Lunar

by Martin Tracey

Amidst ancient stories of prowling werewolves, the Lunar Society would meet under the light of a full moon to change the face of industry and enlightenment forever. When the discovery of a human skeleton at one of their old haunts coincides with the disappearance of a talented female prodigy, Private investigator Judd Stone is certain that the two are connected. Travelling as far afield as Prague and as close as his native city of Birmingham, Judd includes past life regressions in an attempt to unlock the explosive age-old mystery and rescue the missing girl. With a cloud descending over the treasured legacy of the Lunar Society, Judd quickly finds himself embroiled in a shockingly dark underworld of organised crime. So dark in fact he will need a lot more than the light of a full moon to escape with his life.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2020

About the author

Martin Tracey is inspired primarily by three things - music, football(soccer) and the supernatural. All three elements feature in his writing, although he does not necessarily consider that his writing is genre specific.

"I'm wired with a very vivid imagination and therefore my novels have many layers to them. I approach my writing with a skeleton of a plan but my writing takes me on various journeys and the story grows organically which makes for a more interesting read I feel. However, if I were to have a gun pointing at my head demanding that I commit to a genre I guess I would have to state horror or supernatural."

A proud native of Birmingham UK, Martin tends to set his books in and around his home city or other English settings. His working-class upbringing is reflected in the edginess and honesty of his writing and his novels have a sense of realism. He is also a big admirer of Quentin Tarantino so coupled with his realistic approach Martin's novels probably shouldn't be read by those who are easily shocked or offended.

Before producing novels Martin's literary output was writing songs. "Raging Bull" a song penned and co-performed by Martin can be found on "Old Gold Anthems - the Songs of Wolverhampton Wanderers".

Another highlight of Martin's musical career was supporting Roland Gift and the Fine Young Cannibals at Birmingham's Alexander Theatre.

Reviews

[JayRaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this baby and oooh look at that cover. Lunar is book 3 in the Judd Stone series and it was just as good as the first two. Judd is a private investigator and somewhat like-able, and deep deep down a decent guy. But man why is he always cheating? In book 2 he cheated and now he’s cheating again. Like how stupid can you be?

I really like that the Judd Stone books through in a little bit of history-ish plot lines. Last time it was pop stars joining club 27 and this time it was the Lunar society.

Overall this series is a decent read and always very very unique. I think if I was a bigger fan of the thriller genre, I would like this series much better. So if you’re a thriller lover, check this one (and the two before it) out!

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and fits well with the other books.
Well written with solid lead characters and supporting ones that have plenty of substance
A great plot

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lunar by Martin Tracey.
Judd Stone series book 3.
When the discovery of a human skeleton at one of their old haunts coincides with the disappearance of a talented female prodigy, Private investigator Judd Stone is certain that the two are connected
I really enjoyed this book. I love Judd. Read in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. 5*.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and loved the first two books in the series featuring Judd Stone, so when I heard that Martin was due to release another book in the series I knew that I had to read it as soon as possible. ‘Lunar’ is the third book in the series and it is another cracker of a read from Martin Tracey, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn to this book by the synopsis and the fact that I knew it was another instalment in the series featuring Judd Stone, who I seem to have taken a liking to. Once I started reading, I found that I just couldn’t stop. I was intrigued by the storylines and by the characters and I had to keep reading to see what fate had in store for them. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the book. I found ‘Lunar’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Lunar’ is very well written but then that’s true of all of Martin’s books in general. Martin has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I like the fact that Martin’s books are a bit different to the vast majority of crime fiction that I read. Martin’s books are different in the sense that they incorporate paranormal elements into the story too. Reading ‘Lunar’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Martin’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Lunar’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Martin’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third of Martin's books I have read now, and I have realised that despite being a series, featuring Judd Stone in each, that is where the similarities will end!
This time Judd is asked to help find out what happened to a skeleton unearthed in an old building, and locate a missing cousin. At the same time Judd is trying to find out a murdering motorcyclist.
The investigation leads him to the Lunar society. A society that held the biggest scientific names of the time.
It also leads him, via a Gamblers help group, to a past life regression therapist. This was so interesting, I have read about it before, and its cool to think you may have lived a life, or many before. Even that you may have been someone famous in that life.
Being a Judd Stone novel, he manages to get himself into a few hairy situations, and even ends up in Amsterdam.
The book deals with human trafficking, controlling women with drugs, the sex trade, gangs, secret societies, even werewolves!
It doesnt take itself too seriously, despite there being some serious subjects, its all done lightheartedly. My favourite scenes are those with the Gamblers FIGHT group. They are all such characters, and the banter between them is so funny, and I would love to go to the pub and have a pint with these guys, just sit back and watch them all chat and take the piss out of each other.
Just when you think the book is coming to an end, and Judd has just about managed to escape a tricky situation, the next chapter goes bam, straight back to it.
I will look forward to Judd's next adventure. I really enjoy Martin's writing style and he has become a must read author for me now.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Judd Stone series by Martin Tracey, Lunar really had me excited to start reading it. I have read the two preceding books and knew just how good they were and needed to see what what was happening in Judd's world. Well, Martin Tracey has done it again! Another better of a read. I loved it.
Every single book in this series is unique, this time we see Judd trying to find a missing cousin and is asked to see if he can find any information on a skeleton that has been discovered in Great Barr Hall. His investigation leads to the Lunar Society and a worldwide people trafficking operation. Via a Gamblers help group he is led to a past life regression therapist. Being Judd I am not surprised about anything he finds or does, even in this book he somehow ends up in Amsterdam.
This book manages to deal with serious subjects such as people trafficking, sex trade, a secret society and then there are werewolves. Such serious issues for a story but not too heavy a read. There are always humorous parts to the story. The gamblers FIGHT group is one such part. The members are definitely funny. They share a banter that makes you want them as your friends.
I always get so into these books and this is no different. Judd is a character I definitely enjoy reading about. He is always getting into situations that you think, 'nope he isn't getting good out of this one'. When he does and it seems to be calm and you have breathed a sigh of release, the next page shows you different!
Bring on book 4! Martin Tracey is one of my favourite authors now, Judd Stone is a fantastic creation.
Thanks to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Martin Tracey for my gifted copy of the book

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the Judd Stone series & although snippets of background information are dropped in to enable you to read this as a standalone, I think reading the previous two would give you a much better insight into Mr Stone.

The book opens with an explosive & dramatic scene; once you have caught your breath the pace does slow down to allow an intricate tale to be told.
Judd, now working as a PI, is approached by Vina to try & help her understand her perceived connection to a recently discovered skeleton in Great Barr Hall. She also wants him to find her missing cousin, ostensibly because she thinks she is in danger.
The two strands of plot seem poles apart, but they’re not. Judd needs a good slap for some of the things he gets up to, but in doing so he uncovers the intricacies of the Lunar Society & a worldwide people trafficking operation.
Some descriptions of the Lunarticks & their Society do feel a bit long-winded, but are necessary for the plot. The shared love of music, & in particular The Beatles, shines through from Messrs. Stone & Tracey; via the narrative & chapter titles.

A great read which moves Judd’s story on that bit further. Recommended & I can’t wait for book 4.

[Rakhi (New Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been captivated by a book that perfectly blends historical intrigue with a thrilling mystery?

Lunar the 3rd book in the Judd Stone Series by Martin Tracey, does just that, offering a unique and riveting experience.

There is a mix of historical elements with the intensity of a crime thriller creates a rich, multi-layered story. Due to which this book stands out with its compelling narrative and the way it weaves together different genres.

The character’s journey across various locations adds an exciting dimension to the plot, making it a true page-turner. The use of past life regressions to unravel the mystery adds a fascinating twist, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The highlight I loved about this book is its seamless integration of ancient legends and modern-day investigations. The plot effortlessly takes you from the eerie tales to the intellectual pursuits of the Lunar Society, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

The author’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making complex themes easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable.y. The gripping story and lucid writing make it a must-read.

Overall, a well-crafted, thrilling read that you won't be able to put down

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but it does work as a standalone, mainly because although the main character is the same each book has different adventures going on so you still get to know Judd Stone in the third book.

Judd Stone is a private investigator and a fabulous character to follow through the book , the type of main character you want in this type of genre, and the other characters featuring all add too the storyline giving the book great depth and keeps the reader reading .

It's the kind of book that you can't quite guess what is going to happen next , which is perfect for me I love unpredictable books , keeps you clutch too the pages (kindle or earphones too ) keeps you desperate to know what is going to happen next .

This book is brilliantly written and I would highly recommend it for fans of detective , mystery books

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following smoothly on from his previous book, Club 27, I found myself immediately drawn into the story. Judd is an amazing character, full of flaws but undoubtedly a man who always wants and tries to do the right thing. There is also the diverse range of characters who are so well written I could imagine what they looked like and sounded like. I found the details about the Lunar Society fascinating and again, the way this book is written, the past and present blended seamlessly together.
Once again, Martin Tracey has written a brilliant book which kept me hooked from the first page to the last.

[julie young · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Lunar' begins with a devastating loss for Investigator Judd Stone. As he comes to terms with the traumatic events, he is called on to investigate the discovery of human remains by a very enigmatic young lady. A strange but intriguing look at past lives, regression therapy causes even greater relationship difficulties for Stone.

[M.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of the Judd Stone books, but in this book, I really wanted to punch him. A lot.

The whole history around the Lunar society was fascinating and I’ll definitely read more about it.

Yet another great read from Martin Tracey.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of Lunar is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Judd Jones series. I read the others and enjoyed them also. I find this character pretty interesting. Another great read