What do you think?
Rate this book
Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers #1
Counting Crows: One for Murder
The moor is darkening.
Lorne Turner’s army days are over, but his haunting memories never rest. One fog-bound morning he stumbles across a murder. The crows feasting on a sacrifice.
Detective Inspector Tony Shaw tries to tell him the occult symbols on the dead man are nothing but faked staging. Lorne’s honed instincts scream in warning. There is darkness and it’s spreading.
The first person he turns to for help is the only friend he has, Ella Morgan, vicar of his parish. Together they reach out to the pagan Willow Hunter and they begin to unravel the crime.
Corruption, greed and the abuse of occult mysteries lead Lorne into a world he never thought existed in Somerset. Trained to stand strong against terrorists, now he must fight the ghosts of his mind and the darkness of a madman.
An old soldier once more goes into battle. What will break first, his mind, or his enemies?
Lorne Turner’s army days are over, but his haunting memories never rest. One fog-bound morning he stumbles across a murder. The crows feasting on a sacrifice.
Detective Inspector Tony Shaw tries to tell him the occult symbols on the dead man are nothing but faked staging. Lorne’s honed instincts scream in warning. There is darkness and it’s spreading.
The first person he turns to for help is the only friend he has, Ella Morgan, vicar of his parish. Together they reach out to the pagan Willow Hunter and they begin to unravel the crime.
Corruption, greed and the abuse of occult mysteries lead Lorne into a world he never thought existed in Somerset. Trained to stand strong against terrorists, now he must fight the ghosts of his mind and the darkness of a madman.
An old soldier once more goes into battle. What will break first, his mind, or his enemies?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2021
489 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 27, 2024
A dark and dangerous tale!
This was an edgy tale with a number of different storylines running through the book. A former SAS soldier, Lorne Turner, returns to his native Somerset in order to set up a survivalist school. However, he is suffering from both the emotional and physical scars of war and finds it difficult to interact with everyday people. His main friends are Ella, a gay vicar and Willow, a devotee of Wicca. The three fall foul of a cabal of highly influential practitioners of dark magic. Devotees of the English occultist and black magician, Aleister Crowley. What follows is a fast flowing tale of abduction, ritualistic murder and general mayhem. This was a real page turner of a book with good character development and descriptive prose. Highly recommended as a satisfying read.
This was an edgy tale with a number of different storylines running through the book. A former SAS soldier, Lorne Turner, returns to his native Somerset in order to set up a survivalist school. However, he is suffering from both the emotional and physical scars of war and finds it difficult to interact with everyday people. His main friends are Ella, a gay vicar and Willow, a devotee of Wicca. The three fall foul of a cabal of highly influential practitioners of dark magic. Devotees of the English occultist and black magician, Aleister Crowley. What follows is a fast flowing tale of abduction, ritualistic murder and general mayhem. This was a real page turner of a book with good character development and descriptive prose. Highly recommended as a satisfying read.
October 9, 2023
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
October 29, 2021
I am not a fan of books dealing with the supernatural or the occult but I found myself with a copy of Counting Crows and since I was short of reading material I racked back on the couch and decided to give it a go...I finished it the following afternoon!
The story is edgy with a unique development and explanation of the characters, there are also a number of different storylines running through the book. I found that the more I read, the more I wanted to read.
This is a book for those times when you time on your hands, nothing compelling to do and you just want to relax. I highly recommend this novel for those times!
The story is edgy with a unique development and explanation of the characters, there are also a number of different storylines running through the book. I found that the more I read, the more I wanted to read.
This is a book for those times when you time on your hands, nothing compelling to do and you just want to relax. I highly recommend this novel for those times!
January 6, 2026
a good story, I will read the next in the series.
October 18, 2022
My Thoughts:
Another white mundane male protagonist with military background, just like The 13th Witch (book 1 of The King's Watch series) and the Blue Moon Investigations Series . This theme is getting popular. I wonder if this is going to be the new vampire now?...
Why is this book not whispersync ed?!! ** sigh**
Edmund Bloxam 's scratchy voice match the old grizzled curmudgeon of a retired soldier that Lorne is in my head. However, the words are not distinct like some of the narrators I am used to. There is a slurry quality to it which is not helped by the lack of whispersync feature of kindle/audible. However, the slurry quality also adds character to Lorne who is supposed to be narrating the story to the readers.
On top of not being whispersync , the audiobook version skips lines like: "The body in the moor, the one in the papers, he found it." (page 46 of 234 of the kindle ebook) — That line would have made the following next few lines make sense! As it is, I had to stop listening and read the ebook because the conversation no longer make sense. This made the going really slow. It is obvious that the script that Edmund Bloxam is reading is not the same to the ebook that I bought. As an audiobook listener, this drives me up the wall. It tends to stop me buying from producers of this kind of audiobooks, i.e., Sarah Luddington. Anyway, I ended up reading the ebook on the first round of reading. I listened to the audiobook on subsequent re-reads. Because, yes, this book is good enough for re-reads.
I recommend the book to any supernatural thriller reader! However, I do not recommend the audiobook format. It has a lot to be desired.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 9 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 3.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Another white mundane male protagonist with military background, just like The 13th Witch (book 1 of The King's Watch series) and the Blue Moon Investigations Series . This theme is getting popular. I wonder if this is going to be the new vampire now?...
Why is this book not whispersync ed?!! ** sigh**
Edmund Bloxam 's scratchy voice match the old grizzled curmudgeon of a retired soldier that Lorne is in my head. However, the words are not distinct like some of the narrators I am used to. There is a slurry quality to it which is not helped by the lack of whispersync feature of kindle/audible. However, the slurry quality also adds character to Lorne who is supposed to be narrating the story to the readers.
On top of not being whispersync , the audiobook version skips lines like: "The body in the moor, the one in the papers, he found it." (page 46 of 234 of the kindle ebook) — That line would have made the following next few lines make sense! As it is, I had to stop listening and read the ebook because the conversation no longer make sense. This made the going really slow. It is obvious that the script that Edmund Bloxam is reading is not the same to the ebook that I bought. As an audiobook listener, this drives me up the wall. It tends to stop me buying from producers of this kind of audiobooks, i.e., Sarah Luddington. Anyway, I ended up reading the ebook on the first round of reading. I listened to the audiobook on subsequent re-reads. Because, yes, this book is good enough for re-reads.
I recommend the book to any supernatural thriller reader! However, I do not recommend the audiobook format. It has a lot to be desired.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 9 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 3.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
September 25, 2021
Joe Talon is a writer to watch! "Counting Crows" is an engaging supernatural mystery. It is the first in the Lorne Turner series.
The main character, ex-SAS Lorne Turner, retires from a military career and returns from deployment overseas to his family farm in Exmoor. He starts settling into the farm, coming to terms with happenings during his last engagement in Afghanistan, inner demons, adapting to civilian life and the farm's situation. Instead of the solitude he wants, he gets involved in a mystery when he discovers a corpse while out on a run. Mysteries deepen with the unusual manner the body was displayed and its unusual tattoos, with police dismissal of the circumstances and a range of characters that keep you guessing as to their ultimate motives & role in the story.
The story moves at a nice pace. I was locked in and couldn't put it down, eager to see what happened next. It is well-written and descriptive. I felt like I was in the story following the characters. They are well-developed with a diversity that is refreshing to read. They aren't stereotyped writing exercises but are organic, natural people from a cross-section of society. I appreciated the range of religious and life-experience points of view represented & the LGBTIQ+ character (no spoilers on who!). The main character, Lorne Turner, isn't perfect and doesn't miraculously get out of danger like the main characters in some books.
This is definitely a must-read if you are interested in mysteries and/or paranormal thrillers.
I can't wait for "Money For Old Bones". I'm keen to see what situations Lorne gets into and where Joe takes this him in future books. Until recently I had only 1 author whose series are automatically on my To Buy & Read list (Kim Harrison's Hollows series). Joe Talon has become the 2nd author on that list.
The main character, ex-SAS Lorne Turner, retires from a military career and returns from deployment overseas to his family farm in Exmoor. He starts settling into the farm, coming to terms with happenings during his last engagement in Afghanistan, inner demons, adapting to civilian life and the farm's situation. Instead of the solitude he wants, he gets involved in a mystery when he discovers a corpse while out on a run. Mysteries deepen with the unusual manner the body was displayed and its unusual tattoos, with police dismissal of the circumstances and a range of characters that keep you guessing as to their ultimate motives & role in the story.
The story moves at a nice pace. I was locked in and couldn't put it down, eager to see what happened next. It is well-written and descriptive. I felt like I was in the story following the characters. They are well-developed with a diversity that is refreshing to read. They aren't stereotyped writing exercises but are organic, natural people from a cross-section of society. I appreciated the range of religious and life-experience points of view represented & the LGBTIQ+ character (no spoilers on who!). The main character, Lorne Turner, isn't perfect and doesn't miraculously get out of danger like the main characters in some books.
This is definitely a must-read if you are interested in mysteries and/or paranormal thrillers.
I can't wait for "Money For Old Bones". I'm keen to see what situations Lorne gets into and where Joe takes this him in future books. Until recently I had only 1 author whose series are automatically on my To Buy & Read list (Kim Harrison's Hollows series). Joe Talon has become the 2nd author on that list.
August 16, 2021
First this is not a book report...second, I did get a copy in exchange for an honest review. Here goes...I really liked this book! The writing style grabbed me from the first page to the last. The author really knows how to build characters so they are human, believable and make you want to know what will happen next. Some teasers for you, but no spoilers..."The woodland wept. The boy heard it. Felt it. Felt the darkness rise from the ground. A shivering, grasping terror and hunger. A taste of blood and loam, of dirt and leaf litter, in his mouth and nose." That hooked me and I HAD to know what was going to happen next. I don't want to give away the story, but do want to say that if you like mysteries, a bit of a rough edge to your cast of "heroes", than what a you waiting for? Get a copy of this book! Not too long to read in a weekend or by the pool if it is a nice day.
December 22, 2021
Just as the other book in the Lorne Turner-series this one is just gripping! I spent a whole weekend just reading, not wanting to put it down until the last page was finished. I specifically like the twist and turns, and the somewhat different types of characters coming together (a lesbian vicar, a PTSD ex-soldier and a pagan witch). A really good read when you have a long stretch of time to kill! Just get a blanket, a cup of tea and make sure you have prepared food to not have to interrupt your reading with cooking :)
March 24, 2025
This book hits the spot. Having wandered aimlessly for a while looking for a good read I picked up this story and was immediately immersed in the moody, swirling mists of Exmore. Deep, historical, murky menace hovering on the periphery. Lorne, the main character is a fascinating and damaged ex Regiment soldier, an NCO. Haunted by his service experiences and childhood he seeks to find a kind of peace by returning to his childhood home. A peace of sorts, denied by the long dark fingers of the past reaching through time. He fights both demons of his own and on all levels as he unites with likeminded characters. His new friends and as fascinating and deep as he is and exploring their new hesitant relationship is as much part of the story. I smiled, nodded and jumped regularly, sometimes at the same time. I could identify with much, the struggles that life and other things throw at you as you seek the best path through. I absolutely loved it, it is a long time since I felt quite so fully immersed in a story. I am fascinated to see where it will go in future and how the characters will develop and evolve. Just wonderful.
July 16, 2022
I got this audiobook via a promo code and this is my voluntary review.
This was my first experience with Joe Talon's work, and I enjoyed it a lot.This is a fantastic narrative with action on every page. Interesting cast of individuals mixed with vivid descriptions of the environment. Sunday night I began reading, and Tuesday afternoon I finished. The plot is intriguing, the characters are developed and explained in an unique way, and there are several various threads that flow throughout the novel. Brilliant for anyone who likes well-written, gritty novels with more than a touch of the dark side. Edmund Bloxam was the perfect choice of narrator.
I recently purchased the next book, so I'll just keep reading.
This was my first experience with Joe Talon's work, and I enjoyed it a lot.This is a fantastic narrative with action on every page. Interesting cast of individuals mixed with vivid descriptions of the environment. Sunday night I began reading, and Tuesday afternoon I finished. The plot is intriguing, the characters are developed and explained in an unique way, and there are several various threads that flow throughout the novel. Brilliant for anyone who likes well-written, gritty novels with more than a touch of the dark side. Edmund Bloxam was the perfect choice of narrator.
I recently purchased the next book, so I'll just keep reading.
May 6, 2024
This was a very interesting and pretty suspenseful read, and the mc makes the story even better.
I like how the author shows his struggle with life after his service, his PTSD, his awkward social skills, and his funny and adorable reactions/thoughts of his crush.
The occult and supernatural elements are also part of this series, I wonder how much more will be explored later in the series?
I have read the short stories, and it does help with getting to know the mc better. He is already showing some character development, so I have high hopes for him! It is also very realistic to make him non-invincible… because, well, human and not the youngest anymore, right?
I will definitely read the other books. 4,5 stars.
I like how the author shows his struggle with life after his service, his PTSD, his awkward social skills, and his funny and adorable reactions/thoughts of his crush.
The occult and supernatural elements are also part of this series, I wonder how much more will be explored later in the series?
I have read the short stories, and it does help with getting to know the mc better. He is already showing some character development, so I have high hopes for him! It is also very realistic to make him non-invincible… because, well, human and not the youngest anymore, right?
I will definitely read the other books. 4,5 stars.
October 4, 2023
Haunted by his army days memories Lorne Turner goes back to his family’s farm. The only way to exorcise the ghosts of the past is by taking long walks. On one of them he finds a body and crows feeding on it. It reeks of dark sacrifice but the police pay him no heed. From then on he tries to stay one step ahead of those who want to kill him to prevent him and his friends to discover the occult mysteries that are plunging the area in darkness. Can they bring the light back to those woods? You must read this book to find out. There is so much more to this dark heavy tale. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Well paced, interesting twists and turns, and well written characters. It actually was hard to put it down, and I did stay up late to finish it, as the interactions between the three major characters created the right amount of tension, raising questions of future relationships, and hooked me into wanting the read the next in the series! One thing I really liked about this book (because it is a particular pet peeve) is that this is a complete story. I don't have to read the next to find out the resolution of the story, yet I want to read more about the characters!
December 11, 2021
The disillusioned and battered former SAS Sgt Major Lorne Turner returns to his deceased parents farm. What he finds are old bills which had never been paid. He does not want to sell the farm but he needs to find someway to survive. His only friend, Ella a vicar, has her own problems. She takes him to meet Willow a witch, if you will , totry and hept hisd mental agony as a result of hsi SAS years plus having found a young man dead with many tattoos whihc seem strange. This leads to an adventure noone could imagine with strange ending. Well worth reading.
April 2, 2022
This was my first experience with Joe Talon's work, and I enjoyed it a lot. The author created memorable characters. The mystery was convoluted. The inclusion of the occult added a layer of mysticism to the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. At first, it was hard to get into Edmund Bloxam's narration style; however, once I had listened to the audiobook for a while, I really started to like the way that he performed. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
April 27, 2022
This was stunningly good. I loved the characters and the setting and there is something about a dark ghost story that really appeals to me. Lorne's background was beautifully drawn as were the supporting characters, especially Ella. I have to admit that I romped through this in one day, and went on to read everything else in this series. Which means I am left waiting eagerly for the next book!
Recommended for anyone who likes well-written, gritty novels with more than a touch of the dark side.
Recommended for anyone who likes well-written, gritty novels with more than a touch of the dark side.
June 27, 2023
Very Enjoyable.
From the blurb I half expected some sort of Dennis Wheatley meets Andy McNabb, with bits of Phil Rickman thrown in. I was wrong this book stands on it's own merits with a set of characters who are nicely developed as the book progresses; and progress it does as the plot moves along at a good pace.
The supernatural elements never go too far into the wierd end of the spectrum.
A good read for those aren't overly sceptical of the spiritual having a role in people's emotional and psychological relationship with reality.
I will definitely read more in this series.
From the blurb I half expected some sort of Dennis Wheatley meets Andy McNabb, with bits of Phil Rickman thrown in. I was wrong this book stands on it's own merits with a set of characters who are nicely developed as the book progresses; and progress it does as the plot moves along at a good pace.
The supernatural elements never go too far into the wierd end of the spectrum.
A good read for those aren't overly sceptical of the spiritual having a role in people's emotional and psychological relationship with reality.
I will definitely read more in this series.
January 30, 2024
Joe Talon has become one of my new favorites. Lorne is ex military with PTSD and his best friend is a female vicar who always has his back. It seems that he is a magnet for trouble and not the kind that can just be ignored. When he stumbles upon a dead body, his curiosity about the death brings him more trouble than he bargained for. Someone or something does not want him poking around where he doesn't belong. This story has lots going on, but it all ties together and will keep you guessing until the end.
March 11, 2024
A well-written and entertaining book. Slowly but surely, Lorne Turner must admit to himself that not all the things happening around him have to do with his PTSD, but that he has a sensitivity to the supernatural. Drawn in by the disturbing things being done in his area and then the fact that someone has been killed in some weird ritual—and he's the one who discovers the body—Lorne has little choice but to get involved, especially when it starts to appear that someone is trying to sweep the whole thing on the wrong culprits.
A fun read with great characters. Check it out!
A fun read with great characters. Check it out!
September 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the authors style of writing this murder mystery. The main characters are quirky and fun and real. Lorne is an ex secret forces officer with PTSD his best friend Ella is the local Vicar and then there is Willow the pagan witch. They all work together in trying to solve a murder. If your a fan of Stephen King you will enjoy this British Authors book.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
September 22, 2021
Excellent!! The story hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go until the end. I was still left with wanting more! The blurb is captivating! The characters felt so realistic and world building is fantastic. The story flowed really smooth, well plotted. It was really well written, highly recommend. I cannot wait for the next one!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my own thoughts and opinions.
January 21, 2022
Good reading
Obviously, i have no clue as to actual British army slang, but Lorne Hunter's style feels true. More importantly, at least to me, Hunter's PTSD is treated respectfully, and his characterization is engaging. Humorous where it ought to be, and suspenseful, with just enough otherworldly influence both good and ill, as well as appealing characters made this a highly enjoyable read.
Obviously, i have no clue as to actual British army slang, but Lorne Hunter's style feels true. More importantly, at least to me, Hunter's PTSD is treated respectfully, and his characterization is engaging. Humorous where it ought to be, and suspenseful, with just enough otherworldly influence both good and ill, as well as appealing characters made this a highly enjoyable read.
July 1, 2022
Counting Crows kept my attention. It was hard to stop reading. The description of the characters and the scenery is awesome. And the supernatural aspect is intriguing. Lorne Turner (ex SAS), Ella the vicar, Willow and Heather are interesting characters. Lorne has difficulties controling his PTSD flashbacks that sometimes he doesn't know what is real. Check out this story and characters. I highly recommend it.
Currently reading
March 7, 2023What a page turner! Great debut novel in an outstanding series that I hope has no end. Engaging characters and realistic dialogue keep you riveted to every page. The writer has the divine gift of putting you in the moment, making you want to literally step into the book and be a part of the action. Not many authors can do that. For fans of Dean Koontz's works, here is a fresh new voice in the genre of supernatural thrillers that deserves your attention.
September 1, 2025
This was a major surprise! A definitely British tale of sorcery dark magic followers in a real world. No mysticism, no nonsense just people, hunger, pain and need. I really enjoyed the writing, the characters and the twists and turns of the plot progression. Very hard to put down. Just had to buy the next one in the series. Highly recommended for those who like a lick of corruption relevant to the current world!
April 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was an intriguing mix of military thriller, supernatural horror and a mystery all rolled up in one. I enjoyed the portrayal of the dark side of Lorne. I liked his friends, they seem to be interesting, strong women. I am looking forward to reading more about Lorne and his friends.
April 29, 2022
Only reason for 4 instead of 5 is the language. Otherwise, I loved this book.
There was plenty of twists and turns and a great description of the inter-relationship between characters.
Hoping that the relationship between a gay female cleric and a PTSD soldier continues throughout the rest of the series.
There was plenty of twists and turns and a great description of the inter-relationship between characters.
Hoping that the relationship between a gay female cleric and a PTSD soldier continues throughout the rest of the series.
July 29, 2022
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. So much going on it keeps you going. Lorne is a fighter after being in the military. He’s learning to take back his life, but then a lot of mysterious things start happening.
The characters are great.
I look forward to reading more of his books.
The characters are great.
I look forward to reading more of his books.
June 20, 2023
Damaged soldier Lorne Turner returns home to Exmoor to hide away from his demons. After stumbling onto strange ritual sites, than a dead body, he finds himself caught up in a demonic ritual that needs to be stopped. Interesting set of characters, will be interesting to get more details of there pasts, in future books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews