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Blue Moon Investigations #5
Dead Pirates of Cawsand
Escaping for a week of peaceful reflection, cream teas and dog walking sounded like a good idea for Kent’s best Paranormal Investigator after his battle with the Klowns. However, once he arrives in the sleepy Cornish village of Cawsand, Tempest Michaels soon finds himself hip deep in murderous, dead, skeletal pirates.
A man has been murdered – run through with a cutlass on board his boat, villagers and tourists alike have been scared out of town by the terrifying ghosts and centuries old gold coins have washed up on the beach causing a deluge of treasure hunters. Worse yet, the Cornish Police are not putting much effort into their investigation because the perpetrators are ghosts and thus already dead.
Tempest, together with the village Police Officer, the diminutive, sexy and very domineering Bobbi the Bobby plus a couple of other helping hands he could probably do without, want to crack the case. The locals believe the ghosts are real though and the village is filling up with ghost hunters convinced they can make a fortune by proving the ghosts are real and he has a worryingly fervent Parish Council to work around.
And, oh yeah, it's Halloween.
A man has been murdered – run through with a cutlass on board his boat, villagers and tourists alike have been scared out of town by the terrifying ghosts and centuries old gold coins have washed up on the beach causing a deluge of treasure hunters. Worse yet, the Cornish Police are not putting much effort into their investigation because the perpetrators are ghosts and thus already dead.
Tempest, together with the village Police Officer, the diminutive, sexy and very domineering Bobbi the Bobby plus a couple of other helping hands he could probably do without, want to crack the case. The locals believe the ghosts are real though and the village is filling up with ghost hunters convinced they can make a fortune by proving the ghosts are real and he has a worryingly fervent Parish Council to work around.
And, oh yeah, it's Halloween.
247 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2018
241 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
540 books791 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 5, 2025
Dead Pirates of Cawsand by Steve Higgs is the 5th book in the Blue Moon Investigations series. Paranormal investigator Tempest Michaels is taking a well earned holiday in the Cornish village of Cawsand following a harrowing conclusion to his last case, only to find himself in the middle of a murder investigation put down to dead skeletal pirate ghosts seeking their treasure. Another excellent mystery where he is joined by his two dachshunds and later his parents. Tempest is always curious and has a kind,chivalrous nature. I love the way he always finds the logical solutions. An entertaining and fun cozy mystery.
June 14, 2022
Ghost ships and dead pirates and TRAY-SURE on the west coast of England. Most of the regular crew did not make the trip but Mum and Dad sure did. Little toy dachshunds are minor stars.
I haven’t ever read a series back to back before. This one is a bit like some reels of Johnny Quest with a similar story changed up a bit. Still, it’s fun and a break from a throbbing tooth.
I haven’t ever read a series back to back before. This one is a bit like some reels of Johnny Quest with a similar story changed up a bit. Still, it’s fun and a break from a throbbing tooth.
February 25, 2022
Having decided to take a much needed break from the past weeks of debunking supernatural occurrences Tempest Michaels decides to visit a small village in Cornwall, Cawsand. On arrival it seems that the village is being plagued by the ghosts of priates from the 1600s, they have killed one person and another has found some gold Spanish coins lying on a beach. Others have reported seeing a ghostly pirate ship appearing during the night out at sea. Tempest is unable to resist investigating to see what might be happening as he refuses to believe in either the pirate ghosts nor the ghostly apparition of the ship. Then his parent arrive to join him for the week and, due to the lack of available rooms in the village and surrounding areas (who would have thought there were so many ghost hunters out there let alone lots of treasure hunters, all of whom require beds for the night on solid ground. Assisted by his father along with Jane doing the research back at their makeshift office (actually the dining room in Tempest's house) aided by the granddaughter of one his father's oldest friends and retired crewmates from his navy days using navy records from the 1600s, Tempest works out how, who, what, why. Despite being attacked yet again in the course of his job both Tempest and his father (despite his mother having been kidnapped by some of those involved) manage to find the ghostly pirate ship, locate the pirates, work out not only who was behind it all but also why some of those helping the main criminals are involved and hands over to the local superintendent of police the criminals, the gold, the ship and also makes good on his promise to allow a local television news reporter to get an exclusive interview with himself but also with his mother as well as exclusive footage showing the finding of the treasure and its original hiding place from 400 years ago.
Another excellent book featuring Tempest Danger Michaels and the Blue Moon Investigation agency.
Another excellent book featuring Tempest Danger Michaels and the Blue Moon Investigation agency.
June 19, 2022
After all the excitement of "The Klowns of Kent" Tempest figures it is time to recharge his batteries. And where better than Cawsand, Cornwall, where he has happy memories of youthful holidays.
It's everything he expected, including the best granola in the world, and more - treasure hunters have descended on the area after gold doubloon were found on the beach. Not forgetting murderous skeletal pirates, a ghostly galleon and the very friendly local copper, Roberta.
Of course, given the nature of the series, Tempest is sure of one thing - there is no paranormal activity, because it does not exist. So it's a simple matter of using regular detective methods to work out who is doing what.
And that is exactly what he does.
As the traditional cast of Amanda, Big Ben, Jane, etc., are missing there is not as much room for locker-room humour (though Mr. Wriggly is never far away!) and "Dead Pirates of Cawsand" is the better for it.
As with many series it is easy to get stuck in a rut and it seems that Steve Higgs is determined not to let that happen (a previous book was told from Amanda's point of view).
The one slight problem I have with the series is that when you remove the paranormal element you are left with very traditional mysteries, well told and often funny, but very traditional nonetheless.
3 Stars.
It's everything he expected, including the best granola in the world, and more - treasure hunters have descended on the area after gold doubloon were found on the beach. Not forgetting murderous skeletal pirates, a ghostly galleon and the very friendly local copper, Roberta.
Of course, given the nature of the series, Tempest is sure of one thing - there is no paranormal activity, because it does not exist. So it's a simple matter of using regular detective methods to work out who is doing what.
And that is exactly what he does.
As the traditional cast of Amanda, Big Ben, Jane, etc., are missing there is not as much room for locker-room humour (though Mr. Wriggly is never far away!) and "Dead Pirates of Cawsand" is the better for it.
As with many series it is easy to get stuck in a rut and it seems that Steve Higgs is determined not to let that happen (a previous book was told from Amanda's point of view).
The one slight problem I have with the series is that when you remove the paranormal element you are left with very traditional mysteries, well told and often funny, but very traditional nonetheless.
3 Stars.
Read
January 12, 2021This book is annoying me. The author obviously has done no research on the area he is writing about.
The lead character has taken dangerous amounts of pain killers, a very bad influence on readers I might add and now completely ignoring local geography has driven out of his way to cross a railway bridge in his car rather than use the large and efficient car ferry which would have brought him closer to his destination on the other side.
Having a mobile phone (and his father) with him I'm sure he could have planned a route.
I've sort of enjoyed the other books in the series so far but this is just poor.
With better research this would have been an amazing little tale, please consider this as it has really been a sad down turn in your writing for me.
In fairness to the author the story turned out to be probably the best of the ones I've read so far, just please remember us Cornish are proud of our county.
The lead character has taken dangerous amounts of pain killers, a very bad influence on readers I might add and now completely ignoring local geography has driven out of his way to cross a railway bridge in his car rather than use the large and efficient car ferry which would have brought him closer to his destination on the other side.
Having a mobile phone (and his father) with him I'm sure he could have planned a route.
I've sort of enjoyed the other books in the series so far but this is just poor.
With better research this would have been an amazing little tale, please consider this as it has really been a sad down turn in your writing for me.
In fairness to the author the story turned out to be probably the best of the ones I've read so far, just please remember us Cornish are proud of our county.
August 30, 2023
Well to start with, this series has been all over the place on quality. Dead Pirates of Cawsand is well-written, a lot of fun to really funny. It holds consistent with the storyline and theme the world is set in all the while it gives a little different scenery than his normal town.
Honestly, I didn’t see the whole of the picture, but guessed a fair bit of it. The surprises in the book are at times a little far-fetched but were also highly entertaining and unexpected. But there were less than I was hoping for in that regard.
Overall, a great book for a fun little adventure. The right length to be interesting without being too much or forced to play out longer than it should. I recommend this series, even with the inconsistent (though never less and average) quality. Dead Pirates of Cawsand is worth getting to and reading.
Honestly, I didn’t see the whole of the picture, but guessed a fair bit of it. The surprises in the book are at times a little far-fetched but were also highly entertaining and unexpected. But there were less than I was hoping for in that regard.
Overall, a great book for a fun little adventure. The right length to be interesting without being too much or forced to play out longer than it should. I recommend this series, even with the inconsistent (though never less and average) quality. Dead Pirates of Cawsand is worth getting to and reading.
March 16, 2025
Steve has hit the ground running with this book. Continuing on from his escapades with the Klowns, Tempest and his two companions Bull and Dozer the dachshunds go for a relaxing seaside break from all the drama. Just to find (believe it or not ) more drama with an extra dose of paranormal hysteria due to dead pirates, treasure and murder. What more could we want from a book. :)
Without his usual ensemble of friends I thought it may of been bit of a change from previous books but the story was absolutely spot on. Possibly the best in the series so far although I may be biased with a little nostalgia due to all the adventure books I read as a kid.
Deep dark literature this isn’t but it is a very enjoyable read and does exactly what it says on the tin. 5 stars
Without his usual ensemble of friends I thought it may of been bit of a change from previous books but the story was absolutely spot on. Possibly the best in the series so far although I may be biased with a little nostalgia due to all the adventure books I read as a kid.
Deep dark literature this isn’t but it is a very enjoyable read and does exactly what it says on the tin. 5 stars
October 24, 2021
Relaxing on holiday? Not a chance!
Most of us think we'll have some R&R when on holiday, but we usually end up needing to rest and recover b/c we've used every second of that time enjoying the free time. Not Tempest Michaels...nooo. If there's a paranormal mystery to solve, you can bet he will be on the case! I'm getting used to sleeping less now b/c Steve Higg's books are just unputdownable! Fantastic story by a fantastic author!
Most of us think we'll have some R&R when on holiday, but we usually end up needing to rest and recover b/c we've used every second of that time enjoying the free time. Not Tempest Michaels...nooo. If there's a paranormal mystery to solve, you can bet he will be on the case! I'm getting used to sleeping less now b/c Steve Higg's books are just unputdownable! Fantastic story by a fantastic author!
May 25, 2022
Never a dull moment for our Tempest. He heads off to the village of Cawsand on the west coast of England to lick his wounds but soon discovers a local mystery involving dead pirates. Even worse, his parents show up, his mother convinced that when he called to let them know he was ok and out of town that he was really inviting them to join him. As all the hotel rooms were full, they took over his suite and he had to sleep on an uncomfortable fold out.
February 12, 2023
Looking for a series on Audible I found this one. I went through books 1 through 9 one right after the other. The stories are interesting and so far have not had repetitive plot lines, which is quite refreshing. The characters are interesting, some of the verbiage that is spewed from the protagonist’s mother is so real that it makes me roll my eyes, and sometimes absolutely laugh out loud. This kind of character development makes continuing on in a series worth the time.
January 28, 2024
I so want to like this series The overall concept of a paranormal investigator who doesn't believe in the paranormal has such potential. Unfortunately, the author seems to keep throwing in bad tropes, such as Tempest's mother, an obnoxious woman whose only concern regarding her son is when he will provide her with grandchildren, or his friend Big Ben whose only purpose in life is to bed women. I may try a couple more, just to see if they get better.
July 27, 2018
Dead Pirates is even more exciting! Solid 5 stars
Can't put these stories down and this one even more so because it is so intriguing. Exciting plot, annoying parents, adorable little dogs and a snarky sense of humor keeps you interested and guessing what comes next. Don't miss these!!
Can't put these stories down and this one even more so because it is so intriguing. Exciting plot, annoying parents, adorable little dogs and a snarky sense of humor keeps you interested and guessing what comes next. Don't miss these!!
June 7, 2021
Brilliant book highly recommended
Not my normal read, but having read other spookier books by Steve Higgs, i really enjoyed this series, lighthearted and a great military sense of humour, like me, but always an exceptional story and characters you can warm to like old friends, and the dogs are a lovely touch. I will eventually read everything Steve Higgs writes.
Not my normal read, but having read other spookier books by Steve Higgs, i really enjoyed this series, lighthearted and a great military sense of humour, like me, but always an exceptional story and characters you can warm to like old friends, and the dogs are a lovely touch. I will eventually read everything Steve Higgs writes.
November 4, 2021
More fun from Blue Moon. No way Tempest can take a vacation with the pups! The supernatural follows him; this time it's ghostly pirates, a spectral ship and a missing treasure. Warning: there are sexual situations and violence in this one. While he's investigating all this, his parents turn up and the inn puts them in his room with him! Recommended.
October 4, 2022
Tempest tries for a little R&R and ends up smack in the middle of ghost pirates, ghost pirate ships, and pirate gold. Is anyone in this little fishing village who they seem to be? There are so many swindles and double crossings. Tempest's dad actually helps him on this case. The moral of the story is you can't trust anyone when millions in treasure is involved.
January 23, 2023
Another hokey light reading adult Hardy Boys/Scooby-Doo story. Tempest is on holiday in a small village in Cornwall.
While there a man is murdered and several people reported seeing a pirate ship and pirate ghosts swinging cultlasses.
I swear I find the MC's mother more annoying than he does
While there a man is murdered and several people reported seeing a pirate ship and pirate ghosts swinging cultlasses.
I swear I find the MC's mother more annoying than he does
June 9, 2023
I’m obviously the minority on these books but this particular one, aside from racism, sexism and the usual puerile behavior which is always there, he has set a new low of intelligence for the main character. I’m not all that bright myself but I had this one pretty well figured out within the first few pages
July 27, 2023
Brilliant fun
Worth staying up all night to read and falling asleep in a speeding awareness course.
Love the characters especially his Dad, plot is clever and fast moving. The only downside is not enough Big Ben. Am downloading the next book now and recommending it to my own Dad who will love it.
Worth staying up all night to read and falling asleep in a speeding awareness course.
Love the characters especially his Dad, plot is clever and fast moving. The only downside is not enough Big Ben. Am downloading the next book now and recommending it to my own Dad who will love it.
November 18, 2023
A Blue Moon Mystery #5
Tempest Michaels is on a needed vacation in Cawsand which soon becomes a new adventure involving the a murder by dead pirates and the search for lost gold. One of his Higgs more enjoyable books in a fast moving as well as humorous book with his Dachshunds, his parents and Bobbi the Bobby to provide plenty of interesting characters. Highly recommended.
Tempest Michaels is on a needed vacation in Cawsand which soon becomes a new adventure involving the a murder by dead pirates and the search for lost gold. One of his Higgs more enjoyable books in a fast moving as well as humorous book with his Dachshunds, his parents and Bobbi the Bobby to provide plenty of interesting characters. Highly recommended.
January 10, 2024
Superb
Superb who Dunnet
Yes, but it was a pleasure to read and fast-paced. The intrigue was funny, too. So many different people some caught up with the subterfuge of the village. Officials misusing their powers up to no good. Misdirection, fight murders and all for treasure and greed. Bring on the next.
Superb who Dunnet
Yes, but it was a pleasure to read and fast-paced. The intrigue was funny, too. So many different people some caught up with the subterfuge of the village. Officials misusing their powers up to no good. Misdirection, fight murders and all for treasure and greed. Bring on the next.
August 23, 2019
Like a British Jim Butcher!
I am very much enjoying this series. It reads very much like it was written by a British Jim Butcher. I didn’t even guess the ending. That’s pretty rare with as much as I read. I am excited for the next book!
I am very much enjoying this series. It reads very much like it was written by a British Jim Butcher. I didn’t even guess the ending. That’s pretty rare with as much as I read. I am excited for the next book!
February 1, 2023
Good read
Good book. Interesting story, was not what I expected. Characters still intrigue me, make me and to hear/ read more about them. On to the next one to see what happens next.
Good book. Interesting story, was not what I expected. Characters still intrigue me, make me and to hear/ read more about them. On to the next one to see what happens next.
February 27, 2023
Dang a cliffhanger!
Ok., first this was another good book. Well thought out characters and interactions. A mystery with pieces that fit together well. But now I have to immediately read the next one...
Ok., first this was another good book. Well thought out characters and interactions. A mystery with pieces that fit together well. But now I have to immediately read the next one...
September 22, 2023
It is complicated
This mystery is complicated and improbable. That is okay. The author doles out the clues at an appropriate pace. Just pay attention. Sure it is silly but just go with the fun.
This mystery is complicated and improbable. That is okay. The author doles out the clues at an appropriate pace. Just pay attention. Sure it is silly but just go with the fun.
March 2, 2024
Higgs' wonky grammar and tendency to forget where in his story people are aside, the book is a page turning adventure. The plot barrels long from beginning to end with interesting characters, ghost, dogs and machinations a plenty.
October 5, 2024
A ghost pirate ship and pirate ghosts invade the town and everyone's there to find the treasure. This story has more twists and turns than you can imagine and an entirely unexpected ending. Great read.
June 25, 2025
Interesting mystery of ghosts and a ghost ship. Complicated by some suspicious activity by the locals. Good story slightly spoiled by some grammatical errors and spelling issues in the latter part of the tale.
December 28, 2018
Loved it. As with the previous books in the series, a well written, unusual and a marvelous way to escape for a while.
April 26, 2019
Does not disappoint!
September 18, 2019
Fun story, worth reading, although you really have to have read the earlier stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews