Missing by Moonlight

The Books of the Dark Goddess #2

by Melissa McShane

In a world where monsters lurk in the shadows and paladins serve the Dark Goddess, Ginnevra Cassaline walks a dangerous line. As an elite holy warrior tasked with hunting evil, she's sworn to protect humanity—but she's also in love with a werewolf, a secret that could destroy everything she holds dear.

When people start vanishing from the streets of Uparde, including Ginnevra's beloved aunt, she finds herself drawn into a web of dangerous mysteries. A mysterious holy woman who may speak with the Goddess's voice. A Revered who disappeared without a trace. And a trail of breadcrumbs leading to an ancient evil that preys on human suffering.

Together with her werewolf companion Eodan, Ginnevra must uncover the truth before more innocents disappear. But in a city where nothing is quite what it seems, can she expose the darkness at its heart without revealing her own dangerous secrets? And when centuries of prejudice stand between her and justice, will her faith be enough to light the way?

MISSING BY MOONLIGHT is a thrilling fantasy adventure that explores faith, prejudice, and the courage to stand up for love in the face of centuries of hatred. A rich blend of mystery and fantasy perfect for readers who enjoy complex world-building, compelling characters, and heroes who must question everything they believe to fight for what's right.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Melissa grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is second in a series with some elements established from the first book. You don't have to read in order, but I highly recommend that you read the first one first.

My completely non-standard disclaimer applies. Melissa and I have been together well over half our lives at this point. So you can adjust your expectations from my review as much as you like.

Ginnevra and Eodan have been together for some months and have worked out a routine for those days of the month when Eodan's nights turn furry. Things get interesting on their way back to the aunt they've been visiting, including bandits and an ornery, injured hunter who makes the trip a misery. Relief is short-lived, however, when they find that Ginnevra's aunt is missing; and worse, that she is the latest in a rash of people going missing in the city.

The rest of this book is a (fantasy) urban investigation as they try to work out what is happening and who is responsible. Ginnevra is still getting used to her role as a Prime (a paladin who doesn't work in a company), so this is a stretch of her skills and diplomacy and semi-official authority. And it doesn't help that she's also fighting the prejudice against werewolves with those who discover his secret.

It's a tense story with a strong pace and interesting reveals and I'm having a hard time not going into spoiler territory, particularly for that lovely ending. So perfect! So I'll stop with the five stars for a great time reading.

A note about Chaste: Ginnevra and Eodan are together. In that way. But there are no details beyond kissing and minor references to them being happy to be together. In that way. I consider this very chaste, but there's room to disagree.

[Melissa McShane]

This second book in the series about a paladin and her werewolf companion is a mystery, and I don't often write those. Mainly this book was me working out what the series would be going forward. I wanted what's called a static series, in which the main character doesn't have a big growth arc and the series is about events in her life. Most detective mystery series are static series, with Sherlock Holmes being the ultimate example. Ginnevra and Eodan are essentially agents/investigators working for the highest religious authority in the land, which gives me the opportunity to have them do fun stuff and not be tied to one place or one job.

And...that's really all. It's an event in Ginnevra's life that points toward more things that will happen. The question of Eodan's past does not come up here, and maybe it should have, given that in later books it turns out there's some mystery as to who he was before turning his back on his creator. I did want to have a monster who was unequivocally evil, after book one where both monsters weren't, and I'd mentioned lamias in that book and thought, hey, why not?

Book three brings Ginnevra's past back to haunt her, but that's a ways down the road...

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this better than #1 because 1) Ginnevra and Eodan are solid as partner and 2) this is basically an investigation story to find missing people (a.k.a procedural mystery). Yes, it involves paranormal being, but it's pretty forward investigative story (and THAT is my jam)

By the way, I loved how Ginnevra and Eodan dealt with the whole "monsters are bad" in this universe (and ended up converting some people to their path, like Eodan "adopting" Perrelius 😅)

[Kaitlyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2!

Read the first one. It's amazing. So much happens!

Things I love about this book:
The mystery, almost Sherlock Holmes vibe. Except instead of Doctor Watson, you get a hunky werewolf.
The growing connection and romantic element are satisfying and actually very touching! No spoilers, but I was sincerely concerned at how they would get out of some serious trouble! With a perfect and unexpected resolution, setting up the future of the series nicely.

This series is great! Enjoy!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to write a "sweet" fantasy romance, even though there is a lot of stabbing and dark content? Yes? Okay, than McShane is killing it with this series. More in-depth analysis after the concluding book, whenever that is.

Cheers.

[Kellina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first.

I greatly enjoyed the first book, so I immediately pick up the second soon after. There was a bit less 'monster hunting' in this one, and more of a detective mystery type book. Not normally my thing, but I really love the way the writing is. I dive deep into these books and it's so easy to follow. I love the characters and they are so easily relatable for me.

If you liked the first book you will most likely enjoy this one as well. I really can't wait to see where the future takes us! I hope he gets to see the ocean <3

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing By Moonlight is the second installment from The Books of the Dark Goddess series by the talented author, Melissa McShane. It is just what I would expect from her books. I enjoyed reading this book or great characters, mystery, suspense, and adventure. Even though this is part of a series, I feel as though it can be read as a stand alone, but would advise to begin with book one, Silver Shadow.

I am giving Missing By Moonlight five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fantasy fiction, as well as, those with some suspense. I look forward to book three from The Second Book of the Dark Goddess series.

I received a digital copy of Missing By Moonlight from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Pat Gonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Riveting dialogue, smoothly offered. Totally held my attention. I was able to see each character in my mind's eye. Am ready to start Book 3

[Blackeyes17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all right don't think I'm carrying on with the series