What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Blue Moon
Redemption awaits her…but only if she confronts all her ghosts.
Devastated by her recent job loss and her husband's seeming indifference over her recent miscarriages, Marnie Putnam escapes, temporarily moving to quaint Lake Gardner, Georgia, to write a book about this historic, and allegedly haunted, town. But when noises and visions plague her at night, Marnie grapples with whether her own past regrets plague her, or if something otherworldly possesses the house where two women met ritualistic deaths under a blue moon years earlier.
Determined to confront her fears, Marnie stays to solve the mystery of these deaths. She embraces the town's quirky stories and characters, including whispers about witches and paranormal activity, haunting lore shared by her spiritual landlady, and the mystical antics of a black cat. She even begins to face ghosts of her own—past regrets over reckless reactions—that she thought she buried long ago.
But when another blue moon rises and yet another heinous death takes place, the spirits seek Marnie out, and she must make a choice. If she returns home to her husband, she'll be safe, but without the answers she desperately seeks. But if she stays, she may not survive.
#
Secrets of the Blue Moon serves up speculative book club fiction that sparks with suspense while also celebrating family, friendship, and small-town Southern living. It’s sprinkled with gentle humor and mystery and ghosts that don’t want to let the past go. At times a bit gristly, it deals with topics including grief, self-harm, and death. Yet at its core, it is an uplifting story of hope, resilience, and redemption.
This book is perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Barbara Davis. If you like stories that haunt you while also filling your heart, pick up Secrets of the Blue Moon today…and read it with the lights on tonight.
Devastated by her recent job loss and her husband's seeming indifference over her recent miscarriages, Marnie Putnam escapes, temporarily moving to quaint Lake Gardner, Georgia, to write a book about this historic, and allegedly haunted, town. But when noises and visions plague her at night, Marnie grapples with whether her own past regrets plague her, or if something otherworldly possesses the house where two women met ritualistic deaths under a blue moon years earlier.
Determined to confront her fears, Marnie stays to solve the mystery of these deaths. She embraces the town's quirky stories and characters, including whispers about witches and paranormal activity, haunting lore shared by her spiritual landlady, and the mystical antics of a black cat. She even begins to face ghosts of her own—past regrets over reckless reactions—that she thought she buried long ago.
But when another blue moon rises and yet another heinous death takes place, the spirits seek Marnie out, and she must make a choice. If she returns home to her husband, she'll be safe, but without the answers she desperately seeks. But if she stays, she may not survive.
#
Secrets of the Blue Moon serves up speculative book club fiction that sparks with suspense while also celebrating family, friendship, and small-town Southern living. It’s sprinkled with gentle humor and mystery and ghosts that don’t want to let the past go. At times a bit gristly, it deals with topics including grief, self-harm, and death. Yet at its core, it is an uplifting story of hope, resilience, and redemption.
This book is perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Barbara Davis. If you like stories that haunt you while also filling your heart, pick up Secrets of the Blue Moon today…and read it with the lights on tonight.
- GenresMysteryParanormal
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2024
76 people are currently reading
5289 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 23, 2024
I loved Secrets of the Blue Moon! It was the perfect book to kick off the beginning of fall, Halloween, and all things spooky season! It had the perfect balance of mystery, suspense, murder, ghosts, spirits, and relatable life events.
Marnie finds herself in a hard space. As she is navigating the raw feelings of two recent miscarriages, losing her job, and a marriage on the cusp of failing she aims to seek refuge in the town of Lake Gardner. Marnie was given the opportunity to write a book about the ghosts of Lake Gardner and its mysterious past - but unbeknownst to Marnie; she is not only dealing with the ghosts of Lake Gardner, but she her own ghosts as well. What happened to those who have been murdered in Lake Gardner? Are they connected? Can Marnie save her marriage?
I absolutely loved the authors writing style, the story was addicting! I loved the characters that the author created and the story line was perfectly paced. I’d definitely love to read more from this author!
Marnie finds herself in a hard space. As she is navigating the raw feelings of two recent miscarriages, losing her job, and a marriage on the cusp of failing she aims to seek refuge in the town of Lake Gardner. Marnie was given the opportunity to write a book about the ghosts of Lake Gardner and its mysterious past - but unbeknownst to Marnie; she is not only dealing with the ghosts of Lake Gardner, but she her own ghosts as well. What happened to those who have been murdered in Lake Gardner? Are they connected? Can Marnie save her marriage?
I absolutely loved the authors writing style, the story was addicting! I loved the characters that the author created and the story line was perfectly paced. I’d definitely love to read more from this author!
August 14, 2025
A heartfelt, cozy novel laced with mystery, magic, and ghostly suspense about a woman at a crossroads in her life and marriage, who journeys to a quaint Georgia town to document its local lore and regional history and finds new purpose along the way.
Devastated by pregnancy loss and her husband's indifference over her grief, writer Marnie Putnam needs a fresh outlook on life. The charming town of Lake Gardner, with its quirky, welcoming residents, offers Marnie the kind of respite she craves. But when troubling dreams and visions haunt her sleep, Marnie senses there is something going on beneath the surface of this idyllic small town. Rumors of an old murder that took place during a blue moon drive Marnie to discover the truth behind Lake Gardner's famed ghosts.
When another mysterious death happens under a blue moon, Marnie is faced with a choice: go back to her husband, where she'll be safe, if unhappy, or stay in Lake Gardner and solve the mystery and find the answers she desperately seeks in this small town that feels more and more like home.
If you want a book that conjures up all the spooky, warm feelings of fall, Secrets of the Blue Moon is perfect for you! It will inspire you to curl up with a cup of cider and a warm blanket to chase the autumn chill, even though you'll want to sleep with all the lights on. Ghostly, atmospheric, and filled with Southern Gothic charm.
Devastated by pregnancy loss and her husband's indifference over her grief, writer Marnie Putnam needs a fresh outlook on life. The charming town of Lake Gardner, with its quirky, welcoming residents, offers Marnie the kind of respite she craves. But when troubling dreams and visions haunt her sleep, Marnie senses there is something going on beneath the surface of this idyllic small town. Rumors of an old murder that took place during a blue moon drive Marnie to discover the truth behind Lake Gardner's famed ghosts.
When another mysterious death happens under a blue moon, Marnie is faced with a choice: go back to her husband, where she'll be safe, if unhappy, or stay in Lake Gardner and solve the mystery and find the answers she desperately seeks in this small town that feels more and more like home.
If you want a book that conjures up all the spooky, warm feelings of fall, Secrets of the Blue Moon is perfect for you! It will inspire you to curl up with a cup of cider and a warm blanket to chase the autumn chill, even though you'll want to sleep with all the lights on. Ghostly, atmospheric, and filled with Southern Gothic charm.
August 8, 2024
Equal parts ghost story and finding one’s courage to face your fears and follow your heart, this was such a sweet and entertaining delight of a read.
From ghost stories and gossiping biddies to old flames and questions of faith, this novel covers a lot of ground. Not sure how Jan mastered the art of an enjoyable breezy read with so much going on, but she did, and I loved it all - the characters, the pace, and the satisfying ending.
What a debut novel!!! Can’t wait to read what’s next.
From ghost stories and gossiping biddies to old flames and questions of faith, this novel covers a lot of ground. Not sure how Jan mastered the art of an enjoyable breezy read with so much going on, but she did, and I loved it all - the characters, the pace, and the satisfying ending.
What a debut novel!!! Can’t wait to read what’s next.
September 7, 2024
The still waters of the little town of Lake Gardner run deep in this fast-paced tale of a woman building a bold new life uncovering mysteries old and new, and getting by with a little help from friends--including the supernatural kind. Author Jan Heidrich-Rice weaves a web of light fun and serious themes in a warm writing style that will keep you turning the pages well past the witching hour.
September 14, 2024
Marnie is hired to write a book about Lake Gardner’s ghost stories, which abound in old houses, mills and bridges. They believe it will increase tourism in their small town, where ghost tours already take place. As part of the deal, she gets to live in one of the “haunted” houses with a woman who runs the place while she works on the book.
This is perfect for Marnie, who needs a break from her husband, and an opportunity to accomplish something she can be proud of.
As she explores the stories through interviews with town folk, mysterious occurrences unfold around her. Is there more to these stories than the local townspeople want her to know? Marnie is determined to find out and expose the truth before her husband drags her back home.
This is an entertaining book that is both charming and scary. Many of the characters have hidden agendas and secrets, and gossip spreads fast. I held my breath in multiple scenes, like when she walks down into the basement for the first time while she is alone in the house. Or is she?
Fans of women’s fiction, small towns, and ghost stories will enjoy Secrets of the Blue Moon.
This is perfect for Marnie, who needs a break from her husband, and an opportunity to accomplish something she can be proud of.
As she explores the stories through interviews with town folk, mysterious occurrences unfold around her. Is there more to these stories than the local townspeople want her to know? Marnie is determined to find out and expose the truth before her husband drags her back home.
This is an entertaining book that is both charming and scary. Many of the characters have hidden agendas and secrets, and gossip spreads fast. I held my breath in multiple scenes, like when she walks down into the basement for the first time while she is alone in the house. Or is she?
Fans of women’s fiction, small towns, and ghost stories will enjoy Secrets of the Blue Moon.
September 16, 2024
I appreciated the premise of this book. The scenery/setting and ghost vibes were atmospheric and perfect for fall.
However, this book was not for me. It was a bit more religious than I was looking for and the characters and dialogue fell a bit flat.
I’m sure many readers will vibe with this better than I did and it would be a great option for someone looking for something spooky but not too scary in the lead up to Halloween.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early.
However, this book was not for me. It was a bit more religious than I was looking for and the characters and dialogue fell a bit flat.
I’m sure many readers will vibe with this better than I did and it would be a great option for someone looking for something spooky but not too scary in the lead up to Halloween.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early.
September 11, 2024
Secrets of the Blue Moon was such a fun and engrossing read! Lovers of small-town mysteries or ghost stories won’t want to miss this one.
Marnie is stuck in a marriage that doesn’t support her dreams. She’s also without a job and her life is feeling kind of purposeless. She's pleased to be offered an assignment where she’ll have all- paid stay in the town of Lake Gardner and write a book about the local ghosts stories. She jumps at the opportunity, despite her husband’s objections.
What she finds on arrival is a fascinating small town, full of stories — lore about the local ghosts but also gossip about and among the local residents.
Rapidly, Marnie discovers those local ghosts won't stay buried or quiet. Many of them are determined to communicate with her and soon she’s encountering them all over town! She doesn’t understand exactly what they’re trying to say, but clearly there are mysteries to solve. Many of these ghosts are not at rest, most likely related to the story of how they died.
Anyone who has questioned their happiness and marriage will relate to Marnie’s domestic situation. Amidst solving the mystery of the local ghosts, she needs to answer a bigger question — is her own marriage worth saving?
With fun touches of humor, relatable sibling relationships, and a character who questions but still turns to her own faith, Secrets of the Blue Moon is a delightful and engrossing small-town tale, at times a little grisly, full of mystery and ghosts galore!
The author has created an engrossing story world in Lake Gardner. I hope she gives readers a chance to return there in future novels.
Marnie is stuck in a marriage that doesn’t support her dreams. She’s also without a job and her life is feeling kind of purposeless. She's pleased to be offered an assignment where she’ll have all- paid stay in the town of Lake Gardner and write a book about the local ghosts stories. She jumps at the opportunity, despite her husband’s objections.
What she finds on arrival is a fascinating small town, full of stories — lore about the local ghosts but also gossip about and among the local residents.
Rapidly, Marnie discovers those local ghosts won't stay buried or quiet. Many of them are determined to communicate with her and soon she’s encountering them all over town! She doesn’t understand exactly what they’re trying to say, but clearly there are mysteries to solve. Many of these ghosts are not at rest, most likely related to the story of how they died.
Anyone who has questioned their happiness and marriage will relate to Marnie’s domestic situation. Amidst solving the mystery of the local ghosts, she needs to answer a bigger question — is her own marriage worth saving?
With fun touches of humor, relatable sibling relationships, and a character who questions but still turns to her own faith, Secrets of the Blue Moon is a delightful and engrossing small-town tale, at times a little grisly, full of mystery and ghosts galore!
The author has created an engrossing story world in Lake Gardner. I hope she gives readers a chance to return there in future novels.
September 26, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎵"...O sisters, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters, let's go down
Down in the river to pray..."🎵
~Down to the River to Pray
by Alison Krauss from
O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack
Y’all - (I grew up in SC and the novel is set in Georgia, it’s ok to say ‘y’all’ 😉), I absolutely loved this book😍!
Just published at the beginning of the month, Secrets of the Blue Moon is THE PERFECT Fall book, as it has everything - ghost stories and paranormal activity, murder, suspense, self-discovery, and yes, romance❤️🔥! AND THAT COVER!!!
From the very first page, J.H. Rice sets the stage for a totally atmospheric read, masterfully creating a tightrope of tension in all aspects and topics, right up to the very end. Yet, woven throughout were moments of humor, tenderness, good food, and even shout-out to #PigglyWiggly (IYKYK)!
I sped through the novel and finished it one sitting – that ending read more like a thriller! I personally loved the nod to Madeleine L’Engle, one of my favorite authors, but I loved this quote from Marnie, the FMC, even more:
📚“Stories matter. They are what make us think and feel and understand.🪬 They're what connects us and help us make sense of the world.”🌏
*Note: I recognize this book may not be for some, as it deals with differing beliefs and faiths, and has a few trigger warnings including divorce, miscarriage, death, and murder, but I feel Rice wrote with grace, care and compassion when addressing these issues.
Thank you to @janheidrichrice and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted physical copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🎵"...O sisters, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters, let's go down
Down in the river to pray..."🎵
~Down to the River to Pray
by Alison Krauss from
O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack
Y’all - (I grew up in SC and the novel is set in Georgia, it’s ok to say ‘y’all’ 😉), I absolutely loved this book😍!
Just published at the beginning of the month, Secrets of the Blue Moon is THE PERFECT Fall book, as it has everything - ghost stories and paranormal activity, murder, suspense, self-discovery, and yes, romance❤️🔥! AND THAT COVER!!!
From the very first page, J.H. Rice sets the stage for a totally atmospheric read, masterfully creating a tightrope of tension in all aspects and topics, right up to the very end. Yet, woven throughout were moments of humor, tenderness, good food, and even shout-out to #PigglyWiggly (IYKYK)!
I sped through the novel and finished it one sitting – that ending read more like a thriller! I personally loved the nod to Madeleine L’Engle, one of my favorite authors, but I loved this quote from Marnie, the FMC, even more:
📚“Stories matter. They are what make us think and feel and understand.🪬 They're what connects us and help us make sense of the world.”🌏
*Note: I recognize this book may not be for some, as it deals with differing beliefs and faiths, and has a few trigger warnings including divorce, miscarriage, death, and murder, but I feel Rice wrote with grace, care and compassion when addressing these issues.
Thank you to @janheidrichrice and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted physical copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 20, 2024
A haunted past. A witches coven. A blue moon.
Marnie Putnam escapes her troubles by accepting a writing project in the not-so-quaint town of Lake Gardner, Georgia, where the ghosts of Halloween past have a message or two for her. Like it or not, they’ve chosen Marnie to bring the town’s secrets into the light…of the blue moon.
But Marnie has her own problems to solve, including a guilty conscience, career in flux, and marriage in question. What’s a woman to do, but turn to her friends—living and dead—for help? It’s the beginning of the pandemic, when both Marnie’s life and the world seem turned inside-out. And then there are the good folks of Lake Gardner: huffy, witchy, and ghostly.
Jan Heidrich-Rice brings to life the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and friendship in this gotcha-from-page-one tale full of Southern charm. Part haunting ghost story, part paranormal mystery, Secrets of the Blue Moon is all page-turning emotional journey with Marnie and her spirits. I can’t wait to see where Jan Heidrich-Rice takes Marnie next!
—Alida Winternheimer, award-winning author of A Stone’s Throw and host of the Story Works Round Table podcast
Marnie Putnam escapes her troubles by accepting a writing project in the not-so-quaint town of Lake Gardner, Georgia, where the ghosts of Halloween past have a message or two for her. Like it or not, they’ve chosen Marnie to bring the town’s secrets into the light…of the blue moon.
But Marnie has her own problems to solve, including a guilty conscience, career in flux, and marriage in question. What’s a woman to do, but turn to her friends—living and dead—for help? It’s the beginning of the pandemic, when both Marnie’s life and the world seem turned inside-out. And then there are the good folks of Lake Gardner: huffy, witchy, and ghostly.
Jan Heidrich-Rice brings to life the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and friendship in this gotcha-from-page-one tale full of Southern charm. Part haunting ghost story, part paranormal mystery, Secrets of the Blue Moon is all page-turning emotional journey with Marnie and her spirits. I can’t wait to see where Jan Heidrich-Rice takes Marnie next!
—Alida Winternheimer, award-winning author of A Stone’s Throw and host of the Story Works Round Table podcast
October 21, 2024
This book is perfect for the spooky season! It is a fascinating and gripping mashup of a small-town mystery, women’s fiction, and a chilling ghost story.
Marnie Putnam comes to the quaint and cozy town of Lake Gardner to write a book about the town’s strange historical happenings—a ghost book. She also needs to take the time to sort out her feelings about her grief and the distance forming between her and her husband.
This book was full of surprises. I loved the southern, small-town atmosphere—charming, magical, but gossipy, too. As Marnie begins to explore the town's ghost stories, she becomes a conduit for these spirits and their secrets, but this puts her in grave danger.
If you love a good ghost story, you need to read this. It got a bit darker at times than I expected, but I was completely engaged with the quirky and fun townsfolk, the paranormal happenings, and Marnie’s emotional journey. I needed to know how this mystery would play out.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @janheidrichrice for a spot on tour and the gifted book.
September 24, 2024
This is the best sort of genre mashup to start the fall season.
This book mixes Southern women’s fiction with small town drama. It also has murder and ghosts. Not giving anything away, but the ending moves as fast as a thriller.
It’s also neat because there are a few chapters scattered throughout that have excerpts from the town’s ghost stories that are told in a walking ghost tour.
There are the smells and lights of ghosts that can communicate with the main character, Marnie. Marnie also has come to Lake Gardner, Georgia to write a ghost book as well as to create space as she figures out her marriage.
The book is set in 2020 so it’s interesting how the pandemic is a natural part of the story as well as the election that was going on.
This book mixes Southern women’s fiction with small town drama. It also has murder and ghosts. Not giving anything away, but the ending moves as fast as a thriller.
It’s also neat because there are a few chapters scattered throughout that have excerpts from the town’s ghost stories that are told in a walking ghost tour.
There are the smells and lights of ghosts that can communicate with the main character, Marnie. Marnie also has come to Lake Gardner, Georgia to write a ghost book as well as to create space as she figures out her marriage.
The book is set in 2020 so it’s interesting how the pandemic is a natural part of the story as well as the election that was going on.
September 22, 2024
Marnie goes to Lake Gardner Georgia to record some oral histories, where she finds a town mystery, gossip, and ghosts. Marnie is also struggling with her marriage, miscarriages, her past, and things that hold her back. When the Blue Moon rises there's another death that leaves Marnie in danger. This was my first read for the spooky season. It has some eeriness and covers a good many things like motherhood, marriage and friendships. I loved the whole mystery and the supernatural elements. I enjoyed every bit of this. I highly recommend this for spooky season and people who like spooky stories and ghosts.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
October 7, 2024
A perfect book to get you in the mood for Halloween time with ghosts and a murder mystery.
Marnie is asked to record local history in Lake Gardner, Georgia. She arrives at this small town with ghosts of her own and embraces this town's people. Where she is staying had a double murder where no one knows what exactly happened but tends to blame it on a coven doing a ritual during the Blue Moon.
The characters here are very nuanced and they tend to have some scuffles/bad blood between some of them. They don't seem to understand Willow, who's a death doula & life coach, they just call her a witch and don't get to know her deeply.
Marnie is asked to record local history in Lake Gardner, Georgia. She arrives at this small town with ghosts of her own and embraces this town's people. Where she is staying had a double murder where no one knows what exactly happened but tends to blame it on a coven doing a ritual during the Blue Moon.
The characters here are very nuanced and they tend to have some scuffles/bad blood between some of them. They don't seem to understand Willow, who's a death doula & life coach, they just call her a witch and don't get to know her deeply.
October 21, 2024
Marnie and her husband aren't on the same page and she's currently jobless. So, when she gets an assignment to go to the town of Lake Gardner, Georgia, she takes it. Writing about the local folklore and ghost stories, it all becomes too real, and Marnie must face the danger.
This is the perfect slightly spooky read for the season! The author did of an amazing job of holding my interest all while not scaring me too much! I loved all the characters, everyone just fit perfectly in this wonderful mystery.
I absolutely loved that she worked on herself and confronted her past.
Just a wonderful debut book!
This is the perfect slightly spooky read for the season! The author did of an amazing job of holding my interest all while not scaring me too much! I loved all the characters, everyone just fit perfectly in this wonderful mystery.
I absolutely loved that she worked on herself and confronted her past.
Just a wonderful debut book!
August 21, 2024
Secrets of the Blue Moon makes no secret about the ghosts and spirits haunting the protagonist, Marnie, as she navigates a difficult time in her marriage. I loved Marnie’s unabashed spirituality, her courage in facing the unknown mystery plaguing a charming mountain town in Georgia, and her determination to put the ghosts of her own unresolved trauma to rest. Marnie is an intriguing and believable character in touch with the spirit world and I hope to read more of her adventures in subsequent works.
October 6, 2024
This is such a fun ghost story and I loved reading it just in time for spooky season. Marnie is an interesting character dealing with the possible demise of her marriage and her own ghosts when she gets the opportunity to write a piece about ghosts. Filled with intriguing secondary characters and a brave black cat named Onyx, this book takes you on a supernatural adventure and murder mystery. The writing style is lovely and this Southern Gothic fiction novel will keep you turning the pages way past your bed time!
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2024
Secrets Of The Blue Moon by Jan Heidrich-Rice
This was my favorite October read. There is murder, ghosts, complicated relationships and even humor. Plus there is a cat! I loved the descriptions of the small town steeped in secrets and decorated for Halloween. The character development was great and kept me guessing about what was rumor and what was true. The plot kept me engaged. This is Southern Fiction at it’s best!
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds and contributing author in Feisty Deeds anthology
This was my favorite October read. There is murder, ghosts, complicated relationships and even humor. Plus there is a cat! I loved the descriptions of the small town steeped in secrets and decorated for Halloween. The character development was great and kept me guessing about what was rumor and what was true. The plot kept me engaged. This is Southern Fiction at it’s best!
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds and contributing author in Feisty Deeds anthology
August 8, 2025
A riveting and ghostly trip
Cheers to the author for penning a book that made me want to know what happened next. Complex backstory added texture beyond the main ghostly plot line. One note for readers. It’s set against the backdrop of 2020 in the United States, with the pandemic and politics of that time. It didn’t distract, more of a steady pulse that waned as the climax accelerated. Worth mentioning in case anyone is sensitive to either. Also touches on the right to die in a thoughtful way. She packed a lot in this book which is definitely worth a read!
Cheers to the author for penning a book that made me want to know what happened next. Complex backstory added texture beyond the main ghostly plot line. One note for readers. It’s set against the backdrop of 2020 in the United States, with the pandemic and politics of that time. It didn’t distract, more of a steady pulse that waned as the climax accelerated. Worth mentioning in case anyone is sensitive to either. Also touches on the right to die in a thoughtful way. She packed a lot in this book which is definitely worth a read!
August 8, 2024
Two things I loved best about this novel: 1) it is unapologetically a story about ghosts and spirits without spending half the story "wondering" if what's happening is real and 2) the main character knows her own mind and though she has doubts, it's never really about what she wants or deserves. GO MARNIE! This story has a bit of mystery to it that kept me guessing and thinking and Heidrich-Rice knits it all together perfectly.
August 29, 2024
Anything you ever wanted to know about ghosts and things that go bump in the night is included in this novel. Marnie Putnam goes to a small town in Georgia to write a book about the famous (or infamous) houses that have current ghostly residents. Marnie's investigation stirs up both the town ghosts and her own ghosts of her past, her failing marriage, and puts her life in danger when another death occurs in one of the haunted houses.
September 21, 2024
A wonderful cozy mystery
This was an intriguing story that kept me guessing the whole way! I am a lover of all things ghost story related and this hit the spot as a start to my spooky season reads! The book is so well written. Normally when I read mysteries I’m able to figure out the ending but not this time! I love it when I’m surprised by the ending and this one did not disappoint!
If you love cozy ghost story mysteries you’ll love this story.
This was an intriguing story that kept me guessing the whole way! I am a lover of all things ghost story related and this hit the spot as a start to my spooky season reads! The book is so well written. Normally when I read mysteries I’m able to figure out the ending but not this time! I love it when I’m surprised by the ending and this one did not disappoint!
If you love cozy ghost story mysteries you’ll love this story.
September 22, 2024
This story is a perfect fall read. There’s a mix of mystery, paranormal and humor that make this magical story simply delightful.
I loved the small town setting, all the charming characters and of course the magic in it. A beautiful and charming story about loss, love and second chances.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 by Jan Heidrich-Rice released September 6, 2024.
I loved the small town setting, all the charming characters and of course the magic in it. A beautiful and charming story about loss, love and second chances.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 by Jan Heidrich-Rice released September 6, 2024.
October 21, 2024
This was a perfect book to read during spooky season! But it’s so good that it would be enjoyable to read any time. Marnie suffered a lot of loss before ending up in Lake Gardner to write a “ghost book” and I was rooting for her as she searched for answers related to the local mysteries while also and grappling with her troubled marriage. I’m not always a fan of supernatural stories but thoroughly enjoyed this one from cover to cover.
August 20, 2024
Secrets of the Blue Moon is a heartfelt tale about a woman coming to terms with the parts of her life that need to change in order to find fulfillment. Fortunately, she has a few ghosts to help her figure that out and to solve a mystery that is tearing the town apart. This book has a lot going on in the best way possible – a very enjoyable read.
August 21, 2024
A protagonist who knows herself, ghosts of the helpful variety, and the even scarier need to make serious changes to find satisfaction in life. I loved the mysticism of the blue moon, and what a sweet, relatable story mixing mystery with a search for redemption. It's a fantastic debut from Jan Heidrich-Rice, just in time for the spooky season.
August 26, 2024
Jan Heidrich-Rice is a master storyteller weaving together a story of mystery, murder and magic and tying it together with a touch of love and hope. Her main character-the brave protagonist Marnie is someone you will root for from the start. This debut author with entertain and delight you will her beautiful ghost story. Secrets of the Blue Moon is a must read!
September 2, 2024
I love how Secrets of The Blue Moon weaves together a number of story threads--a strained marriage, a lost love, a small-town mystery and a ghost story--all in one propulsive read. The clever ending made me smile. It would be a great book to read year-round, but it's so appropriate that it comes out during the Halloween season. It's a ghost story and so much more!
November 4, 2024
This book is so so good. I enjoyed the spookiness like the ghosts Marnie encounters, are they real or is her mind playing tricks on her. This book has the perfect mix of all things spooky like mystery, suspense, paranormal, small town setting and eeriness.
If you love cozy mysteries you are going to love this.
If you love cozy mysteries you are going to love this.
May 12, 2025
I love a strong female character. Marnie gets hired to write a book about a spooky small town. This ghostly task proves to be ever evolving and challenging —personally and professionally.
I wanted to take a ghost tour of this town and never step foot in it at the same time lol. While fiction it sure does feel real. Don’t sleep on this page turner.
I wanted to take a ghost tour of this town and never step foot in it at the same time lol. While fiction it sure does feel real. Don’t sleep on this page turner.
June 23, 2025
This book was such a different story from what I normally read and I really enjoyed it. The pace was slow for about 3/4 of the book until it picked up, but my interest stayed peaked and the writing really painted a picture. I will definitely be reading more from this author! I might even decide to read more ghost stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews