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In Midnight Moon, private investigator Samantha Moon returns in an all-new adventure when she's hired to look into a haunting. A female house ghost is wreaking havoc on the life of her new client - except this isn't a normal house ghost and her new client, Charlie Reed, isn't what he seems either. There's something strange going on in Charlie's house, something truly not of this world.

Meanwhile, Sam's teen daughter, Tammy, is coming into her own as a mind reader - abilities that attract the devil himself. And with evil incarnate having set his sites squarely on her children, Sam enlists Allison, her psychic witch friend, to go with her where she's never gone before: a surreal pursuit between worlds.

268 pages, ebook

First published March 6, 2017

1206 people are currently reading
582 people want to read

About the author

J.R. Rain

686 books1,727 followers
J.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.

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5 stars
851 (52%)
4 stars
490 (30%)
3 stars
226 (13%)
2 stars
41 (2%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Kara.
720 reviews1,269 followers
August 3, 2017
“Midnight Moon (Vampire for Hire Book 13)” is the second book in The Devil’s Triangle trilogy within this lengthy series, and the last audiobook currently available in the series. Come to think of it, it’s also the last audiobook I intend to buy in this series. I’ll get the Kindle Unlimited version of #14 to see how this trilogy wraps up, but the series has become more annoying than entertaining.

As a reminder, this series is not lesfic…some of the earlier books featured brief hetero explicitness, but the current storyline heavily features 16yo Tammy and her younger brother (13yo or 14yo), so the author focuses much more on innuendos than detailed descriptions.

The good part of this book include a decent storyline mystery about her new client, who sees a ghost and needs help.

But…even that part gets wrapped up in what has become a nearly hallucinogenic exploration of the nature of god, the devil, angels, reincarnation, predestiny and free will. In a better series of books, these would be fascinating….not so much here. It’s just rambling.

Even more annoying things:

• Samantha keeps referring to herself as a former federal agent, and mentions her agency training. Technically correct, I suppose….but she worked for HUD - Housing and Urban Development, not FBI, CIA or anything black ops related!

• I gave up counting the times she calls herself cute, perky, a weirdo or freaky. No one wanted to play drinking games with me anymore with this series.

• Kingsley, her werewolf boyfriend, is described many times as very big and very hairy…with a very hairy back. And he eats a lot. Sheesh.

• 16yo Tammy is beyond belief with her teenage angst and anger and rebellion. I’m not sure that the author has ever actually met a teenager. Younger brother Anthony is becoming more of a cartoon with his invincible Fire Warrior persona, and his lusting for his middle aged teachers.

• Samantha, and now daughter Tammy, no longer harbor the slightest compunctions of reading minds uninvited, or wiping or altering memories.

• Conversations between Samantha and witchy friend Allison are so juvenile every interaction sounds like a sleepover with 13yo girls.

• The author continues to remind the reader that we’ve missed very important things by not reading his other books featuring Allison as a MC, or other stories with Samantha that diverge from this main series.

The narration of this book wasn’t up to prior standards either - many times it sounded like the narrator was in an echo chamber. Trying to decide whether this one is a 1* or 2*…I’m going with 1* and wondering why I really plan to finish this annoying trilogy. For a series that started off so very well, it really is a shame that the author has moved so far away from the original storyline.
Profile Image for Kat Lebo.
855 reviews15 followers
March 22, 2017
Midnight Moon, Samantha Moon, Vampire for Hire, #13
by J.R. Rain

I've been conflicted about just about every book I've read over the past few months, but when it involves one of my favorite series, it makes me truly sad. Truth be told, I agonized over whether to rate the book 3 stars or 4. Would've done 3.5 if I could, but I couldn't, so I had to go one way or the other. The strength of the plot idea spoke well for adding the extra 1/2 star, but the cliffhanger ending wiped that out.

Rain is an extremely prolific writer. I can't say I like every one of his works that I've read, but I do love this series, and a couple other of his series characters, like Jim Nighthorse and Aaron King. I like that he shares his characters between his series, having Nighthorse and King appear in Moon novels, and vice versa. I even like that Jack, his maybe-he-is/maybe-he-isn't God character who I first met in the Nighthorse series show up in both the Nighthorse and Moon novels.

And I loved this plot idea. Most people who have tried their hand at writing fiction know that characters take on a life of their own, going in directions the author did not originally plan, and over which the author often feels no control. So the idea that an author might actually be able to create a living, breathing world that exists apart from our own is extremely intriguing.

As usual, Rain's work is excellently plotted and paced, his flow is impeccable, his proofing and editing top notch. He manages to insert just the right amount of pop culture references into his work creating a world that is contiguous to our own, and that shares the same cultural memories. For instance, in this particular novel, two distant in time references allowed the reader to feel both that the story takes place today, while allowing the reader to feel that the characters share the same memories. At 3034 (Kindle), is this recent reference: "He was what Thor should have looked like, although Chris Helmsworth was damn close." And at 3421, this pop culture memory: "You could even say we're Charlie's Dark Angels." Sorrowfully, there was no Judge Judy reference in this novel. Time marches on.

And, as I said before, I like the maybe/maybe not God character, Jack, who occasionally pops up out of the Nighthorse novels to have long, deep conversations with Sam about life, afterlife, and how she and others like her fit into the same. But, I will admit, that Jack's appearance in this novel -- and perhaps the length and tone of the conversation between the two, together with the idea of Sam's client, Charlie, the author, being a "creator," (sometimes with a capital C), and the temptation of her daughter by the devil, was more religion than I care for in my paranormal stories. I simply felt preached to. And that took a way a lot of my enjoyment of what was a damn clever story.

On to the other thing I hated -- cliffhanger endings. Yes, I am well aware that this is not only the 13th book in this series, it is the 2nd book in what Rain is calling his "Devil's Triangle Trilogy." I'm also well aware that authors often feel they have a right to a cliffhanger ending, especially if they are creating a trilogy or other short series (in this case a series within a series). I really don't care. I hate cliffhanger endings. My feeling is that an author shouldn't have to create a need to read his next work by not completing the story in his current work, and when I see a cliffhanger -- especially in an author who doesn't usually employ them, I wonder why that author doesn't have enough confidence in his/her talent to just end the story at hand. The temptation of Tammy could just as easily have been the beginning of his next book, as the idea of it was hinted at earlier. Or, the scene with Anthony, Tammy, the hellhound and the Devil, could have been just where it was, leaving the idea that Tammy had succumbed to her curiosity about what the Devil had to offer her to the beginning of the next book.

So, yes, I will look forward to the next book in the series. But I won't anticipate it with nearly the enthusiasm I've had for each of the 13 that came before it.
Profile Image for Douglas Meeks.
893 reviews238 followers
March 16, 2017
I am one of the most dedicated fans of Vampire for Hire in existence but this one was disappointing.and my advice is to wait until the next book is released or you will regret it.

It has a very good plot but it seemed like a third of the book was taken up with weird transcendental musings about who/what is God and thought that would be best viewed while under the influence of hallucinogens.

The "ghost" plot is great and I loved it but I scanned a lot of useless pages of basically nothing and then the book ends on a cliffhanger so 3 Stars is all I am giving it although just to be honest the actual plot is easy a 4-5 Star story that did not require the other pages of fluff.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,007 reviews36 followers
April 17, 2018
When you have read a series for a long time there is a tendency just to keep going, even when you haven’t particularly enjoyed a book you still try the next one, because after all you thought the first few books were the ‘best thing since sliced bread’ and it’s bound to get better soon.
With some series I have given up, but then after a big enough gap I have come back just one more time.
However, there comes a point when it just hits you, why am I reading this?
Unfortunately, I have now reached that point with this book, which consisted mainly of juvenile banter between Sam and Allison and seemingly endless discussions about the nature of God, the afterlife and the nature of creation.
Profile Image for Nancy.
396 reviews
April 24, 2018
This one was a little lost on me. It dealt with so much of the spiritual and existential aspect of this stories world that it was light on plot. What there was of a storyline was interesting, but I'm not sure I like where it is leading. Since there is only one book left available to me to read I will finish the series.

There are other books listed in the list of the main part of the series, see: https://www.goodreads.com/series/51121
I do not find any of the ones listed after "Moon Angel" available anywhere
Profile Image for Chrys Minter.
855 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2021
Deep

I'm enjoying this world. It's a place I keep wanting to be in. The deeper the pull the further I need to go. Thank you J.R Rain for creating this story.
51 reviews
May 10, 2017
Another miss…

This book was just tedious to get through. This is almost a carbon copy of a review I did on one of his previous books, where you have to get through pages and pages of conversations between characters about religious/philosophical notions that don't even tell a story! I read these books to read about a vampire private eye solving cases , not a religious debate with God !? There was barely a plot or a story to even read in this book and if this is all the author can come up with in the future, I will not be reading anymore of these books. What a disappointment.
162 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2017
So disappointed in this one

I loved the other Samantha Moon books, but this one I stopped at 53%. The character I loved is now so rude, conceited and arrogant, she is not likeable. Her daughter, the same. This spends way too much time on religion. Don't know if I would try another.
710 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2021
So I think the author has jumped the shark. Not that vampire stories are entirely plausible anyway but she just keeps getting more and more unreal. I didn't like the story, I can't suspend belief quite that far. Unfortunately I've bought several of the later books but I don't know that I'll ever read them. I'm really disappointed as I liked this series in the beginning.
Profile Image for Karla.
32 reviews
September 21, 2016
My goodness..can things get any better?! I received an ARC copy of this book for a fair and honest review. What can I say - I am a total Samantha Moon fan, and must gobble up every story ! Well worth the $$ ! Looking forward (not so) patiently for more ! Bravo JR !!
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2017
Not quite as good.

I have been reading these books from the first one. I have loved all of them but this one.
Why do authors think we want to know pages and pages of how the characters relate to their God?
Yes, I enjoyed the prior books brief forays into how Samantha met God, the devil and others. But I don't think that half a book about a vampire Mom worrying about how she's going to end an immortal existence should be part of the series.
If I could do 3 1/2 stars I would. But I'm giving the author the benefit of hoping the next book won't be so religious. If I want to read about religion, I can pick up many other books.
I want the old Sam Moon to come back. With all her adventures.
Profile Image for Per Gunnar.
1,318 reviews75 followers
June 9, 2019
I have quite liked the books in this series. They are not wow great but a nice, simple read nevertheless. However it looks like I jinxed it when I, in my review of the previous book, wrote that "...the main reason why I like the series, is that it keeps everything somewhat down to earth".

Unfortunately in this book the author apparently decided to stray off the path that I quite liked and go somewhat nuclear by dragging in not only none other than the horned guy himself but also God. As if that wasn't enough we also get some guy that supposedly is a creator that can create new world just by imagining it. That's the kind of over the top stuff that I was quite happy had been left out of this series.

These books are not exactly literary marvels and the thing that I liked about them was that they were somewhat restrained as far as supernatural "special effects" where concerned. They just slowly simmered on with a decent story and a bunch of likable characters.

The likable characters are still there but the rest went a bit off the rails as far as I am concerned. The "creator" stuff, the devil and God just just ended up being a story that felt a bit like a mess to me. Authors like Shayne Silvers make a much better job of the over the top stuff and even with his books I have to take a pause between the book otherwise it becomes overkill.

I hope the next book goes a bit back to what the rest of the books were or at least does not try to trump this one in terms of sensation and extravaganza.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,821 reviews182 followers
October 24, 2018
I read this entire 15-book (so far) series back-to-back for the last couple weeks, plus quite a few short stories that relate. Free on Kindle Unlimited. It's a great series for a fan of paranormal mystery. The set up is that a mom in California was changed into a vampire in an attack. Fast forward several years and she's struggling with a failing marriage and raising 2 kids with her day time disability. As the years progress, her marriage fails, her kids mature, and her relationships with love interests/ friends/family grow. The characters are relate-able, there's a little humor, and very entertaining mysteries with interesting treatments of magic. Solidly fun reading!
Profile Image for Mrs Pauline L Slane.
45 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2017
Midnight Moon Book 13

I have read all 13 of the Samantha Moon novels now and have loved them all, including this one. However, I would have given this book five stars but for the bad editing which drove me crazy and detracted from the story. It was mainly words missing and words misused but enough to detract from the story which I admit had me reading to all hours to finish it. I was a bit disappointed it was a cliff hanger and I now have to wait for the sequel. A great read if you don't care about the mistakes.
297 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2023
No story

This book midnight moon was so disappointing. The whole damn book was all about philosophy about if there is a devil if there is god yadi yada yada she just went on and on and on. Finally 3⁄4 through Something kind of happened and even that was disappointing. I'm really getting into the end of this series it's becoming redundant and also pretty dark and gross I'm disappointed because this series started out Really you need unique and great but it has not ended up like that. I don't recommend this book
Profile Image for linda houghtaling.
16 reviews
March 31, 2018
Never a dull moment!

When you pick it up you c can't put it down until the last page is turned....Samantha moon is such an interesting woman.who has raised two incredibly strong teenagers.the devil has tried to capture her son,and failed. So now on to her daughter Tammy,but first she has to find the queen Autumn 's stolen baby girl!sit back,buckle up for the ride of a lifetime with Sam,Allison,Kinsley and the rest of the crew.i promise you will not be disappointed.
359 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2020
This one just spins of its own energy.

I was wondering how the book was going to draw new life and run with a new gusto. Well I didn't need to worry!

Sam never seems to get into a situation she can't handle. With her witchie friend and mind reader Allison they bring a new level of energy and ...... Well just read this one after reading all those gone before. Suffice it to say you won't be disappointed.

Profile Image for Gail Holt.
8 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2017
I love a good Sam novel . This was deep in theory of origin of all. Eliz. Tammy. I just love it.j



Looks like a less off for the son. Which would be a i bet will be an interesting adventure of sorts. His super strength and Tammy's great ability to read minds. Looks like both trouble and an adventure right out out the door​. We joy I sure did.


14 reviews
January 12, 2018
JR Rain Delivered Again!

Midnight Moon has wonderful twists and turns. You find out new things that Sam and Allison can do! Couldn’t stop reading and finished it overnight. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes vampire and mystery novels. JR Rain delivered again. Can’t wait to read more about Sam!
2,958 reviews
August 10, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Samantha Moon books up until this one. While I don't expect them to be based on reality, I do expect them to be more "vampire lite" and not so dark and other-worldly. I still love J. R. Rain books and will continue to read many of them. I rate this one 3.5 stars.
4 reviews
July 29, 2023
Another GREAT addition to this exciting series!

I love how Rain has combined a stimulating, constantly entertaining tale of vampires, werewolves, witches and the like with a continuing exploration of spirituality and our collective place in the universe. It gives a much richer meaning to the whole adventure!
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,377 reviews14 followers
August 11, 2025
The author gave me a lot to think about, he usually does. The stories involve so much more than just a vampire for hire. They go into heaven and hell and souls, multiuniverses, being a creator. And if you want to dwell on those subjects you can or you can just read the books. But each book is so very good!!!
Profile Image for Kim Bellanfante.
3 reviews
August 23, 2017
Wow

The inner workings of this author's imagination is amazing. This author has a real knack for having multiple story lines that converge together into a seamless masterpiece. A very exceptional job!
Profile Image for Kim Draper.
33 reviews
January 18, 2018
I have read all the Samantha Moon, Vampire for Hire Series. These are ones that you actual hope that you don't have to wait to long in between books. You have vampires, ghosts, powerful gods, and lots and lots of laughs. Pick the first one up and give it a try, you will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Donna Langley.
487 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2018
Wow

Wow this was different and funny and made me teary eyed to, But holy hell that stupid devil and her easy influence daughter hmmm well I gotta find out! First Anthony now Tammy. And what a badass Anthony becomes lol so cool
728 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
Ok! Wow!

What a way to end this one. But, I want to say first how great this book was. Sam has many adventures but talking with God has to be the one thing topping it all. Can't wait to see how this series ends.
39 reviews
August 24, 2019
Pretty good stuff

The story continues with a bit of a story in a story. And once again, Sam loses one of her kids while shes out handling a case and said kid who also has super powers uses them to slip away. Very good read as always. I am still hooked. On to book 14.
Profile Image for Gerald Sessions.
1,445 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2021
The devil you say

Book 2 in a 3book devil trilogy and the devil doesn’t appear until half way through. The devil wants to use Sam’s kids. A lot of talk about creation and who and how. A baby is rescued in another world. A cliff hanger the devil has Sam’s daughter see next book
Profile Image for Bigred6126.
1,384 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2021
Moon

What a trip. I loved it. Strange new worlds and dark angels coming to the rescue. Teenagers are a terror all their own. Sam is dealing with a lot of stuff but she's surrounded by friends she can depend on.
Profile Image for Jamille Twedt.
51 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2022
OMG fun read

Finding a new twist on an old genre is difficult and J R Rain has done it! Fun to read story written with wonderfully developed characters and plots. You want comedy? It's in there, along with love, fear, scary and magic. Great for tweens, too.
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