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Blue Moon Investigations #4
The Klowns of Kent
There might be no such thing as werewolves, vampires or ghosts but apparently evil, dickhead Klowns are real.
Tempest Michaels is once again investigating ridiculous cases that are clearly not even slightly paranormal in nature but his daily menu of fun is interrupted by a plague of men dressed in garish outfits with twisted clown make-up as they terrorise the Kent towns and villages with ever escalating and more frequent attacks.
If they were not enough of a nuisance he has foolishly employed a woman he is utterly in love with. Trying to ignore Mr Wriggly’s thoughts about what to do with his new colleague, he goes after his silver medal, a girl he lusted after years ago at school, but while Mr Wriggly might not care tuppence about the difference, is Tempest’s heart really in it?
The Klowns should be a case for the police to solve but their leader appears to have a serious beef with Tempest and they are coming for him and anyone that gets between them. Who are the Klowns? What do they want? And what's with the ridiculous smiles?
Throw in a demonic possession, a restaurant with ghostly footsteps and some more meddling by his mother, it looks like another entertaining week for Kent’s best Paranormal Investigator.
Tempest Michaels is once again investigating ridiculous cases that are clearly not even slightly paranormal in nature but his daily menu of fun is interrupted by a plague of men dressed in garish outfits with twisted clown make-up as they terrorise the Kent towns and villages with ever escalating and more frequent attacks.
If they were not enough of a nuisance he has foolishly employed a woman he is utterly in love with. Trying to ignore Mr Wriggly’s thoughts about what to do with his new colleague, he goes after his silver medal, a girl he lusted after years ago at school, but while Mr Wriggly might not care tuppence about the difference, is Tempest’s heart really in it?
The Klowns should be a case for the police to solve but their leader appears to have a serious beef with Tempest and they are coming for him and anyone that gets between them. Who are the Klowns? What do they want? And what's with the ridiculous smiles?
Throw in a demonic possession, a restaurant with ghostly footsteps and some more meddling by his mother, it looks like another entertaining week for Kent’s best Paranormal Investigator.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
310 people are currently reading
229 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 59 reviews
August 4, 2022
The only reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 was due to the narrator. It was a bit monotone.
January 20, 2023
At this point I look at this series as light reading. Nothing too heavy to work out your brain. Tempest Michaels, paranormal investigator, as he doesn't believe in the paranormal is more of a debunker.
The is a group of hoodlums dressed as clowns going around scaring folks at first, before escalating to assault before finally murder. They appear to have a hard on for Tempest and have targeted him for some reason.
The is a group of hoodlums dressed as clowns going around scaring folks at first, before escalating to assault before finally murder. They appear to have a hard on for Tempest and have targeted him for some reason.
June 13, 2022
Another in the series. A fun break from LIT-ER-A-TURE. All the cliched characters and especially the doggos—a couple of Black and Tan Dachshunds. Killer Klowns (not from outer space).
Side note: this is available free on Kindle Unlimited, the series in a block. Good timing for when I need mindlessness.
Side note: this is available free on Kindle Unlimited, the series in a block. Good timing for when I need mindlessness.
December 27, 2018
Tempest Michaels and his friends hit it out of the park once again, thwarting a murderous gang which is making southeast England unsafe not only for the general populace but especially for innocent children's entertainers.
There is also a new attraction at the local castle for horror fans, called the Rochester Bloodfest, and the Klowns gang are poised to take it over. With the help of his prospective partner PC Amanda Harper and the staff of Mystery Men Booksellers, Blue Moon Investigations are set to prevent that disaster.
Meanwhile Tempest also solves the cases of a 'haunted' restaurant and a supposed 'demonic possession' before his underworld stalker quits trying for insane revenge for annoyances unknown. The dachshund brothers Bull and Dozer, are an immense help, as always, in charming the allies and hindering the foes.
There is also a new attraction at the local castle for horror fans, called the Rochester Bloodfest, and the Klowns gang are poised to take it over. With the help of his prospective partner PC Amanda Harper and the staff of Mystery Men Booksellers, Blue Moon Investigations are set to prevent that disaster.
Meanwhile Tempest also solves the cases of a 'haunted' restaurant and a supposed 'demonic possession' before his underworld stalker quits trying for insane revenge for annoyances unknown. The dachshund brothers Bull and Dozer, are an immense help, as always, in charming the allies and hindering the foes.
February 25, 2022
This time Tempest Michaels is investigating a rash of crimes committed by Klowns which include murder, assault and vandalism. It is only when he is targeted by them personally that he decides it is time to further investigate their activities. It doesn't take much to see that their attacks don't make much sense when it comes to reason or even the victims being connected. But some deep delving and a brainwave soon reveal the factors behind the crimes, and finally also the reason for the concerted attempts on Michaels' life. It brings to an end the group of stories in the first four novels going back to the first novel and the events within.
An excellent book and I have already begun to read the next in the series.
An excellent book and I have already begun to read the next in the series.
June 18, 2022
I thought that the short novella, "Zombie Granny", was odd and now I figure I know why - it should have been the first chapter of "The Klowns of Kent."
At last the case of the Klowns comes to the fore. They've gone from just being bloody annoying to downright dangerous and, for reasons unknown, they are determined to take Tempest down.
And, the success of the Blue Moon Agency has brought another detective to the area - this time one who actually believes in the paranormal.
Big Ben is, as usual, shagging anything that wears a skirt (with the exception of Jane!), and finds himself 'imprisoned' in hospital by sex-crazed NHS employees.
The final carnival scene is great fun and, for the first time, brings a touch of genuine darkness to the series.
4 Stars.
At last the case of the Klowns comes to the fore. They've gone from just being bloody annoying to downright dangerous and, for reasons unknown, they are determined to take Tempest down.
And, the success of the Blue Moon Agency has brought another detective to the area - this time one who actually believes in the paranormal.
Big Ben is, as usual, shagging anything that wears a skirt (with the exception of Jane!), and finds himself 'imprisoned' in hospital by sex-crazed NHS employees.
The final carnival scene is great fun and, for the first time, brings a touch of genuine darkness to the series.
4 Stars.
October 28, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series. So far I've enjoyed everything I've read by Mr. HIggs. The British humor is quite dry compared to our American version; but, I'm quite amused by it. The puppies, Big Ben, Jane/James, and all the other elements are great fun. I'll leave it to your reading to find out why Big Dick and his friends are so funny and it's not because they're the real clowns as opposed to the murderous scary Klowns. And even though the 'paranormal' is up for hilarity and mocking, there are still serious and sober notes of real murder and mayhem by the not-paranormal villains. Recommended.
June 19, 2022
Light and fun
I’m surprised that I like these books. I’m
a 73 year old woman and these are not my usual type of story. But Tempest is very funny and I enjoy following his very detailed description of his life, including every time he feeds his dogs. He has an interesting array of characters around him: Amanda, Patience, Big Ben, his retired parents, and even Mr Wriggly. This story was a bit bizarre as he differentiated the Klowns from the clowns. And I have to say I don’t enjoy the graphic detail of the physical fights he gets into while doing his investigations. But to those who have trained for such things it may be very interesting.
I’m surprised that I like these books. I’m
a 73 year old woman and these are not my usual type of story. But Tempest is very funny and I enjoy following his very detailed description of his life, including every time he feeds his dogs. He has an interesting array of characters around him: Amanda, Patience, Big Ben, his retired parents, and even Mr Wriggly. This story was a bit bizarre as he differentiated the Klowns from the clowns. And I have to say I don’t enjoy the graphic detail of the physical fights he gets into while doing his investigations. But to those who have trained for such things it may be very interesting.
October 19, 2024
The Klowns of Kent by Steve Higgs is the 3rd book in the Blue Moon Investigations series. Evil Klowns are attacking people seemingly randomly and becoming more aggressive resulting in deaths and paranormal investigator Tempest Michaels finds himself targetted. A fun, fast paced mystery. Tempest continues to have problems with his lovelife but no wonder considering the way he keeps letting the women down. Very much like the Scooby Doo mysteries but with two little dachshunds. I like that there is always a logical explanation rather than any supernatural forces at work. Plenty of action and plenty of humour but could do without Big Ben's sexual exploits.
October 9, 2022
To be honest, this one dragged a bit and there were several continuity issues at the end. I didn't understand how Tempest made jump from not knowing to knowing who was the leader of the Klowns. Also another character was dead but either, I missed where he learned that info or it was never mentioned in the readers' presence.
The author also violated the Show not Tell rule with a critical conversation toward the end of the book by stating that the interviewee gave the info to Tempest and then having Tempest relate it to the reader on the following page.
The author also violated the Show not Tell rule with a critical conversation toward the end of the book by stating that the interviewee gave the info to Tempest and then having Tempest relate it to the reader on the following page.
May 7, 2023
The horror and urban fantasy elements are not very strong, though the premise of the series hints that the supernatural is much more understated than it is in most other urban fantasies. That aspect is not really a problem, anyway, as the investigations are still of the strange variety.
This book's tone seems much more adventurous than supernatural though. It also has a good dose of humor, like a mix between Shaun of the Dead and Psych.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one soon, as it seems like it will be more atmospheric.
This book's tone seems much more adventurous than supernatural though. It also has a good dose of humor, like a mix between Shaun of the Dead and Psych.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one soon, as it seems like it will be more atmospheric.
August 28, 2023
You think the jokes would be better in a book about clowns… until you realize that they are killer klowns! And that would be about as bad as the puns that exist here in this book.
A decent story with a predictable bad guy, I had figured out his identity early, most people would. Past that the book is solid and a step up from what was turning into an average series.
Overall, a decent read. One that adds more to the side characters as well as entertaining with the antics of the main character. There was a twist I didn’t see coming towards the end, so be prepared.
A decent story with a predictable bad guy, I had figured out his identity early, most people would. Past that the book is solid and a step up from what was turning into an average series.
Overall, a decent read. One that adds more to the side characters as well as entertaining with the antics of the main character. There was a twist I didn’t see coming towards the end, so be prepared.
November 28, 2025
Okay this one was my favorite of the series so far. All over England a group of people dressed up as clowns have been attacking, robbing, and even killing some people. At first all the attacks appear random, but Tempest is sure it is not. After his own attack he begins to realize that these attacks might just aimed directly at him. With his team on board, and some hard earned research, can Tempest and the rest of the team find out what is really going on. A lot of action scenes in this one, and I keep falling in love with the entire team. This is a great series.
May 8, 2021
The Klowns of Kent
I was led to Steve Highs books via a video of a lady gripped by hysterical laughter , I have not been disappointed and even more surprising I had no idea The Blue Moon investigations is set in Kent where I have lived my whole life and so when Steve mentions Maidstone hospital which I have visited frequently it brings a whole new level to the mystery. I'm now off to Cornwall one of my favorite holiday destinations to see what's afoot there.
I was led to Steve Highs books via a video of a lady gripped by hysterical laughter , I have not been disappointed and even more surprising I had no idea The Blue Moon investigations is set in Kent where I have lived my whole life and so when Steve mentions Maidstone hospital which I have visited frequently it brings a whole new level to the mystery. I'm now off to Cornwall one of my favorite holiday destinations to see what's afoot there.
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.
July 23, 2018
The Klowns of Kent is another fun read!
I enjoyed all the intertwining plots and the fun stories of the PI and his buddies. Makes it sound like lots of fun for overgrown boy scouts. If you need a few laughs, please don't miss this series. It has make this week so much fun!! I need to rent the dogs, too.
I enjoyed all the intertwining plots and the fun stories of the PI and his buddies. Makes it sound like lots of fun for overgrown boy scouts. If you need a few laughs, please don't miss this series. It has make this week so much fun!! I need to rent the dogs, too.
October 7, 2019
Excellent English detective story and the exploits of he, his friends, family and two precious dachshunds. The detective, Tempest Michaels, gets into all manner of difficult situations, some funny some deadly serious, but I definitely enjoyed reading them I highly recommend this and all of the other books in this series.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
July 10, 2020
Enjoyable light reading
Fluff but not nonsense. Not complex. No angst. No harems. You won't hate yourself for reading it.
However do expect a tremendous number of typos and missed sentences (not mixed up, but rather swung on and failed to connect).
As to why 3 stars:
0 - Don't bother
1 - Poor work
2 - Nearly worth it
3 - Worth reading
4 - Should Read
5 - Must Read
Fluff but not nonsense. Not complex. No angst. No harems. You won't hate yourself for reading it.
However do expect a tremendous number of typos and missed sentences (not mixed up, but rather swung on and failed to connect).
As to why 3 stars:
0 - Don't bother
1 - Poor work
2 - Nearly worth it
3 - Worth reading
4 - Should Read
5 - Must Read
September 8, 2020
Evil clowns are no joke!
This story was filled with very nasty baddies who were relentless. But the humourous parts kept it from becoming overbearing. Big Ben's problems become hilarious and helps buffer the awful things the bad guys keep doing. Laugh out loud funny parts that make it such a great read. Another great story by a great author!
This story was filled with very nasty baddies who were relentless. But the humourous parts kept it from becoming overbearing. Big Ben's problems become hilarious and helps buffer the awful things the bad guys keep doing. Laugh out loud funny parts that make it such a great read. Another great story by a great author!
May 23, 2022
This series just gets better and better.
An old adversary from the first book in the series returns as a new persona. What an imagination Higgs has. I put off reading this series because of the term "paranormal investigations" until I realized that Temple takes cases to prove there is no such thing as paranormal activity.
An old adversary from the first book in the series returns as a new persona. What an imagination Higgs has. I put off reading this series because of the term "paranormal investigations" until I realized that Temple takes cases to prove there is no such thing as paranormal activity.
July 13, 2022
Interested in the paranormal with a strong dose of reality?
Wonderful cast of quirky characters that I want for friends. A flawed but noble PI solving puzzles and mysterious goings on with a suspected paranormal undercurrent. Good fun with reasonable outcomes that cast light on oooh, spooky!
Wonderful cast of quirky characters that I want for friends. A flawed but noble PI solving puzzles and mysterious goings on with a suspected paranormal undercurrent. Good fun with reasonable outcomes that cast light on oooh, spooky!
August 20, 2022
If you are looking for a wonderful series to get into with great characters, mysteries that need to be solved, a little but of romance thrown in, then this one is for you! I love everything about it and especially that if is in Kindle Unlimited which allows more to keep reading one book right after the other.
September 12, 2022
This ties together an earlier story. Pretty violent. Poor Tempest cannot seem to make a date and keep it. Granted, he is on heavy pain meds and falling asleep easily. When he is specifically targeted by the Klowns he digs in his heels and gets to the bottom of it. A complicated connection handled very well by the author.
November 4, 2023
More
This was suspenseful as the prior books, but this on was a tad more violent. It goes to show how crazy Klowns can get.
One thing that was driving me crazy is the words "was stood". The writer uses it several times in his books. I believe the correct wording should be " was standing". I could be wrong, as I am not an English major. What do you other readers think?
This was suspenseful as the prior books, but this on was a tad more violent. It goes to show how crazy Klowns can get.
One thing that was driving me crazy is the words "was stood". The writer uses it several times in his books. I believe the correct wording should be " was standing". I could be wrong, as I am not an English major. What do you other readers think?
October 4, 2024
Wow what a tangled road through the mystery of the Klowns and they mayhem and murder they caused. As you travel the convoluted path through this mystery there are twists and turns and sidebars and more than a few surprises along the way. Higgs manages to wrap you in the story and build suspense until the big reveal which is a complete shock. Great read.
June 23, 2018
Brilliant read
Great series, a fun read laugh out loud funny. Characters are interesting and likable. The dogs are a delight! The chaos and mayhem that follows each case does not disappoint.
Great series, a fun read laugh out loud funny. Characters are interesting and likable. The dogs are a delight! The chaos and mayhem that follows each case does not disappoint.
August 20, 2018
Forget recapping the plot, the publisher's blurb is good enough for that. Anyway, the best parts are the dachshunds, the laughs, the characters, the laughs, and the dachshunds. Where were these books when I was still wired after 12 to 16 hour shifts! ?
August 27, 2019
Another entertaining story in the Blue Moon Saga
I warmed more to this story than the others, I suppose because the characters are familiar thus making it easier to settle straight into the story.
I like the character although very blokey he still is a decent chap.
I warmed more to this story than the others, I suppose because the characters are familiar thus making it easier to settle straight into the story.
I like the character although very blokey he still is a decent chap.
December 22, 2020
Oh yeah, Mr. Higgs has found his voice for Tempest Michaels. This novel is really enjoyable - great characters and story development, well described action (I had no trouble understanding what was happening), and an excellent mystery. Well done! So glad there are so many more stories to read.
May 22, 2021
Very good
I start reading the series just to see if I liked the story , turns out that I love it , I'm going to start the 5th book now . what I like the most that is about something real that it happened with a humorous twist
I start reading the series just to see if I liked the story , turns out that I love it , I'm going to start the 5th book now . what I like the most that is about something real that it happened with a humorous twist
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews