The Haunting of Millie Nettles

Blue Moon Appalachia #1

by Barry Napier, Steve Higgs

Investigate weird goings on for a living? What kind of nutbag would do that?

Well, the kind with bills to pay, actually.

In the quiet seclusion of the Appalachia mountains, something evil stirs. Home to generations of witches, the entire region knows the lore, and everyone knows someone with at least a suggestion of the supernatural in their family.

So when Edgar Corey, one time FBI field agent and all-round recluse, is called upon to help the sheriff with what sounds like a supernatural case, he automatically turns him down.

Or wished he had because all too soon he’s up to his neck in a case that throws everything he believes into question. Is there something ancient and malevolent in the woods? Can he stop it if there is?

With darkness descending, Edgar must fight to get to the truth and one thing is for sure – they all wish Millie Nettles had left the thing she found in the ground.

Investigate the paranormal? Why didn’t he just say no?

Genres: Mystery

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

About the author

Barry Napier is the author of The Cooper M. Reid series, The Bleeding Room, Bound, Break Every Chain, Nests, and several other titles. His books span a wide range of genres, from paranormal thrillers to Christian adventure.

He works as a ghostwriter while working on his own titles. He enjoys coffee, ambient music, and irony.

Reviews

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was far better than I expected. I do believe in magic and things going on that most of us mere humans have no idea of, but I also know there are people out there who see and feel no guilt in tricking others for their own greed. That is why I feel there is need for people like the main character in this story. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out whether an 80 yr old woman is cursed for digging up and old "witch jar". I know the end of this story and I won't tell you how it goes. I just think reading the story is very important and it will teach most people a valuable lesson. I will never tell you not to believe, but I will tell you to be certain of what you do believe in. IF you aren't, there are plenty of people who WILL take advantage of naivety or lack of knowledge. For the record, I do believe that we as humans cannot possibly be alone in this vast universe and it is the height of hubris to think we are.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new offshoot of the Blue Moon series is one of my favorites already. Napier and Higgs make a good team.
Mille Nettles, an 84 year old in the Appalachian woods, is cursed, or so she thinks, and the sheriff has asked Edgar Corey to help him figure out what is happening. Edgar has a past and a penchant for debunking such mysteries, so he is the right guy for the job, just like Higg's Tempest Michaels.
I know those who enjoy Higg's books are going to love this one, too. So glad he has added Barry to his stable of great authors.

[Andrea Noyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed it

This isn’t the first Steve Higgs book I’ve read so I knew I’d enjoy it. However, as someone who did grow up in Eastern Ky, I don’t remember using the word Appalachia so much, if hardly at all. It got a bit annoying to see the word so much in reminding us where we were…? We just referred to it as the hills, mountains or hollers. That’s a word I didn’t see. There was one more thing but it’s just me being nit-picky so I won’t mention it. Overall I did enjoy meeting Edgar and will read more. I just hope he doesn’t say Appalachia so much. :)

[Leanne Kendall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only gave 1 * as this is part of Blue Moon series (which are normally very good)

I do not think anyone proof read this before publishing- so many typos and grammar errors- including calling Millie Nettles "Nellie" at one point. Another character had two surnames- Millberry and Mulberry.

If Steve Higgs has anything to do with proofreading before this author published his books then more needs to be done.
Although I have purchased the next three in the series, as well as pre-order #5, I really hope they improve. Otherwise what a waste of $$$$$$

[Christine Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new spin-off (Blue Moon Appalachia) introduces a new character of the Blue Moon Investigations series. Edgar Corey has brought media attention to himself and is being recruited to open a branch in the US. He is reluctant at best. The ensuing story will hold your attention long after you should have probably gone to bed. Well-written with fleshed-out characters and a solid plot, this is definitely one you shouldn't miss.

[Cynthia Flasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast paced

I liked that this book did not go overboard with long explanations of background occult arguments and theories. I like the Blue Moon original series and have read all of them. I like that there are more locations in th the US and that more authors are collaborating in these series. As always, the plots keep you guessing and the characters are well rounded and relatable. I look forward to more books in these series.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of Millie Nettles (book 1)

I was a little shocked to find this book was so intriguing! I was afraid that it would be a replacement for the books by Steve Higgs! I'm grateful for the fact that Mr Higgs helped this author with his story! I have always enjoyed Mr Higgs books so am much amazed at how this (and hopefully all) creativity is going to be a great deal for these two authors!!

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never mess with the elderly.
Because if you do, you will quickly find out how tough they really are! This mystery had me putting on my thinking cap and I'm proud to say I kept up with this one following the clues each one as they came. I love the mysteries because they keep my senses alert to the "anything is possible" rule. Fascinating and pulse-pounding story! Loved the ending!

[Gill Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Thank you Steve for another Blue Moon book, i really like the twists and turns and your new characters already seem so good.

I still miss the original Blue Moon crew situated in their office about 8 miles from my home but I'll look forward to more stories from you especially if the involve Tempest Michaels.

Thank you

[Eva Belliston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series.

I enjoy the Blue Moon series. The mixture of paranormal with procedural debunking is a good read. I like the flawed hero in this story and the resolution of the plot . I am very interested in seeing where Edgar and Poppy take us in the following stories.

[Sheila Coffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars only because of spelling errors

Spelling errors abound in this particular book. I haven’t noticed that in the other series. It bugs me and takes away from the reading experience.

The story itself was really good and interesting. I’ve enjoyed the other books in the Blue Moon series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series starter! I definitely want to finish this series and will be checking out some of the spin off series as well. As someone with family from the Blue Ridge Mountains, I can appreciate the picture he paints of the area and their folklore. Really like the main character. Very satisfying conclusion although a little easy.

[Brenda L Tollett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read

I have read all of Steve Higgs books and so was excited to try this series. The cadence of the story was a little different and there were a couple of plot errors and misspelled words that should have been caught in proofreading, but it was a genuinely delightful tale that convinced me read the next one.

[Ronald Enos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Franchise

A good backstory in the guise of a cursed client. There is a lot of background revealed about the new PI, the surrounding local folklore and its impact on the people who remain in this near ghost town situated in the deep backwoods of Appalachia.
Seems like a great start to another series.

[Audrey Cienki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Series

I really liked this book and the basic concept. Actually a pretty realistic idea with real people. How Edgar handled Dylan was great. You will enjoy this story.

[L K Stow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start

This a Great start to what might become another great series from Steve higgs publishing house and a great way to expand the blue moon series. As always the book has some great characters you can get to live and a decent plot. Look forward to reading the next one

[Jess M. Sponable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

My family is from Appalachian so I took to this book immediately. It is well written and full of interesting characters, especially if you grew up around Appalachians. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Mary Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

New characters, New locations

As always, Steve Higgs knows how to pick writing collaborators. A well written book from the Appalachian area of the US. An area steeped in strange happenings and folklore.
Great book, look forward to reading more.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

As a Steve Higgs fan, this seemed like a winner, and it is!
Damn good story, well written, loved the characters, and ready for the next book.
If you’re a Blue Moon fan, this is a must read!

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

When Millie Nettles believes she is cursed, the police ask Edgar to help them out with finding the truth. Edgar does not believe in the supernatural but feels there is a logical explanation for what is happening.

[Fredda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad.

I enjoyed the story. I wasn't very fond of the cross references to southern attitudes and Appalachia. In most cases I find customs and attitudes in Appalachia differ significantly from the true southern ones.

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Another head for a new branch of the Blue Moon Detective agency is being recruited in The USA, this time in the Appalachia Mountain region. The folklore runs deep here, and things are going to get interesting.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually enjoyed it. The main character is self deprecating but not to the point where it becomes tedious. He’s trying to make a living back in his hometown a place he would rather not be, debunking supernatural reports.

[Wendy Schindler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Really For Me

This was a fairly engaging story although pretty obvious with the clues what the mystery was.
Not really for me, as I will always try to keep my mind open to the realm of possibilities.

[Susan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

could not put down

Brilliant, loved reading it great story, very easy to read can’t wait for the next one . Will also try some of his other stuff as only read this as part of blue moon franchise. Hopefully found yet another author to read.

[Terri Voth(TV) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curse or no curse?

This book was interesting and easy to read. It took me a little bit to get involved with the story. Edgar and Poppy make an unique team. Ready to try the next book.

[Cscallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job

Interesting story line and characters, I love this new series of books by this author. Well done sir, well done!

[PAULA SUMNER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appalachia good

Similar to the UK books but more interesting as it’s an Appalachian story. Will follow with interest. I hope it stays interesting.

[Elizabeth Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Loved it! It was everything I have come to expect from a Blue Moon investigation. I really look forward to watching Edger grow and build his team.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

If you enjoy the original Blue Moon Investigations books, give BMI: Appalachia a try! They’re very similar but with a southern US twist.