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Blood Moon
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown returns with a sexy thriller where an unruly detective and an ambitious tv show producer work against the clock to prevent another young woman from disappearing before the next blood moon—while trying to resist the attraction between them.
Detective John Bowie is one misstep away from being fired from the Auclair Police Department in coastal Louisiana. Recently divorced and slightly heavy-handed with his liquor, Bowie does all that he can to cope with the actions taken (or not taken) during the investigation of Crissy Mellin, a teenage girl who disappeared more than three years prior. But now, Crisis Point, a long-running true crime television series, is soon to air an episode documenting the unsolved Mellin case. Bowie has been instructed by his unscrupulous boss to keep to himself his grievances and criticisms over the mishandling of the investigation.
Beth Collins, a senior producer on Crisis Point, knows what classifies as a great story and when there’s something more to be told. After working on the show for seven years researching, fact checking, and editing dozens of episodes, Collins is convinced that Crissy Mellin’s disappearance was not an isolated incident. A string of disappearances of teenage girls in nearby areas have only one thing in common: They took place on the night of a blood moon. In a last-ditch effort to find out the truth, Beth leaves New York City for Louisiana to enlist Detective Bowie in helping her figure out what happened to Crissy and find the true culprit before he acts on the next blood moon—in four days’ time.
At the risk of their jobs and lives, Bowie and Collins band together to identify and capture a canny perpetrator, while fighting an irresistible spark between them that threatens to upend everything.
Detective John Bowie is one misstep away from being fired from the Auclair Police Department in coastal Louisiana. Recently divorced and slightly heavy-handed with his liquor, Bowie does all that he can to cope with the actions taken (or not taken) during the investigation of Crissy Mellin, a teenage girl who disappeared more than three years prior. But now, Crisis Point, a long-running true crime television series, is soon to air an episode documenting the unsolved Mellin case. Bowie has been instructed by his unscrupulous boss to keep to himself his grievances and criticisms over the mishandling of the investigation.
Beth Collins, a senior producer on Crisis Point, knows what classifies as a great story and when there’s something more to be told. After working on the show for seven years researching, fact checking, and editing dozens of episodes, Collins is convinced that Crissy Mellin’s disappearance was not an isolated incident. A string of disappearances of teenage girls in nearby areas have only one thing in common: They took place on the night of a blood moon. In a last-ditch effort to find out the truth, Beth leaves New York City for Louisiana to enlist Detective Bowie in helping her figure out what happened to Crissy and find the true culprit before he acts on the next blood moon—in four days’ time.
At the risk of their jobs and lives, Bowie and Collins band together to identify and capture a canny perpetrator, while fighting an irresistible spark between them that threatens to upend everything.
545 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
5083 people are currently reading
48941 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Brown
302 books19.4k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,047 reviews
March 6, 2025
the setup…
Auclair Police Department Detective John Bowie is haunted by his last case and is suffering personally and professionally. He’s a divorced father of teen daughter Molly who he lost custody of recently. The investigation of missing teen Crissy Mellin ended three years ago but he has serious issues regarding the resolution. Now the true crime show Crisis Point is ready to air an episode documenting the unsolved case. Senior producer Beth Collins is convinced that there’s more to the story and uses her personal time to come to coastal Louisiana and confront the one man who expressed his dissatisfaction with the case and refused to be interviewed for the segment. She’s got an interesting theory…that this case and others may be tied to blood moon eclipses.
the heart of the story…
John Bowie is what you’d think of as a hard-boiled, seasoned detective. He’s hanging on to his job by his fingernails as Tom Barker, the man in charge of the detective unit, is corrupt, inept and looking for an excuse to get rid of him. When Beth confronts him with her theory, while skeptical, John looks into it and sees that there just might be something there. But Barker and his dangerous henchman are determined to thwart any effort to further examine the case. John and Beth embark on a treacherous path to explore the theory, flying under the radar and using sometimes unconventional but effective methods. At the same time, their personal attraction to each other is hard to ignore.
the narration…
I’m a big fan of Kyf Brewer and not only was his storytelling skills superb but he absolutely nailed John Bowie (pronounced like the knife). It was a wonderful listening experience.
the bottom line…
In addition to a compelling mystery, the strong sense of setting made me feel as if I was inside the story deep in bayou country. I didn’t know much about blood moon eclipses so that was an interesting element. The shocking twist at the end capped off a very satisfying story with a romantic element. I enjoyed every minute.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Auclair Police Department Detective John Bowie is haunted by his last case and is suffering personally and professionally. He’s a divorced father of teen daughter Molly who he lost custody of recently. The investigation of missing teen Crissy Mellin ended three years ago but he has serious issues regarding the resolution. Now the true crime show Crisis Point is ready to air an episode documenting the unsolved case. Senior producer Beth Collins is convinced that there’s more to the story and uses her personal time to come to coastal Louisiana and confront the one man who expressed his dissatisfaction with the case and refused to be interviewed for the segment. She’s got an interesting theory…that this case and others may be tied to blood moon eclipses.
the heart of the story…
John Bowie is what you’d think of as a hard-boiled, seasoned detective. He’s hanging on to his job by his fingernails as Tom Barker, the man in charge of the detective unit, is corrupt, inept and looking for an excuse to get rid of him. When Beth confronts him with her theory, while skeptical, John looks into it and sees that there just might be something there. But Barker and his dangerous henchman are determined to thwart any effort to further examine the case. John and Beth embark on a treacherous path to explore the theory, flying under the radar and using sometimes unconventional but effective methods. At the same time, their personal attraction to each other is hard to ignore.
the narration…
I’m a big fan of Kyf Brewer and not only was his storytelling skills superb but he absolutely nailed John Bowie (pronounced like the knife). It was a wonderful listening experience.
the bottom line…
In addition to a compelling mystery, the strong sense of setting made me feel as if I was inside the story deep in bayou country. I didn’t know much about blood moon eclipses so that was an interesting element. The shocking twist at the end capped off a very satisfying story with a romantic element. I enjoyed every minute.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
February 19, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, gripping, romantic suspense novel. It has an intelligent, likable female protagonist, an engaging, strong and capable male protagonist, murder, mystery, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, twists and turns, and a gratifying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, the truly talented Mr. Kyf Brewer, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job voicing the characters. Many thanks to Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley and Ms. Sandra Brown, from whom I received an advanced listener copy of this fabulous novel. This is my honest opinion.
November 24, 2024
OMG so freaking good!
~~~~~
Once I cracked open this book, I could not stop reading. I can see why this author is so highly regarded and rated. From the opening paragraph, I was riveted and powered through this one on a cold, dreary Saturday. What a perfect choice!
The characters jump off the pages with the vivid descriptions and action. The two main characters collide and the tension is both contentious and steamy. You know they are going to work perfectly together and they did. They are complex and determined. Simply Awesome.
This author has honed her craft masterfully and the reader is captivated with her intense situations and highly detailed plot that keeps pulling you in. The murder mystery is completely believable and reads like a true crime news story.
Blood Moon is definitely one you need to be anticipating! Addictive, intense, and sexy!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/blood-moon-b...
~~~~~
Once I cracked open this book, I could not stop reading. I can see why this author is so highly regarded and rated. From the opening paragraph, I was riveted and powered through this one on a cold, dreary Saturday. What a perfect choice!
The characters jump off the pages with the vivid descriptions and action. The two main characters collide and the tension is both contentious and steamy. You know they are going to work perfectly together and they did. They are complex and determined. Simply Awesome.
This author has honed her craft masterfully and the reader is captivated with her intense situations and highly detailed plot that keeps pulling you in. The murder mystery is completely believable and reads like a true crime news story.
Blood Moon is definitely one you need to be anticipating! Addictive, intense, and sexy!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/blood-moon-b...
March 25, 2025
I feel I sound like a broken record every time I finish a 'newer' Sandra Brown book. Not up to the standard of her earlier books, in my opinion. I know I will never re-read it, as I have with some of her earlier books. I listened and read it - narrator was good but something was missing for me ...
I know I am not on Goodreads as often as I used to - I didn't even post one update while I was reading this. I will still keep reading Ms Brown but, honestly, her earlier books are of a much higher quality than this one.
I know I am not on Goodreads as often as I used to - I didn't even post one update while I was reading this. I will still keep reading Ms Brown but, honestly, her earlier books are of a much higher quality than this one.
January 24, 2025
Almost 4 stars...
I’ve been a fan of Sandra Brown’s books for over 15 years, and in the last five years, I’ve been equally captivated by her audiobooks. Her romantic suspense novels are always a great escape, and Blood Moon is a perfect example of why I keep coming back for more.
One of the things I loved most about Blood Moon was how the hero and heroine worked together almost from the beginning. This dynamic allowed them to build a natural connection, making their relationship and later their sexual chemistry feel more realistic. It wasn’t rushed; their bond grew organically, which made it all the more satisfying.
The mystery and crime aspect was equally engaging, keeping me hooked like a well-executed crime podcast. I loved the way they unraveled a solved case, and the twist at the end was just right— unexpected yet fitting. The epilogue was a nice touch, providing a satisfying and complete ending.
In true Sandra Brown style, Blood Moon delivered all the right ingredients: a broody, grumpy hero, a strong, feisty heroine, an age gap, and tons of attraction. It's a great starting point for anyone new to her work and will not disappoint long-time fans.
The audiobook was expertly narrated and kept me captivated from start to finish. I usually don’t need more than a few days to get through her books, and this one was no exception—it was fast-paced, engaging, and overall an enjoyable listen.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
I’ve been a fan of Sandra Brown’s books for over 15 years, and in the last five years, I’ve been equally captivated by her audiobooks. Her romantic suspense novels are always a great escape, and Blood Moon is a perfect example of why I keep coming back for more.
One of the things I loved most about Blood Moon was how the hero and heroine worked together almost from the beginning. This dynamic allowed them to build a natural connection, making their relationship and later their sexual chemistry feel more realistic. It wasn’t rushed; their bond grew organically, which made it all the more satisfying.
The mystery and crime aspect was equally engaging, keeping me hooked like a well-executed crime podcast. I loved the way they unraveled a solved case, and the twist at the end was just right— unexpected yet fitting. The epilogue was a nice touch, providing a satisfying and complete ending.
In true Sandra Brown style, Blood Moon delivered all the right ingredients: a broody, grumpy hero, a strong, feisty heroine, an age gap, and tons of attraction. It's a great starting point for anyone new to her work and will not disappoint long-time fans.
The audiobook was expertly narrated and kept me captivated from start to finish. I usually don’t need more than a few days to get through her books, and this one was no exception—it was fast-paced, engaging, and overall an enjoyable listen.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
October 11, 2025
SOME MILD SPOILERS BELOW!!!
Beth is a tv producer from NYC. She goes to Louisiana because, of course, she found a clue no one else noticed about a case from years ago.
John is the detective who, of course, is “haunted” by the case. But, the only thing John is trying to detect is how Beth would look with her clothes off. Well, she does have “a great rack” and a “lust-inspiring ass.” I imagined him getting up in the morning and blending a shake of motor oil, beer, anabolic steroids and Viagra. Laughable character. I kept waiting for him to yell, “ME LIKEY BOOBIES!”
John’s dog, Mutt, is the only good character.
Beth and John don’t like each other at first. Of course!
Of course there is corruption in the police department!
We get the obligatory scene of, “Give me your badge and your gun!”
John and Beth have sex because “his dick was giving him fits.”
“The look she gave him would have melted an iceberg in ten seconds.” Damn! Too bad she called in sick that night she was supposed to have deck duty on Titanic!
“She’d sprawled atop him as bonelessly as a rag doll. Except a lot sexier.” Are rag dolls sexy?
I had to endure THREE passages of nauseating sex, one of which included John doing a one-armed pushup?! Hahahaha what the hell?! Each sentence I willed myself to get through had me considering a life of celibacy.
There’s some bullshit about a blood moon and the occult, but it really doesn’t matter.
I feel bad for Mutt though. I can hear his cries and whimpers coming from his doghouse, as he realizes he will forever be a character trapped in this horrible novel.
Beth is a tv producer from NYC. She goes to Louisiana because, of course, she found a clue no one else noticed about a case from years ago.
John is the detective who, of course, is “haunted” by the case. But, the only thing John is trying to detect is how Beth would look with her clothes off. Well, she does have “a great rack” and a “lust-inspiring ass.” I imagined him getting up in the morning and blending a shake of motor oil, beer, anabolic steroids and Viagra. Laughable character. I kept waiting for him to yell, “ME LIKEY BOOBIES!”
John’s dog, Mutt, is the only good character.
Beth and John don’t like each other at first. Of course!
Of course there is corruption in the police department!
We get the obligatory scene of, “Give me your badge and your gun!”
John and Beth have sex because “his dick was giving him fits.”
“The look she gave him would have melted an iceberg in ten seconds.” Damn! Too bad she called in sick that night she was supposed to have deck duty on Titanic!
“She’d sprawled atop him as bonelessly as a rag doll. Except a lot sexier.” Are rag dolls sexy?
I had to endure THREE passages of nauseating sex, one of which included John doing a one-armed pushup?! Hahahaha what the hell?! Each sentence I willed myself to get through had me considering a life of celibacy.
There’s some bullshit about a blood moon and the occult, but it really doesn’t matter.
I feel bad for Mutt though. I can hear his cries and whimpers coming from his doghouse, as he realizes he will forever be a character trapped in this horrible novel.
February 25, 2025
Meh.
The mystical plot was interesting, but it does not read like it was written by a woman.
The toxic machismo is rampant and not something I would expect to see in a book set in modern times.
Also the FMC is very "damsel in distress" despite trying to seem like she isn't?
Not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley & Hachette Audio for letting me try this one on.
The mystical plot was interesting, but it does not read like it was written by a woman.
The toxic machismo is rampant and not something I would expect to see in a book set in modern times.
Also the FMC is very "damsel in distress" despite trying to seem like she isn't?
Not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley & Hachette Audio for letting me try this one on.
March 16, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
While I was reading, I kept having this uncanny notion that the writing style seemed oddly familiar to it;which is odd, since I've never heard of Sandra Brown, till I saw the novel appear on Edelweiss, which with a very convincing blurb piqued my interest. But, it wasn't until John Bowie like the knife was described as claiming thirty-three-year old Beth Collins' mouth in a purely male manner that the light bulb lit up, and I said to myself, Nora Roberts. 🙈😭💡
Because I had the same complaint with her from a book she had written in the early 90s, so it's a bit of a problem if this is a descriptive temperament making an appearance now, one that could have sufficed without! 🤦🏻♀️ It is safe to say that a lot of similarities were apparent between the two writers that stood out for me, especially with how they both write their male leads as being so assertively dominant in convincing their female characters that they will have them; and that's a real turn-off for me, seeing how he was lusting for her right from their first meeting. It became almost comedic how he kept reminding himself not to attempt anything, and yet still giving into temptation. 'No way in hell, lady. No matter how delectable your lips.' 😒
Did I get that same level of attraction from Beth? 🤔 Tbh, not really, since she was so much more focused on trying to find out the right facts and details before her episode aired, which may very well destroy her career if the facts did not align with the truth. It was heading towards a disgruntled troubled two rating, but there was a part of the ending that changed my mind - deservedly so. 👌🏻 It was a surprise that was both frustrating and aggravating, but somehow, convinced me that just because I was unaware of how the author operates doesn't mean that it deserves a low rating. Such is the fairness that my brain can't turn off. 🤷🏻♀️
“These guys, these sociopaths, never want to get caught, but deep down they want to boast.”
It did feel at times like I was watching one of those B-rated 90s crime flicks, where the scene cuts to some mysterious person plotting his next ruse, only to jump to some other party, breaking the suspenseful tone with a slightly off-kilter comedic routine. 😅 Like, John's superior officer, Tom Barker, asshole extraordinaire, whose malfeasance need to be exposed and his henchman, the Ogre - I don't know what was up with that, but their banter and actions - just their interruption into John and Beth's investigation made me chuckle. I know I should have taken it more seriously, but it just felt so outdated and I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be too critical, because maybe this is a format the author has mastered and catered to her fan-base, so it's not really fair for a newbie like me to downsize it. 😔
I will, however, nitpick the mystery. Like Beth's producer, Max said, she did have the making of a great story here of working with dour, reluctant hero with integrity, and multiple murders with a bizarre connection to a Blood Moon - a total lunar eclipse, not partial, in a specific alignment, when Earth gets between the sun and a full moon - that is enough to conjure enough spookiness to draw in an eager audience. But, the way it was portrayed was very lacking in how we, as readers, can find the clues of who the culprit is. 😕 While I did appreciate seeing both of them make educated conjectures, the eventual result of it was very lackluster at best. Not really gratifying in any sense.
Still, not all was a total loss. The romance was so-so by my standards, but I liked their chemistry when they were butting heads and even when they were more of an investigative team. 😊 And yes, I will admit, the ending was cute... *sigh* Detective John and Mitch's friendship was a fun touch, and Mutt definitely was the dog that stole the show. The dialogue and even the shifts in scenes really did feel like I was watching a movie in writing at times, so that was a feeling I just couldn't shake off throughout. Maybe intentional, or maybe just not for me... 😞
“Isn’t raising questions in our job description? Isn’t that what detectives are supposed to do in order to detect? Aren’t we meant to be on the lookout for inconsistencies, do some meddling, poke and probe when called for?”
While I was reading, I kept having this uncanny notion that the writing style seemed oddly familiar to it;which is odd, since I've never heard of Sandra Brown, till I saw the novel appear on Edelweiss, which with a very convincing blurb piqued my interest. But, it wasn't until John Bowie like the knife was described as claiming thirty-three-year old Beth Collins' mouth in a purely male manner that the light bulb lit up, and I said to myself, Nora Roberts. 🙈😭💡
Because I had the same complaint with her from a book she had written in the early 90s, so it's a bit of a problem if this is a descriptive temperament making an appearance now, one that could have sufficed without! 🤦🏻♀️ It is safe to say that a lot of similarities were apparent between the two writers that stood out for me, especially with how they both write their male leads as being so assertively dominant in convincing their female characters that they will have them; and that's a real turn-off for me, seeing how he was lusting for her right from their first meeting. It became almost comedic how he kept reminding himself not to attempt anything, and yet still giving into temptation. 'No way in hell, lady. No matter how delectable your lips.' 😒
Did I get that same level of attraction from Beth? 🤔 Tbh, not really, since she was so much more focused on trying to find out the right facts and details before her episode aired, which may very well destroy her career if the facts did not align with the truth. It was heading towards a disgruntled troubled two rating, but there was a part of the ending that changed my mind - deservedly so. 👌🏻 It was a surprise that was both frustrating and aggravating, but somehow, convinced me that just because I was unaware of how the author operates doesn't mean that it deserves a low rating. Such is the fairness that my brain can't turn off. 🤷🏻♀️
“These guys, these sociopaths, never want to get caught, but deep down they want to boast.”
It did feel at times like I was watching one of those B-rated 90s crime flicks, where the scene cuts to some mysterious person plotting his next ruse, only to jump to some other party, breaking the suspenseful tone with a slightly off-kilter comedic routine. 😅 Like, John's superior officer, Tom Barker, asshole extraordinaire, whose malfeasance need to be exposed and his henchman, the Ogre - I don't know what was up with that, but their banter and actions - just their interruption into John and Beth's investigation made me chuckle. I know I should have taken it more seriously, but it just felt so outdated and I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be too critical, because maybe this is a format the author has mastered and catered to her fan-base, so it's not really fair for a newbie like me to downsize it. 😔
I will, however, nitpick the mystery. Like Beth's producer, Max said, she did have the making of a great story here of working with dour, reluctant hero with integrity, and multiple murders with a bizarre connection to a Blood Moon - a total lunar eclipse, not partial, in a specific alignment, when Earth gets between the sun and a full moon - that is enough to conjure enough spookiness to draw in an eager audience. But, the way it was portrayed was very lacking in how we, as readers, can find the clues of who the culprit is. 😕 While I did appreciate seeing both of them make educated conjectures, the eventual result of it was very lackluster at best. Not really gratifying in any sense.
Still, not all was a total loss. The romance was so-so by my standards, but I liked their chemistry when they were butting heads and even when they were more of an investigative team. 😊 And yes, I will admit, the ending was cute... *sigh* Detective John and Mitch's friendship was a fun touch, and Mutt definitely was the dog that stole the show. The dialogue and even the shifts in scenes really did feel like I was watching a movie in writing at times, so that was a feeling I just couldn't shake off throughout. Maybe intentional, or maybe just not for me... 😞
March 24, 2025
It was aiight!!!
Solid 2.5 stars!!
Solid 2.5 stars!!
April 14, 2025
I love Sandra Brown. Her brand of bad-boy alpha just does it for me. Every. Single. Time. Some of my favorite authors, Jana Deleon, Allison Brennan and Tami Hoag have used the Bayou of Louisiana as a setting for their books and now I can add Sandra Brown. The bayou captures and ensnares my imagination like no other setting ever has and Brown takes full advantage of this dangerous and mysterious place for this absolutely awesome plot.
Three years ago, Auclair Police Detective John Bowie came up against a case that he couldn't solve and has haunted him, among other things, since. The disappearance of Crissy Mellin, the arrest for that and suicide death by hanging of her young neighbor, Billy, left a sour, bitter taste with John and he basically checked out. He never believed Billy was guilty and now he is just doing his time, doing his best to stay under the radar of his boss, a nasty, corrupt piece of work. When Beth Collins, a senior producer for the true crime TV series, Crisis Point, contacts him, he is intrigued but determined to not revisit that dark time in his life.
When Crisis Point wrapped the show on the disappearance of Crissy Mellin, Beth felt in her bones that there was more to this story. She had been unable to get an interview with John Bowie about his role in the investigation. When she uncovers other mysterious disappearances that took place during the Blood Moon, as Crissy's did, she contacts John again offering new information. Beth is determined to use this angle to reopen Crissy's case and find her abductor. She just needs John's cooperation.
John is a tough sell, but after contact with other cops who had girls disappear under the Blood Moon, John reluctantly agrees to help. This does not sit well with his boss who rode the case to a promotion and does not want it reopened. John and Beth are on their own and they try again to figure out who kidnapped Crissy. With John's boss obstructing every way he can and threatening John, they take their investigation on the down low and themselves to a remote bayou cabin where the danger and intrigue ignite a passion between them.
Three years ago, Auclair Police Detective John Bowie came up against a case that he couldn't solve and has haunted him, among other things, since. The disappearance of Crissy Mellin, the arrest for that and suicide death by hanging of her young neighbor, Billy, left a sour, bitter taste with John and he basically checked out. He never believed Billy was guilty and now he is just doing his time, doing his best to stay under the radar of his boss, a nasty, corrupt piece of work. When Beth Collins, a senior producer for the true crime TV series, Crisis Point, contacts him, he is intrigued but determined to not revisit that dark time in his life.
When Crisis Point wrapped the show on the disappearance of Crissy Mellin, Beth felt in her bones that there was more to this story. She had been unable to get an interview with John Bowie about his role in the investigation. When she uncovers other mysterious disappearances that took place during the Blood Moon, as Crissy's did, she contacts John again offering new information. Beth is determined to use this angle to reopen Crissy's case and find her abductor. She just needs John's cooperation.
John is a tough sell, but after contact with other cops who had girls disappear under the Blood Moon, John reluctantly agrees to help. This does not sit well with his boss who rode the case to a promotion and does not want it reopened. John and Beth are on their own and they try again to figure out who kidnapped Crissy. With John's boss obstructing every way he can and threatening John, they take their investigation on the down low and themselves to a remote bayou cabin where the danger and intrigue ignite a passion between them.
June 8, 2025
Not good. Boring, weak plot. Unoriginal plot line. 1980s outdated relationship dynamics. It was just a torture to finish.
June 14, 2025
A seasoned detective hanging on to his job by a thread under a corrupt boss and the senior producer of a true crime show investigating a cold case of a missing teen join forces to uncover the truth. She has a strange theory, and his gut tells him there's something there that warrants further investigation. In doing so, lives are put in jeopardy. The chemistry sizzles in this romance suspense story set in bayou country. Highly recommended!
March 3, 2025
Blood Moon by Sandra Brown
Thriller, police procedural and romantic suspense.
Detective John Bowie can’t forget the investigation of missing Crissy Mellin from more than three years ago. The case remains open and unsolved and he knows a true crime television show will soon run the story. John believes his boss mishandled evidence and killed an innocent man. But he can’t do more than work on other cases hoping the killer is long gone. Even if he knows better.
Beth Collins is a producer on the true crime show and she believes the story telling the case of Crissy Mellin is not complete and that there are more missing teenage girls connected to each night of a blood moon. She enlists John Bowie’s help to find the true culprit before another girl goes missing during the next blood moon, which is only four days away.
🎧 I listened to a audiobook version narrated by Kyf Brewer. The performance is compelling with emotions of anger, worry, and a disturbing lack of emotion in passages from the killer. The story moves quickly so pay attention to chapter changes which may include a POV switch.
I listened to the audiobook at 1.5 and 1.6 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
Enthralling and fast paced. A mystery that keeps you reading and unexpected twists. The epilogue adds depth and intrigue.
4.5
I received a copy from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
Thriller, police procedural and romantic suspense.
Detective John Bowie can’t forget the investigation of missing Crissy Mellin from more than three years ago. The case remains open and unsolved and he knows a true crime television show will soon run the story. John believes his boss mishandled evidence and killed an innocent man. But he can’t do more than work on other cases hoping the killer is long gone. Even if he knows better.
Beth Collins is a producer on the true crime show and she believes the story telling the case of Crissy Mellin is not complete and that there are more missing teenage girls connected to each night of a blood moon. She enlists John Bowie’s help to find the true culprit before another girl goes missing during the next blood moon, which is only four days away.
🎧 I listened to a audiobook version narrated by Kyf Brewer. The performance is compelling with emotions of anger, worry, and a disturbing lack of emotion in passages from the killer. The story moves quickly so pay attention to chapter changes which may include a POV switch.
I listened to the audiobook at 1.5 and 1.6 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
Enthralling and fast paced. A mystery that keeps you reading and unexpected twists. The epilogue adds depth and intrigue.
4.5
I received a copy from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
May 7, 2025
What more could you ask for than an awesome Thriller and a very steamy Romance!
This takes place in Auclair, Louisiana. You have a True Crime Producer attempting to get a long awaited interview with a Auclair Detective on a 3 year teenage disappearance.
Blood Moon is the night that disappearance happen ended, hence the book title..
Lots to learn from this book.
You will love Mitch, Molly and Mutt.
This takes place in Auclair, Louisiana. You have a True Crime Producer attempting to get a long awaited interview with a Auclair Detective on a 3 year teenage disappearance.
Blood Moon is the night that disappearance happen ended, hence the book title..
Lots to learn from this book.
You will love Mitch, Molly and Mutt.
March 4, 2025
Sandra Brown's latest, Blood Moon, starts off with a banging first chapter then it's off to the races. Beth Collins works as a senior producer on a show that investigates cold cases. Beth's currenty working on the case of murder of a young woman that happened on the night of the Blood Moon. Detective John Murray was a detective who was accused of bungling the original case. Beth seeks John's help for her latest subject, but he refuses at first. John changes his mind and ends up helping not only investigate a murders of the past, but one that can happen in the nor so distant future. Brown kept me turning the pages with a fast paced plot, thrilling suspense, and sizzling tension between Beth and John. I missed having a new Sandra Brown last year, but she surely has made up for it with her latest release.
February 23, 2025
Blood Moon was, unfortunately, a bit of a disappointment. Considering that Brown's books kept me sustained during my romantic suspense era, this book feels lackluster.
The case, in itself, took some time to properly take shape, in the sense that I felt like the characters were going over the same things over and over before real progress was made. The pacing was weird.
As for the romance part, it was mostly lust and gave no real sense of anything long-lasting.
I think I've read better from Ms Brown.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The case, in itself, took some time to properly take shape, in the sense that I felt like the characters were going over the same things over and over before real progress was made. The pacing was weird.
As for the romance part, it was mostly lust and gave no real sense of anything long-lasting.
I think I've read better from Ms Brown.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2025
3 stars 🌟 for the Suspense, 1 star 🌟 for the Romance
I have been a loyal fan of Sandra Brown for a long time but it's been a while.
Blood Moon definitely falls in the intriguing suspense category however the romance leaves much to be desired.
First things first, Blood Moon, secret society, numerology, sacrifice, mythical goddesses and rituals. This is what to expect while reading this book in addition to a captivating investigation and a race against time to prevent the killer from hitting again.
Throughout the suspense, broody cop John Bowie works side by side with producer Beth Collins to get to the bottom of this mystery. It was an insta lust with these two, fires erupt, sparks flare and a tumble in the sheets becomes inevitable. They fall in love in the span of a week. Or so we are meant to believe because the love declarations (or rather her declaration -since he never once says or implies that he loves her-) comes in the epilogue. 🙄
He's not a lovable MMC. He's broody, rude, crude, emotionally shut off with constant lustful thoughts.
She falls for the Big Bad Wolf 🐺. Because ya'know 💅
The epilogue is meh at best. Ok bye. 👋
📝 ticking another Bingo square
8) "MC with former addiction problem"
Squares Count: 33
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃67┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
I have been a loyal fan of Sandra Brown for a long time but it's been a while.
Blood Moon definitely falls in the intriguing suspense category however the romance leaves much to be desired.
First things first, Blood Moon, secret society, numerology, sacrifice, mythical goddesses and rituals. This is what to expect while reading this book in addition to a captivating investigation and a race against time to prevent the killer from hitting again.
Throughout the suspense, broody cop John Bowie works side by side with producer Beth Collins to get to the bottom of this mystery. It was an insta lust with these two, fires erupt, sparks flare and a tumble in the sheets becomes inevitable. They fall in love in the span of a week. Or so we are meant to believe because the love declarations (or rather her declaration -since he never once says or implies that he loves her-) comes in the epilogue. 🙄
He's not a lovable MMC. He's broody, rude, crude, emotionally shut off with constant lustful thoughts.
She falls for the Big Bad Wolf 🐺. Because ya'know 💅
The epilogue is meh at best. Ok bye. 👋
📝 ticking another Bingo square
8) "MC with former addiction problem"
Squares Count: 33
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃42┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃67┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
April 2, 2025
Ugh- I hated everything about this book. The writing, the characters, the plot. I skimmed the last 25% of it and am proud of myself for even trying to finish.
March 17, 2025
We read this book as a book club pick. Everyone enjoyed the book. The connection of the moon cycle to the killer was unique. We enjoyed the investigation, and the pairing of the detective and crime documentary director for this. Though they were an unlikely pair, they had their own ways of approaching the investigation and it worked. Their sexual tension, was a whole other thing lol. Waiting for them to actually do the deed was the most suspenseful part of the story. lol.
May 29, 2025
1.25 / 5
This book read like it was written by a man. Specifically a man who had never actually communicated with a fellow human… let alone with a woman. Every line was so melodramatic, no matter who was talking. It was like the author just went for personality-less archetypes and said YEP GOOD ENOUGH. None of the random plot points made any sense whatsoever. Like he immediately knows the dog is alerting him of an intruder, despite the dog never having barked or growled before? It wasn’t believable at all. If I gave you a synopsis, you’d say it makes no sense. I gave my coworkers a brief synopsis and they DID say it made no sense. This was a hate read from the second chapter onwards and honestly you should all be proud of me for finishing it.
This book read like it was written by a man. Specifically a man who had never actually communicated with a fellow human… let alone with a woman. Every line was so melodramatic, no matter who was talking. It was like the author just went for personality-less archetypes and said YEP GOOD ENOUGH. None of the random plot points made any sense whatsoever. Like he immediately knows the dog is alerting him of an intruder, despite the dog never having barked or growled before? It wasn’t believable at all. If I gave you a synopsis, you’d say it makes no sense. I gave my coworkers a brief synopsis and they DID say it made no sense. This was a hate read from the second chapter onwards and honestly you should all be proud of me for finishing it.
March 23, 2025
While this doesn’t take the place of Meanstreak as my favorite, it was a darn good book!
April 2, 2025
2.5 stars... What did I just read? It felt like it was written by a tone deaf man in the 1990s, not by a woman in 2025. The MMC was, for lack of a better word, cringy. His entire personality is how grumpy, closed off & "manly" he is. There is nothing appealing about him. Oh, except that he has a teen daughter he loves from his previous marriage, but she just seems like a plot point he can use to point out how terrible his ex-wife is, for sympathy. The FMC feels like her entire point in the book is to be someone who the MMC can lust after. The "romance" sucks. The plot is weak. And I'm convinced this was ghost written by a man. I had a few other books by this author on my TBR, but I think I'll be passing on those now.
December 28, 2024
Sandra Brown writes such a boldly unique genre; her thrillers will hook you quickly: they are intense and dark and raw; but the thriller plot usually moves against the storyline of a budding love story that leads to graphic sex scenes that you don't usually find in thrillers... it makes for such a bold contrast in the story but it blends just as seamlessly as can be.
BLOOD MOON is no exception; Brown tackles kidnapping, a true crime television show, shoddy police work, a rogue police officer, strange scientific theories about murder, and so much more in this novel. It has a lot going on but it's beyond page turning and I couldn't put it down. She's always going to be a favorite of mine!
BLOOD MOON is no exception; Brown tackles kidnapping, a true crime television show, shoddy police work, a rogue police officer, strange scientific theories about murder, and so much more in this novel. It has a lot going on but it's beyond page turning and I couldn't put it down. She's always going to be a favorite of mine!
February 16, 2025
In short, I liked this, but didn't love it!
Pros: The mystery/suspense plot was great and there were a lot of layers to it that I enjoyed!
Cons: Sadly, the romance just felt very rushed. I didn't really love the MMC and I felt like we moved from lust/attraction to more very quickly, and I just wasn't fully sold on it.
But overall, a solid listen that kept me hooked.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!
Pros: The mystery/suspense plot was great and there were a lot of layers to it that I enjoyed!
Cons: Sadly, the romance just felt very rushed. I didn't really love the MMC and I felt like we moved from lust/attraction to more very quickly, and I just wasn't fully sold on it.
But overall, a solid listen that kept me hooked.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!
April 3, 2025
I enjoyed Blood Moon, this was my first from this author but won’t be my last! This book was well written, & the narrator in this audiobook really brought life to detective John Bowie. He had the perfect voice for this southern crime thriller, that takes place in coastal Louisiana and Mississippi.
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Format: 🎧
Length: 12 hrs 15 mins
Perfect for: crime thriller fans, with a touch of southern hospitality
What I loved: John & Beth’s forbidden love story
John is investigating a case that has haunted him for the last few years, and he is slowly beginning to realize that they may have had the wrong person in custody for committing this heinous crime. He teams up with. Beth Collins, who works for a true crime TV series and she is also investigating the crime. She has theories that John simply cannot ignore. Despite being warned to stop investigating the case and “let sleeping dogs lie,” John’s rebellious ways kick into overdrive as he feels there is something more sinister going on.
An overall very good story that makes me want to dive more into this author’s catalogue.
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Format: 🎧
Length: 12 hrs 15 mins
Perfect for: crime thriller fans, with a touch of southern hospitality
What I loved: John & Beth’s forbidden love story
John is investigating a case that has haunted him for the last few years, and he is slowly beginning to realize that they may have had the wrong person in custody for committing this heinous crime. He teams up with. Beth Collins, who works for a true crime TV series and she is also investigating the crime. She has theories that John simply cannot ignore. Despite being warned to stop investigating the case and “let sleeping dogs lie,” John’s rebellious ways kick into overdrive as he feels there is something more sinister going on.
An overall very good story that makes me want to dive more into this author’s catalogue.
March 17, 2025
I had super high hopes for this, I loved the idea of it, I freaking love when books take place in Louisiana and of course, Sandra Brown is a favorite, it just really missed the mark for me.
It was definitely cool to read this while I was actually experiencing the Blood Moon. I was about a day off from the days in the book but really liked how the timing was set up and how when I was reading it, it pretty much lined up. Alas, the clouds rolled in and I was unable to actually see the Blood Moon.
The rest though, it was just a struggle to enjoy it. I didn't really get a feel for either Bowie or Beth and I definitely didn't feel the romance. It could have taken place in anywhere USA, Louisiana is a character all in itself and I just feel that wasn't really the case here.
The villains were really overly done and in the case of the actual main villain, not done enough.
I don't know. It just sort of fell flat for me and it took a bit to get through it.
It was definitely cool to read this while I was actually experiencing the Blood Moon. I was about a day off from the days in the book but really liked how the timing was set up and how when I was reading it, it pretty much lined up. Alas, the clouds rolled in and I was unable to actually see the Blood Moon.
The rest though, it was just a struggle to enjoy it. I didn't really get a feel for either Bowie or Beth and I definitely didn't feel the romance. It could have taken place in anywhere USA, Louisiana is a character all in itself and I just feel that wasn't really the case here.
The villains were really overly done and in the case of the actual main villain, not done enough.
I don't know. It just sort of fell flat for me and it took a bit to get through it.
October 30, 2024
Blood Moon tells the interesting story of missing girls throughout several years and several states. There is a lot going on in this novel—- kidnapping, murder, numerology and other scientific theories, police conflicts and indiscretions, wrongful imprisonment and, of course, gratuitous sex always found in Sandra Brown’s novels. The book is easy reading and enjoyable—- her fans will not be disappointed. I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
June 16, 2025
I’m going to summarize this book in two sentences:
M/FMC: “There’s a dangerous serial killer on the loose we have to stop him before he kills again!!!” 🔫🔪😱
——————————————————————————————
M/FMC: “Wanna fuck???” 🍆🍑👅
It didn’t make sense. The characters were bleh. IT WAS UNNECESARILY HORNY.
👎👅💦
M/FMC: “There’s a dangerous serial killer on the loose we have to stop him before he kills again!!!” 🔫🔪😱
——————————————————————————————
M/FMC: “Wanna fuck???” 🍆🍑👅
It didn’t make sense. The characters were bleh. IT WAS UNNECESARILY HORNY.
👎👅💦
Want to read
August 24, 2024⏰4 March 2025⏰
March 6, 2025
Crisis Point, a popular true crime TV show is about to air an episode on the case of Crissy Mellin, a girl who went missing three years earlier and was never found. Beth Collins, a producer for the show, thinks Crissy is only one of several women taken and that the perpetrator is motivated by the Blood Moon, which is set to reappear in four days. Beth flies to Louisianna to meet with John Bowie, one of the detectives on the case, and see if she can prevent the next abduction.
John isn’t too thrilled with Beth at first, but he’s been haunted by Crissy’s case and the incidents that happened around it. With the spotlight on the case again, John’s corrupt boss warns him to keep his mouth shut on the matter, but John doesn’t want another girl to suffer the same fate and so he reluctantly works with Beth. There’s an attraction brewing between them from the start!
I’ve enjoyed Sandra Brown’s twisty mysteries for some time now, so I was excited to pick up Blood Moon. Romance and suspense combined in just the right amounts to make for a thrilling read! Fast-paced, short chapters hooked me from the start! Both Beth and John had to work against their respective bosses. Beth is trying to put the brakes on the show airing because of the discrepancies they discover, but John’s boss and henchmen held more of an urgent threat! I listened, riveted until the end!
Kyf Brewer did an excellent job narrating the story! His rough, masculine voice was perfect for John and I liked his performance of Beth’s voice, as well! His narration definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story!
ALC courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
John isn’t too thrilled with Beth at first, but he’s been haunted by Crissy’s case and the incidents that happened around it. With the spotlight on the case again, John’s corrupt boss warns him to keep his mouth shut on the matter, but John doesn’t want another girl to suffer the same fate and so he reluctantly works with Beth. There’s an attraction brewing between them from the start!
I’ve enjoyed Sandra Brown’s twisty mysteries for some time now, so I was excited to pick up Blood Moon. Romance and suspense combined in just the right amounts to make for a thrilling read! Fast-paced, short chapters hooked me from the start! Both Beth and John had to work against their respective bosses. Beth is trying to put the brakes on the show airing because of the discrepancies they discover, but John’s boss and henchmen held more of an urgent threat! I listened, riveted until the end!
Kyf Brewer did an excellent job narrating the story! His rough, masculine voice was perfect for John and I liked his performance of Beth’s voice, as well! His narration definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story!
ALC courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
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