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Moonlight Becomes You
The Eidola Project investigates a series of attacks upon the African American community in Petersburg, Virginia, rumored to be caused by a werewolf, but the local KKK is dead-set against their involvement. Danger awaits them all in this post-Civil War supernatural mystery.
The entire Eidola Project Series won "Best Paranormal/Horror Series" in PRG's Reviewer's Choice Awards.
The entire Eidola Project Series won "Best Paranormal/Horror Series" in PRG's Reviewer's Choice Awards.
265 pages, ebook
Published March 15, 2021
5 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Robert Herold
18 books219 followersThe supernatural always had the allure of forbidden fruit, ever since Robert Herold’s mother refused to allow him, as a boy, to watch creature features on late night TV. She caved in. (Well, not literally.)
As a child, fresh snow provided him the opportunity to walk out onto neighbors’ lawns halfway and then make paw prints with his fingers as far as he could stretch. He would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn. (They were skeptical.)
He has pursued many interests over the years (among them being a history teacher and a musician), but the supernatural always called to him. You could say he was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call, he wrote The Eidola Project, based on a germ of an idea he had as a teenager. He's been writing like a demon ever since.
Ultimately, he hopes his books give you the creeps, and he means that in the best way possible.
As a child, fresh snow provided him the opportunity to walk out onto neighbors’ lawns halfway and then make paw prints with his fingers as far as he could stretch. He would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn. (They were skeptical.)
He has pursued many interests over the years (among them being a history teacher and a musician), but the supernatural always called to him. You could say he was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call, he wrote The Eidola Project, based on a germ of an idea he had as a teenager. He's been writing like a demon ever since.
Ultimately, he hopes his books give you the creeps, and he means that in the best way possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 30, 2022
This is the second book in the Eidola Project series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely preferred this one to the first one!
Moonlight Becomes You follows the team of the Eidola Project as they are called to a small town experiencing strange beast attacks. However, some in the town don’t want them involved.
I really enjoyed coming back to these characters. Nigel went through so much growth in this book, I loved to see him developing as a character. I really hated him in the first book, but my opinion is slowly starting to change. I really enjoyed the way this was written, it had a great pace and I found myself wanting to keep reading.
I really liked that Robert touches on some important topics in this book, primarily racism. I will never stop finding events of the past (and sadly the present) truly horrifying. However, it is done with a great sensitivity which helped to keep a relatively up-beat feel to the book. The writing really grounds you in the period which created a wonderful and haunting atmosphere. Although I had not guessed who the beast was, I wasn’t overly shocked by the reveal. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I would recommend this series to fans of historical fiction grounded in paranormal themes. Although this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first book initially as it gives more insight into the characters. I want to thank Robert Herold for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
Moonlight Becomes You follows the team of the Eidola Project as they are called to a small town experiencing strange beast attacks. However, some in the town don’t want them involved.
I really enjoyed coming back to these characters. Nigel went through so much growth in this book, I loved to see him developing as a character. I really hated him in the first book, but my opinion is slowly starting to change. I really enjoyed the way this was written, it had a great pace and I found myself wanting to keep reading.
I really liked that Robert touches on some important topics in this book, primarily racism. I will never stop finding events of the past (and sadly the present) truly horrifying. However, it is done with a great sensitivity which helped to keep a relatively up-beat feel to the book. The writing really grounds you in the period which created a wonderful and haunting atmosphere. Although I had not guessed who the beast was, I wasn’t overly shocked by the reveal. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I would recommend this series to fans of historical fiction grounded in paranormal themes. Although this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first book initially as it gives more insight into the characters. I want to thank Robert Herold for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
January 12, 2025
So my initial confusion with this book is whether it was part of a series, or a standalone book, including some of the characters from another work by the author. There is no indication on the cover, title, or synopsis on Goodreads, but then Amazon showed something different. Again, just confusing for anyone not familiar with this author or his works. Beyond that, I felt the book was overly-laden with dialogue and hopped around to the different members of the Eidola Project too much. I'm not sure if reading the first book with this group would give a more developed background to everyone and bring more interest, but by itself, this did not accomplish that. I thought the concepts, plot, and execution were decent, but nothing really pulled me in. Even with the inclusion of the werewolf, I found myself speed reading to the finish line as the book felt much longer than it's reasonable 200 pages. The writing is also well-done, but my overall experience here would not bring me back to this author.
April 9, 2021
The Eidola Project team is called to investigate a series of gruesome murders that are occurring within a black community in the south when the pastor of the church reaches out to them and fears there is something supernatural about these murders. The year is 1865 and the South is very heavy with racism so the team thinks the killings could be linked to the KKK but if there is the possibility of anything paranormal being involved it is their job to try to learn, understand and solve any type of paranormal happenings that are brought to their attention since paranormal research is fairly new there is nothing that could have prepared them for the horrors they will encounter and the horror of humanity as well.
This was a very enjoyable, clever and entertaining story about early paranormal researchers who take their work very seriously. The are a team of five, a professor of psychology, a doctor or science, another professor who is a recovering alcoholic, a woman with medium abilities and another woman with more psychic talents who also seems to have a bit of secret drug addiction. The book tackles racism throughout the story especially since the doctor also happens to be a black man so there are plenty of cringe worthy and horrific incidents that were sad, anger inducing and appalling. One would think with all the ugliness this wou!d be a bleak and depressing book but the writer handles many situations with a light touch of humor that makes this story very entertaining and a lot of fun. This book is part of a series so I am looking to reading more about this eclectic paranormal team's adventures in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys something different with great storytelling and a touch of humor to lighten the tension on difficult topics.
I want to thank the publisher "The Rose Tree Press" for th opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this story a rating of 3 1/2 Adventurous 🌟🌟🌟✴ Stars!!
This was a very enjoyable, clever and entertaining story about early paranormal researchers who take their work very seriously. The are a team of five, a professor of psychology, a doctor or science, another professor who is a recovering alcoholic, a woman with medium abilities and another woman with more psychic talents who also seems to have a bit of secret drug addiction. The book tackles racism throughout the story especially since the doctor also happens to be a black man so there are plenty of cringe worthy and horrific incidents that were sad, anger inducing and appalling. One would think with all the ugliness this wou!d be a bleak and depressing book but the writer handles many situations with a light touch of humor that makes this story very entertaining and a lot of fun. This book is part of a series so I am looking to reading more about this eclectic paranormal team's adventures in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys something different with great storytelling and a touch of humor to lighten the tension on difficult topics.
I want to thank the publisher "The Rose Tree Press" for th opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this story a rating of 3 1/2 Adventurous 🌟🌟🌟✴ Stars!!
April 16, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU (An Eidola Project Novel Book #2) by Robert Herold is an intriguing and entertaining historical paranormal horror story set in rural Virginia twenty years after the Civil War. The Eidola Project team come together in Book #1 “The Eidola Project” and while each book has a complete paranormal investigation, I feel it is best to read these books in order due to the continued character revelations and interactions.
Dr. William James and the other paranormal investigators on the Eidola team have been asked to investigate a series of mutilation murders within a small black community in Petersburg, Virginia. The team does not know at first if they are dealing with human monsters riding as the KKK or a true werewolf. It soon becomes apparent they are dealing with both.
This book is such a wonderful mix of paranormal horror and historical reality. The author does an amazing job of mixing and balancing both throughout the entire story. The Eidola Project team is an eclectic group that take their research seriously, but also each have their own very human foibles and weaknesses. All the team members and secondary characters are fully fleshed and time-period appropriate. This book kept me captivated from start to finish even though it is not your typical paranormal werewolf story.
I highly recommend this historical paranormal horror story, series and author!
MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU (An Eidola Project Novel Book #2) by Robert Herold is an intriguing and entertaining historical paranormal horror story set in rural Virginia twenty years after the Civil War. The Eidola Project team come together in Book #1 “The Eidola Project” and while each book has a complete paranormal investigation, I feel it is best to read these books in order due to the continued character revelations and interactions.
Dr. William James and the other paranormal investigators on the Eidola team have been asked to investigate a series of mutilation murders within a small black community in Petersburg, Virginia. The team does not know at first if they are dealing with human monsters riding as the KKK or a true werewolf. It soon becomes apparent they are dealing with both.
This book is such a wonderful mix of paranormal horror and historical reality. The author does an amazing job of mixing and balancing both throughout the entire story. The Eidola Project team is an eclectic group that take their research seriously, but also each have their own very human foibles and weaknesses. All the team members and secondary characters are fully fleshed and time-period appropriate. This book kept me captivated from start to finish even though it is not your typical paranormal werewolf story.
I highly recommend this historical paranormal horror story, series and author!
February 24, 2021
A horror story about a werewolf that is just a werewolf is rare these days. This is a good old-fashioned werewolf scare - just add the KKK and you have evil in many forms. Moonlight Becomes You is exceptional in pacing and storytelling. The reader is captivated in myriad ways. One can be caught up in Nigel's story which is compelling and brilliantly told. The accurate period romance of Edgar and Saphne is also gripping. Annabelle's battle with internal demons is another great story. Add to that the hunt for a werewolf who attacks the African American community in post-Civil War America. On top of that, the scion of humanity the KKK is flourishing there.
The thought occurs when reading the detailed descriptions of the Klan that they were brought under control. When one despairs that evil groups today can't be controlled, remember the KKK no longer runs rampant as they once did. Right can overcome evil, sometimes it just takes time.
Moonlight Becomes You was a great read from start to finish. There are enough questions left unanswered that simply demand a third book. The characters are beautifully written and following their journeys is addictive. A fantastic book I recommend to any paranormal reader. If you were lucky enough to read the first Eidola Project, you must own this book. A great read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The thought occurs when reading the detailed descriptions of the Klan that they were brought under control. When one despairs that evil groups today can't be controlled, remember the KKK no longer runs rampant as they once did. Right can overcome evil, sometimes it just takes time.
Moonlight Becomes You was a great read from start to finish. There are enough questions left unanswered that simply demand a third book. The characters are beautifully written and following their journeys is addictive. A fantastic book I recommend to any paranormal reader. If you were lucky enough to read the first Eidola Project, you must own this book. A great read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
March 6, 2021
Robert Herold's sequel to "The Eidola Project" hits all the right notes! You'll enjoy, as I did, the father of American psychology, William James, and his small band of paranormal investigators, plumbing the depths of a mystery not soon to be forgotten. I received an advance readers' copy of "Moonlight Becomes You" in exchange for an honest review.
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August 5, 2022As in the first of this engaging Paranormal Historical series, this author has a distinct gift of bringing to extraordinary vivid life the deeply ingrained and complexly rooted racism, sexism, and bigotry of the latter 19th century. Reading this Series is to feel part of the victimized characters struggling against institutionalized bigotry and prejudice. All this, set to a backdrop of Supernatural terror and revelatory character arcs, involving some actual historical personages and events, brings an engrossing perspective.
April 12, 2021
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets Lovecraft Country
There’s lots to fear in the post war South, particularly for a small, rural black community with a werewolf problem. Who ya gonna call when a bogey wolf is eating share-croppers, and the local authorities are just another extension of the Ku Klux Klan? Reverend Green, priest of the local Baptist church, reaches out to a unique group of scientists and psychics from the North called the Eidola Project. This elite collection of five talented and tortured intellectuals do their best to discover the nature of the town’s paranormal nightmare. Uncovering the truth about the were-wolf is only the first step. The team members of the Eidola project must find a way to stop the beast before they fall victim as well.
I love finding speculative fiction stories with unusual settings! Add in a deft writing style and wonderfully flawed characters and The Eidola Project novels have just made my favorite series list. For me, the beautifully described backdrop of post-civil war African American life was fascinating. Mr. Herold doesn’t shy away from the tough topic of racism and the very real dangers for black people in this time period. Instead, he very honestly weaves that reality into the setting so that it becomes another element in the lush world-building and layers of horror that will keep readers riveted and turning pages. This dark and chilling tale comes with a side of romance that is also sure to please.
There’s lots to fear in the post war South, particularly for a small, rural black community with a werewolf problem. Who ya gonna call when a bogey wolf is eating share-croppers, and the local authorities are just another extension of the Ku Klux Klan? Reverend Green, priest of the local Baptist church, reaches out to a unique group of scientists and psychics from the North called the Eidola Project. This elite collection of five talented and tortured intellectuals do their best to discover the nature of the town’s paranormal nightmare. Uncovering the truth about the were-wolf is only the first step. The team members of the Eidola project must find a way to stop the beast before they fall victim as well.
I love finding speculative fiction stories with unusual settings! Add in a deft writing style and wonderfully flawed characters and The Eidola Project novels have just made my favorite series list. For me, the beautifully described backdrop of post-civil war African American life was fascinating. Mr. Herold doesn’t shy away from the tough topic of racism and the very real dangers for black people in this time period. Instead, he very honestly weaves that reality into the setting so that it becomes another element in the lush world-building and layers of horror that will keep readers riveted and turning pages. This dark and chilling tale comes with a side of romance that is also sure to please.
February 26, 2021
"Moonlight Becomes You" – an advance copy of which I received in exchange for this review – is the sequel to “The Eidola Project”, which launched author Herold’s team of paranormal investigators into the world of late 19th Century America. "Moonlight" finds the newly minted quintet of paranormal investigators summoned to reconstructionist Petersburg, Virginia by a black pastor whose community has been terrorized by a series of flamboyantly grisly deaths. Excising this demon, whose mayhem expands as it is provoked, awakens private demons within members of the paranormal task-force which must be excised as well. The atmosphere of menace is exacerbated by the intervention and violence of the Ku Klux Klan.
Herold maneuvers his cast of characters through this Gothic plot of multiple spinning plates with a sure grasp of pacing, an observant eye for detail, a keen understanding of history and the social mores of the time about which he writes, and a sharp ear for the cadence of creepiness. The reader can only anticipate the further blossoming of these talents as this series of paranormal romps down the fog-shrouded by-ways of “gaslight” America continues.
Well worth the read.
Herold maneuvers his cast of characters through this Gothic plot of multiple spinning plates with a sure grasp of pacing, an observant eye for detail, a keen understanding of history and the social mores of the time about which he writes, and a sharp ear for the cadence of creepiness. The reader can only anticipate the further blossoming of these talents as this series of paranormal romps down the fog-shrouded by-ways of “gaslight” America continues.
Well worth the read.
February 26, 2021
This book takes the reader into the world of paranormal investigation through the eyes of the personally flawed Eidola Project researchers. You meet these researchers right away and learn to appreciate the talents as well as their weaknesses..
Moonlight Becomes You takes us on another paranormal investigation in Petersburg, Virginia. This story takes place about 20 years after the civil war where they are clearly still fighting the civil war in their minds. The fast paced action mixes a community involved KKK and the rumor of a werewolf. The Eidola Project Researchers are there to investigate a series of murders in the Black community. The book takes us on a action packed ride mixing paranormal with reality...it is not one to be missed!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...
Moonlight Becomes You takes us on another paranormal investigation in Petersburg, Virginia. This story takes place about 20 years after the civil war where they are clearly still fighting the civil war in their minds. The fast paced action mixes a community involved KKK and the rumor of a werewolf. The Eidola Project Researchers are there to investigate a series of murders in the Black community. The book takes us on a action packed ride mixing paranormal with reality...it is not one to be missed!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...
February 25, 2021
It was fun to travel with the Eidola group on their second scary journey. Werewolves and witches and Klansmen, oh my! So many frightening beings. Who are the real monsters, the ones that roam at full moon, or the ones who ride horses through the night with their torches and white robes and by day masquerade as pillars of the community?
Into this fiendish mix drop the members of the Eidola Project, each of them battling their own personal demons as they attempt to solve the mystery of who or what is behind the vicious attacks on those who venture out at night. Every chapter brings new challenges, new revelations, and new adventures, right up to its surprising end. This review based on an advance readers copy of the book.
Into this fiendish mix drop the members of the Eidola Project, each of them battling their own personal demons as they attempt to solve the mystery of who or what is behind the vicious attacks on those who venture out at night. Every chapter brings new challenges, new revelations, and new adventures, right up to its surprising end. This review based on an advance readers copy of the book.
March 21, 2021
At first glance, the cover seems to promise a typical werewolf story. A hairy monster with long claws stomps its gory path through a terrified village populace and so on. But far from it - this book offers so much more than a bloody orgy so typical of the horror genre.
The characters are well crafted, and no stereotypes appear in the book. The characters have rough edges and fight their own demons, whether paranormal or human-made. An eccentric group is investigating supernatural events that are occurring in Petersburg, Virginia, and the reader is taken along on a breathtaking adventure in this page turner you won’t be able to put down.
For me, however, the book's greatest strength lies in its historical context and the extremely well-researched time period. Brutal racism, the Ku-Klux-Klan, scary lunatic asylums, and superstitious townspeople accompany the reader on every page, and lift the novel to a level that can hold its own against any high-brow historical novel.
As exciting as the hunt for the werewolf may be, the fates of the main characters and the historical context are even more fascinating and moving. The werewolf’s ultimate exposure does not occur without taking a human toll.
By the way, my favorite character (although there is nothing much favorable about her) was Monique, Nigel's former lover. The Monique scenes actually gave me the creeps. I very much hope that Robert Herold will expand the story of Monique even further, and that we will either meet her again in the third volume or perhaps in a book of her own.
Anyone who expects a typical bloody werewolf story will be in for a surprise. The horror in the book does not only come from the werewolf, but also and especially from the supposedly civilized society it encounters. For this reason, the novel clearly stands out from the multitude of horror novels out there, and in the age of the BLM movement, it is oppressively topical.
The characters are well crafted, and no stereotypes appear in the book. The characters have rough edges and fight their own demons, whether paranormal or human-made. An eccentric group is investigating supernatural events that are occurring in Petersburg, Virginia, and the reader is taken along on a breathtaking adventure in this page turner you won’t be able to put down.
For me, however, the book's greatest strength lies in its historical context and the extremely well-researched time period. Brutal racism, the Ku-Klux-Klan, scary lunatic asylums, and superstitious townspeople accompany the reader on every page, and lift the novel to a level that can hold its own against any high-brow historical novel.
As exciting as the hunt for the werewolf may be, the fates of the main characters and the historical context are even more fascinating and moving. The werewolf’s ultimate exposure does not occur without taking a human toll.
By the way, my favorite character (although there is nothing much favorable about her) was Monique, Nigel's former lover. The Monique scenes actually gave me the creeps. I very much hope that Robert Herold will expand the story of Monique even further, and that we will either meet her again in the third volume or perhaps in a book of her own.
Anyone who expects a typical bloody werewolf story will be in for a surprise. The horror in the book does not only come from the werewolf, but also and especially from the supposedly civilized society it encounters. For this reason, the novel clearly stands out from the multitude of horror novels out there, and in the age of the BLM movement, it is oppressively topical.
May 10, 2021
Robert Herold’s “Moonlight Becomes You” is the tantalizing second book in the Eidola Project storyline and delivers a pulse-pounding ride through the folklore of African American heritage.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 5, 2022
A smart, unique take on the old tried-and-true werewolf tale, Robert Herold’s MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU takes the familiar and infuses it with plenty of fresh elements. What sets his tale apart is the incorporation of themes and historical details that were prevalent during the 19th century, post Civil War era in the south including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, prejudice, and oppression. These elements play a very prominent role in this book, and while I won’t give too much away in terms of plot, just suffice it to say that werewolves aren’t the worst of the monsters.
While this is the second in the series, I had no trouble following the plot despite having not read book 1. Having said that, I will eventually go back and read the previous book just so I can see how this unfolds from the very beginning and see how each character became a part of the Eidola Project.
Bottom line — a fresh take on an old classic, this book is so much more than *just* a werewolf tale. Definitely recommend for anyone who likes horror that offers plenty of food for thought.
*Free copy gifted for review.
While this is the second in the series, I had no trouble following the plot despite having not read book 1. Having said that, I will eventually go back and read the previous book just so I can see how this unfolds from the very beginning and see how each character became a part of the Eidola Project.
Bottom line — a fresh take on an old classic, this book is so much more than *just* a werewolf tale. Definitely recommend for anyone who likes horror that offers plenty of food for thought.
*Free copy gifted for review.
March 16, 2022
This was the second in the series and I liked it even more than the first. I love a good werewolf story and this had a lot of other elements that kept it interesting.
April 17, 2021
Moonlight Becomes You
By Robert Herold
This was a selection of mine from the good people at Blackthorn Book Tours. I originally got interested in this when I read the summary/blurb for the novel.
“The Eidola Project travels to Petersburg, Virginia, to investigate a series of murders in the Black community--rumored to be caused by a werewolf. Once there, danger comes from all quarters. Not only do they face threats from the supernatural, the KKK objects to the team's activities, and the group is falling apart. Can they overcome their human frailties to defeat the evil that surrounds them? Winner of two 1st place wins from the Southeastern Writers Association, including Best Novel!”
I must say I got more than I anticipated out of this novel. It does start a little slow but once you get to the meat of the story the action is practically nonstop. This is a story full of supernatural villains, real-life villains, good vs. evil, romance and all kinds of mental and emotional drama. All carefully and expertly woven into a tapestry of a tale. From the beginning you start this slow climb through the details and by the time you get near the top it all seems to be masterfully coming together. Then with rapid and consistent pace you finish the ascension with a satisfying finale worthy of the time spent reading.
Excellent action all the way through. There is a strong and very real KKK presence in the story. This of course leads to some very disturbing scenes in the book. However, if you compare what is in the story to the things that really happened in this country alone, I’d say the content in the story is a fairly mild representation of the racial issues in that era. I understand that this might make some people uncomfortable but it was a reality and still is to a large degree. I think it was bold of the author to include such situations so that people who haven’t experienced that kind of discrimination can get a glimpse of what it is like.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a fast read and very easy to get through. The chapters are well organized and everything flows perfectly. Truly a must read for any thriller lover.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
By Robert Herold
This was a selection of mine from the good people at Blackthorn Book Tours. I originally got interested in this when I read the summary/blurb for the novel.
“The Eidola Project travels to Petersburg, Virginia, to investigate a series of murders in the Black community--rumored to be caused by a werewolf. Once there, danger comes from all quarters. Not only do they face threats from the supernatural, the KKK objects to the team's activities, and the group is falling apart. Can they overcome their human frailties to defeat the evil that surrounds them? Winner of two 1st place wins from the Southeastern Writers Association, including Best Novel!”
I must say I got more than I anticipated out of this novel. It does start a little slow but once you get to the meat of the story the action is practically nonstop. This is a story full of supernatural villains, real-life villains, good vs. evil, romance and all kinds of mental and emotional drama. All carefully and expertly woven into a tapestry of a tale. From the beginning you start this slow climb through the details and by the time you get near the top it all seems to be masterfully coming together. Then with rapid and consistent pace you finish the ascension with a satisfying finale worthy of the time spent reading.
Excellent action all the way through. There is a strong and very real KKK presence in the story. This of course leads to some very disturbing scenes in the book. However, if you compare what is in the story to the things that really happened in this country alone, I’d say the content in the story is a fairly mild representation of the racial issues in that era. I understand that this might make some people uncomfortable but it was a reality and still is to a large degree. I think it was bold of the author to include such situations so that people who haven’t experienced that kind of discrimination can get a glimpse of what it is like.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a fast read and very easy to get through. The chapters are well organized and everything flows perfectly. Truly a must read for any thriller lover.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
March 6, 2021
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy from the author, and I'm happy to share my reactions to the book with you. Foremost, I like being transported to a different time in history and place. It's interesting to have an authentic historical context as the setting for a paranormal topic. The author weaves a captivating and menacing tale that keeps the reader engaged. Characters are fleshed-out well, and the dialogue is distinctive of the place and time. Moonlight Becomes You is a worthy follow-up to The Eidola Project!
February 27, 2021
If you believe that a wealth of knowledge in the histories of: science & technology, Asia/Pacific, Film, and American History would be fertile ground for a historical horror novelist.
You’d be right.
Robert Herold’s second book, ‘Moonlight Becomes You’ (witty title, by they way), places his Eidola Project members in grave peril. Team members are specialists and gifted talents who, in the later 1800s, approach the supernatural as researchers and explorers. In their second outing they respond to a request to aid in solving some gruesome murders in a small southern community.
In addition to the pleasure of a well-crafted, suspenseful who-done-it, we are witness to the lives of a community of African-Americans working, worshiping and surviving in a post-Civil war southern community. The story excites, scares and teaches. A fine combination for a veteran teacher.
Robert Herold brings to his books decades of research and instruction… you feel witness to the characters’ lives and ways of life. Couple that with a sound sense of the macabre and you have a top drawer story. You, sir, are indeed a verified scholar and a gentleman.
You’d be right.
Robert Herold’s second book, ‘Moonlight Becomes You’ (witty title, by they way), places his Eidola Project members in grave peril. Team members are specialists and gifted talents who, in the later 1800s, approach the supernatural as researchers and explorers. In their second outing they respond to a request to aid in solving some gruesome murders in a small southern community.
In addition to the pleasure of a well-crafted, suspenseful who-done-it, we are witness to the lives of a community of African-Americans working, worshiping and surviving in a post-Civil war southern community. The story excites, scares and teaches. A fine combination for a veteran teacher.
Robert Herold brings to his books decades of research and instruction… you feel witness to the characters’ lives and ways of life. Couple that with a sound sense of the macabre and you have a top drawer story. You, sir, are indeed a verified scholar and a gentleman.
January 3, 2022
I really really enjoyed this one! It's horror but in a historical setting.
It does involve racial tension and things that go along with the KKK and the workers in their houses and fields. The tension was done well and I feel it really met the time period.
It's the second in the series, but you can pick this one up and figure out what's going on.
The characters were so well written and I loved the main group! They were so intelligent, interesting, and yet they were flawed in different ways.
The story held my attention and was interesting. I was guessing the whole time about what was happening.
I want to read the first one in the series now and I'm really excited to find out more about these characters!
It does involve racial tension and things that go along with the KKK and the workers in their houses and fields. The tension was done well and I feel it really met the time period.
It's the second in the series, but you can pick this one up and figure out what's going on.
The characters were so well written and I loved the main group! They were so intelligent, interesting, and yet they were flawed in different ways.
The story held my attention and was interesting. I was guessing the whole time about what was happening.
I want to read the first one in the series now and I'm really excited to find out more about these characters!
February 27, 2021
After enjoying The Eidola Project, I felt privileged to receive an advanced reader copy of its follow-up, Moonlight Becomes You. I was thoroughly entertained once again - the new predicaments faced by this crew of investigators are suspenseful and compelled me to continue reading, and the surrounding historical context is nicely detailed. I'm already looking forward to future installments!
March 4, 2021
Spoilers: William James (1842-1910) is a prominent name in the worlds of psychology and parapsychology. The elder brother of author Henry James, William was a well established psychologist and philosopher, even considered the "Father of American Psychology." He was a firm believer in the pragmatic school of thought that the value of truth was dependent on the person who held it. He was also interested in the field of metaphysics and Spiritualism and was a founding member and vice-president of the American Society of Psychical Research. James observed mediums, notably Leonora Piper and evaluated 69 reports of her mediumship. He also contributed studies on mental telepathy. Even though many challenged his research, James' work was a contributing factor that paved the way for parapsychology to be treated as a legitimate science.
Well with that real life background, William James would be a perfect candidate for a historical mystery horror series and we'll he is.
William James is one of the ensemble cast of The Eidola Project, Robert Herold's series in which James and his crew investigate supernatural occurrences in the Post-Civil War United States. The other project members consist of: Annabelle Douglas, James' second in command, a hypnotist with a secret addiction to laudanum, Dr. Edgar Gilpin, an African-American physicist and somewhat of a skeptic who is a frequent target of racism, Sarah Bradbury, a former sideshow/vaudeville medium who allows ghosts to speak through her and gets psychic impressions by touching those around her, and Nigel Pickford, a Confederate Civil War veteran and recovering alcoholic who has terrifying precognitive abilities but is cursed to never be believed. This is a group that not only witnesses terrifying things but are equally haunted by their own troubled past, secret vices, and their recent acquaintanceship with each other which still carries a great deal of mistrust and suspicion.
The latest case, Moonlight Becomes You, causes much of that mistrust and suspicion in house to explode while the Eidola members investigate a series of graphic murders. After African-American doctor, Joseph Curtis becomes the latest to be mauled to death by a werewolf in the segregated town of Petersburg, Virginia, Rev. Green calls on the Eidola Project to investigate these odd attacks.
The James Gang not only has to deal with this monstrous creature who will tear its victims to pieces as soon as look at them, but they also have to deal with racists and the Ku Klux Klan, mistrust within the Petersburg community, and their own infighting before they can function as a team and take on the werewolf.
Moonlight Becomes You is a terrific book that captures both supernatural and real horror. The werewolf attacks are extremely violent and bloody. This is not a corny Hollywood cheese fest. When a person is attacked by the werewolf, they are ripped apart with blood and vital organs exposed. The attacks are not to be read unless the Reader has a strong stomach. The werewolf also lives off of pure animal instinct and will attack someone that they know and love just as easily as someone that they despise, leaving its human form to be tormented by intense guilt with only a slight comprehension of what they have done.
Along with the werewolf attacks, supernatural horror can be found within the Eidola Project members themselves and the people that they encounter. Marie, a vodou priestess is tortured by her fear of the werewolf and is institutionalized. In one of the creepiest passages, she commits self-harm by beating herself in the head while strapped in the asylum.
Another creepy character is Monique, a witch and former lover of Nigel's. After their union ended in disaster, Monique leaves him with
a curse as a parting gift. This curse ends up filling his thoughts and dreams so that he not only sees visions of the future but is tortured by hauntings of the people in the past that he couldn't save. Monique gets a sadistic delight out of driving her ex to alcoholism and near insanity.
Speaking of which, Nigel and Sarah's abilities are pretty terrifying as well. Throughout the book, Nigel suffers from PTSD hearing the voices of the men in his regiment accusing him of letting them die. He also has images that he can't always explain of things that will happen and even though sometimes there might be a cast change in those visions, they still happen (for example he dreams that Edgar will be attacked by the werewolf, but Edgar survives only for someone to get attacked in the same way). So Edgar's visions are inevitable and nothing can stop them.
Sarah's abilities also provide some scary moments. When she touches the late Dr. Curtis's sleeve, she sees the full attack with herself as Curtis. Another time she performs a seance and talks in the low baritone voice of an African-American man who reveals a secret known by his bemused and frightened friends. Both Sarah and Nigel are mentally scarred by their abilities that drive them to depression, anxiety, exhaustion, fear, and an inability to connect with anyone else because of what might happen to them.
These books suggest that having these supernatural abilities is not a pleasant experience and if not properly trained and understood could result in exploitation, insanity, and addiction to control them.
Unfortunately, the horror doesn't end with the otherworldly. There is enough fear found in the physical world as well, one that the Eidola Project faces firsthand. Many question the group's interracial and unisex makeup. They are also the frequent targets of the Ku Klux Klan. Edgar is met with hostility and physical and verbal attacks from the Klan. When he falls in love with Saphne, a local woman, the K
Klan attacks increase especially, when he learns that she had been frequently raped by her white employer.
One of the chapters that perfectly reveals the racial tension that surrounds the novel is early in the book before Dr. Curtis is killed. Curtis tends to a white woman in labor who unfortunately dies in the process. Even though Curtis did everything that he could, she still died. Curtis knows that her husband, a long standing Klan member, would accuse him of murder even though he tried to help her. He is not surprised when he is surrounded by the white robed Klansmen.
While there technically is no correlation between the werewolf attacks and the Klan's presence, there is a possibility that the disruption of racism and hatred found in the physical world plays just as much damage as the supernatural attacks from the werewolf. That this hatred in the physical world bleeds into the disruption in the metaphysical world.
Along with the human and metaphysical world, the Eidola Project members are conflicted within themselves. James tried to act as a loving and sometimes exasperated father figure to four very dysfunctional and troubled adults.
Annabelle and Nigel both suffer from their addictions to laudanum and alcohol respectively. James is concerned that these addictions could affect their minds and abilities and tries to cut them off. However, subsequent final chapters show both reaching for the bottles in private suggesting that climbing out of their addictions will be long and painful.
Nigel and Edgar both have to deal with racial tension as well. Nigel represents the former white Confederacy, one who spent his life looking at black people as inferior. He simmers with distrust toward Edgar, a black man who represents everything he isn't: educated, eloquent, even tempered to a point. He resents having to treat Edgar like an equal.
Likewise, Edgar represents the black men and women after the Civil War. Though Edgar was free and acquired an education, he is still looked upon with mistrust and has to jump through twice as many hoops as his white colleagues to receive even a fraction of acceptance from them. Through both men's conflicts with each other, we see the figurative ghosts of the past of slavery and war and how they still leave scars on their present psyche. Though some moments such as when the two save each other from the werewolf and when they refer to each other as a friend during an argument with locals, suggest that friendship and acceptance may be in the near future.
Moonlight Becomes You is part of a very brilliant series that covers how both the physical and metaphysical world can be haunted and healed by our actions.
Well with that real life background, William James would be a perfect candidate for a historical mystery horror series and we'll he is.
William James is one of the ensemble cast of The Eidola Project, Robert Herold's series in which James and his crew investigate supernatural occurrences in the Post-Civil War United States. The other project members consist of: Annabelle Douglas, James' second in command, a hypnotist with a secret addiction to laudanum, Dr. Edgar Gilpin, an African-American physicist and somewhat of a skeptic who is a frequent target of racism, Sarah Bradbury, a former sideshow/vaudeville medium who allows ghosts to speak through her and gets psychic impressions by touching those around her, and Nigel Pickford, a Confederate Civil War veteran and recovering alcoholic who has terrifying precognitive abilities but is cursed to never be believed. This is a group that not only witnesses terrifying things but are equally haunted by their own troubled past, secret vices, and their recent acquaintanceship with each other which still carries a great deal of mistrust and suspicion.
The latest case, Moonlight Becomes You, causes much of that mistrust and suspicion in house to explode while the Eidola members investigate a series of graphic murders. After African-American doctor, Joseph Curtis becomes the latest to be mauled to death by a werewolf in the segregated town of Petersburg, Virginia, Rev. Green calls on the Eidola Project to investigate these odd attacks.
The James Gang not only has to deal with this monstrous creature who will tear its victims to pieces as soon as look at them, but they also have to deal with racists and the Ku Klux Klan, mistrust within the Petersburg community, and their own infighting before they can function as a team and take on the werewolf.
Moonlight Becomes You is a terrific book that captures both supernatural and real horror. The werewolf attacks are extremely violent and bloody. This is not a corny Hollywood cheese fest. When a person is attacked by the werewolf, they are ripped apart with blood and vital organs exposed. The attacks are not to be read unless the Reader has a strong stomach. The werewolf also lives off of pure animal instinct and will attack someone that they know and love just as easily as someone that they despise, leaving its human form to be tormented by intense guilt with only a slight comprehension of what they have done.
Along with the werewolf attacks, supernatural horror can be found within the Eidola Project members themselves and the people that they encounter. Marie, a vodou priestess is tortured by her fear of the werewolf and is institutionalized. In one of the creepiest passages, she commits self-harm by beating herself in the head while strapped in the asylum.
Another creepy character is Monique, a witch and former lover of Nigel's. After their union ended in disaster, Monique leaves him with
a curse as a parting gift. This curse ends up filling his thoughts and dreams so that he not only sees visions of the future but is tortured by hauntings of the people in the past that he couldn't save. Monique gets a sadistic delight out of driving her ex to alcoholism and near insanity.
Speaking of which, Nigel and Sarah's abilities are pretty terrifying as well. Throughout the book, Nigel suffers from PTSD hearing the voices of the men in his regiment accusing him of letting them die. He also has images that he can't always explain of things that will happen and even though sometimes there might be a cast change in those visions, they still happen (for example he dreams that Edgar will be attacked by the werewolf, but Edgar survives only for someone to get attacked in the same way). So Edgar's visions are inevitable and nothing can stop them.
Sarah's abilities also provide some scary moments. When she touches the late Dr. Curtis's sleeve, she sees the full attack with herself as Curtis. Another time she performs a seance and talks in the low baritone voice of an African-American man who reveals a secret known by his bemused and frightened friends. Both Sarah and Nigel are mentally scarred by their abilities that drive them to depression, anxiety, exhaustion, fear, and an inability to connect with anyone else because of what might happen to them.
These books suggest that having these supernatural abilities is not a pleasant experience and if not properly trained and understood could result in exploitation, insanity, and addiction to control them.
Unfortunately, the horror doesn't end with the otherworldly. There is enough fear found in the physical world as well, one that the Eidola Project faces firsthand. Many question the group's interracial and unisex makeup. They are also the frequent targets of the Ku Klux Klan. Edgar is met with hostility and physical and verbal attacks from the Klan. When he falls in love with Saphne, a local woman, the K
Klan attacks increase especially, when he learns that she had been frequently raped by her white employer.
One of the chapters that perfectly reveals the racial tension that surrounds the novel is early in the book before Dr. Curtis is killed. Curtis tends to a white woman in labor who unfortunately dies in the process. Even though Curtis did everything that he could, she still died. Curtis knows that her husband, a long standing Klan member, would accuse him of murder even though he tried to help her. He is not surprised when he is surrounded by the white robed Klansmen.
While there technically is no correlation between the werewolf attacks and the Klan's presence, there is a possibility that the disruption of racism and hatred found in the physical world plays just as much damage as the supernatural attacks from the werewolf. That this hatred in the physical world bleeds into the disruption in the metaphysical world.
Along with the human and metaphysical world, the Eidola Project members are conflicted within themselves. James tried to act as a loving and sometimes exasperated father figure to four very dysfunctional and troubled adults.
Annabelle and Nigel both suffer from their addictions to laudanum and alcohol respectively. James is concerned that these addictions could affect their minds and abilities and tries to cut them off. However, subsequent final chapters show both reaching for the bottles in private suggesting that climbing out of their addictions will be long and painful.
Nigel and Edgar both have to deal with racial tension as well. Nigel represents the former white Confederacy, one who spent his life looking at black people as inferior. He simmers with distrust toward Edgar, a black man who represents everything he isn't: educated, eloquent, even tempered to a point. He resents having to treat Edgar like an equal.
Likewise, Edgar represents the black men and women after the Civil War. Though Edgar was free and acquired an education, he is still looked upon with mistrust and has to jump through twice as many hoops as his white colleagues to receive even a fraction of acceptance from them. Through both men's conflicts with each other, we see the figurative ghosts of the past of slavery and war and how they still leave scars on their present psyche. Though some moments such as when the two save each other from the werewolf and when they refer to each other as a friend during an argument with locals, suggest that friendship and acceptance may be in the near future.
Moonlight Becomes You is part of a very brilliant series that covers how both the physical and metaphysical world can be haunted and healed by our actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2022
This was a very well-written, engaging, and solid page-turner read. I was so engrossed with the build-up of the events. And how the elements of the story started playing together. I enjoyed how it dig deeper into the societal issues of those times. Creating a great representation of the racism, injustices, slavery, and a community with a common goal; that is to terminate the creature terrorizing their place.
Aside from its paranormal components, the thing that made it stand out for me is the fact that they are not just there to confront and stop the werewolf. They also contend with the danger brought upon them by other people. And the issues conveyed by the past that continue to hunt some characters. It gives space for both external and internal confrontation and battles; and an adventure of perseverance, discovery, acceptance, and hopefully healing. Everything works out so well that makes me see their overall dynamic. Astounding, how the horror doesn't only come from that one expected element.
I like this better than the first book, and I am so excited to read the next part of this series, especially since this one ends in a very suggestive way. I really wonder what would be the Eidola Project's next journey or investigation all about.
Thanks to the author for giving me the copy of this series enjoying it so far 💓
Aside from its paranormal components, the thing that made it stand out for me is the fact that they are not just there to confront and stop the werewolf. They also contend with the danger brought upon them by other people. And the issues conveyed by the past that continue to hunt some characters. It gives space for both external and internal confrontation and battles; and an adventure of perseverance, discovery, acceptance, and hopefully healing. Everything works out so well that makes me see their overall dynamic. Astounding, how the horror doesn't only come from that one expected element.
I like this better than the first book, and I am so excited to read the next part of this series, especially since this one ends in a very suggestive way. I really wonder what would be the Eidola Project's next journey or investigation all about.
Thanks to the author for giving me the copy of this series enjoying it so far 💓
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I love stories that have ensemble casts. Not only do we get the overarching storyline, but we also get mini-stories from the cast as well. And this is a cast of characters I love. I love discovering what's going on with the characters as the story progresses (I hope there are going to be more books, I want to learn more, spend more time with them). The storyline was great, too. At times hard to read, as it is dealing with racism in the South in the late 1800s. Oh, and a werewolf. It did a great job of balancing fun and serious. I can't wait for more.
March 20, 2022
A good historical horror.
July 10, 2021
This is an entertaining historical paranormal horror story, it is well written, with likeable characters, the end is a bit predictable, but I still liked it.
This is the 2nd book for the The Eidola Project team, which I didn’t know when I got it, and I have not read the first book, and there seemed to be a few references to the previous book, but it still works by itself, I think it would be better the read the first one before reading this one, but it’s not essential.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes a good old fashioned werewolf story.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
This is the 2nd book for the The Eidola Project team, which I didn’t know when I got it, and I have not read the first book, and there seemed to be a few references to the previous book, but it still works by itself, I think it would be better the read the first one before reading this one, but it’s not essential.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes a good old fashioned werewolf story.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
March 9, 2021
If you are a fan of paranormal historical horror, you should enjoy the second installment of Robert Herold’s Eidola (Eye-DOH-La) Project series, Moonlight Becomes You. The author takes us to post-Civil War Virginia, where the Ku Klux Klan is happy to lynch the Black member of the paranormal investigation team, where they have to eat at the “colored” public house, and where former slaves are beaten, raped, and brutalized by their White taskmasters (and former slave-owners). Into this environment, the team of northerners (Yankees) are summoned by the town’s Black reverend because the small town has a werewolf problem. The story revolves around how the special psychic abilities of the team might help. We meet many local characters who tend to be either clear heroes or cartoonish villains, but there are also a number of twists that I didn’t see coming and which kept me interested to the end.
After an engaging opening sequence, the story slows down, requiring the reader to stick with the descriptive narrative and meet the various characters before the werewolf shows up. Once we get to that point, the pace picks up considerably and stays ramped up through the conclusion. The paranormal abilities of the members of the Eidola Project prove interesting and the author gives us a few glimpses into the backstories that will no doubt be further explained in future books. Some of the references are cryptic and are clearly foreshadowing of future stories. The biggest hole in the story is the absence of any backstory about the origins of the werewolf. The beast has classic characteristics, including an aversion to silver, but Mr. Herold manages to make his creature a bit unique in the werewolf pantheon. I wish we knew a little more about how it came to be where it is.
The book, like the first in the series, is particularly well written and well edited, making reading it a pleasure, even when the plot is meandering along in the slow portions. The descriptions are rich and many of the characters have interesting personalities. There are a few blind alleys and a few plot threads that don’t really come together, but there is never any doubt about what’s important.
I’ll say that paranormal historical horror is not my usual genre. If you are a fan, you will find this to be a unique approach that is mostly well executed. I’ll certainly be interested in the next installment of the series.
After an engaging opening sequence, the story slows down, requiring the reader to stick with the descriptive narrative and meet the various characters before the werewolf shows up. Once we get to that point, the pace picks up considerably and stays ramped up through the conclusion. The paranormal abilities of the members of the Eidola Project prove interesting and the author gives us a few glimpses into the backstories that will no doubt be further explained in future books. Some of the references are cryptic and are clearly foreshadowing of future stories. The biggest hole in the story is the absence of any backstory about the origins of the werewolf. The beast has classic characteristics, including an aversion to silver, but Mr. Herold manages to make his creature a bit unique in the werewolf pantheon. I wish we knew a little more about how it came to be where it is.
The book, like the first in the series, is particularly well written and well edited, making reading it a pleasure, even when the plot is meandering along in the slow portions. The descriptions are rich and many of the characters have interesting personalities. There are a few blind alleys and a few plot threads that don’t really come together, but there is never any doubt about what’s important.
I’ll say that paranormal historical horror is not my usual genre. If you are a fan, you will find this to be a unique approach that is mostly well executed. I’ll certainly be interested in the next installment of the series.
April 18, 2021
Something scary under your bed.
A werewolf hounding you till you are nearly dead.
Don’t break a sweat, just drop in a call to the coolest gang in town. The Eidola project, supernatural sleuths par excellence.
Moonlight Becomes You by Robert Herold sees the return of this cool 19th century gang, doing what it does best, sending paranormal beings back into oblivion.
When murders plague the black community in Petersburg, Virginia they turn to Professor William James and his team for help.
If you are expecting a normal horror story with vampires and werewolves you are in for a big surprise, a nice one. Robert manages to blend in historical fiction, socio-political issues, mental health and even romance into this horror story.
Right from the start of the story the team faces trouble both from humans as well as the paranormal. Slavery, racism, Ku Klux Klan and not to forget the werewolf on the prowl for blood.
With their telepathic abilities guiding them, often from beyond the grave, the team escapes dangers of the trickiest kind. However they do not always see eye to eye on issues and nearly come apart until a calamity binds them together again.
Their interactions with each other make this book a fascinating take on team-work. Accepting each other’s differences, working together and most importantly trusting one- another as well.
The quirky, funny writing style makes you feel so at ease with the characters that you are soon rooting for them not to die at the hands of the wolf or the Klan. Action packed in unexpected ways till the last this book is a super fun read with possessions, murder and some sort of mayhem at every step.
Are the murders caused by a human possessed by a demon or is there really a werewolf on the prowl?
I would definitely classify this book as finger, licking good.
So glad I got this RC it was a thrilling and chilling read. Hope you liked my fair and honest review.
Happy Reading:)
A werewolf hounding you till you are nearly dead.
Don’t break a sweat, just drop in a call to the coolest gang in town. The Eidola project, supernatural sleuths par excellence.
Moonlight Becomes You by Robert Herold sees the return of this cool 19th century gang, doing what it does best, sending paranormal beings back into oblivion.
When murders plague the black community in Petersburg, Virginia they turn to Professor William James and his team for help.
If you are expecting a normal horror story with vampires and werewolves you are in for a big surprise, a nice one. Robert manages to blend in historical fiction, socio-political issues, mental health and even romance into this horror story.
Right from the start of the story the team faces trouble both from humans as well as the paranormal. Slavery, racism, Ku Klux Klan and not to forget the werewolf on the prowl for blood.
With their telepathic abilities guiding them, often from beyond the grave, the team escapes dangers of the trickiest kind. However they do not always see eye to eye on issues and nearly come apart until a calamity binds them together again.
Their interactions with each other make this book a fascinating take on team-work. Accepting each other’s differences, working together and most importantly trusting one- another as well.
The quirky, funny writing style makes you feel so at ease with the characters that you are soon rooting for them not to die at the hands of the wolf or the Klan. Action packed in unexpected ways till the last this book is a super fun read with possessions, murder and some sort of mayhem at every step.
Are the murders caused by a human possessed by a demon or is there really a werewolf on the prowl?
I would definitely classify this book as finger, licking good.
So glad I got this RC it was a thrilling and chilling read. Hope you liked my fair and honest review.
Happy Reading:)
April 17, 2021
"This poor soul has been cursed...once transformed the beast has no conscience and will take your life..."
One of the scariest truths in the gothic horror novel Moonlight Becomes You by Robert Herold is that the above quote can be used for some of the evil humans in this story and not just for a paranormal beast.
This book is an instant horror classic. It reminded me very much of the two best horror classics Dracula and Frankenstein. Much like those books the story is about more than supernatural evil. It is about the evil, the prejudice and the anger that exists in so many humans and how their unpredictability can be as dangerous as any unknown creature.
Taking place in the late 1800s after The Civil War, our story centers around a southern black community that has suffered brutal deaths from an unknown entity. Enter the members of The Eldola Project, a motley crew of doctors, psychics, hypnotists headed by William James known in real life as the father of American psychology. They are tasked with seeking out paranormal activities and ending them.
Now these 5 people come with a whole set of personal baggage from drug addiction to being cursed by a witch. Reading about them is a story in itself that is astounding and crazy. When you add in a deadly scary werewolf this also becomes a fun adventurous horror thriller.
Where Moonlight Becomes You is exceptional is its very clever subtle displays of human horrors during this era. From disgusting torturous murders committed by the Ku Klux Klan to the abusive treatment of patients in asylums we see that though there may be a way to stop a paranormal creature how do we stop the obvious systemic evil of mankind. This book is genius.
I received a free copy of this book from Blackthorn Tours for a fair & honest review. All opinions are my own.
One of the scariest truths in the gothic horror novel Moonlight Becomes You by Robert Herold is that the above quote can be used for some of the evil humans in this story and not just for a paranormal beast.
This book is an instant horror classic. It reminded me very much of the two best horror classics Dracula and Frankenstein. Much like those books the story is about more than supernatural evil. It is about the evil, the prejudice and the anger that exists in so many humans and how their unpredictability can be as dangerous as any unknown creature.
Taking place in the late 1800s after The Civil War, our story centers around a southern black community that has suffered brutal deaths from an unknown entity. Enter the members of The Eldola Project, a motley crew of doctors, psychics, hypnotists headed by William James known in real life as the father of American psychology. They are tasked with seeking out paranormal activities and ending them.
Now these 5 people come with a whole set of personal baggage from drug addiction to being cursed by a witch. Reading about them is a story in itself that is astounding and crazy. When you add in a deadly scary werewolf this also becomes a fun adventurous horror thriller.
Where Moonlight Becomes You is exceptional is its very clever subtle displays of human horrors during this era. From disgusting torturous murders committed by the Ku Klux Klan to the abusive treatment of patients in asylums we see that though there may be a way to stop a paranormal creature how do we stop the obvious systemic evil of mankind. This book is genius.
I received a free copy of this book from Blackthorn Tours for a fair & honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2021
Moonlight Becomes You is a horror novel set in post-Civil War times. It's also a sequel to the author's first book, The Eidola Project, which I hadn't read prior to tackling this one. While I do think you can read Moonlight Becomes You without needing to read book one, it would probably help just for the sake of being introduced to and becoming familiar with the characters.
This book involves two horrors: The KKK and a werewolf. Yes, racism is an issue that gets brought up within these pages, but it's 1865-ish, so it makes sense. And while it does get a bit awful at times, there are some delicate touches of humor strewn throughout, which lightens up the mood a little.
The story follows are team of paranormal investigators trying to track down a werewolf that's attacking the African American community. Unfortunately for the team, they also have to contend with the KKK.
Historically accurate and topically relevant, Moonlight Becomes You is a well-written, intriguing novel that will keep readers on their toes. There's mystery, horror, and even a bit of romance. There are very unlikable characters, as well as characters you can't help but feel for.
I rather enjoyed the dark and gritty feel of this novel, and the uniqueness of it overall. I can't say I've ever read a horror novel involving a werewolf, a team of paranormal investigators, and the KKK all set in a historical time period. Definitely a fascinating read.
4 stars!
This book involves two horrors: The KKK and a werewolf. Yes, racism is an issue that gets brought up within these pages, but it's 1865-ish, so it makes sense. And while it does get a bit awful at times, there are some delicate touches of humor strewn throughout, which lightens up the mood a little.
The story follows are team of paranormal investigators trying to track down a werewolf that's attacking the African American community. Unfortunately for the team, they also have to contend with the KKK.
Historically accurate and topically relevant, Moonlight Becomes You is a well-written, intriguing novel that will keep readers on their toes. There's mystery, horror, and even a bit of romance. There are very unlikable characters, as well as characters you can't help but feel for.
I rather enjoyed the dark and gritty feel of this novel, and the uniqueness of it overall. I can't say I've ever read a horror novel involving a werewolf, a team of paranormal investigators, and the KKK all set in a historical time period. Definitely a fascinating read.
4 stars!
December 9, 2021
This is Book Two of the series that began with The Eidola Project, a group of paranormal investigators led by Professor William James of Harvard, real-life brother of author Henry James. Professor James was the first to offer a Psychology course in the US. This venture takes the same group as in Book One to Petersburg, Virginia just after the Civil War. Local African American pastor Reverend Green tells them a horrifying creature has been killing and mutilating people, causing terrifying fear among the townsfolk, and has just murdered an African American doctor. Is this creature paranormal? Is it a werewolf? Or can it be a member of the Ku Klux Klan, who are active in the area, as Reverend Green, who is African American, explains to the group, as Dr. Edgar Gilpin, the African American team member, takes note. As in The Eidola Project, the historical details are vivid and explicit, including the widespread racism rampant through the area, victimizing Dr. Gilpin many times. The KKK make enough appearances, but can they turn into werewolves? This is not your predictable werewolf story, as the shocking conclusion will show you. I look forward to the next book in the series, and where it takes the group. More members join The Eidola Project next time, perhaps?
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