glenda hangs out reading the likes of Grisham and answers his phone at the office… Sound familiar? He’s suddenly infamous thanks to the recent case of the Crypt Killer … Kane finds himself intrigued by a media article about the Casper Killer , a ghost that kills!? When he goes snooping , a widow gives him a legitimate reason thus evading arrest and asks him to take her case to find her husband’s killer. Kane bumps heads with an attractive lady cop and ends up in cahoots with Holly Draper a woman journalist. He’s forced into committing an understanding with a woman named Esmeralda at the Paranormal Palace. When he leaves his number for another lucky lady at the Paradox diner he gets more than he bargained for. Kane suddenly has quite an asset in his employ now … Brilliant! Stokes brings all Higgs Bluemoon magic to the Gold Coast with aplomb and carries the mantle well. Good narratives and descriptors. Super immersive thrilling story that grabs attention and holds it. Entertaining as all the other Bluemoon series , I look forward to the next instalment from these authors. I read an advance of this book and I leave my review voluntarily and in my own words

[Donadee's Corner]

Hey there, book lovers! Are you ready for a new paranormal supernatural series?

If you're looking for a new series to sink your teeth into, you're in luck! I have an excellent recommendation for you from one of my favorite authors, SC Stokes. His new series is Blue Moon Australia, and 'Spiteful Spectres' is the first book in this thrilling saga. He has collaborated with Steve Higgs to create this amazing new adventure. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one.

We meet Darius Kane, the charming paranormal investigator who helps people solve their problems, out of his new office on the Gold Coast. He is faced with murderous ghosts, cultists, and now even one called the Casper Killer. But don't worry, he is not alone in this. He has a loyal team of friends and allies who support him. Plus, his new friend and tech genius, Tommy. And there's Holly Draper, a feisty and fearless journalist with a knack for getting into trouble. Together, they will face the most terrifying and dangerous cases that Blue Moon Australia has to offer. They will encounter vengeful spirits, ancient curses, demonic forces, and more. They will also uncover secrets and mysteries that will change their lives forever.

If you love action-packed stories with witty humor and thrilling suspense, you will love Blue Moon Australia. It's a series that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. You won't want to miss it! So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of 'Spiteful Spectres' today and join Darius Kane on his epic adventure. You won't regret it!

• ASIN: B0CQRY9JK3
• Publication Date: 1/26/2024
• File Size: 6678 KB
• Print Length: 287 pages
• Genre: Vampire Suspense, Werewolves & Shifters Suspense, Werewolf & Shifter Thrillers

[Elizabeth]

I chose this book because it said that Steve Higgs was one of the other authors and I love Steve Higgs. This wasn’t the kind of book I would normally read, and then I ended up really enjoying it and I will listen to the other four. I bought a box set of one to five because I figured that I might enjoy them with Steve Higgs as the co-author, and it’s completely different from other books. I’ve read of his with Rex the German Shepherd as the hero and Albert Smith as the human sidekick. These are very different from that and so clever and really enjoyable and you can see where there is the touch of Steve Higgs with the same bits of humor. Totally different from those, but still just as enjoyable. Not even remotely my normal kind of bookwith the main character as a paranormal investigator, but I really loved that first book. I will definitely read the other others thought I have in the box set.

[Geraldine M]

Travel across the pond to Australia where we find some seriously twisted characters hell-bent on causing death and mayhem. You'll also be introduced to Darius' secretary, Glenda, bless her heart--the poor dear cannot keep her messages straight.

Darius investigates a cult of devil worshippers and saves a young woman from being the next sacrifice. Unfortunately, this Cult of Beelzebub is not finished with Darius and targets his dad.

Meanwhile, sightings of a ghost has lead to the murder of 5 people.
Are they connected? Will Darius figure out the connections? With investigative journalist, Holly Draper, they start connecting the dots.

What a great read. Action packed. You won't be able to put it down!
Can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Noxwitchbooklife]

A new series from the world of Steve Higgs and the writing of S.C. Stokes!

I've enjoyed all of Mr Stokes books so far and going into a different country of Australia and having the main character being from the special forces -with all the military training- going into paranormal investigations when there is no such thing as paranormal in his life before this was a fun concept.

I kept waiting for the ghost to pop out and instead we had a clever deception from the criminal being nicknamed The Casper Killer as he was like a ghost in his murders until Darius finally uncovers him.

Just to be clear there is no actual paranormal happenings in this story but it was a great detective story anyway, very engaging and fast paced.

[Bec]

Veteran returned SAS turned sceptic investigator of the paranormal, Darius' latest investigation is a great read. Two meals with unexpected guests, a psychic and a journalist help him solve this case, along with some of his former SAS buddies. A light but engaging read, I really loved the plots twists, and the well meaning semi-retired receptionist weaponsies her incompetence for her boss's mental health. I was sent this book early as a beta read, and I'll be adding to the TBR pile, the rest of Higgs and Stokes work together.

[Gayreth Walden]

A new series! An enjoyable read! // This is a thrilling tale with plenty of mysterious goings on whether you believe in ghosts or not! Murder and mayhem is just the beginning. I enjoyed the great cast of characters, plenty of danger, high tension, a fascinating plot with a lot of drama and a bit of humor thrown in here and there. A real page turner. This story is completely different from Kasey, Seth and Nora books. Darius Kane is unique in his own way. So settle in and enjoy the ride as the chapters fly by......

[Christinaraven]

I really enjoyed this story and laughed through most of it. Its what you get when you add Darius, a paranormal PI who does not believe in ghosts, and a ghost on a murder spree. Poor Darius gets hired to figure out what is going on by a widow and the fun really begins. Lots of hilarious situations, trouble, danger, action and murder. Enjoyed the story., characters, and trying to guess how it all fits. A great beginning to a new series I enjoyed.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog)]

Spiteful Spectres

This fast-paced thrilling new series left me on the edge of my seat. I loved the mystery and suspense at every turn. I enjoyed how unpredictable things were and how you didn’t know who to trust.
It was well crafted and I look forward to seeing where things go from here!
All in all, a great start to what promises to be an exciting new series!

[Dorothy]

Stokes has started on a different writing path - no more Kasey, Seth, or Nora - and it’s going to be a blast. Instead of being a magic practitioner, Darius Kane is former military who is rebuilding his life as a PI disproving magical mischief and showing who’s pulling the strings. Stokes hasn’t left the fun behind. Enjoy.

[Angel Ballard]

Trouble in paradise!
This is a fantastic series opener! The characters are well described and the story is fully immersive. The description of Australia's coast is breathtaking! I was hooked from the first page. The ending is a mind blower! I love a murder mystery that keeps me guessing right up to the reveal!

[John Sells]

Newest Blue Moon was worth the Wait!

Plucking a track from Steve Higgs stellar Blue Moon series this newest addition continues to deliver!!! I wanted to start the next book immediately, and now I have to wait. What's next up on Australia's coast??? Can't wait to find out! Great read, beginning to end!

[Carol Brandon]

Another winner! I can’t wait to read more of Darius’ adventures. He’s a paranormal investigator, who doesn’t believe in the paranormal! A skeptic. I enjoyed getting to know him, and the supporting cast, whom we will probably meet again in forthcoming books. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.

[Brenda L Tollett]

New series - same quality you expect from Steve Higgs

There aren’t many authors that I would pick up anything they have written to read, but Steve Higgs is one of them. I have read all his series, and was excited to get this new one. Highly recommend - you won’t be disappointed.

[Cherie Cockrell]

fantastic read

I love who done it books where you have to figure out the. Pulpit and this one is masterful. I’ve read almost the entire catalog of S.C. Stokes books and have enjoyed them all. Now I will be looking into Steve Higgs works as well!
Can’t wait for the next book and the discovery of who Djinn is!

[Laura D]

A Happy collaboration of Steve Higgs and Samuel C Stokes is the first Blue Moon Australia, Spiteful Spectres!!!
Adventure, spooky atmosphere, humor and wit. Sherlock Holmes only wished he was this cool!!! So grab it up now, you will love it!!!

[Becky]

What an awesome start to the Australian Blue Moon series! Samuel Stokes' writing is very similar to Higgs' and that helps this series fit well with the Blue Moon franchises. I enjoyed this one and am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Quilting Tangent]

Murder Mystery
An unpredictable, easy to read story with plenty of twist and turns to keep you guessing. It has interesting, memorable characters but lacks the picture painting that Samuel Stokes is known for.

[Claudete Takahashi]

Another good story in the franchise, now in Australia. I'd only wish that the descriptions of places were smaller, they go pages long and slow the action a little bit. Entertaining!
I thank Mr. Stokes and Mr. Higgs for this ARC.

[Susan M. Riley]

kept me turning pages until the end

What a great start to a new series! I can hardly wait until the next one!! is a fascinating thriller with unexpected plot twists and intriguing characters.

[Kath]

I read this thinking it would be a fun read in the midst of the chaos and mayhem of my other mysteries. Darned if they didn't lay a hook and leave me hanging until next month... very well written, by the way.

[Renee Minor-Ramage]

A great series opener!

I love the Blue Moon series. This new spin off is great! A new group who I hope we’ll get to know better. But still the same fun detective type trying to make good! Cannot wait for the next one!!

[Marla Riedling]

It was ok

Since reading SC Stokes other series I really expected more. The storyline was ok but the writing was stiff, stilted and just didn't flow well. Not sure I'll buy anymore of this series.

[Melissa Horn]

I wasn't sure at first

But I really liked this book. I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming. And then there's always the question. Are there really going to be some paranormal things. Even if not, it's a good mystery, and I plan to read the next one.

[Linda Duckworth]

Another winner

Great characters, and even a cute dog. Gotta love a great detective who loves his dog.
Plot twists and turns leaving us with a super cliff hanger for the next installment.

[joan bartlett]

Action Packed

So far, this has been the best of the Blue Moon Series. It has a lot of similarities to the original, but the main character has a little see one thing extra. Looking forward to the next book.

[Loraina Snowden]

Spiteful Speakeasy tres: Blue Moon Australia #1

An interesting storyline and the characters are pretty darn good. The authors did well with the storytelling and setting it up for the next book.

[Lisa Welch]

What a brilliant book - a little more daring than the UK version and certainly fun to read Darius is still clueless when it comes to woman but guess they cant be everything, love the way the author puts you in the scene describing everything so that you feel really there.

[Pattie Fietz]

Good plot, good characters. My biggest problem with this book was the frequent references to a previous case. Did I miss something? I even went back to the beginning of the book to make sure I was reading the first book in the series.