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Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers #8
The Dead Also Have Secrets: A supernatural mystery of a cursed relic on Exmoor
A Syrian family ask Lorne Turner for help when they take over an old hotel and open it for visiting spiritualists. It turns out they are more progressive than their first paying guests.
The invited medium is an American woman, and Lorne knows something about her story is wrong. She’s vulnerable and he must find out why.
After being forced off the road, then shot at, Lorne reaches out for help.
The team gather and soon realise they are in the middle of warring extremist factions within the Christian faith. The Vatican on one side, the Dominionists on the other.
But they aren’t fighting over him, they are fighting for an ancient relic that was stolen by pirates centuries before and thought lost at sea.
When both sides realise Lorne’s uncovered their secrets, he is cut off and hunted.
He has to find a way to save himself, his people, and stop the relic from falling into the wrong hands. He just has to decide who that is and how to prevent it. If the wrong group gain the power it offers, it could unleash a darkness not seen in millennia. Lorne’s not about to let it happen again.
If you enjoyed Stephen King's The Outsider, you'll find the same gripping atmosphere and suspenseful thrills in Lorne Turner's investigation. Buy now before the price changes!
This occult, supernatural thriller is the eight book in a Best Selling series.
***
Reviews from other books in the series.
“We should all be so lucky as to have a Lorne Turner to call on. This series is great escapism, yet strangely rooted in reality that will touch every reader...” from Talyor an Amazon Review
“The author certainly knows how to write compelling characters and keep the pace moving along and a good clip.” from Steph an Amazon Review
“This is a truly gripping page-turner of a novel that left me seriously looking forward to the next book.” from the Occult Detective Magazine
“Readers of Stephen King will find it engaging; a haunting, occult thriller with a twist.” from the Number9BlogSpot
“Until now, I’d searched in vain for another book along the lines of Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins series. Thank you for more than meeting my expectations.” from Jay an Amazon Review.
The invited medium is an American woman, and Lorne knows something about her story is wrong. She’s vulnerable and he must find out why.
After being forced off the road, then shot at, Lorne reaches out for help.
The team gather and soon realise they are in the middle of warring extremist factions within the Christian faith. The Vatican on one side, the Dominionists on the other.
But they aren’t fighting over him, they are fighting for an ancient relic that was stolen by pirates centuries before and thought lost at sea.
When both sides realise Lorne’s uncovered their secrets, he is cut off and hunted.
He has to find a way to save himself, his people, and stop the relic from falling into the wrong hands. He just has to decide who that is and how to prevent it. If the wrong group gain the power it offers, it could unleash a darkness not seen in millennia. Lorne’s not about to let it happen again.
If you enjoyed Stephen King's The Outsider, you'll find the same gripping atmosphere and suspenseful thrills in Lorne Turner's investigation. Buy now before the price changes!
This occult, supernatural thriller is the eight book in a Best Selling series.
***
Reviews from other books in the series.
“We should all be so lucky as to have a Lorne Turner to call on. This series is great escapism, yet strangely rooted in reality that will touch every reader...” from Talyor an Amazon Review
“The author certainly knows how to write compelling characters and keep the pace moving along and a good clip.” from Steph an Amazon Review
“This is a truly gripping page-turner of a novel that left me seriously looking forward to the next book.” from the Occult Detective Magazine
“Readers of Stephen King will find it engaging; a haunting, occult thriller with a twist.” from the Number9BlogSpot
“Until now, I’d searched in vain for another book along the lines of Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins series. Thank you for more than meeting my expectations.” from Jay an Amazon Review.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2024
92 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 23, 2024
Saying goodbye is hard.
Yanks are causing problems in the UK, and Lorne is caught in the middle. The adventure revolves around a finger bowl said to have belonged to Pontius Pilate. Full of power, even the djinn doesn't know if it serves good or evil.
As always, Joe Talon delivers a fast-paced tale about dealing with the supernatural in the UK. The occult trouble has expanded its borders, and the characters are having to make some hard decisions. Things come full circle in this last installment of the Lorne Turner book series, though not the last to be set in this wonderful, multifaceted world as the reigns are passed on.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yanks are causing problems in the UK, and Lorne is caught in the middle. The adventure revolves around a finger bowl said to have belonged to Pontius Pilate. Full of power, even the djinn doesn't know if it serves good or evil.
As always, Joe Talon delivers a fast-paced tale about dealing with the supernatural in the UK. The occult trouble has expanded its borders, and the characters are having to make some hard decisions. Things come full circle in this last installment of the Lorne Turner book series, though not the last to be set in this wonderful, multifaceted world as the reigns are passed on.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
I really love the “Lorne Turner” series of books and having bought and read all the previous books in the series, I have been eagerly waiting the latest one in the series called the “"The Dead Also Have Secrets" and pre-ordered it.
I’m a discerning reader of fiction stories and particularly like those with a supernatural element to the story. In my view Joe Talon has developed a great main character in Lorne Turner, but also a great cast of other supporting characters who also feature quite prominently at times and are also powerful likeable characters in their own right who could become main characters in their own series of stories. There are also some very sinister and interesting organisations and groups that the Characters such as Lorne end up tangling up with and battling against, as well as supernatural entities that makes it all the more interesting.
The individual books including this one stand on their own two feet as individual stories and the main story flows very well, with small sub plots in the background. But it does help to read the other books in the series ideally, to understand more about Lorne and the other characters in the stories, their respective backgrounds and how this has made them who they individually are.
As far as I’m concerned "The Dead Also Have Secrets" has been well worth the wait, as it is another well written strong Lorne Turner story with a great story line which I found hard to put down. I’m not going to go into the story and give away any spoilers, but I’m sure loyal Lorne Turner fans will enjoy it as much as I did.
I’m just very sad now I have got to the end of reading another great “Lorne Turner” novel as I particularly liked Lorne Turner as a character for lots of reasons and was always routing for him to succeed on what he set out to do.
If you like a good story with a strong cast of characters and a supernatural twist, then I strongly recommend you buy this book.
Joe Talon is a great author in my view and I’m now going to think about buying and reading some of the other books Joe has written.
I’m a discerning reader of fiction stories and particularly like those with a supernatural element to the story. In my view Joe Talon has developed a great main character in Lorne Turner, but also a great cast of other supporting characters who also feature quite prominently at times and are also powerful likeable characters in their own right who could become main characters in their own series of stories. There are also some very sinister and interesting organisations and groups that the Characters such as Lorne end up tangling up with and battling against, as well as supernatural entities that makes it all the more interesting.
The individual books including this one stand on their own two feet as individual stories and the main story flows very well, with small sub plots in the background. But it does help to read the other books in the series ideally, to understand more about Lorne and the other characters in the stories, their respective backgrounds and how this has made them who they individually are.
As far as I’m concerned "The Dead Also Have Secrets" has been well worth the wait, as it is another well written strong Lorne Turner story with a great story line which I found hard to put down. I’m not going to go into the story and give away any spoilers, but I’m sure loyal Lorne Turner fans will enjoy it as much as I did.
I’m just very sad now I have got to the end of reading another great “Lorne Turner” novel as I particularly liked Lorne Turner as a character for lots of reasons and was always routing for him to succeed on what he set out to do.
If you like a good story with a strong cast of characters and a supernatural twist, then I strongly recommend you buy this book.
Joe Talon is a great author in my view and I’m now going to think about buying and reading some of the other books Joe has written.
May 13, 2024
My Thoughts:
Bad guys are trying to run Lorne off the road?? These bad guys are definitely human. Not paranormal. Flesh and bone. Wearing shades. In a modern four-wheel drive. I bet they'll bleed of you shoot them! I like the multiple bad guys!
Why is Lorne's left arm tingling? **sigh** I like things properly explained...
I didn't know that this would be the last of this series! I was stumped! I didn't want Lorne to end!! **wail**
The book did end the series' story arc quite nicely.
Looking forward to reading about Woody!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 4
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 4
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
May 2, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I’ve read all of the Lorne Turner supernatural mystery stories and I honestly think this is the best. I absolutely loved it, it’s an exciting often scary, rollicking rollercoaster of a book. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I think is more enjoyable if you read the whole series.
Lorne’s wife Heather has made friends with a Syrian family who are refurbishing an old hotel which stands on cliffs over the town and bay of Lynmouth. There are many myths and ghost stories about the hotel and the area and to take advantage of this the family are going to offer ghost tours and seances. They invite Lorne and Heather to a special seance where they’ve invited an American spiritualist to take part. Lorne reluctantly agrees to attend and this starts an exciting sequence of events involving the Vatican, and American cultists leading to the discovery of an ancient religious artefact which could be good or evil.
The story takes Lorne from Exmoor to the Syrian desert and involves Woody a character from a previous novel who plays a larger part in this story and Ella his friend who is the local priest.
There are endings and joyous beginnings in this book and it’s a must read.
I’ve read all of the Lorne Turner supernatural mystery stories and I honestly think this is the best. I absolutely loved it, it’s an exciting often scary, rollicking rollercoaster of a book. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I think is more enjoyable if you read the whole series.
Lorne’s wife Heather has made friends with a Syrian family who are refurbishing an old hotel which stands on cliffs over the town and bay of Lynmouth. There are many myths and ghost stories about the hotel and the area and to take advantage of this the family are going to offer ghost tours and seances. They invite Lorne and Heather to a special seance where they’ve invited an American spiritualist to take part. Lorne reluctantly agrees to attend and this starts an exciting sequence of events involving the Vatican, and American cultists leading to the discovery of an ancient religious artefact which could be good or evil.
The story takes Lorne from Exmoor to the Syrian desert and involves Woody a character from a previous novel who plays a larger part in this story and Ella his friend who is the local priest.
There are endings and joyous beginnings in this book and it’s a must read.
April 25, 2024
Loved this one, as I have all the rest of the series. Speaking of, they don't all need to be read in order, but that will make your experience of the characters all the more rich. The writing is some of the best around; the author is especially good at setting an atmospheric scene. " They all felt the sea gathering herself for another onslaught. The rain makes it impossible to see further than the bow. Blind, in dangerous waters, the first mate knows they'll be lost if they can't make it back out into open water. This channel is dangerous in mildly aggravating weather, never mind a storm such as this".
I enjoyed this adventure, the weaving in of the Vatican and a new character and of course checking in on old favs. This is a stunning conclusion to the Lorne Turner stories and I was very moved at the way things wrapped up. I will miss Lorne, his wife, dogs and Ella - I hope to see them again pop up.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but have purchased all of the authors books as well.
I enjoyed this adventure, the weaving in of the Vatican and a new character and of course checking in on old favs. This is a stunning conclusion to the Lorne Turner stories and I was very moved at the way things wrapped up. I will miss Lorne, his wife, dogs and Ella - I hope to see them again pop up.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but have purchased all of the authors books as well.
June 3, 2024
Amazing work!
I devour Joe Talon books about like I do chocolate. Inhale, savor and then start looking for the next one and this one was no different.
There is intense intensity in every line written, believe me, I tried to find another way to word this but no other word matched it for me.
While I couldn’t believe Lorne’s story was coming to an end I had to embrace it and the way this whole series was written has had a profound effect on me mentally and my reading choices in the last couple of years.
I wholeheartedly give this a 10 thumbs up and a mostly family friendly review not because of language, even though there was a bit, it was mild in comparison… it was the profound depth of experience and emotional turmoil in this one that had me rethinking including all ages.
I can’t wait to have a physical copy for my bookshelves.
Thank you Joe Talon for this incredible journey, I can’t wait to see what you do next.
I devour Joe Talon books about like I do chocolate. Inhale, savor and then start looking for the next one and this one was no different.
There is intense intensity in every line written, believe me, I tried to find another way to word this but no other word matched it for me.
While I couldn’t believe Lorne’s story was coming to an end I had to embrace it and the way this whole series was written has had a profound effect on me mentally and my reading choices in the last couple of years.
I wholeheartedly give this a 10 thumbs up and a mostly family friendly review not because of language, even though there was a bit, it was mild in comparison… it was the profound depth of experience and emotional turmoil in this one that had me rethinking including all ages.
I can’t wait to have a physical copy for my bookshelves.
Thank you Joe Talon for this incredible journey, I can’t wait to see what you do next.
April 22, 2024
A fascinating and engaging story from start to finish, this is a real page turner. Our stalwart and complicated hero Lorne is drawn into a fight he’s not sure he can win this time. Nevertheless, he knows he can’t afford to back down as he pits himself against unscrupulous, powerful people who will stop at nothing in their quest to find a religious artifact of untold powers hidden somewhere in Somerset. Protecting himself and all he holds dear has never been more perilous. Forced to delve into a past he would prefer to stay buried, Lorne is left with little choice in the end but to return to the desert and battle his enemies. Breathtaking action scenes and depth of characterization are well crafted. It is especially intriguing to ponder what Griffin Woodbury, our new hero-in-the-making, will be getting up to in the future.
May 4, 2024
The Dead Also Have Secrets is the eighth novel in the Lorne Turner Mystery Thrillers….and what a thriller it is. Invited by Heather’s friend to join in a séance, Lorne finds himself open to an incredible amount of supernatural activity. Add to that the warring factions for a lost relic and you have an amazing storyline. Rich and engaging characters kept me turning pages way past my bedtime. Definitely dark and creepy, and I loved it. The action, deception, emotion, and ultimate resolution keeps you enthralled in its tangled web until the very end. This is another fantastic read by Joe Talon. This is definitely a go-to author, and he delivers every time. He really just gets better and better. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2024
This is the final book in the Lorne Turner Series. I loved this fast paced edge of your seat action packed story. Joe Talon is one talented writer who has the ability to draw you right into the story with his ability to set a scene with all the senses involved. I will miss Lorne and his family and friends and the struggles they have experienced and Lorne finding his happy place. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading the full series. They can be read as stand alone books but best read in order to see and experience the character development throughout.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
January 14, 2025
This book as usual is up to par with previous Lorne Turner stories but the most difficult for me to write a review.Lorne and Woody from the Department of Paranormal Activities become involved in obtaining an ancient bowl of dubious power, Both the Vatican as well as the Dominionists, a radical Christian group, want Lorne with his powers to locate and obtain the bowl. The djinn Ahmar tells Lorne that he needs to bring the bowl to Syria in order to be free from Lorne. Lorne takes Ella with him on this perilous mission but with no guarantee of success. A great read.
April 16, 2025
What an ending
Brilliant ending to a fantastic series. Sad that Lorne Turner is no longer going to be part of my daily life but looking forward to joining Griffen on his adventures
Saying good bye to a Djinn and actually feeling sad but happy was good.
All the characters are well rounded and "human" and the stories fast paced but still remain descriptive.
Recommend reading the series
Brilliant ending to a fantastic series. Sad that Lorne Turner is no longer going to be part of my daily life but looking forward to joining Griffen on his adventures
Saying good bye to a Djinn and actually feeling sad but happy was good.
All the characters are well rounded and "human" and the stories fast paced but still remain descriptive.
Recommend reading the series
April 26, 2024
I received this book for free and want to give a honest review.....as with all the Lorne Turner books this one did not disappoint. Gripping from the onset and kept me wanting to read the next chapter it was all over in a day, just could not put it down.
Would be sad not too hear of Lorne again so fingers crossed.
Thank you Joe Talon for keeping me entertained.
Would be sad not too hear of Lorne again so fingers crossed.
Thank you Joe Talon for keeping me entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
I don’t know how Lorne can do what he does. If there isn’t a supernatural threat there is a mundane one. Sometimes the threat is both supernatural and mundane. I do admire his ability to power through the worst situations. This has been one of my favorite series. I have loved reading it! I look forward to reading whatever Joe Talon writes next!
May 15, 2024
I absolutely love the Lorne Turner books and this one doesn't disappoint. It reels you in straightaway, is filled with my kind of laugh out loud humour, plenty of action, danger and so much more. The characters are excellent and they all gel well together. A must read and highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2024
This was a really enjoyable read, it had the elements that I was looking for in this type of book. The characters were wonderfully done and had that element overall that I was hoping for in this universe. Joe Talon has a great writing style and can't wait for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2026
Outstanding Series
I found this series from a Facebook recommendation. It is written by a British author, takes place in Great Britain and uses a lot of British terminology and slang. My Kindle dictionary was a big help.
I absolutely loved the series. And now I want to see what others he has written.
I found this series from a Facebook recommendation. It is written by a British author, takes place in Great Britain and uses a lot of British terminology and slang. My Kindle dictionary was a big help.
I absolutely loved the series. And now I want to see what others he has written.
May 7, 2024
Wow. All the good things in a story. Love, friendship in unlikely places, mystery and adventure. The past ( and the future) catches up with Lorne in this heart-wrenching, pulse-pounding, bittersweet novel. Read the whole series if you haven't ( you should) you will not regret it!
June 20, 2025
Outstanding!
This series was so so good! The way Joe Talon writes, pulls me so far into his books that I’m actually inside the story! There’s no way to put these books down! While I’m sad that this series has come to its end, I’m quite excited about the new Griffin series coming up!
This series was so so good! The way Joe Talon writes, pulls me so far into his books that I’m actually inside the story! There’s no way to put these books down! While I’m sad that this series has come to its end, I’m quite excited about the new Griffin series coming up!
July 19, 2025
A splendid series
I have enjoyed this series so much. I'm going to miss Lorne, Heather and Ella plus friends. I'm so pleased that Ahmar gained his freedom and remained loyal in the end. Highly recommended.
I have enjoyed this series so much. I'm going to miss Lorne, Heather and Ella plus friends. I'm so pleased that Ahmar gained his freedom and remained loyal in the end. Highly recommended.
Read
September 29, 2025brilliant
Absolutely loved this series, well written and a real page turned read all the books in four days count out of down.
Will now be reading all of Joe's other books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely loved this series, well written and a real page turned read all the books in four days count out of down.
Will now be reading all of Joe's other books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 18, 2025
I have read all 8 books back to back & thoroughly enjoyed them. I liked the way the characters interacted with each other especially when new ones were introduced.
I’m a little sad that these have come to the end.
Looking forward to see where Woody takes me 😊
I’m a little sad that these have come to the end.
Looking forward to see where Woody takes me 😊
May 6, 2024
Really good
Wow, Lorne comes up against some strange people and the Vatican take an interest in him. This book is quite action packed. I really enjoyed reading it.
Wow, Lorne comes up against some strange people and the Vatican take an interest in him. This book is quite action packed. I really enjoyed reading it.
July 24, 2024
What a series. Lorna Turner ex SAS, tuned into the supernatural and occult. Great cast of characters, I’ll miss them. Just glad Lorna and Heather get their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
Another Excellent Read
Rivetting story lines. A excellent read again from Joe Talon. Shame that was the last Lorne Turner. Maybe there will a Griffin tale...
Rivetting story lines. A excellent read again from Joe Talon. Shame that was the last Lorne Turner. Maybe there will a Griffin tale...
April 28, 2024
Well what to say? It's very difficult to review this book without giving away spoilers, but I will say it's as brilliant as the rest of the series, with Lorne, Heather and Ella up against it as always. I am loving Griffin Woodburn having a bigger part to play and hope to hear more about him. I received this book as an advance reader copy, and have bought books in the series too.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews