What do you think?
Rate this book
Max Porter #1
Southern Bound
"Southern Bound gets it right! A great blend of ghosts and gumshoes. If you like haunting mysteries you'll love Southern Bound!" - Edgar-nominated author, Joel Goldman When Max and Sandra moved down to North Carolina, they thought they were getting a new beginning. A good job, good pay, and a lovely little place in Winston-Salem. But Max discovers that his office is haunted by Marshall Drummond, PI - a ghost from the 1940s. While his mysterious employer pressures him to research the city for unknown reasons, Drummond pressures Max to investigate his last case. Soon Max is neck-deep in a world of old mysteries and dangerous enemies. One in which ghosts, witches, curses, and spells exist. One in which a simple research job can turn deadly.
244 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2012
910 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Jaffe
168 books214 followersStuart Jaffe is the madman behind the Nathan K thrillers, Max Porter paranormal-mystery series, The Malja Chronicles, The Bluesman series, and much more. He has written numerous short stories in Fantasy, SF, and Horror. He was also the co-host of The Eclectic Review (http://eclectic.libsyn.com) -- a podcast about science, art, and well, everything.
Stuart lives in rural North Carolina, and for those who keep count, the latest animal listing is as follows: one dog, two cats, one albino corn snake, three aquatic turtles, assorted fish, seven chickens, and a horse. Thankfully, the chickens and the horse do not live inside the house.
Stuart lives in rural North Carolina, and for those who keep count, the latest animal listing is as follows: one dog, two cats, one albino corn snake, three aquatic turtles, assorted fish, seven chickens, and a horse. Thankfully, the chickens and the horse do not live inside the house.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 14, 2019
So good I've joined the author's newsletter and downloaded the next book in this very different and riveting series.
May 26, 2023
Southern Bound is the first of the Max Porter mystery series which also happens to be a supernatural mystery series by Stuart Jaffe. Although I do not find supernatural stories particularly scary, nor terribly original, I liked this one. The mystery component was why I decided to give this a shot, although I was expecting kind of Scooby Doo or something equally childish. I am happy to report that the mystery was compelling, although the ghost detective is a little silly, his story arc was not. His participation was relevant and necessary. There was a little bit of danger and horror included which I almost always love. I plan to read at least the first three books to get a real good feel for the series. So far, so good. A Great start to a series I do not hold out much hope for because I do not like paranormal, ghost stories.
December 18, 2014
2.5
I loved the main idea for the story. It has so much potential.
After losing his teaching post, Max Porter, who couldn't be more ordinary if he tried, had to leave Michigan with his wife and accept a well-paid, albeit weird job offer in North Carolina. Everything would be great if his office weren't haunted by a private investigator from 1940s. The ghost offers so much to the story.
I like reading about witches whether they are good or bad. The witches here are definitely not good. Helps to spice things up in the story.
The problem is that while the potential of the great story is there, its execution didn't go quite that well. Max was bordering on incompetent, there is a too convenient ability his wife suddenly reveals, and the way they dealt with the problem in the end was almost cartoonish.
Still, the idea itself, Drummond, and all those opportunities that are just waiting to be used are promising enough to try the second book. I just wish there wouldn't be any romantic moments and comments there. They aren't very good here. This one clumsily set everything up so we'll see.
Overall, it was an OK story.
I loved the main idea for the story. It has so much potential.
After losing his teaching post, Max Porter, who couldn't be more ordinary if he tried, had to leave Michigan with his wife and accept a well-paid, albeit weird job offer in North Carolina. Everything would be great if his office weren't haunted by a private investigator from 1940s. The ghost offers so much to the story.
I like reading about witches whether they are good or bad. The witches here are definitely not good. Helps to spice things up in the story.
The problem is that while the potential of the great story is there, its execution didn't go quite that well. Max was bordering on incompetent, there is a too convenient ability his wife suddenly reveals, and the way they dealt with the problem in the end was almost cartoonish.
Still, the idea itself, Drummond, and all those opportunities that are just waiting to be used are promising enough to try the second book. I just wish there wouldn't be any romantic moments and comments there. They aren't very good here. This one clumsily set everything up so we'll see.
Overall, it was an OK story.
April 20, 2015
I received the Audible version of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Southern Bound was an interesting read. I enjoyed the story, felt excitement and nervousness when the situation warranted. While there were no real surprise twists, there were enough turns in the story to keep things pretty interesting. There was just enough uniqueness to the world to make it unique and worth spending time in.
While the book wasn't bad at all, it was far too short, and felt rushed. I'd barely gotten a handle on the characters and their personalities when the book was already wrapping up. I was looking for a bit more detail, depth, and personality, but the brevity of Southern Bound left the story and characters feeling flat due to a lack of complete exploration. I came to the realization that I tended toward the 3.5 stat rating was because I had just wanted *more* of it, which isn't a bad thing.
Ultimately, I liked the characters and I enjoyed the story. I would, however, like to see how the character development continues in the second volume with something more to draw me into the story beyond my own will power to continue. I felt as though the characters were developed, but I didn't get to *see* all the dimensions of any of them. At least not yet...
As I stated above, I listened to the Audible version, narrated by the author, Stuart Jaffe. The narration was good, but one thing annoyed me from the outset: it was recorded with a slight reverb, like he was sitting in a wide-open hall when recording. I don't know if this was intentional, but it was slightly off-putting from the start, but as I got into the story, I noticed it less.
3.5 stars
Southern Bound was an interesting read. I enjoyed the story, felt excitement and nervousness when the situation warranted. While there were no real surprise twists, there were enough turns in the story to keep things pretty interesting. There was just enough uniqueness to the world to make it unique and worth spending time in.
While the book wasn't bad at all, it was far too short, and felt rushed. I'd barely gotten a handle on the characters and their personalities when the book was already wrapping up. I was looking for a bit more detail, depth, and personality, but the brevity of Southern Bound left the story and characters feeling flat due to a lack of complete exploration. I came to the realization that I tended toward the 3.5 stat rating was because I had just wanted *more* of it, which isn't a bad thing.
Ultimately, I liked the characters and I enjoyed the story. I would, however, like to see how the character development continues in the second volume with something more to draw me into the story beyond my own will power to continue. I felt as though the characters were developed, but I didn't get to *see* all the dimensions of any of them. At least not yet...
As I stated above, I listened to the Audible version, narrated by the author, Stuart Jaffe. The narration was good, but one thing annoyed me from the outset: it was recorded with a slight reverb, like he was sitting in a wide-open hall when recording. I don't know if this was intentional, but it was slightly off-putting from the start, but as I got into the story, I noticed it less.
August 12, 2019
I liked this book and am looking forward to reading more in this series. Max and his wife Sandra have moved for work. Max gets a well-paying job full of secrets, a ghost, a witch and lots of history from North Carolina. Some true, some fiction.
This story reminds me of the P.I detective stories from the middle of the last century with a modern and paranormal view. The mystery is well-written if a bit convoluted in places and the characters are all wonderful. My only criticism is the missing emotions. We get anger from Max but the rest is a bit flat. I found the book exciting but believe it would be absolutely captivating if the author captures a few more emotions, especially in the exciting sections. I will be reading more from this series.
This story reminds me of the P.I detective stories from the middle of the last century with a modern and paranormal view. The mystery is well-written if a bit convoluted in places and the characters are all wonderful. My only criticism is the missing emotions. We get anger from Max but the rest is a bit flat. I found the book exciting but believe it would be absolutely captivating if the author captures a few more emotions, especially in the exciting sections. I will be reading more from this series.
Want to read
September 10, 2017Free on Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Southern-Bou...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Southern-Bou...
January 30, 2014
A great read. Mr. Jaffe has a warm style that is reminiscent of the great pulp detective novels, but updated for today's readers. Definitely a must read for fans of a good mystery and fantasy alike! solid plot, good characterization, and a devilish twist that ensures I will be eagerly awaiting a sequel.
December 13, 2024
Southern Bound by Stuart Jaffe
Max Porter series #1. Paranormal mystery with ghosts. Retro noir style format.
Max Porter and his wife moved to North Carolina for his new job doing research. He’s told not to move the furniture and when it happens accidentally, Max finds he’s freed a ghost from the 1940’s and suddenly the research job is complicated with witches, curses and dangerous enemies.
The generous paycheck makes it hard to walk away.
It was so great when his wife stepped up and admitted to seeing ghosts. And that she had a hand in their new life.
A dark retro style paranormal mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Max Porter series #1. Paranormal mystery with ghosts. Retro noir style format.
Max Porter and his wife moved to North Carolina for his new job doing research. He’s told not to move the furniture and when it happens accidentally, Max finds he’s freed a ghost from the 1940’s and suddenly the research job is complicated with witches, curses and dangerous enemies.
The generous paycheck makes it hard to walk away.
It was so great when his wife stepped up and admitted to seeing ghosts. And that she had a hand in their new life.
A dark retro style paranormal mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
July 26, 2020
Kobo epub, June 1024? ISBN 9781497783553; 349 pages
Young couple relocates from Michigan to North Carolina - and Max finds his office is the residence of a ghost. The former PI Marshall Drummond has been bound to that office by a curse and enlists Max to get the curse lifted - a task that connects to the mysterious employer who wants Max to conduct some research into the historic settlement of and properties in the area...
Slightly quirky (probably inevitably!) but Max is an engaging 'hero' in a peculiar way and his wife, Sandra reveals that she has supernatural abilities of her own...
Hardly demanding but a decent read - and there are another 11 books in this series (plus several collections of sort stories dealing with the Case Files of Marshall Drummond) so the author must be doing something right! (I have a number of volumes/collections lined up... )
Young couple relocates from Michigan to North Carolina - and Max finds his office is the residence of a ghost. The former PI Marshall Drummond has been bound to that office by a curse and enlists Max to get the curse lifted - a task that connects to the mysterious employer who wants Max to conduct some research into the historic settlement of and properties in the area...
Slightly quirky (probably inevitably!) but Max is an engaging 'hero' in a peculiar way and his wife, Sandra reveals that she has supernatural abilities of her own...
Hardly demanding but a decent read - and there are another 11 books in this series (plus several collections of sort stories dealing with the Case Files of Marshall Drummond) so the author must be doing something right! (I have a number of volumes/collections lined up... )
February 1, 2025
I will be honest. I did not want to read this book. I am not a mystery reader. However, it was a paranormal mystery. I do love paranormal. So, I gave it a whirl. I was surprised that I enjoyed it. I will read more by Stuart in this series.
September 8, 2017
Before the middle of the book, the dialogue became increasingly inconsistent.
December 21, 2012
I'm a big fan of the paranormal/occult/Cthulhu Mythos detective stories out there. This, this is good stuff. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Mr. Jaffe does with the next book. Things to love here: the P.I. is dead, the main character is a teacher, he and his wife are happy within the bounds of reason, and the book managed to follow the rules of both the hardboiled detective and of fantasy. Specifically, the detective can't really change anything on a big scale, so his victories are mostly moral (and there's plenty of room for backlash) while in fantasy magic isn't a solution to your problems, it's just a new subset of problems but with bigger explosions. So yeah, I'm on board and I'm glad to be there.
April 5, 2018
Really quick, often humorous, ghosty story. Id love to continue the series. I also like how this book ends with the real start to the series. Its a pretty cool idea. I would reccomend to people who like ghost stories and mysteries on the lighter side.
I have only one complaint. In the Bowman journal entries the author doesnt write as a North Carolinian in the 40's. Its written as a modern, educated indivudual which Bowman is not. Some southern sounding words were thrown in but they were not authentic. We North Carolinians are very proud of our/grandparent's accents and word choices so this really rubbed me the wrong way. Thankfully its just a few paragraphs so I wasnt annoyed for long.
I have only one complaint. In the Bowman journal entries the author doesnt write as a North Carolinian in the 40's. Its written as a modern, educated indivudual which Bowman is not. Some southern sounding words were thrown in but they were not authentic. We North Carolinians are very proud of our/grandparent's accents and word choices so this really rubbed me the wrong way. Thankfully its just a few paragraphs so I wasnt annoyed for long.
June 24, 2021
This book did get the Moravian terms correct, so I'm thinking it is accurate with their history too, but the book itself was kind of boring. The box set is 3 books, once the first finished, I was not interested in the rest of them. I actually returned them. No sense forcing yourself to read something you're not liking!
October 28, 2023
Paranormal Mystery
A new private investigator takes a case to find a missing journal and free a trapped spirit at the same time but the spirit is the PI who had the job before him! Interesting mystery with elements in this world and beyond!
A new private investigator takes a case to find a missing journal and free a trapped spirit at the same time but the spirit is the PI who had the job before him! Interesting mystery with elements in this world and beyond!
May 4, 2020
2 1/2 stars.
August 1, 2025
First book in the Max Porter series
Quick humorous ghost story.
Read like a pulp fiction detective
I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Quick humorous ghost story.
Read like a pulp fiction detective
I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
July 18, 2020
The book had some slow parts for me to get into and didn't have as much details as I've been used to in other books, but it had a nice little twist ending.
January 21, 2019
Just what I enjoy....ghosts and mysteries.
July 21, 2012
This was a book given to me by the Author in exchange for an honest review, so here is what I have to say about Southern Bound.
This story definitely had a lot of potential when it began, but I was already struggling by the first chapter. Everything was very rushed and there really wasn't much in the way of background history or information that helped place me inside the story world that Mr. Jaffe had created. One of the things I constantly struggle with in books is that if someone (namely the author) tells me that the main character is some hardcore kick-butt motorcyclist who is trying to get revenge for something or someone somewhere (mind you this is not the plot of Southern Bound) I'm going to be greatly confused when I find him volunteering at the humane society and tying cute polka-dotted bows around the necks of baby kittens. Max is all over the place emotionally and it was starting to drain on me, because it made me question if this was how people normally acted in life. Then I started questioning my own actions and no one was able to enjoy their summer.
There were still aspects of the story that I did enjoy and this story was definintely unique and original (Drummond was awesome). I believe that more time should've been spent creating and solidifying the characters own backgrounds and histories and it would definitely help give the story the extra punch it needs.
This story definitely had a lot of potential when it began, but I was already struggling by the first chapter. Everything was very rushed and there really wasn't much in the way of background history or information that helped place me inside the story world that Mr. Jaffe had created. One of the things I constantly struggle with in books is that if someone (namely the author) tells me that the main character is some hardcore kick-butt motorcyclist who is trying to get revenge for something or someone somewhere (mind you this is not the plot of Southern Bound) I'm going to be greatly confused when I find him volunteering at the humane society and tying cute polka-dotted bows around the necks of baby kittens. Max is all over the place emotionally and it was starting to drain on me, because it made me question if this was how people normally acted in life. Then I started questioning my own actions and no one was able to enjoy their summer.
There were still aspects of the story that I did enjoy and this story was definintely unique and original (Drummond was awesome). I believe that more time should've been spent creating and solidifying the characters own backgrounds and histories and it would definitely help give the story the extra punch it needs.
April 9, 2015
Southern Bound by Stuart Jaffee
Max Porter moves to North Carolina for the perfect job, good pay and a nice home. His job is to do research for his unknown boss. What max doesn't know is that a ghost is haunting his new office. This ghost was a detective in the 1940's and this was his office. Soon what seemed to be a simple job, turns dangerous, with ghosts, evil people and even a witch.
A well written fast paced story. I loved the originality of a detective ghost and a researcher. Max is likable. Flawed as he is, he just wants a normal stress-free life without (financial struggles) for himself and his lady. Drummond (the Ghost) is very likable. A lot of laugh out loud moments, as well as danger.
There are secrets revealed, the back story of Drummond, edge of your seat suspense, danger, ghosts and witches. All of this makes a fantastic supernatural/mystery. Southern Bound is the perfect all night read. (I also liked the cover, fits perfect with the story).
Max Porter moves to North Carolina for the perfect job, good pay and a nice home. His job is to do research for his unknown boss. What max doesn't know is that a ghost is haunting his new office. This ghost was a detective in the 1940's and this was his office. Soon what seemed to be a simple job, turns dangerous, with ghosts, evil people and even a witch.
A well written fast paced story. I loved the originality of a detective ghost and a researcher. Max is likable. Flawed as he is, he just wants a normal stress-free life without (financial struggles) for himself and his lady. Drummond (the Ghost) is very likable. A lot of laugh out loud moments, as well as danger.
There are secrets revealed, the back story of Drummond, edge of your seat suspense, danger, ghosts and witches. All of this makes a fantastic supernatural/mystery. Southern Bound is the perfect all night read. (I also liked the cover, fits perfect with the story).
November 9, 2012
This was one of those reads that took me by surprise. I was expecting the mystery and even the paranormal element but I wasn't expecting all of the history. It was a nice surprise to have real history blended in with fiction.
I didn't feel any real connection to the characters but that was okay for this read, it wasn't really needed and didn't make me feel like I was missing out on anything by not having it.
Really this story was a nice easy read. It flowed nicely and kept me interested for the most part. There weren't any real twists or surprises to the story but it was a unique read with characters that I could see myself knowing and wanting to know more about.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series and checking it out.
I didn't feel any real connection to the characters but that was okay for this read, it wasn't really needed and didn't make me feel like I was missing out on anything by not having it.
Really this story was a nice easy read. It flowed nicely and kept me interested for the most part. There weren't any real twists or surprises to the story but it was a unique read with characters that I could see myself knowing and wanting to know more about.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series and checking it out.
February 15, 2013
This was a great read!! A researcher that turns detective, that now see's ghosts, has to deal with thugs, witches and a sketchy past for a client, that he has to try to put together without getting killed!! LOVED IT!!
I would suggest this book if you are into mystery and a good ghost story!
Wonderful JOB Stuart Jaffe, thank you so much for the opportunity to review your book. Will be passing this one on as a "You need to read" to my friends!
I would suggest this book if you are into mystery and a good ghost story!
Wonderful JOB Stuart Jaffe, thank you so much for the opportunity to review your book. Will be passing this one on as a "You need to read" to my friends!
December 18, 2016
Southern Bound (Max Porter Mysteries #1) by Stuart Jaffe is a fun ghost-involved detective mystery book. Max moves to the south and gets an office with strange instructions on how to keep the office. He finds it is really haunted and the ghost is hexed to stay in the office. Max and his wife set out to help the ghost get the curse released but almost end up ghosts themselves. It is a fun, suspense-filled, action packed, and humorous read. I enjoyed it from page one!
October 13, 2016
I liked the premise of the story... a private eye ghost from the 40's is original. However, I felt the story was disjointed. Some of the clues were hard to follow and by the end I had a lot of questions that weren't answered. (Such as... Who is the ghost in the graveyard? Is there a ghost of a German POW that is bound somewhere? Why? Where had the Germans been seen before and why is that important? etc.)
December 13, 2017
It took a bit to get moving along, but as this first in series book got going I found myself enjoying the quirky characters and the pace of the novel. This is not a fast action, wild ride thriller, but rather a stroll through a tale, all the while being teased along from one clue to the next by a collection of delightful friends. Definitely looking forward to the next in series.
February 8, 2025
Max and his wife are trying to get a fresh start in North Carolina. What was supposed to be a research job turns into something much more. Max finds out that his office is haunted by a 1940s PI. Max gets dragged into several mysteries with his new ghost partner. I'm looking forward to Max's next adventure.
February 6, 2017
The characters seem a little one sided...still a fun book. I know first books in a series are hard and the characters are still developing. I'm looking forward to getting to know the gang in future books. This is a series with real potential!
May 6, 2023
This first book is a bit rough around the edges, but I enjoy the chemistry between Max and Drummond. Getting the feel of the research both through Max and then Mr. Jaffe is wonderful and listening to the audio version really pushes this over the top.
January 10, 2013
This was a good, though short novel. The plot had just the right amount of real mystery and quirk to be a new favorite of mine. I can't wait until i get home so I can buy book two
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews