Music of the Damned: A Supernatural Detective Thriller of Demons, Cults, and Dark Magic

by Joe Talon

Welcome to Cornwall. Mortal. Demonic.

Griffin Woodbury thought his first solo case with the Department of Paranormal Investigations would be routine. Then the bodies start piling up at underground raves—victims of more than just drugs.

With arcane symbols hidden in flyer art, minds unravelled by madness, and a seductive force luring partygoers to their doom, Griffin knows he’s not just chasing a killer—he’s chasing a… Well, what?

Teaming up with his tech-whiz partner Sid and his sceptical police liaison—and cousin—Sergeant Megan Ackley, Griffin dives into a world where ancient magic meets modern menace. Clues point to Mephistopheles, an incubus manipulating online cults and digital glamour to spread chaos.

Reality is bending. Time is running out. And if Griffin fails, the next rave won’t just bring bass drops—it’ll bring the apocalypse.

From the bestselling occult horror writer, Joe Talon, this is the first full-length novel in the new Griffin Woodbury Supernatural Detective series. Perfect for lovers of Stephen King’s The Outsider.

Dark magic. Digital footprints. One hell of a first case.

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Early praise for Music of the

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Talon’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and laced with dry wit… Music of the Damned pulls you into a world you don’t want to leave, even when the shadows start creeping in."★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "I was fully absorbed in Talon's writing. It just keeps getting better."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "The plot was exciting, keeping me reading when I really should have been doing other things!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Fast and furious with plenty of action and surprises along the way – a great read."

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

Reviews

[Ghost in the Stacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book in a new series! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin Woodbury, Royal Marine and supernatural detective extraordinaire, is assigned to DOPI (the Department of Paranormal Investigations). Lucky for him, he has his own satellite office in Cornwall with a computer whiz, Sid. Most importantly, he is away from a boss he does not trust. But the paranormal is lurking. Local raves are becoming a nightmare for the police, and, after some investigation, Griff feels the sinister tentacles of something evil looming, reaching through the veil. This page-turner has great characters, a solid plot, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. I could hardly put it down. I look forward to the next book in this already wonderful series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great storyline, well written with good, likeable characters. I liked the conflict between belief and non belief in the paranormal and look forward to discovering what's behind Griffin's night jaunts. An exceptional read from start to finish.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This is an interesting fast moving thrilling book.

This is Griffin Woodberry’s first full length book in this supernatural series. Griffin is a Royal Marine commando, who now works for the Department of paranormal investigation (DOPI).

We first met Griffin when he was the liaison between DOPI and Lorne Turner before Lorne was able to free his Djinn and return him back to his family in the desert. Lorne no longer works for DOPI but Griffin is still tasked with assessing paranormal activity in the Cornwall area.

Paranormal activity is very much on the increase for reasons not yet fully understood.

Griffin is estranged from his family, his mother died when he was 10 while he was at school in Scotland. Griffin is also estranged from his father and older brother both of whom are also in the armed services. After his beloved mother died Griffin spent time with his mother’s family in Cornwall, where he was very close with his young cousin Megan.

Griffin is sent to Cornwall with his IT assistant Sid. While there he is assigned a liaison with the local constabulary who turns out to be his cousin Megan who is a sergeant with the local force.

Griffin is sensitive to the paranormal unbeknown to his boss Ms Sanchez, he has had in the past a number of periods of trance like activity which is now on the increase.

Young people are dying or losing their minds after consuming MDMA at local raves. This seems to be happening at particular raves hosted by a local multi millionaire called Ajax with a DJ called Mephistopheles. What is happening to these youngsters, why are they so badly affected and who is Mephistopheles.

Griffin, Sid and Megan have to find out and stop more teens from dying.

This is a very fast moving and exciting tale and I thoroughly enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting Griffins next case.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I admit it. I loved this tale of Griffin and his DoPI coworkers. From the very first sentence, Joe Talon had me completely hooked:
“I woke with a weight on my chest so heavy it prevented the cold Cornish air from performing its basic function of keeping me alive. A panicked moment hit me. What had I done this time? Did some evil spirit sit on my chest, wanting to suck the juice from my soul?”
With an opening like that, how can you not keep reading?
Music of the Damned blends the eerie with the everyday in a way that feels both grounded and thrilling. Talon's writing is sharp, atmospheric, and laced with dry wit. Griffin, the protagonist, is compellingly human—flawed, funny, and endlessly intriguing. As he and his Department of Paranormal Investigations (DoPI) teammates navigate a world brimming with supernatural threats and personal demons, the stakes never stop climbing.
The story is rich with mood and mystery, but it’s the camaraderie, the dark humor, and the sharp pacing that really elevate the book. Talon doesn’t just tell a good story—he pulls you into a world you don’t want to leave, even when the shadows start creeping in.
If you enjoy paranormal thrillers with heart, grit, and a touch of existential dread, Music of the Damned is a must-read. I was swept up in the story from the onset—and I’m already thinking about what will happen in the next installment. I loved all the call outs to Lorne and friends and was said to see that series wrap, but I am now friends with Griffin too!

[Iain Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first experience reading a book by this author. My usual literary preferences include works by Clive Cussler, James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Wilbur Smith, Lee Child, Patricia Cornwell, and other similar authors. As a forensic psychologist and Christian life coach, I have always been intrigued by topics related to the occult. My interest is further deepened by my firsthand experiences in the spiritual realm, particularly due to my significant involvement with a prominent international cult in a high-ranking position for many years.

Currently, I am recovering from a brain tumor and sought something different to read; this author and their book have certainly captured my attention.

I must honestly commend Joe Talon for masterfully immersing readers in his world, presenting deep and engaging characters. The central mystery is compelling, and the subplots effectively lay the groundwork for future developments. While I noted two minor inconsistencies in the plot, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the adventure. I anticipate that remarkable developments will arise from this new series.

This series offers a refreshing experience for those who enjoy paranormal mysteries filled with interesting characters that engage right from the outset. You may have just found your next literary obsession.

I received an advance copy of this book, for which I am grateful to the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review voluntarily.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Griffin Woodbury, a Royal Marine and supernatural detective. A spin-off from the Lorne Turner Supernatural Thriller series, you do not have to be acquainted with the original series to enjoy this new offshoot.

Working for DoPI, the Department of Paranormal Investigations, has not been easy for Griffin. But now that he has been sent to man a satellite office in Cornwall and is no longer under the direct thumb of his boss, Griff is looking forward to the added freedom in his life. At least until a number of deaths and mental illness cases relating to an ever-growing popular local rave scene with possible paranormal connections make a blip on his radar.

Unfortunately, his boss doesn't think there's anything to worry about and tells him to ignore it. But every instinct screams that he's onto something. Throwing caution to the wind, he and his cohorts investigate, with consequences more dire than he ever imagined.

As always, Joe Talon does a great job of immersing us in his world and giving us deep and interesting characters to follow. The mystery is intriguing, and the subplots build on things to come. There were two disconnects in the plot that can still be overlooked and not impair your enjoyment of the adventure. I expect great things will come from this new series as a whole.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous start to a new series!

Here’s a fun new series to try out. If you enjoy good paranormal mysteries with interesting characters that grab your interest right from the start, you have found your next new addiction. Stationed in Cornwall, Griffin Wood and his tech savvy partner, Sid, work for DoPI (The Department of Paranormal Investigations). This secret organization has been around for a really long time and they are charged with investigating all manner of suspicious occurrences that hint at anything supernatural. When young people start dying from a mysterious drug showing up at popular rave events, Griffin feels that something is “off” and sets out to investigate. I enjoyed following along with Griffin and his compadres in what turned out to be an unexpectedly freaky and twisted path. I absolutely recommend this fast-paced paranormal mystery filled with intriguing characters and featuring a unique plot that certainly has me looking forward to more upcoming thrills in what I hope to be many more additions to this series.
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I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, but I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.

[Foggybottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent continuation of the Griffin Woodbury series. This proud, loyal, and highly intelligent Royal Marine is tested to his very limits investigating what’s going on at local raves while also avoiding the iron fist of his boss Pilar Sanchez. He’s lucky to have Sid, his partner in crime and IT whiz kid, at his side as they delve into myths and magic that are as old as time itself. A power-hungry social influencer and an otherworldly DJ have teamed up to use drugs and music to gain control over those who attend their increasingly popular raves. But when some of the ravers either end up on the M.E.’s table or in a mental facility, Griff knows it’s up to him to find out who and what is behind the madness and escalating the number of young people who are harmed. Going against Sanchez’s orders to back off and let the local LEOs handle it, Griff dives into his most challenging case yet. Incredibly entertaining, fast-paced, realistic dialogue, and fascinating background information about ancient lore in the UK combine to make this an exceptional read. Clear your calendar for the day when you start reading this one, folks!

[Nicpazzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Music of the Damned is a brilliant example of a mystery with the supernatural woven into the story. Having a more natural/folk element to the supernatural lends itself to the setting and the characters in the story. The main story is exciting and the mystery keeps you hooked. The character histories and development are great and I can’t wait to see where they go and how they play in to the next novels.

I received this as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review :)

In the spirit of honesty however… I’m not sure how I feel about Griff and Megan’s relationship! BUT… I am 100% invested in the series and can’t wait for the next instalment!

[Notthatjc · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to the Author and publisher for the advanced reading copy.
I was expecting something akin to the Joe Pitt series by Churlie Huston or Dresden Files this was closer to the "Sookie Stackhouse" series with more of the focus being on interpersonal relationships rather than the mystery. as a side note, this is listed as a beginning of a series but is more accurately a continuation of a previous series, I think, as their are a LOT of references to "Lorne Turner" who is not in this book and Dilly Carmichael who's daughter plays a supporting role. as i haven't read anything by this author before, it felt like being the new kid around old friends.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating start to a new series; paranormal stuff can kind of freak me out, especially the occult, but I’ve loved this author’s previous writing and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Griffin is a complex, but likable main character, and he’s surrounded by some quirky supporting characters who assist him in his fight against evil. The story was fantastic and the book was very well-written. I can definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the series; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Sue Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This first book in the Griffin Woodbury series is a doozy. Griffin is in Cornwall on his first solo case for DoPI - Department of Paranormal Investigations, and it's a doozy. With his lone teammate Sid, and his skeptical police officer cousin Megan, Griffin is investigating unusual deaths at raves, relating to the music. And it's a weird one. Why are people dying from no apparent cause, and others going mad?
Who, or what, is that weird DJ? And what's with Griffin's weird dreams & nighttime wandering? Great start to a new series!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great book, though the idea of the two first cousins fancying each other is a bit much. Poor Griffin needs a real love interest. I love that he is strong, committed and deeply self disciplined. He does his job really well. I hope he gets a proper love interest.
The mystery over his mother is good and that he is part other is also interesting as well.
He defeats a really nasty monster, but there are far more waiting in the shadows.
I loved the book and I am glad there are more in the series to read!

[Pat Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention from the first page. Inspector Griffin is sent to investigate events at a closed cult gathering where people are dying from unknown causes. Great background story that seems to real in today’s society. The characters are well developed. There are many twists and turns. Griffin goes to one of the events and is more mystified as to how the music is affecting him. A surprise ending. Loved this book.

[Arllau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great start to a new series. Lorne Turner from Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers has retired and Griffin Woodbury continues the work of the Department of Paranormal Investigations in the Cornwall region of England. It is a great storyline with Raves, drug overdoses, murders, shoot outs and and strange paranormal occurrences in this thrilling book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Michael Nethery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we have our perfected scripted characters. We have those famous Joe Talon twists and turns and circles that keep us on the edge. Throw in the English scenery and you are on your way to a totally marvellous read! And with world wide heat waves and weird weather you can just sit in the shade and follow along for a great read! Thanks Joe for another awesome book!
Michael Nethery

[Lisa Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Talon has done it again. This is a book I want to read again for the first time!

But only if you enjoy characters that you will believe in and root for.

I recommend this book highly. You won't regret a minute you spend reading it. I'm ready for book 2 and hope there are many more to follow.

After you love it, read his other supernatural thrillers

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy…creepy as…wow. This book is one crazy ride! I loved it! I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop. I love how characters from Joe Talon’s other books show up here, it makes everything connected and more fun to read! This is a fantastic book and I can’t really say too much without giving things away. Just FANTASTIC!

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music of the Damned.

I moved from Penzance to Illogan near Redruth last year, was pleasantly surprised to read about my neck of the woods. However, I won't be going to Tunes in the Dunes any time soon!! Looking forward to the next instalment, was bereft when the Lorne Turner books ended, but these are just as good!

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline takes you on a roller coaster ride of government secret agencies to the paranormal. Griffin works for the Department of Paranormal
Investigations (DoPI), his cousin Megan is a police officer, Sid is an IT/hacker for DoPI and Luce is a folklore professor. These four are trying to figure out why ravers are dying or losing their minds. I could not put the book down.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildly imaginative! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very unique plot. Vivid descriptions. This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Kept me glued to the pages from the first page to the last.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Jeff Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in what's sure to be another fantastic series about supernatural goings-on in the West Country. This time it's told from the POV of Griffin Woodbury, a supporting character in another of Talon's series. If you liked the author's other work you're going to love this.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this character, he is funny and I feel a connection with him through the other series with Loren Turner. The plot is fun and a bit twisted. I would have liked the answer to the riddle, but in all, like the Turner novels, this left me wanting more. Highly recommend.

[Ruth Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The storyline held my attention.
The characters were interesting and well fleshed out.
All in all a cracking good, intelligent and interesting book.
Will be following this author from now on.

[Thompson615 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This book was so good! I really like Griffin and enjoyed the supporting characters too. The story was woven so well that I found it impossible to put down! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This author really has the gift of transporting the reader into the story. I could not put this book down. I have read all the Lorne Turner books and the Valentine books. I hope there will be more books.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series starter

An interesting mix of paramilitary and paranormal. First book is definitely heavier in the paramilitary side, but you can sense the direction of the story going more into the paranormal direction.

Worth a read if you’re into either genre.

[Deb Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Having read all the Lorne Turner books, and loving them,I wasn't sure these would be up to the same caliber. But this was a great read. I'll be reading more of Griffin Woodbury.

[Diane E McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book characters gelled together perfectly the story was extremely well written the ending was claustrophobicly good. Received this book for free for a honest review