The Manic Moon

by C.J. Simone

“Wow, wow, wow! OMG, wow! The Manic Moon sucked me in and gave me all the feels for Gabe and Savannah! The twistedness and savagery of the mob and Gabe’s own family is insane! Intense, fast-paced, and heartbreaking, this relentless story is a must-read for fans of books that will destroy you!” ARC reviewer

When childhood sweethearts and sexy co-singers Gabe Giordano and Savannah Fletcher hide a trafficked child from the mob, all hell breaks loose as they dodge mobsters, the law, and Gabe’s own twisted mafia relatives. Who is it that’s really after them? And how far will their vicious hunters go to ravage the beautiful found family?

THE MANIC MOON (Children of the Mob) is a dark and gritty mafia psychological thriller with a rockstar romance, trauma bonding, and family drama. It can be read as a standalone novel or as the third book in the Children of the Mob series.

CONTENT this book contains potentially triggering content related to mental health struggles and victimization.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Romantic Thriller

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

C.J. Simone writes dark psychological thrillers with romance, often centered on social issues and mental health themes. Her stories are intended for an upper YA through adult audience. She holds a BA in sociology and an MA in psychology. Widowed in 2023, she now resides with her children and a variety of pets on the East Coast. For more information, please visit https://cjsimonefiction.com/.

Reviews

[Casey B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With characters who feel real making impossible choices and putting up a courageous fight, The Manic Moon kept me turning pages. It's brutal and dark yet full of hope and compassion. Gabe is one one of the most powerful, beautiful (inside and out), memorable characters I've ever come across, struggling with mental illness and trauma but coming out on top with heart and courage. He's hurt but fiercely and sacrificially protects. It's impossible not to feel for him. Mental health struggles and stardom clashing against the mafia threats and the need for secrets was a great choice. There's real weight to the story and the mob is terrifying, not glamorized. It's easy to throw around words like must-read, but this is a true gem and will stick with me.

[Joy Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about The Manic Moon and the characters in the book, especially Gabe but really all of them! It's way more immersive, heartfelt and real than a normal story, and that's interesting when the plot itself and what they go through is not what most of us ever will. But it's relatable anyway. The suspense never lets up. There's a twist at the end I didn't see coming that makes me wonder if there will be another book. The Manic Moon by Simone is so well written and has the potential to take off in the right hands. I devoured it, staying up too late and then dreaming about it!

(This is an ARC review and opinions are my own.)

[Dee Tats · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manic Moon will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. With authentic characters, a complicated love story, and page-turning thrills, this story has it all. This book will have you crying, laughing, cheering for the main character despite some questionable decisions and still leaves you begging for more by the end.

[Julie Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a series! We’ve been through it all with this family and it’s been a wild and compelling ride. Secretly, I hope to see them again!

[Jennifer Pines · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manic Moon wrecked me in the best way possible!! Gabe will forever hold a special spot in my heart that only the most tormented and flawed of heroes can. I love that Savannah isn't shamed for not being the pure virginal type of FMC, and that Kallie can be as badass as she wants and never have to become all girly because that's not her. CJ Simone is a pro at making each voice and character distinct and making you feel the emotions of the characters. The way Gabe and Kallie are now at odds but still so devoted to each other as brother and sister pulled on my heartstrings. And that little girl broke me to pieces. I LOVE what happens with Gabe and Savannah in this one, but I dont' want to spoil it here.

I don't know which Giordano I hate the most after reading all 3 books of the series. And as for the other characters I somehow have a little bit of sympathy for Mayson that maybe I shouldn't have because she is evil but... maybe the author is making me have the sympathy with her pscyh powers.

This book had the perfect mix of heart pounding danger, real romance, disturbing family intrigue and surprising but fitting twists. Whether you're new to the series or just starting with The Manic Moon, this is a quality written book that is different than what else is out there for those who want something more unique and unpredictable. No formulaic writing here. And btw, I am hoping for another book (hint, hint to CJ Simone).

[Shawn Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book (I believe) in the "Children of the Mob" series. However, you don’t need to have read the previous two in order to generally get the idea of the story. This is a mafia story that brings awareness to things like bipolar I, ADHD, and PTSD as comorbid disorders and dissociative disorders – which are topics that I believe need more positive exposure in literature.

The book’s main character, Gabriel Giordano, suffers from the above-mentioned conditions, but along with that, comes a character with a big heart – one who knows how important it is to do the right thing even when the consequences aren’t positive. It’s that ideal that drives him to rescue a young girl from a human trafficking situation, even though that means those running the criminal enterprise will go after him, not only to get their girl back, but also to teach Gabriel a lesson for his brazen rescue.

This book is packed with chase scenes and other action, which kept me wanting to read further. It promotes the value of mental health and the importance of proactively seeking help for mental wellbeing.

It is important to note, there are some trigger warnings: Child/sex trafficking, child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), sibling abuse, mental health struggles, brief mentions of suicidality.

Overall, I found this book to be as good as the first two in this series.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for an insanely emotional, gripping book with the most real, tortured, beautiful characters than look no further than The Manic Moon! Gabe and Savannah to me belong together. Gabe is a one-of-a-kind hero, struggling against his bipolar disorder and trauma, but still wholeheartedly giving his all to save and protect others and to gift the world with his music. The romance with Savannah and the family relations (both the good with Kallie and the bad with the mobsters) affected me deeply and with the innocent little girl entering the picture, this is a raw, touching and heartbreaking story.

As expected from a CJ Simone book, the voices are as distinct as ever and the characterizations are so far next level that they're amazing. Even if you don't normally read mob books, this one is different and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys deep, psychological thrillers with family drama and great character work. It's a thriller with an insane amount of heart!

[My Humble Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manic Moon is an intense and emotional ride that dives even deeper into Gabe and Savannah’s world. C.J. Simone does such a great job mixing fast-paced suspense with real, heartfelt moments. Every scene feels high-stakes but still personal and emotional.

I loved seeing how Gabe and Savannah’s relationship grows in this book. Even with everything going on around them, their bond feels steady and real. Mental health struggles are written with so much honesty that you can’t help but find it relatable. It makes the book harder to put down.

The plot had me on edge the whole time. The choice to hide a trafficked child adds so much weight and moral tension to the story. It’s the kind of twist that makes you stop and think about what you’d do in their place.

Overall, The Manic Moon is gripping, emotional, and beautifully written. It’s everything I want in a mafia psychological thriller. If you’ve read the other books in the series, this one will hit even harder.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children Of The Mob book 3 is The Manic Moon. We're back with Gabe Giordano, Kallie Giordano and Savannah Fletcher and their journey picks up where The Manic Edge leaves off. Let me tell you, this series has been one of the most raw, intense, emotional series I think I've ever read. Gabe is absolutely heartbreaking, his dad is a *^"'<><*^% and his saving grace is Savannah. She's the one constant in his life. She has been his one their entire lives and I think his dad resents that he has someone. Savannah is fiery and determined and she's Gabriel's biggest fan. Kallie is bold and fierce and no nonsense and with of these women are exactly who Gabe needs in his corner. I hope Kallie gets a story! This has been one heckuva ride and I absolutely recommend taking this trip!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manic Moon builds on the amazing characters and insane twists of the previous books in the series. Fan favourites Gabe and Savannah are back, with new challenges to face. Shadows of Gabe's family together with the mysterious new mobster at Lester's Place loom over them as they race to save a vulnerable child.

Desperation makes Gabe more erratic than ever, with concerned friends and terrifying enemies alike encircling him...

And yet we somehow make it to an end that offers closure for all he's been through, and a chance at happiness that leaves this dark, twisty tale with just enough of a glimmer of hope to heart-warming as well as bone-chilling.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second ARC by CJ. Simone and oh my, this one might be my favorite of her books so far! I love Gabe and Savannah together best here and was surprised what happened with them. It’s heart breaking story but also filled with hope If I could take all Gabe’s pain away I would, and just hold him forever. Savannah is a great mix of strong and sensitive. Kallie as badass as ever, and love her and Ray. Lots of mob family drama in this one and be prepared for some possibly triggering content if you need to, but done very well. You won’t want to miss out. Very highly recommended!

[Susanne Leist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've learned about narcissism and have seen it firsthand, I've begun to identify narcissistic characters in the books I read and in TV shows. Gabe has suffered narcissistic abuse from his father, who is a violent sociopath and mobster. Savannah has helped Gabe on his journey to recovery, but it is a long journey.
The book has violence, which is necessary to reveal what Gabe had to overcome. However, the story also shows love and compassion, which are required to overcome hate and abuse.
Prepare yourself for a rocky journey.

[Chicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dramatic inciting incident makes for a fast start to this book, which delves into mental health and organized crime. This book also dives deep into familial bonds, and does a good job of wrapping up some ongoing arcs. The end provides a satisfying sense of finality, while also leaving the door open to future entries.

[C. Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! OMG, wow! The Manic Moon sucked me in and gave me all the feels for Gabe and Savannah! The twistedness and savagery of the mob and Gabe’s own family is insane! Intense, fast-paced, and heartbreaking, this relentless story is a must-read for fans of books that will destroy you!

[C.J. Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to all my readers and those who took the time to rate and review The Manic Moon! I've poured my heart and soul into my books, and I'm so happy readers are connecting with the characters and stories. Love to all of you! 💛

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this so fast. The author did a great job of making the characters come alive with all the details. It was genuinely unpredictable. I've been waiting for this book to come out since reading the author's previous books and this book did not disappoint!

[Kly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series and you don't need to read the others to enjoy Manic Moon. More Gabe Giordano please!!!

[Hank Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was great!

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterful, smart blend of mafia tension, realistic mental health struggles, and broken yet beautiful love. Gabe and Savannah and their struggles feel real and raw with messy emotions and messier choices. Gabe is a magnetic and one-of-a-kind character fighting inner battles with trauma but determined to protect the ones he loves. I couldn't stop reading. The story cuts deep, the pacing stays tight. The dangers feel real and there's no glamorization of the mob or their evils. It balances savagery and brutality with real psychological depth and heart. Light and dark contrast here, and in the darkest of moments, there’s still hope. It's one of those rare series that will stay with me.

[Diana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing & addicting characters.

Mafia + Autumn + Gabe Giordarno? YES, please!