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Max Porter #9
Southern Spirit
Old Power, New Corruption
Max Porter has had his share of odd cases. That goes with the territory when one of your partners is the ghost of a 1940s detective. But the idea of being hired by a witch coven to save witches seems wrong from the start, and it only gets worse.
Bad enough that Max can’t trust anything his clients say, but his own wife is being lured closer into becoming a real witch — something that terrifies Max and sows distrust. Add to that a mysterious group of witch hunters, a long dead curse brought back to cause havoc, and power players in the shadows, and it’s no wonder The Porter Agency is stretched to the breaking point.
Between fighting their enemies and fighting each other, this may end up the toughest case of their lives. One that could alter the balance of power among all witches for years to come.
Max Porter has had his share of odd cases. That goes with the territory when one of your partners is the ghost of a 1940s detective. But the idea of being hired by a witch coven to save witches seems wrong from the start, and it only gets worse.
Bad enough that Max can’t trust anything his clients say, but his own wife is being lured closer into becoming a real witch — something that terrifies Max and sows distrust. Add to that a mysterious group of witch hunters, a long dead curse brought back to cause havoc, and power players in the shadows, and it’s no wonder The Porter Agency is stretched to the breaking point.
Between fighting their enemies and fighting each other, this may end up the toughest case of their lives. One that could alter the balance of power among all witches for years to come.
- GenresParanormal
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
14 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Jaffe
166 books213 followersStuart Jaffe is the madman behind the Nathan K thrillers, Max Porter paranormal-mystery series, The Malja Chronicles, The Bluesman series, and much more. He has written numerous short stories in Fantasy, SF, and Horror. He was also the co-host of The Eclectic Review (http://eclectic.libsyn.com) -- a podcast about science, art, and well, everything.
Stuart lives in rural North Carolina, and for those who keep count, the latest animal listing is as follows: one dog, two cats, one albino corn snake, three aquatic turtles, assorted fish, seven chickens, and a horse. Thankfully, the chickens and the horse do not live inside the house.
Stuart lives in rural North Carolina, and for those who keep count, the latest animal listing is as follows: one dog, two cats, one albino corn snake, three aquatic turtles, assorted fish, seven chickens, and a horse. Thankfully, the chickens and the horse do not live inside the house.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 6, 2023
This picks up right where Southern Craft left off, with the same level of intensity and action-packed scenes. While the continuation feels seamless, it also gives the impression that these two books could have been merged into one. The ongoing frustration with the Porter family's communication issues and bickering is still present, which can be a bit tiresome at times. However, the new developments in the story and relationships really bring it home. Overall, Southern Spirit is a solid addition to the series and a strong conclusion to the Green Trilogy that will satisfy fans and leave them eager for more.
October 31, 2017
"Looks like we're working for a witch coven."
Not an easy book for this reader to star score, being torn between the characterisations and their story, and that of the mystery itself.
Firstly, the detective team of the Porter Agency. This is composed of Max and his wife, Sandra, and Drummond, the ghost of a mid twentieth century P.I. Following their personal conversations and interaction was a delight, especially when also in conflict with Max's mother over the schooling of the two boys, P.B. and Jammer J that the couple had unofficially adopted. indeed, the whole domestic differences and difficulties were superbly covered, their attitudes giving solid reality to them all, even the ghost.
However, this was supposed to be a mystery, and they were supposedly detectives hired to solve it and, whilst there was a resolution of sorts, for this reader it was more like a trail of breadcrumbs to lead the adventure back home but which, instead, gets eaten before the return. After an intriguing start, and admittedly with interesting ideas and some action, seemed to go nowhere in particular.despite the visually written final denouement.
This series is obviously highly rated by others. Perhaps it is because this is my first encounter with the Max Porter Mysteries, Southern Spirit being number nine in the sequence, that I failed to be fully immersed in the detective aspect of the story itself. It is a standalone, however, and the book is well worth reading for the main protagonists alone. Just don't expect too much from their investigations.
Not an easy book for this reader to star score, being torn between the characterisations and their story, and that of the mystery itself.
Firstly, the detective team of the Porter Agency. This is composed of Max and his wife, Sandra, and Drummond, the ghost of a mid twentieth century P.I. Following their personal conversations and interaction was a delight, especially when also in conflict with Max's mother over the schooling of the two boys, P.B. and Jammer J that the couple had unofficially adopted. indeed, the whole domestic differences and difficulties were superbly covered, their attitudes giving solid reality to them all, even the ghost.
However, this was supposed to be a mystery, and they were supposedly detectives hired to solve it and, whilst there was a resolution of sorts, for this reader it was more like a trail of breadcrumbs to lead the adventure back home but which, instead, gets eaten before the return. After an intriguing start, and admittedly with interesting ideas and some action, seemed to go nowhere in particular.despite the visually written final denouement.
This series is obviously highly rated by others. Perhaps it is because this is my first encounter with the Max Porter Mysteries, Southern Spirit being number nine in the sequence, that I failed to be fully immersed in the detective aspect of the story itself. It is a standalone, however, and the book is well worth reading for the main protagonists alone. Just don't expect too much from their investigations.
November 5, 2017
This is the ninth book in the Max Porter Mysteries series. Max doesn’t like witches and doesn’t like being hired by them any better. But his wife Sandra thinks taking a missing-persons case for the witches is the right thing to do. It doesn’t take long, however, before he starts regretting his decision when he finds out that there is a lot more to the case then anyone could imagine. It isn’t long before Max is facing old enemies as well as new ones. But, he will have to fix everything or is afraid he will lose his wife to the witches. Again, I just love this mystery series for both the characterizations and the mysteries that take place in each book. Mr. Jaffe does a wonderful job of making this series feel very noir-like, which I love, and he makes the people seem so real, the way the interact with each other and the way they fight with each other like real people. I even sometimes wanted to throw my hands up and yell at the characters in this book like they would actually hear me; that’s how well it’s written. This installment in the series is one of the best so far and I can’t wait to see what is coming next. If you love this series, you will love this book. If you haven’t read the series, you can jump right in with this one, but I’d start at the beginning just to get the whole history. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 31, 2017
A really enjoyable light clean read.
If you are after a paranormal, noir private detective mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously, then these books will be right up your street. The whole series firmly reminds me of the old TV series Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased).
This is book 9 in the series and can be read as a standalone mystery, though events from earlier books are referred to within the story. I would recommend that book 8 should be read prior to this one because it would make parts of the storyline easier to follow. Though enough is explained for a first time reader not to get lost and not know what is going on.
The characters are again well developed with each having their own quirks, and it is a nice easy read. The story is unusual which makes it stand out from the crowd of books in this genre.
If you're after a good enjoyable read to cosy up by the fire with, then this book is for you. Good fun and perfect reading at this spooky time of year.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
If you are after a paranormal, noir private detective mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously, then these books will be right up your street. The whole series firmly reminds me of the old TV series Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased).
This is book 9 in the series and can be read as a standalone mystery, though events from earlier books are referred to within the story. I would recommend that book 8 should be read prior to this one because it would make parts of the storyline easier to follow. Though enough is explained for a first time reader not to get lost and not know what is going on.
The characters are again well developed with each having their own quirks, and it is a nice easy read. The story is unusual which makes it stand out from the crowd of books in this genre.
If you're after a good enjoyable read to cosy up by the fire with, then this book is for you. Good fun and perfect reading at this spooky time of year.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 8, 2017
Let me start by saying I received this as an Arc.
Max Porter ,his wife Sandra, n a 1940's ghost named Drummond investigate unusual cases. Max only sees the dead detective. His wife on the other hand sees all ghosts n is a practicing witch.
The Mobley clan, a coven, ask the Porter's to look into the disappearance of one of their members. Against Drummond's wishes they agree. The many twists n turns surrounding the coven's circumstances that involve their matriarch was spell-
binding. The revenge they enact for the deaths of their sisters was wicked.
What I really liked was the final outcome. Max got to deliver a substantial blow of his own. He still carries a curse given to him by Mother Hope, another witch.
This continuing saga of the Porter Agency reminded me of watching an episode of Mason, the ending had u saying.....What!!!!
Max Porter ,his wife Sandra, n a 1940's ghost named Drummond investigate unusual cases. Max only sees the dead detective. His wife on the other hand sees all ghosts n is a practicing witch.
The Mobley clan, a coven, ask the Porter's to look into the disappearance of one of their members. Against Drummond's wishes they agree. The many twists n turns surrounding the coven's circumstances that involve their matriarch was spell-
binding. The revenge they enact for the deaths of their sisters was wicked.
What I really liked was the final outcome. Max got to deliver a substantial blow of his own. He still carries a curse given to him by Mother Hope, another witch.
This continuing saga of the Porter Agency reminded me of watching an episode of Mason, the ending had u saying.....What!!!!
January 11, 2025
Another wild ride for Max and crew! This adventure starts with Max’s mom insisting the Sandwich Boys need to be attending school! I am really enjoying Mrs. Porter! The crew are hired by another coven of witches when one of their witches goes missing. Max is very hesitant to take this case because it again with witches and he is worried about Sandra delving deeper into witchcraft and this causes a huge rift between the two. I enjoyed the twist regarding the bricks and the witches. I think my favorite parts of each story is when Max gets to deep dive into history and shares what he learns. The history – some real, some embellished is incredibly interesting. A great read and was hard to put down.
November 2, 2017
It is all fun and games until a Curse is invoked. Max, Sandra and of course Drummond are in a heated battle between two powerful forces. Power corrupts and both sides are using the Porter Agency to gain an advantage. Love the characters and how they have evolved. Who would have thought that the sandwich boys would enjoy getting an education? Drummond is as entertaining as ever, and how can you not love the ghost of a PI who acts like it is still the 1920’s. Cannot wait for the next Max Porter novel, they are so enjoyable. The stories capture the past and the present in a very entertaining manner.
August 28, 2018
I have missed a few of the Max Porter books but decided that I really wanted to read this one.
It was an enticing and entertaining read. With the new to me Sandwich brothers and Max's mother actually 'in person' the complexity of interaction of the characters just adds to the story line.
The story itself is a jump in the world. I am going to have to read the books in the series that I have missed. Just to catch up on what has happened. Hull's??
I suggest this is well worth reading, even if you have not read all or any of the previous books.
It was an enticing and entertaining read. With the new to me Sandwich brothers and Max's mother actually 'in person' the complexity of interaction of the characters just adds to the story line.
The story itself is a jump in the world. I am going to have to read the books in the series that I have missed. Just to catch up on what has happened. Hull's??
I suggest this is well worth reading, even if you have not read all or any of the previous books.
November 19, 2017
Well Max is back and with a brand new mystery. A witch is missing and really Max Porter wants nothing to do with this investigation. But Sandra and Drummond convince him its the right thing to do.
Don't forget that Max has been cursed by a witch and that comes back to play.
Also Sandra is becoming a witch herself, much to Max's disappointment. And Drummond well, Drummond is Drummond. This is one of the best mystery series on the market. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Don't forget that Max has been cursed by a witch and that comes back to play.
Also Sandra is becoming a witch herself, much to Max's disappointment. And Drummond well, Drummond is Drummond. This is one of the best mystery series on the market. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 14, 2017
The Porter Agency is stretched thin - tons of witch issues including Sandra being encouraged into becoming a real witch, which scares the hell out of Max. Add to that - witch hunters, a curse to cause havoc, Sandra imitating her mother in law in the grouchy department, the boys finding out there is more to life.
Max and the gang struggle through but prevail.
Max and the gang struggle through but prevail.
October 28, 2017
Stuart Jaffe does it again. I love this world he has created with the Max Porter series. The characters are deep and ever growing and changing as you read through the series.
Another wonderful read and another not to miss!
Another wonderful read and another not to miss!
November 16, 2017
I'm always ready to catch up on the adventures of the Max Porter team. The characters continue to evolve, leading to some of the twists and turns within the story. Non stop action and intrigue as always, keeping me up late to finish.
Keep them coming Stuart.
Keep them coming Stuart.
February 7, 2019
Max is learning some fighting skills and Sandra is learning some magic. Along with their best ever ghost detective, Drummond, they are hired by a powerful witch coven. The best part, Leon gets some much deserved trickery in the end.
August 6, 2020
Southern Spirit rocks
Here Max, Sandra and Drummond for again. Accepting this case sends them into a big battle. One of Maxes battles is of his own making. The kids even get a new path. Another fun plot from Stuart Jaffe.
Here Max, Sandra and Drummond for again. Accepting this case sends them into a big battle. One of Maxes battles is of his own making. The kids even get a new path. Another fun plot from Stuart Jaffe.
November 30, 2017
Love these books
Very entertaining read. Also love listening to the author read the Audible books. I love the characters, glad Mac's mom is part of the stories.
Very entertaining read. Also love listening to the author read the Audible books. I love the characters, glad Mac's mom is part of the stories.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews