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Gone Before The Moon
'Gone Before The Moon' is a mystery thriller about Duncan, a boy whose world shatters when his best friend Kade disappears without a trace. As Duncan digs deeper, he uncovers more questions than answers, and secrets no one wants to talk about.
Each clue leads him further into a tangled web of lies, fear, and something darker hiding beneath the surface.
People with unnatural abilities. A secret organisation lurking in the shadows. How far would you go to find someone who vanished without explanation?
Each clue leads him further into a tangled web of lies, fear, and something darker hiding beneath the surface.
People with unnatural abilities. A secret organisation lurking in the shadows. How far would you go to find someone who vanished without explanation?
249 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2025
5 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 11, 2025
wow what can I say supernatural isn't usually a genre I stray into, glad I did with this one
tensions run high your always looking for what's next. clues to the outcome are littered throughout like a puzzle that you just feel you have to solve, but don't truly know if you're right.
I can say it enought this book kept me gripped and enslaved as I read every time I thought ok this is starting to flag it switches it up and bam the speed takes to the stratosphere pulling you back in.
tensions run high your always looking for what's next. clues to the outcome are littered throughout like a puzzle that you just feel you have to solve, but don't truly know if you're right.
I can say it enought this book kept me gripped and enslaved as I read every time I thought ok this is starting to flag it switches it up and bam the speed takes to the stratosphere pulling you back in.
September 16, 2025
Gone before the moon was a fantastic book normally read romance books but couldn't put it down.finished it in two days had me in tears the last chapter can't wait to read the 2nd book well done will for your hard work
January 11, 2026
Wow this is unlike anything I have read before, full of questions, doubt, fear , hero's and death. What would you do for a friend?
Without giving away spoilers I just want to say I loved it. Congratulations William.
Without giving away spoilers I just want to say I loved it. Congratulations William.
October 12, 2025
Gone Before the Moon is a fantastic debut - a dark, supernatural thriller that blends mystery, action, and emotional depth with great effect. The story follows Duncan as he searches for his missing friend Kade, uncovering a web of secret societies, supernatural abilities, and hidden truths that reshape everything he thought he knew.
The novel is richly descriptive and fast-paced, with moments of real intensity and poignancy. The inclusion of letters and excerpts adds intrigue and a clever layer of foreshadowing.
As an English teacher, I think this could be a brilliant gateway book to get teen and YA boys into reading. Its mix of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional stakes makes it an engaging, cinematic read, and the ending promises an exciting continuation of the series.
The novel is richly descriptive and fast-paced, with moments of real intensity and poignancy. The inclusion of letters and excerpts adds intrigue and a clever layer of foreshadowing.
As an English teacher, I think this could be a brilliant gateway book to get teen and YA boys into reading. Its mix of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional stakes makes it an engaging, cinematic read, and the ending promises an exciting continuation of the series.
September 23, 2025
Amazing debut novel by William Lee! It grabbed my attention from the Prologue. Fast-paced supernatural thriller, great writing and engaging characters. Loved Duncan!
I do feel this book is definitely a YA, but as a 40+ year old woman I'm still glad I read this, I loved it and devoured it in 2 days. Can’t wait for the next book and the future of the series.
I do feel this book is definitely a YA, but as a 40+ year old woman I'm still glad I read this, I loved it and devoured it in 2 days. Can’t wait for the next book and the future of the series.
August 9, 2025
Overall, it was great as the author's first book. A lot of effort was clearly put into detailing and scene setting. There was a lot of 'tell' instead of 'show' with regards to storytelling, but again, as a first book, this is forgivable. Some aspects of where the story was leading to were pretty obvious and of course the underlying concepts aren't new, but I think William has a nice writing style, I enjoyed the different points of view, and hopefully future books will feel a little less rushed through towards the end. I will definitely read future books and see how they develop :)
December 9, 2025
Wow just wow what an amazing book to read I need more !!!! I was actually so close to crying at some points this book is one of my favourites so far !!
September 18, 2025
‘The truth is buried, only the bold dare to dig.’
Paranormal/supernatural, mystery/crime based thriller. Sci-fi vibes with the experimentation.
There are some letters, excerpts, etc at the beginning of some of the chapters which give a loose insight or foreshadowing. They’re very interesting snippets of information & I think it’s a very clever way to add into the story.
I loved how this book is written. It’s extremely descriptive which gives a clear picture of the story.
Intense, dark & haunting. It grabs your attention throughout every chapter with all the twists & turns.
There are some parts of this book that are really sad but the way the story panned out, I definitely feel like this isn’t the end.
The first epilogue gives me superhero/vigilante vibes & I’m loving that. I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.
Paranormal/supernatural, mystery/crime based thriller. Sci-fi vibes with the experimentation.
There are some letters, excerpts, etc at the beginning of some of the chapters which give a loose insight or foreshadowing. They’re very interesting snippets of information & I think it’s a very clever way to add into the story.
I loved how this book is written. It’s extremely descriptive which gives a clear picture of the story.
Intense, dark & haunting. It grabs your attention throughout every chapter with all the twists & turns.
There are some parts of this book that are really sad but the way the story panned out, I definitely feel like this isn’t the end.
The first epilogue gives me superhero/vigilante vibes & I’m loving that. I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.
June 14, 2025
Such a good book written by a friend!! So well written and for a first book, it’s amazing! The storyline is gripping and leaves you hooked and wanting to read on to find out more. If you are a fan of mystery/thriller, definitely give this a go!
October 11, 2025
A really good book for fantasy and crime, a little repetitive in description, but otherwise amazing storyline!
July 7, 2025
This was a fantastic debut novel, a supernatural thriller that is well paced with engaging characters and a great take on supernatural abilities and creatures. The story follows Duncan as he searches for his missing friend Kade, as he falls further in the hole of dark truths, secret societies and mystery a whole new world opens up and for him and those around him nothing will ever be the same.
I actually loved every second, you can tell the author wrote this book from a place of "I would love to read this exact story" and that drips of the page. Set up for further story, with characters your introduced to, some the main focus and some side characters with only a small part. I'm so excited to continue in this world.
Easy recommendation for me, give it a crack I don't think you will regret it.
I actually loved every second, you can tell the author wrote this book from a place of "I would love to read this exact story" and that drips of the page. Set up for further story, with characters your introduced to, some the main focus and some side characters with only a small part. I'm so excited to continue in this world.
Easy recommendation for me, give it a crack I don't think you will regret it.
August 21, 2025
i weirdly really enjoyed this!!
at no point did i have any clue where this book was going & it’s not something i would normally read but i was invested the whole time.
I really liked Marlon & Duncan’s characters, i found this story fascinating & i definitely want to read more about this series!
This was definitely a thriller with a supernatural twist & i thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was fast paced, yet easy to follow and i finished it in a day.
Definitely looking forward to seeing where William goes with this !
at no point did i have any clue where this book was going & it’s not something i would normally read but i was invested the whole time.
I really liked Marlon & Duncan’s characters, i found this story fascinating & i definitely want to read more about this series!
This was definitely a thriller with a supernatural twist & i thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was fast paced, yet easy to follow and i finished it in a day.
Definitely looking forward to seeing where William goes with this !
January 4, 2026
This book was such a refreshing and genuinely enjoyable read. It felt completely different from any thriller I’ve read before, and that difference worked entirely in its favour. From the very beginning, I was hooked, and I ended up devouring it in a single sitting.
Plot-wise, this is part of a wider series with an overarching storyline, meaning not everything is neatly resolved in this first instalment. I actually loved that. It made the reading experience feel interactive, almost like I was a detective myself, piecing together fragments of information and trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters. I’ve never really had that feeling when reading a thriller before, and it was such a pleasant surprise.
The prologue immediately pulls you in, and from there the pace barely lets up. There is so much action that at times I almost didn’t know where to focus, in the best possible way. It constantly kept me engaged and on edge, and there wasn’t a single moment where I felt bored.
The emotional writing really stood out to me. The characters’ feelings were portrayed so well that I could genuinely feel what they were going through. The whole story reads almost like a documentary-style drama you’d watch on television, which made it incredibly immersive and easy to visualise.
I’m usually quite good at predicting twists, but I was genuinely surprised here. I only managed to guess one, and even that was right before it happened. Honestly, I was happy not to see everything coming. It’s left me full of anticipation for the next book because I truly have no idea where the story is going to go next.
The writing itself is very easy to read and follow, which made this a perfect break between some of the heavier, longer books on my TBR. I was also really intrigued by the supernatural element woven into the thriller. You don’t see that often, and as a fantasy reader, I loved the crossover between genres.
Overall, the plot felt well crafted and thoughtfully executed. I didn’t trust a single character, which only added to the tension, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I’m genuinely excited to see how this series develops next.
Plot-wise, this is part of a wider series with an overarching storyline, meaning not everything is neatly resolved in this first instalment. I actually loved that. It made the reading experience feel interactive, almost like I was a detective myself, piecing together fragments of information and trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters. I’ve never really had that feeling when reading a thriller before, and it was such a pleasant surprise.
The prologue immediately pulls you in, and from there the pace barely lets up. There is so much action that at times I almost didn’t know where to focus, in the best possible way. It constantly kept me engaged and on edge, and there wasn’t a single moment where I felt bored.
The emotional writing really stood out to me. The characters’ feelings were portrayed so well that I could genuinely feel what they were going through. The whole story reads almost like a documentary-style drama you’d watch on television, which made it incredibly immersive and easy to visualise.
I’m usually quite good at predicting twists, but I was genuinely surprised here. I only managed to guess one, and even that was right before it happened. Honestly, I was happy not to see everything coming. It’s left me full of anticipation for the next book because I truly have no idea where the story is going to go next.
The writing itself is very easy to read and follow, which made this a perfect break between some of the heavier, longer books on my TBR. I was also really intrigued by the supernatural element woven into the thriller. You don’t see that often, and as a fantasy reader, I loved the crossover between genres.
Overall, the plot felt well crafted and thoughtfully executed. I didn’t trust a single character, which only added to the tension, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I’m genuinely excited to see how this series develops next.
August 5, 2025
For better or worse, reading this novel felt like wandering into my high school library and plucking a YA paperback straight from the shelf.
Gone Before the Moon follows two friends, Duncan and Kade. When Kade disappears, Duncan alongside a set of other protagonists set out to investigate, uncovering a string of other vanishings, people with supernatural abilities, and a secret organization.
Gone Before the Moon has an intriguing premise, but the first-person narrative feels meandering, with overly used descriptions throughout that become distracting. Inconsistencies, like a character described with two different skin tones and plot conveniences, such as classified reports found through a simple search, weaken the story’s credibility. At times, characters seem to know things they were never told, which pulls you out of the story, most notably during the climax, where it undermines the events entirely. The inclusion of historical excerpts and diary entries could have been a strong plot device, but their random placement and the fact that only the reader, not the characters, sees them creates an unnecessary distance between reader and protagonist. The narrative also leans heavily on familiar tropes, almost like ticking them off a list; I found myself wishing the author had taken a more creative approach to these elements, something that is absolutely necessary in such an oversaturated genre.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in the sections centred on the rampaging supernatural creatures and the death and destruction they unleashed. These moments were the most engaging, not only because they were unnerving, but also because some scenes tugged at the heartstrings, adding emotional depth amid the chaos.
I absolutely hate being so critical of an indie author, but I don’t feel it would be constructive to say anything other than my honest thoughts. Speaking as a thirty year old man, I’m certain this book would appeal more to younger readers. As I’ve said, there’s something nostalgic about it. It reminds me of something I’d have found in my high school library, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed it back then. At this point in my life, though, it’s just not a story for me. That said, I’m confident it will find an audience among YA readers looking for a supernatural mystery.
Gone Before the Moon follows two friends, Duncan and Kade. When Kade disappears, Duncan alongside a set of other protagonists set out to investigate, uncovering a string of other vanishings, people with supernatural abilities, and a secret organization.
Gone Before the Moon has an intriguing premise, but the first-person narrative feels meandering, with overly used descriptions throughout that become distracting. Inconsistencies, like a character described with two different skin tones and plot conveniences, such as classified reports found through a simple search, weaken the story’s credibility. At times, characters seem to know things they were never told, which pulls you out of the story, most notably during the climax, where it undermines the events entirely. The inclusion of historical excerpts and diary entries could have been a strong plot device, but their random placement and the fact that only the reader, not the characters, sees them creates an unnecessary distance between reader and protagonist. The narrative also leans heavily on familiar tropes, almost like ticking them off a list; I found myself wishing the author had taken a more creative approach to these elements, something that is absolutely necessary in such an oversaturated genre.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in the sections centred on the rampaging supernatural creatures and the death and destruction they unleashed. These moments were the most engaging, not only because they were unnerving, but also because some scenes tugged at the heartstrings, adding emotional depth amid the chaos.
I absolutely hate being so critical of an indie author, but I don’t feel it would be constructive to say anything other than my honest thoughts. Speaking as a thirty year old man, I’m certain this book would appeal more to younger readers. As I’ve said, there’s something nostalgic about it. It reminds me of something I’d have found in my high school library, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed it back then. At this point in my life, though, it’s just not a story for me. That said, I’m confident it will find an audience among YA readers looking for a supernatural mystery.
August 30, 2025
this book was amazing!! literally read it in one day!! couldn't put it down! mystery thriller.. with fantastic plots, details that some times you wish weren't in there 😱 very gruesome but vital in the story ( I loved it!) fast paced story but not lacking anything, the characters are so relatable and u just need to know if they find Kade! you feel like your right there with Duncan looking, researching! THIS NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR TBR!!! i didn't expect to like this... its not my normal read when I realised what it was about, but I loved it! hence me staying up till 3.20am to finish it!
January 5, 2026
This is an amazing book. My first read of 2026 and what a read it was! The author had me hooked from the epilogue all the way through to the prologue.
October 30, 2025
Enjoyed this book from it's slow burn mysterious start to it's fast paced climatic end. Great debut novel from William Lee and very much looking forward to future entries into the Black Veil Files series.
November 12, 2025
Gone before the moon is an enthralling supernatural thriller that’s play out more like a tv show than that of a book. With vibes pretty similar to that of stranger things you follow the story of 3 characters, Kade, Duncan and Marlon.
You are put into their perspectives seeing each chapter through their eyes and their own thoughts, scanning the world around you trying to uncover the mysteries that are surrounding the disappearances that you are investigating.
The story follows the supernatural of man made origin and you can’t help but be glued to the page almost like binge watching a tv show that just draws you in ever so quickly.
At only 240 pages you can’t help but continue to read, feeling like you are there with these characters trying to uncover what’s is truly happening.
If you like supernatural thrillers this is one for you.
I will be honest the first person narrative threw me off for the first couple of chapters but as the story continued I quickly was absorbed into this world.
I hope you give this book a chance and I look forward to the next “season” when it releases.
A job well done for a debut novel by William Lee.
You are put into their perspectives seeing each chapter through their eyes and their own thoughts, scanning the world around you trying to uncover the mysteries that are surrounding the disappearances that you are investigating.
The story follows the supernatural of man made origin and you can’t help but be glued to the page almost like binge watching a tv show that just draws you in ever so quickly.
At only 240 pages you can’t help but continue to read, feeling like you are there with these characters trying to uncover what’s is truly happening.
If you like supernatural thrillers this is one for you.
I will be honest the first person narrative threw me off for the first couple of chapters but as the story continued I quickly was absorbed into this world.
I hope you give this book a chance and I look forward to the next “season” when it releases.
A job well done for a debut novel by William Lee.
December 16, 2025
This is the first supernatural thriller book I’ve ever read and let me tell you, it is a gateway book. It has given me insight to a genre I never would have normally considered reading. Originally I bought the book because I became swept up in supporting indie authors and I couldn’t buy one book without another, but when I started reading this, I knew from the prologue alone that I would enjoy it as it’s so attention grabbing.
In Gone Before the Moon, we meet Kade who goes missing and we meet his best friend, Duncan who does everything he possibly can to find out what happened to Kade. And in the first chapter, it had me emotionally invested straight away with Kade as he’s been through some shit at such a young age already.
One thing I really liked and appreciated in this book was the multiple POVs with each chapter. I really enjoyed being able to read each characters perspective on the events happening. I found the different POVs very entertaining and refreshing. I also really enjoyed the short chapters because it made me feel like I was a quicker reader than I actually am.
At one point in the book, I literally said, ‘What the fuck?’ at the same time a character did. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book as it is my first supernatural thriller, but I thought it would be a slow build up to the story but it is far from that. You are thrown in straight into the deep end. It really helped me get into the story and learn the characters quickly.
Towards the end of this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know what happened and then some. Bravo Will, I’m amazed at how well it’s written and I’m excited for the next one. I’m also excited to buy a trophy copy when you release the new cover for this book.
In Gone Before the Moon, we meet Kade who goes missing and we meet his best friend, Duncan who does everything he possibly can to find out what happened to Kade. And in the first chapter, it had me emotionally invested straight away with Kade as he’s been through some shit at such a young age already.
One thing I really liked and appreciated in this book was the multiple POVs with each chapter. I really enjoyed being able to read each characters perspective on the events happening. I found the different POVs very entertaining and refreshing. I also really enjoyed the short chapters because it made me feel like I was a quicker reader than I actually am.
At one point in the book, I literally said, ‘What the fuck?’ at the same time a character did. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book as it is my first supernatural thriller, but I thought it would be a slow build up to the story but it is far from that. You are thrown in straight into the deep end. It really helped me get into the story and learn the characters quickly.
Towards the end of this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know what happened and then some. Bravo Will, I’m amazed at how well it’s written and I’m excited for the next one. I’m also excited to buy a trophy copy when you release the new cover for this book.
January 24, 2026
Gone before the moon follows the story of Kade and Duncan during a time whilst strange disappearances are happening in their small community. The story focuses on emotional healing, relationships, and the impact of loss in a small community.
This story completely gripped me. Every chapter made me want to keep reading because I never knew what was going to happen next. I really felt for the characters, and the author’s writing was so emotional and powerful, it stayed with me even after I finished. It gave me major Stranger Things vibes, creepy experiments, mystery, and that constant what is happening feeling.
🌙 Processing loss
🌙 Small town with secrets
🌙 Slow burn mystery
🌙 Atmospheric read
🌙 Mad scientist
🌙 Transformation
🌙 Duel POV
Great work William Lee I can't wait to read more of your work.
This story completely gripped me. Every chapter made me want to keep reading because I never knew what was going to happen next. I really felt for the characters, and the author’s writing was so emotional and powerful, it stayed with me even after I finished. It gave me major Stranger Things vibes, creepy experiments, mystery, and that constant what is happening feeling.
🌙 Processing loss
🌙 Small town with secrets
🌙 Slow burn mystery
🌙 Atmospheric read
🌙 Mad scientist
🌙 Transformation
🌙 Duel POV
Great work William Lee I can't wait to read more of your work.
January 8, 2026
Duncan was just trying to help his friend cope with the loss of his parents, covering for him skipping school and drinking with his friends, but that all comes crashing down when Kade goes missing.
Duncan suddenly gets drawn into a nightmare world right out of a horror movie and he doesn't know who he can trust. The police are moving at a glacial pace and other people have went missing.
Kade wakes up to a world of pain and confusion, not knowing where he is, and even who he is. Is help coming or will he have to find his own way out?
A fast paced urban supernatural thriller that pulls no punches. Tensions are high and the body count is higher. What do you do when cryptid horrors are sold to the highest bidder and nobody seems in a rush to stop it?
Duncan suddenly gets drawn into a nightmare world right out of a horror movie and he doesn't know who he can trust. The police are moving at a glacial pace and other people have went missing.
Kade wakes up to a world of pain and confusion, not knowing where he is, and even who he is. Is help coming or will he have to find his own way out?
A fast paced urban supernatural thriller that pulls no punches. Tensions are high and the body count is higher. What do you do when cryptid horrors are sold to the highest bidder and nobody seems in a rush to stop it?
August 22, 2025
This book is not the usual genre I would read however I genuinely could not put it down! It is very descriptive and really helps you imagine the scenes and the characters and be immersed in it. I love the story line, it’s intriguing and leaves you wanting to keep reading to find out whats going to happen to the different characters and what they might find out the more they dig into the secrets. You find yourself rooting for the different characters as their characters are built really well and with good back stories behind them to help you further understand them. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out!
February 4, 2026
This was my first time reading any kind of thriller book and I’m so glad this book was my first. I absolutely loved every second of this story. The characters are amazing, the supernatural element is mind blowing. Within the first few chapters I already experienced a very intense chapter where it had me catching my breath and left with so many questions. This story is very engaging throughout, I devoured it within 24 hours as I kept putting it down but immediately needing to pick it back up to carry on reading. I genuinely think supernatural thrillers is a genre for me that I will continue to read going forwards. It was very addictive and I highly recommend this book to everybody.
August 22, 2025
Such a good debut book and start of an exciting series. I was immediately gripped the moment I saw a video of the Author explaining the ideas and theme of this book. He mentioned themes of mystery, suspense, horror and supernatural elements and he did not disappoint one bit. I sped through the book as the story just enticed me and I just wanted to keep reading. Full of twists and exciting characters. I didn’t know what would happen next and the many elements of surprise hit the spot. Can’t wait for the next book and the future of the series. So exciting and inspiring!
January 9, 2026
This is a fantastic and intriguing read. The story follows Duncan, who goes in search for his missing friend Kade. It takes quite the surprising turn into a dark web of secrets. The story is told form different POV that enrich the story. Duncan is pulled into a hidden realm of unsettling truths and shadowed societies, a world that expands far beyond anything he imagined. From that moment on, his life is irrevocably changed. An impressive story, well-written, and a wonderful YA book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kudos to the author. I highly recommend this book.
June 13, 2025
My friend’s first book!!
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but for a first time author I thought it was impressive.
The first book in the series sets the premise and world building.
It is tense and leaves you on edge as you get to know the characters.
I won’t spoil anything! it is different to what I have read before with inclusion of conspiracies as well as elements of mystery and thriller.
I will be continuing the series. I want more!
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but for a first time author I thought it was impressive.
The first book in the series sets the premise and world building.
It is tense and leaves you on edge as you get to know the characters.
I won’t spoil anything! it is different to what I have read before with inclusion of conspiracies as well as elements of mystery and thriller.
I will be continuing the series. I want more!
August 8, 2025
This book follows Duncan on his journey to find his missing friend Kade, a beautiful story of friendship, highlighting the strength of their bond in how far he will go to get answers / find his friend.
The book has comical one-liners, suspense, supernatural creatures & be prepared to shed a tear!! So expect to 'feel' the words written on the page. Look forward in reading more of the Black Veil Files & will definitely be recommending this book.
The book has comical one-liners, suspense, supernatural creatures & be prepared to shed a tear!! So expect to 'feel' the words written on the page. Look forward in reading more of the Black Veil Files & will definitely be recommending this book.
January 23, 2026
I could not put my kindle down once I started reading this book! Non-stop action and suprise moments, but it never left me feeling fatigued... Which is rare!
The flow was incredibly satisfying and kept me engaged the entire way through.
The story developed at a very good pace with plenty of twists, I can't wait to read more in the series 👍
The flow was incredibly satisfying and kept me engaged the entire way through.
The story developed at a very good pace with plenty of twists, I can't wait to read more in the series 👍
January 23, 2026
Amazing book, kept me hooked from the moment I started reading it. William Lee has a unique writing style which I loved. As a fantasy reader it was refreshing to try a different genre and get eased into it as I did! I'm looking forward to book 2 which isn't far away!
January 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Gone before the moon completely hooked me from the very beginning it is full of mystery and surprises I couldn’t put this book down
I absolutely loved all the plot twists and the supernatural elements of this book.
I absolutely loved all the plot twists and the supernatural elements of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews