What do you think?
Rate this book
The Harper Files #1
Can You Kick a Ghost in the Nuts?
Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
Paranormal investigation takes balls. Amanda will just have to wing it then.
Amanda Harper's life has changed a lot in the few weeks since she met Tempest Michaels.
Working out her notice period in Kent Police, she has already taken a new job as a Paranormal Investigator to work alongside him. She could be interested in Tempest, but even after she arrested (thankfully he was innocent) Brett Barker, the single, athletic, multi-millionaire heir to the Barker family fortune he still wants to take her on a date to Paris in his helicopter.
How does a girl say no to that?
But Tempest has a case for her to look into: There is an elevator in a nearby shopping center that has a ghost in it. The specter has shown up on a photograph and people's belongings have gone missing from inside the lift without anyone getting on or off. The shopping center manager wants the case solved, but will she be able to bring the spook into the daylight and reveal its true nature? Or will she get stuck in the dicksand with Brett like sassy best friend and Police colleague Patience Woods predicts and just be too distracted to solve crimes?
It is time to find out if she can be who she wants to be in both her professional and personal life.
Time to put her big-girl knickers on.
Paranormal investigation takes balls. Amanda will just have to wing it then.
Amanda Harper's life has changed a lot in the few weeks since she met Tempest Michaels.
Working out her notice period in Kent Police, she has already taken a new job as a Paranormal Investigator to work alongside him. She could be interested in Tempest, but even after she arrested (thankfully he was innocent) Brett Barker, the single, athletic, multi-millionaire heir to the Barker family fortune he still wants to take her on a date to Paris in his helicopter.
How does a girl say no to that?
But Tempest has a case for her to look into: There is an elevator in a nearby shopping center that has a ghost in it. The specter has shown up on a photograph and people's belongings have gone missing from inside the lift without anyone getting on or off. The shopping center manager wants the case solved, but will she be able to bring the spook into the daylight and reveal its true nature? Or will she get stuck in the dicksand with Brett like sassy best friend and Police colleague Patience Woods predicts and just be too distracted to solve crimes?
It is time to find out if she can be who she wants to be in both her professional and personal life.
Time to put her big-girl knickers on.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 1, 2018
883 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
541 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 12, 2022
Third in the series, but told from a new POV—that of Amanda Harper, the new partner to Tempest Michael’s. She has no dogs, but does have a cop friend who is a bit too stereotypical of a sassy black woman who is penis and snacks crazy. Humor is down by over 50% possibly because of addition of another writer in the mix.
January 20, 2023
A lackluster effort describing Amanda's first solo case spent half the story talking about her romance
May 21, 2018
The ghost and a very determined woman go head to head
A good solid cozy. She is working out her notice with the police department when she get her first PI case. A local mall is having a spate of goods stolen from customers as they use the lifts. The strangest thing about it is that the thefts are said to be done by a ghost. Can she find out who or what is responsible? She is spunky and independent and is torn between two men. Her new boss and the millionaire she arrested previously - who if either will she end up with.
A good solid cozy. She is working out her notice with the police department when she get her first PI case. A local mall is having a spate of goods stolen from customers as they use the lifts. The strangest thing about it is that the thefts are said to be done by a ghost. Can she find out who or what is responsible? She is spunky and independent and is torn between two men. Her new boss and the millionaire she arrested previously - who if either will she end up with.
March 5, 2025
To be honest 3 seems a little harsh. More a 3.5. Enjoyed the mystery parts of this book but to much of it felt like a romance for my liking. Just not to my taste I guess. Writing was still good. Will still keep reading the series even when Amanda harper is the main protagonist as I have read Steve Higgs other series which was released after this and he also uses different protagonists including women and they were up there with some of the best I have read.
Enjoyable book just some of the romance parts were not for me.
Enjoyable book just some of the romance parts were not for me.
November 9, 2019
Worth a read, although the title seems to be having an identity crisis
Amanda has joined Tempest at his paranormal investigation agency, Blue Moon, while working her last shifts as a police officer. Tasked with investigating a ghost in lifts at a shopping centre, she solves the case relatively quickly. This was a no brainer really as I had come to the same conclusion of what was happening very early in the book.
Suitable for easy light reading, I didn't find it as "hilarious" as the blurb would lead you to believe, although there were some funny moments. Some of the editing leaves a bit to be desired but overall not a bad book, if you can overlook that and the changes of title.
Originally published as Can You Kick a Ghost in the Nuts? (The Harper Files #1; Blue Moon Investigations #2.5), then labelled "Spooky Shopping Mall: The Harper Files: Case 1", now renamed as "Amanda Harper Paranormal Detective: Blue Moon Investigations Book 3"
Amanda has joined Tempest at his paranormal investigation agency, Blue Moon, while working her last shifts as a police officer. Tasked with investigating a ghost in lifts at a shopping centre, she solves the case relatively quickly. This was a no brainer really as I had come to the same conclusion of what was happening very early in the book.
Suitable for easy light reading, I didn't find it as "hilarious" as the blurb would lead you to believe, although there were some funny moments. Some of the editing leaves a bit to be desired but overall not a bad book, if you can overlook that and the changes of title.
Originally published as Can You Kick a Ghost in the Nuts? (The Harper Files #1; Blue Moon Investigations #2.5), then labelled "Spooky Shopping Mall: The Harper Files: Case 1", now renamed as "Amanda Harper Paranormal Detective: Blue Moon Investigations Book 3"
July 10, 2018
Stephanie Plum has met her match in Amanda!
I'm fact, Lula has met hers too with Patience. I am thrilled to find a good action story with the perfect amount of humour. I am really going to enjoy these stories and finding an author that can add the snarky retorts. Enjoy!
I'm fact, Lula has met hers too with Patience. I am thrilled to find a good action story with the perfect amount of humour. I am really going to enjoy these stories and finding an author that can add the snarky retorts. Enjoy!
January 9, 2020
This was a very enjoyable short audiobook about Amanda Harper working out her notice period in Kent Police, she has already taken a new job as a Paranormal Investigator to work alongside with Tempest. Brett Barker, the single, athletic, multi-millionaire heir to the Barker family fortune he still wants to take Amanda on a date to Paris in his helicopter and she just dives into work.
Tempest has a case for her to look into: There is an elevator in a nearby shopping center that has a ghost in it. The specter has shown up on a photograph and people's belongings have gone missing from inside the lift without anyone getting on or off. The shopping center manager wants the case solved, but will she be able to bring the spook into the daylight and reveal its true nature? Amanda is still distracted at time Brett like sassy best friend and Police colleague Patience Woods predicts and just be too distracted to solve crimes?
I
Tempest has a case for her to look into: There is an elevator in a nearby shopping center that has a ghost in it. The specter has shown up on a photograph and people's belongings have gone missing from inside the lift without anyone getting on or off. The shopping center manager wants the case solved, but will she be able to bring the spook into the daylight and reveal its true nature? Amanda is still distracted at time Brett like sassy best friend and Police colleague Patience Woods predicts and just be too distracted to solve crimes?
I
June 17, 2022
"Amanda Harper Paranormal Investigator" marks a significant change in focus - this time the story is told from her viewpoint and Tempest isn't much in evidence.
As Amanda is pure of heart there is less room for the locker room humour so author Steve Higgs brings in a new character, PC Patience Woods, to dumb things down with colourful talk of her hoo-hah, nipple tassels and crotchless panties, etc.
Amanda's first investigation is into mysterious happenings in the lifts at a local mall. The lights go out and when they come back on items have been stolen. Much is made of high-tech equipment but, given the series' premise that there are no paranormal events, it's almost solved before she begins.
It could have done with a much tighter edit.
I'm still enjoying the series but I can't see myself reading much further unless there is an injection of tension ... maybe the lurking Klowns can provide it!
3 Stars.
As Amanda is pure of heart there is less room for the locker room humour so author Steve Higgs brings in a new character, PC Patience Woods, to dumb things down with colourful talk of her hoo-hah, nipple tassels and crotchless panties, etc.
Amanda's first investigation is into mysterious happenings in the lifts at a local mall. The lights go out and when they come back on items have been stolen. Much is made of high-tech equipment but, given the series' premise that there are no paranormal events, it's almost solved before she begins.
It could have done with a much tighter edit.
I'm still enjoying the series but I can't see myself reading much further unless there is an injection of tension ... maybe the lurking Klowns can provide it!
3 Stars.
April 12, 2019
It's a step up from policing.
Who would have thought that a ghost would betray itself by flatulence? That was not sulfur and brimstone we smelled.
This story had cartoonish stereotypes, but the way they were narrated kept us afloat on a level of detachment which softened them enough that we have to admit that our actual lives are just as outlandish, really.
Ms Amanda Harper is disillusioned by her career in policing and ready for a different sort of public service as a private investigator. Her first assignment, which overlaps with her final days on the force, delineates why she is a great fit for her new job at Blue Moon Investigations. She and her new boss have quite a bit in common, even in the sort of friendships they pursue-- a wacky cross-section of southeast England's best and worst.
May 10, 2019
Cute but needs development.
The characters are cliche and don’t read as genuine at all.
Relationships are hollow and false.
The protagonist is a female cop. She seems much too soft and naive to have spent any time working as a policewoman.
The casual police brutality is awful. A teenage boy makes come rude comments so he gets his nuts crushed by a female officer. Three other officers watch and gossip about how she once stripped two males and duct tapped them together face to groin. Its not humorous at all, but an abuse of power condoned by other officers. This isn’t something that fits with the personality of the protagonist at all.
The mystery that needs solving was obvious, which is always disappointing. If I can solve it myself well before the characters then I’m not gonna believe they are good investigators.
The characters are cliche and don’t read as genuine at all.
Relationships are hollow and false.
The protagonist is a female cop. She seems much too soft and naive to have spent any time working as a policewoman.
The casual police brutality is awful. A teenage boy makes come rude comments so he gets his nuts crushed by a female officer. Three other officers watch and gossip about how she once stripped two males and duct tapped them together face to groin. Its not humorous at all, but an abuse of power condoned by other officers. This isn’t something that fits with the personality of the protagonist at all.
The mystery that needs solving was obvious, which is always disappointing. If I can solve it myself well before the characters then I’m not gonna believe they are good investigators.
June 15, 2021
Famous Dad Helps... Relative?
I thoroughly enjoyed the first books in the series, so it was with great excitement I started this third one. To my disappointment the writing was amateur, utterly fascinated with the sexuality of the protagonist, and just a tad boring. I'm all for experienced writers helping beginners to get into their groove, but not at the expense of a good series, and especially when the series has only just begun.
It felt like Gemma Higgs has spent a lot of time reading the Janet Evanovich books and was copying the format. It was contrived, awkward, and stiff. Like a high school play. Given time, I'm sure she can develop her skills. However this was disappointing for me, as I was expecting something in the same quality of the first two books in the Tempest series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first books in the series, so it was with great excitement I started this third one. To my disappointment the writing was amateur, utterly fascinated with the sexuality of the protagonist, and just a tad boring. I'm all for experienced writers helping beginners to get into their groove, but not at the expense of a good series, and especially when the series has only just begun.
It felt like Gemma Higgs has spent a lot of time reading the Janet Evanovich books and was copying the format. It was contrived, awkward, and stiff. Like a high school play. Given time, I'm sure she can develop her skills. However this was disappointing for me, as I was expecting something in the same quality of the first two books in the Tempest series.
June 12, 2021
This was an ok story though somewhat predictable. The villain was obvious very early on. Very little humour unless you're the kind of reader who sniggers at smutty language/talk of bodily functions or genitalia and certainly nothing in this book makes me want to rush out for the next in the series.
The audiobook is further let down by a narrator who mispronounces numerous words and switches between rushing through with hardly a breath between sentences to a few places where there's a long pause between each sentence as though she's either having a drink/snack/toilet break or has lost her place in the book. There are several places where the audio repeats too.
All in all this is not one I'd recommend.
The audiobook is further let down by a narrator who mispronounces numerous words and switches between rushing through with hardly a breath between sentences to a few places where there's a long pause between each sentence as though she's either having a drink/snack/toilet break or has lost her place in the book. There are several places where the audio repeats too.
All in all this is not one I'd recommend.
February 23, 2022
Amanda Harper - ex police office now investigator for Blue Moon Investigations - has her first solo case. A local shopping centre has reported that some of their lifts are haunted. Images have been caught on camera phones and people have had their shopping stolen. Putting her police training and natural skepticism to good use it doesn't take Amanda long to work out what must be happening and she manages to successfully lay a trap for the 'ghost' with the help of her former colleague and friend Patience Wood.
A great introduction to the Amanda Harper side of Blue Moon Investigations and I look forward to reading more about her and her future cases, whether solo or in conjunction with Tempest Michaels.
A great introduction to the Amanda Harper side of Blue Moon Investigations and I look forward to reading more about her and her future cases, whether solo or in conjunction with Tempest Michaels.
February 5, 2019
Disappointing
The title sounded cute so I downloaded it but I wish I hadn’t. It was written poorly—it badly needs an editor, the story and character development were lacking (Stephanie Plum type wannabe) and it was too predictable.
Additionally the ending tried to engage the reader enough to keep reading the series when really it turned me off of it even more.
Lastly, the title question wasn’t relevant and that was the only thing that had drawn me to the book in the first place.
That being said it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, 1.5 stars
The title sounded cute so I downloaded it but I wish I hadn’t. It was written poorly—it badly needs an editor, the story and character development were lacking (Stephanie Plum type wannabe) and it was too predictable.
Additionally the ending tried to engage the reader enough to keep reading the series when really it turned me off of it even more.
Lastly, the title question wasn’t relevant and that was the only thing that had drawn me to the book in the first place.
That being said it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, 1.5 stars
March 19, 2019
Was an interesting story. Would have appreciated it more if it did not contain so many grammatical errors. I hate having to take a sentence and try to figure out how it should read so I know what the author is trying to tell me.
As to it being humorous, it left much to be desired. And a comparison to Stephanie Plum is ridiculous. Among other things none of Evanovich's books are crude. And this one most definitely was.
All in all, although this may be some people's bag, it is not my cup of tea.
As to it being humorous, it left much to be desired. And a comparison to Stephanie Plum is ridiculous. Among other things none of Evanovich's books are crude. And this one most definitely was.
All in all, although this may be some people's bag, it is not my cup of tea.
March 25, 2019
Satisfaction
It seems to be easier for people to believe in malignant spirits than to find a reasonable and realistic reason for mischief. Although getting proof can become difficult, modern electronics have helped overcome some of the obstacles.
Characters have been made relatable through their playing fast and loose with following police procedures to the letter, rather doing what it takes to get things done.
Sexual tension added to wisecracking dialogue makes this a fast reading page turner.
It seems to be easier for people to believe in malignant spirits than to find a reasonable and realistic reason for mischief. Although getting proof can become difficult, modern electronics have helped overcome some of the obstacles.
Characters have been made relatable through their playing fast and loose with following police procedures to the letter, rather doing what it takes to get things done.
Sexual tension added to wisecracking dialogue makes this a fast reading page turner.
July 11, 2023
With stereotypes abounding, this book doesn't really stand out on its own. Quite a letdown from the previous two in both quality of story and mystery. I had high hopes for this as a series, but it seems to be heading downhill after the first novel.
Overall, while entertaining, the over-the-top stereotypical characters and lack of any major points of interest outside of the drama of romance in this novel brings the whole series from above average to average. Hopefully, this all will turn around in the near future.
Overall, while entertaining, the over-the-top stereotypical characters and lack of any major points of interest outside of the drama of romance in this novel brings the whole series from above average to average. Hopefully, this all will turn around in the near future.
November 12, 2024
Amanda Harper Paranormal Detective by Steve Higgs is the first book in the Harper Files series and part of the Blue Moon Investigations series. Amanda Harper takes on her first case as a paranormal investigator looking into a suspected ghost in the lifts at a shopping centre. A fun book and I especially liked Patience, a fellow police officer and friend. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it focussed more on the mystery rather than with problems with Amanda's love life. A bit too short.
April 18, 2018
This is only the first four chapters and so can only have a limited review.
Amanda is working out her last few shifts with the police department before joining a paranormal detective agency.
The extract covers the paranormal event, her weekend to Paris with her new boyfriend and her morning at the police station. The story is only developing and so it's unclear what will happen in the rest of the story.
It's written well with Amanda being an engaging lead.
Amanda is working out her last few shifts with the police department before joining a paranormal detective agency.
The extract covers the paranormal event, her weekend to Paris with her new boyfriend and her morning at the police station. The story is only developing and so it's unclear what will happen in the rest of the story.
It's written well with Amanda being an engaging lead.
January 25, 2019
A quick read with some humor. I like the story of a cop that is going into the paranormal business of detective work. The story was cute and had humor mixed into. I liked the over all story and thought it good. I don't want to give spoilers. I wished I connected a little more with it as liked the basic story but I guess I just felt it needed a little more. If you want a short, cute read with humor mixed in give it a try as it was worth a read.
February 13, 2019
Interesting Mystery
Fun characters, interesting mystery. This was not a full size book, but a lot was captured in the novella. It was fast paced, not overly complex mystery. I pretty much guessed who did it and how about three quarters through the book. It was fun seeing how the heroine caught her bad guy. Also of interest was the potential love triangle. Which hottie will she choose?
Fun characters, interesting mystery. This was not a full size book, but a lot was captured in the novella. It was fast paced, not overly complex mystery. I pretty much guessed who did it and how about three quarters through the book. It was fun seeing how the heroine caught her bad guy. Also of interest was the potential love triangle. Which hottie will she choose?
February 17, 2019
I've read the first couple of chapters, four exactly, of this book in a kind of free peek. Based on the first chapter, the series seems to be fun filled, with enough mystery/paranormal interest to hold the reader's attention. There also appears to be a romance angle brewing, but in fact two. And there's also the big mouth good meaning friend that's more trouble than help. Should be a good series.
March 18, 2019
A New Debut
Amanda Harper has her first case as a paranormal investigator for the Blue Moon Investigations Agency involving a case of a ghost in an elevator in a run down shopping center in this debut novella. I found this book not as funny or enjoyable as the Tempest Michaels novels but hopefully the next novels in the series will be better. Recommend for people who have read any of the Tempest Michaels novels by Steve Higgs.
Amanda Harper has her first case as a paranormal investigator for the Blue Moon Investigations Agency involving a case of a ghost in an elevator in a run down shopping center in this debut novella. I found this book not as funny or enjoyable as the Tempest Michaels novels but hopefully the next novels in the series will be better. Recommend for people who have read any of the Tempest Michaels novels by Steve Higgs.
March 23, 2019
Stereotype central
I know this book is supposed to be humorous, but it was just so full of stereotypes, patients, had to love chicken, sound borderline illiterate, be overweight, short tempered, loud, overly opinionated about sex men and other things, and just plain stereotypical, this book just made me sick I didn’t enjoy anything about it, the characters were stereotypes and or bland, the mystery was awful, and I definitely just did not enjoy anything about this read
I know this book is supposed to be humorous, but it was just so full of stereotypes, patients, had to love chicken, sound borderline illiterate, be overweight, short tempered, loud, overly opinionated about sex men and other things, and just plain stereotypical, this book just made me sick I didn’t enjoy anything about it, the characters were stereotypes and or bland, the mystery was awful, and I definitely just did not enjoy anything about this read
April 9, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and this is my honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and this is my honest review.
October 17, 2021
Best one so far! I don't know how but Mr. Higgs writes from a female viewpoint nearly as well as from the male. Amanda is cool from several angles; looks, the cop angle, athletic, intelligent and a good sense of humor. (Check out her partner; maybe a bit sterotypical but I love her.) I figured out the gimmick too quickly so the non-ghost was not surprising. I expect the series to get even better from here. Reommended.
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.
June 15, 2023
I wouldn't give this one star if I didn't have to do so in order to write my review. So, once again, the entire story is filled with superfluous racial tropes, sexual exploits, and juvenile hormonal behaviors that add absolutely nothing to the story. Who the culprit is, at least for me, was sussed out after the first meeting of this individual. The rest of the book could go into the shredder. Simply a waste.
October 20, 2025
This the third book in the series, and shorter than the previous ones. This is Amanda's first case she must handle alone. It involves a ghost in an elevator at a shopping center who is scaring off the shoppers. Amanda must solve the haunting before more people are frightened. Fun story, and it introduces Amanda's best friend Patience, who was alot of fun so I hope she comes along for more mysteries.
September 15, 2018
Amanda is working out her two weeks notice from the police department and transitioning into her new job as an investigator for Blue Moon Paranormal Investigations. She asks her zany coworker Patience to give her a hand with her first assignment only to find out that Patience fears ghosts. Lots of fun complete with a personal laugh and groan situation at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews