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DI Jon Spicer #3
Savage Moon
The body of a woman with her throat ripped out is found on Saddleworth Moor, near Manchester. She is discovered in an area where numerous sightings of a mysterious big black cat have been made. When analysis shows the hairs caught under her nails are those of a panther, it’s assumed the animal has killed its first human victim. But then a man DI Jon Spicer is investigating as part of an entirely different case is murdered in exactly the same way. Only this time the body is found in a secluded car park – a popular gay rendezvous far closer to the city centre. Soon DI Spicer finds himself hunting a killer dubbed The Monster of the Moor, a creature whose stealth and savagery strike terror into the local population and way beyond.
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2008
699 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Chris Simms
64 books82 followersI was born and brought up in rural Sussex, three miles from the nearest shop. Childhood holidays – which lasted for weeks as my dad was a teacher – were spent in a secluded spot in the heart of Exmoor. Sitting round the campfire at night, the haunting cries of owls floating in from the blackness beyond the flames, he would read me the ghost stories of MR James. The short walk to the safety of my tent was always taken at a sprint.
Books that interested me growing up? Plenty of mysteries – especially the Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators series. I also loved Roahl Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected and read plenty of Pan Horror Stories, too.
Later, it was novels that gave insights into unusual minds: the twisted desires of Frederick in John Fowles’, The Collector; the tormented thoughts of Scobie in Graham Greene’s, Heart of the Matter; the violent urges of Francie in Patrick McCabe’s, Butcher Boy all had a major influence.
After school and university came a series of abysmal jobs punctuated by travelling. Quite a lot of travelling, actually. Then, just after my 30th birthday, the idea for my first novel came to me. I was broken down on the hard shoulder of a motorway in the early hours of the morning, waiting for a rescue vehicle to arrive. It’s about the driver of a van who roams the roads in the dead of night, looking for stranded motorists to murder…
Ideas for subsequent novels have occurred at all sorts of odd moments: glimpsing a derelict church from the window of a moving train; browsing a newspaper report about a walker who claimed he’d been attacked by a panther; half-reading a doctor’s surgery article on how some tinnitus sufferers don’t hear whistles or buzzes – they’re tormented by birdsong; listening to a radio program about a flotilla of yellow ducks that fell from a cargo ship and floated slowly across the Atlantic.
Books that interested me growing up? Plenty of mysteries – especially the Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators series. I also loved Roahl Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected and read plenty of Pan Horror Stories, too.
Later, it was novels that gave insights into unusual minds: the twisted desires of Frederick in John Fowles’, The Collector; the tormented thoughts of Scobie in Graham Greene’s, Heart of the Matter; the violent urges of Francie in Patrick McCabe’s, Butcher Boy all had a major influence.
After school and university came a series of abysmal jobs punctuated by travelling. Quite a lot of travelling, actually. Then, just after my 30th birthday, the idea for my first novel came to me. I was broken down on the hard shoulder of a motorway in the early hours of the morning, waiting for a rescue vehicle to arrive. It’s about the driver of a van who roams the roads in the dead of night, looking for stranded motorists to murder…
Ideas for subsequent novels have occurred at all sorts of odd moments: glimpsing a derelict church from the window of a moving train; browsing a newspaper report about a walker who claimed he’d been attacked by a panther; half-reading a doctor’s surgery article on how some tinnitus sufferers don’t hear whistles or buzzes – they’re tormented by birdsong; listening to a radio program about a flotilla of yellow ducks that fell from a cargo ship and floated slowly across the Atlantic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 9, 2021
Savage Moon was a decent mystery that turned into an exceptional lesson in contemporary African history and the role that the Brits played.
A married woman working sheep on the moors near Manchester is viciously killed as if by a wild animal. Shortly thereafter, a middle-aged man trolling for a gay connection in a park parking lot on Manchester's edge is similarly killed. DI Spicer is put on the case.
Ultimately, the book becomes very instructive about the role of the Brits in Africa teaching me things of which I had no idea. It's not surprising to see the Brits commit racial atrocities, it is, after all, what they are best known for. The depth and extent of those atrocities was, however, astonishing to me.
The extent to which my knowledge of the aforementioned was improved made a rather pedestrian mystery a quite worthwhile book.
Only read this book if you'd like to enhance your knowledge of the British role in Africa. That plays such a large part that if you are not interested in it, you will find the book wanting.
Over and Out
A married woman working sheep on the moors near Manchester is viciously killed as if by a wild animal. Shortly thereafter, a middle-aged man trolling for a gay connection in a park parking lot on Manchester's edge is similarly killed. DI Spicer is put on the case.
Ultimately, the book becomes very instructive about the role of the Brits in Africa teaching me things of which I had no idea. It's not surprising to see the Brits commit racial atrocities, it is, after all, what they are best known for. The depth and extent of those atrocities was, however, astonishing to me.
The extent to which my knowledge of the aforementioned was improved made a rather pedestrian mystery a quite worthwhile book.
Only read this book if you'd like to enhance your knowledge of the British role in Africa. That plays such a large part that if you are not interested in it, you will find the book wanting.
Over and Out
April 22, 2010
Hmmmm - tricky one to review - it's very readable and features good main characters, with plenty of details I could relate to.
However the main underlying issues felt almost as though they were crowbarred into the book.
That said, it doesn't shy away from dealing with some major issues: cottaging, post natal depression, opression of a nation, you know, the everyday concerns for the vast majority.
This is the third book featuring DI Spicer I've read. Were it the first, I'm not sure I'd be making a return visit quickly. To summarise then - it's worth reading, but the read the earlier novels first, you'll find it much more enjoyable.
However the main underlying issues felt almost as though they were crowbarred into the book.
That said, it doesn't shy away from dealing with some major issues: cottaging, post natal depression, opression of a nation, you know, the everyday concerns for the vast majority.
This is the third book featuring DI Spicer I've read. Were it the first, I'm not sure I'd be making a return visit quickly. To summarise then - it's worth reading, but the read the earlier novels first, you'll find it much more enjoyable.
December 12, 2019
Something is out there and it’s mauling its victims.
When a second victim is found dead at a car park, DI Jon Spicer from Greater Manchester Police is called in to investigate. The injuries on the victim are similar to those of the first victim and suggest they may have been attacked by a wild animal.
Though both deaths occurred five miles away from each other, Jon tries to establish a connection between the two victims. He has to work alongside Inspector Adam Clegg, the officer in charge of the investigation of the first victim.
But Jon suspects Adam is withholding information about the victim that might be relevant to the case.
Back home things are going downhill. Jon’s wife has not been coping well since having a baby. She’s been fixated on the violence going on in Iraq and has become paranoid about having their dog, Punch around the house for fear that he might attack their baby.
To this end, Jon has had to find a temporary home for Punch.
Then a third body turns up dead, their prime suspect still in the wind. The pressure of the investigation is becoming insurmountable and to make matters worse, Jon’s disgruntled former boss is trying sabotage the investigation by leaking information to the press.
Jon has considered stepping down from heading the investigation so he can look after his wife.
A solid detective story with interesting characters. I liked the main character, Jon and enjoyed following him and his team as they cracked the case. Highly recommend!
When a second victim is found dead at a car park, DI Jon Spicer from Greater Manchester Police is called in to investigate. The injuries on the victim are similar to those of the first victim and suggest they may have been attacked by a wild animal.
Though both deaths occurred five miles away from each other, Jon tries to establish a connection between the two victims. He has to work alongside Inspector Adam Clegg, the officer in charge of the investigation of the first victim.
But Jon suspects Adam is withholding information about the victim that might be relevant to the case.
Back home things are going downhill. Jon’s wife has not been coping well since having a baby. She’s been fixated on the violence going on in Iraq and has become paranoid about having their dog, Punch around the house for fear that he might attack their baby.
To this end, Jon has had to find a temporary home for Punch.
Then a third body turns up dead, their prime suspect still in the wind. The pressure of the investigation is becoming insurmountable and to make matters worse, Jon’s disgruntled former boss is trying sabotage the investigation by leaking information to the press.
Jon has considered stepping down from heading the investigation so he can look after his wife.
A solid detective story with interesting characters. I liked the main character, Jon and enjoyed following him and his team as they cracked the case. Highly recommend!
May 14, 2019
D. I. Spicer’s wife has just had a baby. Life has changed, but the world of violent crime doesn’t go away. Is there a monster on Saddleworth Moor? Are there wild things out in the countryside of Northern England? And is there time to investigate a crime when there’s a baby in the house?
Author Chris Simms juggles the everyday and the dramatic with perfect timing in Savage Moon. Vividly evocative descriptions bring town and moor to life. Natural characters carry natural hurts, hopes and fears. History is ugly and real. And monsters are very genuinely scary. The hunt for a killer (or two) prowling town or moor takes D I Spicer in dangerous directions, through serious temptations, and out the other side to a very satisfying ending. I really enjoyed this novel and would love to read more.
Disclosure: I saw this was set near Manchester and I couldn’t resist it!
Author Chris Simms juggles the everyday and the dramatic with perfect timing in Savage Moon. Vividly evocative descriptions bring town and moor to life. Natural characters carry natural hurts, hopes and fears. History is ugly and real. And monsters are very genuinely scary. The hunt for a killer (or two) prowling town or moor takes D I Spicer in dangerous directions, through serious temptations, and out the other side to a very satisfying ending. I really enjoyed this novel and would love to read more.
Disclosure: I saw this was set near Manchester and I couldn’t resist it!
October 14, 2024
This is my third read by this author and for me my least favourite. The investigation and handling of all parties was not in same league as last 2 books. The personal life side of the book was awful, spicer is portrayed as lacking in compassion and totally inconsiderate. I think i am leaving this series at this book not for me.
October 24, 2015
A third book in the series and although I did not read first 2, the author gives enough hints to give you the background.
Decent page turner and good process. Interesting characters. Very believable inner life.
However
As part of the trend to weave in social and political agendas, the author here has a few. Too many here, and some not helping the story, and feel force fed.
Decent page turner and good process. Interesting characters. Very believable inner life.
However
As part of the trend to weave in social and political agendas, the author here has a few. Too many here, and some not helping the story, and feel force fed.
Want to read
July 19, 2015Free 07-19-15
http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Moon-Chr...
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January 17, 2025
The body of a woman with her throat ripped out is found on Saddleworth Moor, near Manchester. She is discovered in an area where numerous sightings of a mysterious big black cat have been made. When analysis shows the hairs caught under her nails are those of a panther, it's assumed the animal has killed its first human victim. But then a man DI Jon Spicer is investigating as part of an entirely different case is murdered in exactly the same way. Only this time the body is found in a secluded car park - a popular gay rendezvous far closer to the city centre. Soon DI Spicer finds himself hunting a killer dubbed The Monster of the Moor, a creature whose stealth and savagery strike terror into the local population and way beyond
I thought this book was going to be about werewolves, but in fact the killings look like they are committed by a black panther roaming on the moors and getting nearer to the city. DI John Spicer is soon on the case. It was an OK thriller and I guessed how the crimes were committed but I guessed wrong who was doing them and why. I had a few niggles with this book, but not sure if I am being too picky. Firstly don’t the Greater Manchester police have sat nav’s in the cars now a days, in the book the police refer to A to Z. Secondly Spicer seems very selfish, and when his wife Alice is suffering with PND, he continues to work on the case rather than helping his wife, including when she goes missing and taking the baby with her. Also ( told you I was bee picky ) Spicer is a DI and does not know how to access a forum on a computer, he seems not to have a clue, but then when his wife is ill, he can go to the computer and go into the history to see what she has been looking at. This book is part of series and I haven’t read any of the others so I guess that the characters do have history and maybe it should be read as a whole. Not sure about the title of the book either as it didn't match the content.
I thought this book was going to be about werewolves, but in fact the killings look like they are committed by a black panther roaming on the moors and getting nearer to the city. DI John Spicer is soon on the case. It was an OK thriller and I guessed how the crimes were committed but I guessed wrong who was doing them and why. I had a few niggles with this book, but not sure if I am being too picky. Firstly don’t the Greater Manchester police have sat nav’s in the cars now a days, in the book the police refer to A to Z. Secondly Spicer seems very selfish, and when his wife Alice is suffering with PND, he continues to work on the case rather than helping his wife, including when she goes missing and taking the baby with her. Also ( told you I was bee picky ) Spicer is a DI and does not know how to access a forum on a computer, he seems not to have a clue, but then when his wife is ill, he can go to the computer and go into the history to see what she has been looking at. This book is part of series and I haven’t read any of the others so I guess that the characters do have history and maybe it should be read as a whole. Not sure about the title of the book either as it didn't match the content.
October 8, 2017
The third book in the Jon Spicer series by Chris Simms is a book that ignores the tendency of people to look back at history with rose tinted glasses. The themes of this book are really important and are intertwined with an interesting original mystery that I would recommend anyone to read. The way he intertwines the main story of the detective with the issues of the period mean that not just the main mystery is interesting, but that there are several stories in this book that run together at once.
I started reading this book because of a BBC documentary – Detectives, murder on the streets and as a reviewer I am thankful that in order to give this tv show proper analysis I decided to read a Manchester author and chose Chris Simms. Without this idea I would probably have never read Chris and I am glad that I did. I give this book 5 stars.
https://hawleyreviews.wordpress.com/2...
I started reading this book because of a BBC documentary – Detectives, murder on the streets and as a reviewer I am thankful that in order to give this tv show proper analysis I decided to read a Manchester author and chose Chris Simms. Without this idea I would probably have never read Chris and I am glad that I did. I give this book 5 stars.
https://hawleyreviews.wordpress.com/2...
April 20, 2019
Savage Moon is not only a well-crafted thriller, it also reveals extremely important facts about the horrors of British colonial rule that was far from the benign dissemination of civilization we have been taught. Cleverly equating the rape of Kenya with the destruction of Iraq, Chris Simms creates a very plausible plot revolving around retribution for past injustices, and the possibility of severe depression today in people unable to live with the knowledge of their government’s ongoing lethal interference in other countries where there is money to be made.
For those indoctrinated with the notion of benign colonialism and justified intervention, the facts will prove difficult to accept, but they remain facts nonetheless
For those indoctrinated with the notion of benign colonialism and justified intervention, the facts will prove difficult to accept, but they remain facts nonetheless
March 28, 2019
I almost did not read this book. In the first chapters, it made me uncomfortable - a sense of foreboding. What was going to happen to Alice, Holly, Punch or that stray cat. Was there a killer panther out there or just a killer? Jon had his work cut out for him with a new baby at home keeping them up at night, the media, a department leak, and this his first major case to lead.
Interesting conclusion and a lot of suspects before the reveal. Not the greatest read but a5 the end I wanted to know what happened. I haven’t read the first 2 books and may not as didn’t seem 5o matter for this read.
Interesting conclusion and a lot of suspects before the reveal. Not the greatest read but a5 the end I wanted to know what happened. I haven’t read the first 2 books and may not as didn’t seem 5o matter for this read.
September 5, 2022
Thoroughly engrossing and involving story. Jon Spicer can't drag himself away from the case despite all his domestic problems, new baby and manic post natal depressed wife and poor dog Punch getting kicked out for being faithful. Where did the panther that was shot come from ? Was the zoo man in on it for profit ? It was down to politics in the end so Alice was on the right track. Doggers, drop outs and dosser are all victims in one way or another some deserving their fate others dragged in unwittingly and Jon has to sort out the clues from the mess that is left after the attacks. McCloughlin got what was coming to him anyway so all is good in the end.
January 21, 2021
Interesting. Engaging brings out the inner fighting spirit.
Starts off slow, but close to 60% the plot heats up. Good read IF the reader has patience and a bit of fortitude. Great main character; like his superior who has his back. I liked the way the character thinks and seeks help when necessary. Great plot with plenty of twists and turns without ever giving the reader a real clue. Loved the ending! Fabulous research into not topics of political concern. PottsvillePA_01212021. Thank you Chris Simms -- it was a WILD read!!!
Starts off slow, but close to 60% the plot heats up. Good read IF the reader has patience and a bit of fortitude. Great main character; like his superior who has his back. I liked the way the character thinks and seeks help when necessary. Great plot with plenty of twists and turns without ever giving the reader a real clue. Loved the ending! Fabulous research into not topics of political concern. PottsvillePA_01212021. Thank you Chris Simms -- it was a WILD read!!!
May 31, 2021
Brilliant read!
A great introduction to Chris Simms...So many twists in this fabulous story, and a home life in turmoil with a new baby, a wife with suspected post natal depression! But, will DI Spicer let anyone take his suspicion that it wasn't a big cat! He works long, long hours trying hard to get to the truth of this case, and still gets up to feed his 12 week old baby in the night. Will he crack under the strain? Will the other DI takeover his case? Will his marriage survive?
It's a must read, brilliant storyline, expertly crafted, highly recommended.
A great introduction to Chris Simms...So many twists in this fabulous story, and a home life in turmoil with a new baby, a wife with suspected post natal depression! But, will DI Spicer let anyone take his suspicion that it wasn't a big cat! He works long, long hours trying hard to get to the truth of this case, and still gets up to feed his 12 week old baby in the night. Will he crack under the strain? Will the other DI takeover his case? Will his marriage survive?
It's a must read, brilliant storyline, expertly crafted, highly recommended.
September 21, 2022
History is so important!
This book has got quite a lot of gore in the pages but its necessary to understand the reasons behind the storyline. I'm in this part of the country as I'm reading this and I'm not going out after dark!
I have found Alice's character difficult to get alongside as she has lost some of her backbone but also become quite single minded. But as I've never suffered as she does I dont know how it feels. But I loved Jon's reaction to McCloughlin, couldn't of happened to a nicer bloke 😉
This book has got quite a lot of gore in the pages but its necessary to understand the reasons behind the storyline. I'm in this part of the country as I'm reading this and I'm not going out after dark!
I have found Alice's character difficult to get alongside as she has lost some of her backbone but also become quite single minded. But as I've never suffered as she does I dont know how it feels. But I loved Jon's reaction to McCloughlin, couldn't of happened to a nicer bloke 😉
March 17, 2019
Excellent fast paced read!
There's nothing I enjoy more than a great crime novel, except when I learn some (true) history on top of it. This author wove a tale involving multiple storylines and managed to keep the suspense and drama the entire time. I'll definitely be reading everything he writes!
There's nothing I enjoy more than a great crime novel, except when I learn some (true) history on top of it. This author wove a tale involving multiple storylines and managed to keep the suspense and drama the entire time. I'll definitely be reading everything he writes!
March 19, 2019
When a body is discovered on Saddleworth Moor, DI Spicer takes charage. But the case it not a staightforward one especially when another body is discovered with the same injuries. What could be the connection between the people and the motive.
I enjoyed the story apart from the side story of Spicer's martial problems, they didn't help with the plot and were of no interest.
I enjoyed the story apart from the side story of Spicer's martial problems, they didn't help with the plot and were of no interest.
April 5, 2019
Exciting
This is the third book of Chris Simms that I have read. They have all been terrific. I would recommend his books to anyone who loves a good mystery. I am about to start the fourth one. I want to read the Roller Coaster but I can't figure out how to download it . Please rad his books. They are the best!
This is the third book of Chris Simms that I have read. They have all been terrific. I would recommend his books to anyone who loves a good mystery. I am about to start the fourth one. I want to read the Roller Coaster but I can't figure out how to download it . Please rad his books. They are the best!
September 6, 2020
The Past That Came Back To Haunt Us
Mysterious deaths seemingly caused by a wild big cat cause consternation in Northern England, but there is a deeper tale to be told which embraces Britain's murky colonial past.
All is not what it seems, however, as the investigating officer discovers as he digs deeper and exposes himself to great risk.
Mysterious deaths seemingly caused by a wild big cat cause consternation in Northern England, but there is a deeper tale to be told which embraces Britain's murky colonial past.
All is not what it seems, however, as the investigating officer discovers as he digs deeper and exposes himself to great risk.
June 8, 2018
A nice read
This was basically a good story but the subject bounced to and fro. While each subject was intriguing I felt pulled away too quickly to the next. I did like the story line. All of them really but was left kinda empty on some points
This was basically a good story but the subject bounced to and fro. While each subject was intriguing I felt pulled away too quickly to the next. I did like the story line. All of them really but was left kinda empty on some points
November 19, 2018
This story was gripping from the very beginning until the very end. I really appreciated not knowing how it would end until nearly the end. I was still gripped in the suspense and enjoyed the read. I recommend this novel to anyone hoping for a good story that is hard to put down.
March 19, 2019
Excellent
Loved the book; the plot, the characters with about four storylines going on at the same time. Lots of in depth observations and enough chill to have you reaching for a bit water bottle!
Loved the book; the plot, the characters with about four storylines going on at the same time. Lots of in depth observations and enough chill to have you reaching for a bit water bottle!
March 24, 2019
ǹTaut and twisting.
A rich compote of love and loss, betrayal and revenge. Told in a way that makes the characters real and complex. Motives truly believable, and interactions as fraught with misunderstanding and defensiveness as real life.
Excellent!
A rich compote of love and loss, betrayal and revenge. Told in a way that makes the characters real and complex. Motives truly believable, and interactions as fraught with misunderstanding and defensiveness as real life.
Excellent!
March 27, 2019
PANTHER
Absolutely riveting. I did not guess the end before it was revealed. The book makes you compare evil all over the world. It happens in third world countries, Germany, Vietnam, America ect. Hate is alive and well in 2019. Turn YOUR back on hate
Absolutely riveting. I did not guess the end before it was revealed. The book makes you compare evil all over the world. It happens in third world countries, Germany, Vietnam, America ect. Hate is alive and well in 2019. Turn YOUR back on hate
March 28, 2019
Half nearly good !!
Kin rubbish !! Style and literacy competent, basic idea OK, Detail f’in crap ! A panther is a leopard, a black panther is a melanistic leopard , It does nor have long curly hair !! WTF !!
Kin rubbish !! Style and literacy competent, basic idea OK, Detail f’in crap ! A panther is a leopard, a black panther is a melanistic leopard , It does nor have long curly hair !! WTF !!
April 16, 2019
Tense - on the edge
Kept me guessing ! - DI Spicer is a solid character at work & great with his family life . First book I've read of Spicer series, but it won't be the last !
Kept me guessing ! - DI Spicer is a solid character at work & great with his family life . First book I've read of Spicer series, but it won't be the last !
April 21, 2019
Informative
Enjoyed this book very much , it's 2.30 and I have just finished it as I HAD to get to the end and find out what happens. . Liked the character of Jon Spicer , the writing style and storyline. Would recommend.
Enjoyed this book very much , it's 2.30 and I have just finished it as I HAD to get to the end and find out what happens. . Liked the character of Jon Spicer , the writing style and storyline. Would recommend.
May 2, 2019
Gritty
First DI Spicer book I have read and I found it really engrossing. The writing was very atmospheric and I could really feel the terror in some scenes. Good side story about a period in history I knew nothing about.
First DI Spicer book I have read and I found it really engrossing. The writing was very atmospheric and I could really feel the terror in some scenes. Good side story about a period in history I knew nothing about.
May 31, 2019
Review for savage moon
A cracking read with action from the start.
My 1st book by this author with good lead characters switching from main plot to background story well making this a great and entertaining read look forward to reading more from Chris Simms
A cracking read with action from the start.
My 1st book by this author with good lead characters switching from main plot to background story well making this a great and entertaining read look forward to reading more from Chris Simms
October 24, 2019
Highly recommend
Another nail biting, fast paced enjoyable read in the D I Spicer series. Even though I stumbled upon this series and have read them out of order it doesn't matter as each story can stand alone, but after you've read one I guarantee you'll want to read the rest
Another nail biting, fast paced enjoyable read in the D I Spicer series. Even though I stumbled upon this series and have read them out of order it doesn't matter as each story can stand alone, but after you've read one I guarantee you'll want to read the rest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews