The Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries: Volume 1

Max Porter #1-3

by Stuart Jaffe

Delve into a world both Real and Supernatural when North Carolina history mixes with the paranormal in this pulse-pounding series.

SOUTHERN BOUND (Book 1)
When Max and Sandra Porter moved down to North Carolina, they thought they were getting a new beginning - good job, good pay, and a lovely little place in Winston-Salem. But the family that hired him to research land deals in North Carolina is not all that they seem.

And when Max discovers that his office is haunted by Marshall Drummond, PI - a ghost from the 1940s - what started as a simple research job sinks him neck-deep in a world of old mysteries and dangerous enemies. One in which ghosts, witches, curses, and spells exist. One in which something as innocent as a book can turn deadly.

SOUTHERN CHARM (Book 2)
When Max and the gang are hired by an art forging ghost to find a lost painting, Max thinks it'll be easy money. But villains old and new come out, and the race is on for the painting and the secrets it contains. A race that will lead Max into a mess of magic spells, haunted houses, ancient curses, and even Blackbeard the Pirate.

SOUTHERN BELLE (Book 3)
Max thought he had enough trouble dealing with one witch in Winston-Salem. But a new case brings to light an entire coven of witches.

Angry, cursed, dead witches.

Lucky for Max he has the aid of his partner, the ghost of 1940s detective Marshall Drummond, and his sharp-witted wife, Sandra. Together, they'll face enemies at every turn, and things only get worse when the mysterious Hull family and the FBI start poking into Max's life. He'll need all his team can give with a case that involves the theft of a cursed bell, dark magic, spirit possession, and ghastly murders.

All in all, just another day at the office for Max Porter.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, Audiobook, Mystery

532 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2018

About the author

Stuart 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.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Max Porter Box Set Volume 1 is a collection of the initial trilogy of Stuart Jaffe's mystery series of southern gothic novels. Max was hired to research properties in North Carolina ostensibly for land development and purchase, so he along with his wife, Sara, decide to move there to facilitate his work. It's a well-paying gig, but he did not know that his office is haunted by a ghost, Marshall Drummond, a former private investigator from the 1940s, and that he and his wife have become involved in a series of stories that unearth North Carolina history, paranormal, supernatural elements of ancient curses, witchcraft, religion, and ghosts.

There are some noir ingredients that are mixed into the brew along with sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek witticisms, but the novels are mostly serious, recognizing that there's a historical milieu providing a wealth of material from the setting of Winston-Salem, the tobacco industry, and witchcraft coven lore. The stories are fun, despite the fact that I don't love supernatural ghost stories. I also had a minor problem with a trope that is overused. If your wife is captured by the villains, would you not immediately look to get your wife a license to carry a weapon? Especially in a state like North Carolina, it should be easy. Let this box set serve as #5 of 10 for my year 2023 reading goal.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Jaffe's Blue Trilogy is an entertaining and engaging paranormal mystery series that hooks readers from the start. The chemistry between the main characters, Max and Drummond, is a standout element throughout the series. Jaffe's research is impressive, as it adds depth and authenticity to the story.

While the first book, Southern Bound, is a bit rough around the edges, the characters are charming and relatable, and the audiobook version, narrated by Jaffe himself, elevates the experience. Southern Charm, the second book, is a great follow-up with an equally compelling mystery and further development of the relationships between Max, Drummond, and Sandra. The conclusion to the trilogy, Southern Belle, brings the story to a satisfying end, with great banter between the trio and a gripping mystery.

Overall, the Blue Trilogy is a great introduction to the Max Porter series, and Jaffe's writing and narration make for an enjoyable and immersive experience.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Volume 1 and I liked how the author mixed his historical knowledge of Winston-Salem, North Carolina with supernatural fiction. Each of the 3 books was a different case to be solved and all of them held my interest. Looking forward to reading the next volume.

[Julie Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

These audiobooks were recommended by a friend,and I really wanted to love them. However, that didn't happen. The narration is not good - it sounds like he is in a barrel. The main character, Max is pretty much a jerk. He is always overreacting, and didn't really seem to know what he was doing. The stories just seemed to wrap up too conveniently. The only reason I gave it a 3 star rating is because the 3rd book was a little bit more entertaining. I'm pretty sure I'm finished with this series for now.

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kobo epub: ISBN 9781524264529; 558 pages

(Book 1 Southern Bound July 22 - 23)
Book 2: Southern Charm August 11 - 12
Book 3: Southern Belle August 12 - 14

Continuing the misadventures of Max and Sandra Porter, assisted (mostly) by their 1940s ghost detective Marshall Drummond. The machinations of the Hall family, who now have Max on a retainer while he has some evidence implicating the family, are finally unravelled in what is literally an explosive finale in Book 3. (Fear not - there are at least 10 more punning titles to come... )

A slightly different take on investigation in Winston-Salem. In addition to Drummond other ghosts (some of whom 'employ' Max) abound - as well as witches (perhaps not surprising in the area) along with enough spells and curses to keep Hallowe'en going. There is even a guest appearance of Blackbeard's ghost... and the FBI is involved, too - cue Fox Mulder jokes.

Fun stuff, with some amusing and unpredictable twists.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this box set of three books. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. He did a good job as a narrator. His character voices were well done and he did a good job of maintaining them through out. The stories were very well done. They drew me in and held my interest. I loved that there is a ghost detective, but I put this set on my reading list because a review that I read somewhere said that this set would hold me over until the new Dresden Files came out. That wasn't the case, but I still ended up liking the series,so I will read more and will recommend it.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

Convenience. That word sums up my problem with this series. Max is too often provided a convenient solution to his problems; often in the form of a new talent his wife has. Max and Sandra are inexplicably tough. Combine this with stubborn personalities and you get many eye rolls. The author writes well from a technical standpoint, but the main characters didn't act believable. I got a great deal on these three books, but I'll have to end the series here. I'm my mind, Modesto just kills them.

[Debbie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has everything I was looking for and more; ghosts, haunted houses, witches, and spells. Along with a little spookiness and suspense, the box set also offered humor and charm. The only thing that bothered me was that there were a few times when Max got into a predicament, he would be in trouble one second and the next second it was miraculously over like it never happened and the next paragraph starts with something completely different. It is almost as if a little action is needed for entertainment factor but not necessary really for the story.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a box set with the first three books in the series and was read by the author. The author did a good job of reading the books. The author sounds so much like our university president that I was picturing Max Porter with his mustache. I liked most of the characters and I would listen to more in the series to see what other adventures they get into.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow and choppy to start, but once the story got going, it was fast read. Fans of Supernatural might enjoy this. As a native Michigander, however, I got tired of the characters relief at being out of that state and in North Carolina. Also, anyone who identifies with Wicca or witchcraft might not like the portrayal of witches in the book.

[Marcia G. Morrione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Porter paranormal

The Max Porter paranormal detective series is a must read for those interested in ghosts and detective books. It is highly entertaining featuring ghosts, witches, magic as well as mystery. I recommend it highly.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, Volume 1, includes SOUTHERN BOUND (2012), SOUTHERN CHARM (2012) & SOUTHERN BELLE (2013). I have bought all 3 Volumes so it is a good thing I really, REALLY enjoyed reading about Max, Sandra, and Drummond! I love reading about GHOSTS! Like Harry Potter only different. Investigations!

[roy douglas lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robuster

This was a good easy read that with better editing could have have been a masterpiece. To much repiteion with absolutely to much Winston Salem nonsense.
Great hook though and a better than average villain.

[Charlie]

Improving

I didn't find the first story too compelling, but I bought three, so I kept on reading and they did get better in both writing and suspense. But I doubt I'll keep reading unless offered on a really good deal.

[Cristi Bowerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Very entertaining! Easy, quick read..characters and storyline easy to follow. Going to read the rest of the series for sure.

[Ellen Bollman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise and characters, but I was distracted by the need for editing. I noticed many of the 5-star reviews were for the audiobook where editing issues would not be a factor.

[Amelia D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series. It fun and easy to read and keeps me wanting more.

[Teri Lynn Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max porter book are a fun read.

I really enjoyed reading this set of three books. They are exciting and hard to put down once you are into the story line.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book. Started second book and found I was very tired of the characters. put the book away. Perhaps for another day.

[Jillian McCreadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This max porter box set is a great read he is a different kind of detective a bit like randell and hopkirk

[Mary Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed the books, very well written. I enjoyed the back history of the story it really brings it to life.

[Cinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Story

It has been awhile since I found a story I enjoy as much as this one. I will check on his other 📚

[Susan J. Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an insteresting series. Ghosts, witches, curses.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It did not hold my interest.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series which combines a good mystery, a cup of the paranormal, a dash of romance, and the perfect mix of noir.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Diane Dubois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never finished reading

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not as good as Jim Butcher.

[Jim Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fun and easy reading. The characters are engaging and the action keeps you interested.

[Genny Clary tice]

finished second story of volume one. these stories are not bad. they read like an old P I noir novel.