Under The Vile Moon

by D.C. Habib

In a city choked by corruption, Weathered Detective Joseph Stahl reaches the end of his career with no good deeds to his name. When the vile crimes of a brutal sex ring surface, Stahl finds himself shackled by the restraints of the law. He strikes an unholy deal with the infamous serial killer, Andrew Mort, to dismantle the organization bone by bone, limb by limb. Meanwhile, a desperate young woman finds herself slowly being lured into the dangerous halls of an exclusive club known as “The Unicorn Lounge”.

"Under the Vile Moon" is a chilling novella that submerges readers into a world of darkness and depravity mirroring our own. With a relentless narrative and an atmosphere saturated with dread, this story will haunt your every thought, a stark reminder that when you find yourself in hell, your only ally might just be the devil himself.

Genres: Thriller

153 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

Daniel Habib, an American-Lebanese author, teacher, and acclaimed filmmaker. A student of King, Barker and Ito, his prolific screenwriting career has birthed numerous successful series and feature films, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Today, he channels his dark gift into crafting thrilling and heart-pounding stories across various media formats.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're familiar with my reviews you probably know that I do not like alternating first person POVs most authors can't do them in a way that I don't end backtracking because I forgot who's talking. Habib made it work, each character's voice is distinctive enough that it's easy to no lose track of who's talking, and the pacing is snappy enough that it doesn't get repetitive or meandering.

Other than that, from the title to the characters names it was pretty much everything I like in my detection stories, a grizzled detective which while in possession of a certain code of morality is veering solidly in the direction of moral bankruptcy, antagonists that you love to hate, a little poetic flare here and there, a city that will chew you up and spit you out and break neck pacing. I loved it.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for the honest opinion.
Book is Under The Vile Moon by D.C. Habib

Holy God damn, this book is freaking incredible, I absolutely loved every page! I started and finished this book in about 9 hours, start to finish in 1 day because once I started, I just couldn't stop myself. First, the author is amazing. His descriptive abilities are great, but also how beautifully bleak he words some things is just wonderful, the story and character were awesome I loved them. The plot kept progressing at a steady and engaging pace, never leaving me bored or put off. The gore stuff was on point and very well described also absolutely brutal. In summary, from page 1, I was hooked and loved this book. It's easily one of my new favourite books, I'd give it 7/5 if I could, and I would highly recommend it.

[Rachel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, fast paced, quick crime noir, thriller with a slight hint of splatter thrown in 😂 Serial killers, underground sex rings, multi billionaire’s, alsorts going in in this one! The great thing is……. This is listed at vile book 1, I’m now sat impatiently awaiting vile book 2 😁🖤

[Eve Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowowowow this book has me changing my tune on detective books. I use to steer clear of them BUT THIS ONE *chefs kiss* and the multiple POV’s weren’t hard to follow everything just flowed so fucking well. Pick this book up!

[Mona Kabbani · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What is honor when you can barely survive?”

This city is rotting and the catalyst is the Unicorn Lounge. Located on top of a hill, the exclusive VIP club is run by the sleezy ex-pop star, Anthony Stine, where those of wealth can bring all their sordid fantasies to life. Detective Joeseph Stahl is doing all that his alcoholic, addiction-riddled mind will allow to keep this city safe but when the body of a young girl with a branded Unicorn matchbox washes up on the shore, he decides to turn to bloodshed—a vile, nightmarish justice. 🌃

What an excellent debut from Daniel Habib! I adore the gorey, crime noir elements of this novella—the seedy underground city the reader must navigate to collect whatever scraps of justice they can attain. I can still feel the dust, blood, and compact dirt on my skin from being transported to this grim landscape. Like a body horror infested Gotham. 🩸

The characters were all vibrant. Despite this being a shorter piece, I did not feel rushed in getting to know them and felt they were all well actualized—their needs, their fears, their desires. It’s difficult to find nobility in cityscapes like this and, in fact, my favorite character was one of the lowliest—Mr. Nightmare. Reading into his mind was like kissing the edge of a knife and being seduced by the cut. Absolutely riveting. 🔪

Although this novella could be read as a standalone, there is more to come. A little birdie tells me another book is in the works and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the future of these characters. 🦷

[elli ⛧ yourspookymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this pretty blind, like I do most books. I ended up finishing it in almost one sitting. The story is fast-paced and intriguing, I never felt bored while reading. This is a wonderful addition to the detective noir sub genre & really reminded me of books like Spawn & this city felt very much like Gotham. Gritty, dark, and at times poetic. Under The Vile Moon gives us the right amount of violence to accompany its sound plot & dynamic characters. I’m actually pretty shocked for all that was packed in this novella; I can see this being a quite successful series.

Despite this being a detective story, it was pretty grotesque and splatter-y at times. I’m impressed by Habib’s creativity when executing a story that gives the gothic and grimy feel of Se7en. I definitely look forward to reading the next in this series! It’s clear this is not Daniel’s first rodeo.

I would like D.C. Habib for sending me his newest novella Under The Vile Moon! He’s been lovely to speak with and I really enjoyed this one!!

4/5!

[Xtina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but who knew I might actually really like crime noir!? It’s something I always reach for but a review from a friend (s/o to Eve!!! 🖤) that had me immediately interested. Weeks later the author actually reached out with the audible version of this book and I HAD to!!! I’m so glad I did because the audiobook was great!! I’m a sucker for having nasty, gritty, uncomfortable etc tone and subject matter and D.C. Habib delivers!! I loved the characters and even had some WTF moments while listening (in public, on the train no less 🤣🤢).

(s/o to the author for writing his debut novella adhd friendly…my attention span can be tough to tangle in sometimes but this book got me hooked beginning to end)

I’m looking forward to reading for from this author!

Please check triggers!

[Kern Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anjirr(Maap kasar) ini serem banget. padahal ini bukan buku horror tapi buku thriller dan Reader beware nya tuh double double di kasih di awal buku 😳😳
Double reader beware tuh bneran semenakutkan itu shit🙃

check trigger warning, i repeat check the trigger warning!! i'm not kidding, man. check the trigger warning or content warning for yourself!

ada scene dimana aku ke-trigger. kepalaku pening, perutku mual, padahal scene itu ga secara eksplisit dinarasiin sama penulisnya, tapi impactnya beneran berhasil bikin aku pusing.

[h · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chilling Dari Hong Kong, this book is sakit jiwa.

[Rochatra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under The Vile Moon is a gritty thriller. Detective Joseph Stahl makes a deal with serial killer Andrew Mort to get revenge. Stahl keeps him safe from the police, while Mort is free to punish the bad guys.

The pace is fast, the content graphic, and the characters got varied personalities. If you like revenge stories with lots of action, anti heroes, and don't shy away from its graphic content, you should consider giving this one a try.

[bunz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how to feel about the book. The writing's okay, the plot's interesting, but the ending just didnt really hit the spot. Major trigger warning for those sensitive to sexual assault, violence, and gore because the book does not spare any details. Everything just seem so vile then you realize somewhere in the world someone is probably living it. Gave me a little satisfaction seeing the "bad guys" finished off, though.

[journalofhorror · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked this novella, but I found it very hard to connect to most of the characters. Especially the female protagonist. I think her persona should have been thought out a bit better. That is the only reason I'm doing 3 stars instead of 4.

Andrew was awesome, though! Definitely enjoyed him!

Everything works well, otherwise. It's fast-paced, gory, and in a twisted way, kinda fun. The shocking parts work very well, but they overshadow the depth of the characters, so maybe that was why I didn't connect with some of them very well.

A would also like to take a moment to thank the author for the book. I am invested in his work and would like to see Andrew coming back.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book... Well the title is correct. VILE. But I frickin loved it and I couldn't stop reading it.

Girls are head hunted to be "Unicorns" aka Escorts from the Unicorn Lounge are getting killed after being offered money to go on a yacht and "entertain" a man who has diplomatic immunity.

A 50 year old detective Joe who has 3 young girls himself, decides to take things into his own hands. Detective Joe seeks help from an old friend.. or shall we say an old enemy, Andrew. Andrew is an enemy that got away.

All I'm saying is Chapter 10 🫣💩.

This is so so good and it's one of the best books I've read/listened to this year WOW! The suspense each chapter left me in was immense!

[Nourhanesreadings · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader who enjoys delving into the gritty depths of crime fiction, "Under the vile moon" captivated me from the very beginning. Written by an author who isn't afraid to explore the darkest recesses of human nature, this novella plunges readers into a world choked by corruption and inhabited by characters who teeter on the edge of morality.
The story revolves around detective Joseph, a man whose career is marred by the lack of good deeds. As he confronts the vile crimes of a brutal sex ring, Joseph finds himself trapped within the confines of the law, unable to bring justice to the victims. However, an unholy alliance with the infamous serial killer, Andrew Mort, offers him a chance to dismantle the organization piece by piece, even if it means making deals with the devil himself.
What struck me most about this book is its unflinching portrayal of depravity and its reflection of the harsh realities of our own world. The author doesn't shy away from exploring taboo topics and disturbing themes, making it a chilling read that leaves a lasting impression.
However, despite my fascination with the story, I hesitate to recommend it to younger readers or those who are sensitive to explicit content and triggering themes. This novella delves into dark territories that may be unsettling for some, and it's important to approach it with caution.
I must admit that I found myself strangely drawn to Andrew Mort, the enigmatic serial killer whose presence looms large throughout the narrative. His complex character and twisted motivations added an intriguing layer to the story, and I couldn't help but feel a perverse sense of admiration for him. Perhaps it's a testament to the author's skill in crafting compelling characters, but I can't shake the feeling that I may need therapy after developing such an affinity for a fictional villain.
As I eagerly anticipate the sequel, I find myself yearning for a glimpse of dark romance between the enigmatic Andrew Mort and a female character who possesses the ability to tame the savage nature that lurks within him. It's a tantalizing prospect that I hope the next installment will explore, adding an additional layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative that I'm excited to delve into.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this novella and I was sad when it ended as I wanted more!!

This is a very well written dark crime fiction with horror elements, with very shady and compromised characters living in a flawed town.

There are all the ingredients I enjoy with lots of gore and violence, but never gratuitous. Everything is delivered skilfully and I'm honestly not surprised to learn that the writer is a successful screenwriter as the dialogues are just perfect! And the illustrations peppered throughout the book were so good as well.

Even if it's a novella it felt really complete and well rounded, with every description and passage, either attributed to a character or not, adding to the atmosphere of a "rotten town" as one of the main characters put it.

Whenever a story is about a serial killer I cannot wait to read it, and I'm glad I jumped at the opportunity to read this one because I loved it!
I hope there's going to be a continuation as I revelled in it!

Thanks to the author and Mia Helou for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under the Vile Moon: by D.C Habib was definitely worth my time! It’s a short read ( novella) and is efficient with its shocks and gags. I’d classify it as Splatter-Noir though it’s aptly self described as a Dark Thriller. Habib’s talent for pacing, dialogue and scene setting is evident. The action flows nicely chapter to chapter. Multiple POV’s but very clear and easy to follow. The illustrations by Paola Dib were interesting interpretations of the story. It was easy for me to invest in these characters and their macabre crusade. Mr. Nightmare will have you questioning your morals. Definitely some gross-outs and graphic scenes. You’ve been warned and/or encouraged 😊. Overall, it was an enjoyable read especially if you lean towards stories that feel like a script/movie is playing out. I’m looking forward to checking out the next book in The Vile Series.

[Loundraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can i say abt this book........EDAN bahkan reader beware nya sampe dikasih double di awal. Please check the trigger warning before you read it.

Detective Joseph make deals with Andrew Mort mantan pembunuh berantai yang keji buat bunuh ketua sindikat perdagangan anak dibawah umur yang kompleks jadi mereka ini terlindungi. Joe minta Andrew buat lakuin ini karena dia punya anak gadis jadi takut lah terjadi sama dia.

Sumpah killernya beneran se keji itu, sampe mual mual bacanya saking edannya dan bikin puyeng. Padahal bukan buku horror tapi beneran semenyeramkan itu.

[Jihad Shamaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gut-wrenching novella that draws, nay, sucks you into its dark and grimy world. You will find yourself flying through the pages, eager to know the fates befalling our main protagonists, and watching as everything builds up to a climactic ending that is truly cathartic, lingering in the back of your mind long after you're done reading.

D.C. Habib's dark and gritty novella is a must-read for any and all horror/crime thriller fans out there."

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller with a sprinkle of gore. I love a good serial killer and Andrew Mort definitely tickles my fancy.

This story sucked me in right from the get-go, I could not put it down. My only wish was that it was longer. I wanted more.

There’s nothing worse than reading a good book and knowing you have to wait for the sequel to come out.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fast-paced and exciting. The main characters ach have a unique viewpoint but they all come across each other at one point or another.

The one liners in the book are hilarious. Dark, reprehensible stuff. A crooked cop and a maliciois killer. Not to mention underground trafficking and shady business.

[alhaithamsbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling read tbh, enjoyed it and the thrilling and disturbing factor of this book seriously left me surprised I have never read something as disgustingly well written as this. Diverse and interesting characters I recommend for people who do not have a weak stomach and want a short story to read. Kudos!! from a lebanese <3

[Simba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Vile Moon had such good writing that it quickly sucks you into the story and doesn’t let you go until you’ve reached the final page. I also definitely think it’s a great novella to read if you haven’t tried horror books before! Can’t wait to see what the author writes next ❤️

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and extremely gripping storytelling. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone, although they’re gonna have to (im)patiently wait for volume 2.

Can’t wait for the next one!

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty wild and dark story! It was a nice spin on detectives, serial killers and sex rings. It was a fast paced read and kept me very enthralled with the story line. I thought it was well written and a great read! Free book was given in exchange for a review.

[riena. · Rating 5 out of 5]

holyyyyy this book is WILD and DARK, the story makes me sick but i can't stop reading. it is a short book but give me a whole another experience. i think this is the darkest crime/thriller book i've ever read.

if you want to read this book please check trigger warnings!

[Jacinta Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this one made me want to look over my shoulder! Really good book with great characters and was indeed scared so good job !!

[Nour Fakhoury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing, gory, scary. Started off my year the best way possible :)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacing was great and I loved the multi POVs

[Craig Matthews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

This is my first of time reading Habib's work, and I believe it's his debut (please correct me if I'm wrong). Regardless, it's a very assured & confident novella, one that knows exactly what it wants to be and executes it well.

The writing and setting of Under A Vile Moon are highly reminiscent of the noir-drenched urban rot in the likes of Sin City, or Gotham amped up to the extremes. You know what to expect in these worlds - a corrupt and broken police force, innocent women driven to a short life of being used & discarded, wealthy men flaunting a power that the law can't (or won't) touch - but despite feeling familiar, they're executed very well here.

Our protagonist, Detective Joseph Stahl, is getting older and the city has ground him down. His marriage fell victim to his addictions, and he wants better for his daughters, but the environment they're raised in is too awful to bear. But Stahl thinks he knows who's under the mask of a brutal serial killer, and his desperation leads him to wonder if he can harness his violence for a more noble cause.

There's touchstones that are easily recognisable here - elements of Freeman's character in Se7en, of Hannibal Lecter - and Habib uses these inspirations to full effect. The killer almost feels supernatural in his power and ruthlessness, and is a memorable character that's sure to live on in the minds of readers for a while after the last chapter ends. The book utilises multiple points of view, alternating with each chapter, but the author imbues each of these characters with enough uniqueness and personality that I never felt lost or confused with who's eyes I was looking for at any particular moment.

This is a very splatter-y, gory book, with many explicit depictions of nasty - and often inventive - acts of brutality. There's also accounts and references to SA & violence, and the book certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. They could easily be described as gratuitous, and perhaps some would go as far as to call some deliberately edgy, but if you're a fan of this type of near-extreme horror then there's a lot to enjoy. The writing is always vivid, and there's some moments of almost beautiful prose scattered with the broken teeth and viscera.

The book does has a few issues that I find with most novellas. The short length makes lots of character development difficult to fit in, and so some can feel a little like archetypes that are easily identifiable from other works. Despite this, their own personalities shine through, but it does make me intrigued as to how much more the author will have to offer across a full length novel, in this regard. As if stands, Under A Vile Moon is a fast-paced and quick read, and one that I would recommend to fans of dark, gritty and brutal urban crime thrillers.

[Crystal DeBoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was original and kept me intrigued and disgusted until the end. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and the narrator did a great job.