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Blue Moon Investigations #17
The Sandman
The paranormal? It’s all nonsense, but proving it might get them killed.
Jane is missing.
Taken by a serial killer known only as the Sandman, Tempest and friends must unravel the clues to find her before night falls.
Why so soon? Because that is when he kills his victims, bringing them dreams as he sings them to sleep, just like in the song.
The police won’t even acknowledge the serial killer exists which leaves them on their own, sifting through Jane’s notes and piecing together fractured clues and half-baked theories in a desperate scramble to find the man at the core of this mystery.
However, the Sandman wants to be found. Jane’s investigation was getting too close, so he is using her to draw in the whole Blue Moon team. He has a game for them to play and the dice are loaded in his favour.
In their deadliest adventure yet, Tempest and friends must race against the clock to save their missing team member. Can they win? Do they even understand the rules of the game?
Jane is missing.
Taken by a serial killer known only as the Sandman, Tempest and friends must unravel the clues to find her before night falls.
Why so soon? Because that is when he kills his victims, bringing them dreams as he sings them to sleep, just like in the song.
The police won’t even acknowledge the serial killer exists which leaves them on their own, sifting through Jane’s notes and piecing together fractured clues and half-baked theories in a desperate scramble to find the man at the core of this mystery.
However, the Sandman wants to be found. Jane’s investigation was getting too close, so he is using her to draw in the whole Blue Moon team. He has a game for them to play and the dice are loaded in his favour.
In their deadliest adventure yet, Tempest and friends must race against the clock to save their missing team member. Can they win? Do they even understand the rules of the game?
- GenresUrban Fantasy
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2021
172 people are currently reading
128 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 61 reviews
April 23, 2021
Here we go, back to the land of the paranormal.
Tempest Michaels is ready for anything!
But what awaits our super private eye, something that he could never have seen coming.
Ahhh read on faithful reader to hear of the plot of this lovely book.
Let us begin; once upon a time, someone called The Sandman, was killing women, or so Jane Butterworth; third investigator at the Blue Moon Paranormal Investigations office;
had surmised, due to the fact that one women, Karen Gilbert; the only woman to survive a kidnapping and murder by him; said that when she was with him, he sang to her a song called 'Mr Sandman' by the Chordettes.
Jane had managed to save her, foiling the plans of the Sandman to kill her and pose her as he had done to a woman called River Tam; whom he had left posed as if sleeping; in a muddy field where she was later discovered.
She too had complained to the police about a strange person coming into her bedroom at night and singing to her while she was paralized. Days later she was found dead.
Jane was looking into the death and trying to figure out who the Sandman was but had found no clues. Then one night she too is kidnapped and the Sandman song was left playing on her phone.
Tempest and his friends must find Jane and fast. But there are no clues and they know time is running out.
This story was spellbinding. After reading so many Blue Moon books I am totally invested in the characters and their lives. I was just rivitted to this book and read it in one sitting! It was good stuff. I love the character of the Sandman, he was a clever concoction and had real bones to him.
Of course my favourite character was the main focus of this book. The wonderful entity that is Jane/James Butterworth!
She/he is an LBGTQ character who sometimes feels her James side and other times feels her Jane side coming to the fore, I just find her contrast of male to female fascinating.
She is incredible, as she goes from secretary to full on investigator in a few books and keeps on growing gradually more and more interesting.
This story was more than normally interesting because of the time sensitive aspect of the narrative; when one of their own is put at serious risk, the Blue Moon team get together and pull out all the stops to figure out who the murderer is and where he has stashed Jane and her boyfriend Jan who has also become entangled in the messy case.
Tempest Michaels is ready for anything!
But what awaits our super private eye, something that he could never have seen coming.
Ahhh read on faithful reader to hear of the plot of this lovely book.
Let us begin; once upon a time, someone called The Sandman, was killing women, or so Jane Butterworth; third investigator at the Blue Moon Paranormal Investigations office;
had surmised, due to the fact that one women, Karen Gilbert; the only woman to survive a kidnapping and murder by him; said that when she was with him, he sang to her a song called 'Mr Sandman' by the Chordettes.
Jane had managed to save her, foiling the plans of the Sandman to kill her and pose her as he had done to a woman called River Tam; whom he had left posed as if sleeping; in a muddy field where she was later discovered.
She too had complained to the police about a strange person coming into her bedroom at night and singing to her while she was paralized. Days later she was found dead.
Jane was looking into the death and trying to figure out who the Sandman was but had found no clues. Then one night she too is kidnapped and the Sandman song was left playing on her phone.
Tempest and his friends must find Jane and fast. But there are no clues and they know time is running out.
This story was spellbinding. After reading so many Blue Moon books I am totally invested in the characters and their lives. I was just rivitted to this book and read it in one sitting! It was good stuff. I love the character of the Sandman, he was a clever concoction and had real bones to him.
Of course my favourite character was the main focus of this book. The wonderful entity that is Jane/James Butterworth!
She/he is an LBGTQ character who sometimes feels her James side and other times feels her Jane side coming to the fore, I just find her contrast of male to female fascinating.
She is incredible, as she goes from secretary to full on investigator in a few books and keeps on growing gradually more and more interesting.
This story was more than normally interesting because of the time sensitive aspect of the narrative; when one of their own is put at serious risk, the Blue Moon team get together and pull out all the stops to figure out who the murderer is and where he has stashed Jane and her boyfriend Jan who has also become entangled in the messy case.
April 24, 2021
I am constantly amazed by the sheer number of books that Steve Higgs manages to put out, but what is even more amazing is that he keeps coming up with good, original stories in each of the series that he writes.
The Blue Moon agency series books have always been exciting and clever, but also sprinkled with great humour, and this book is no exception, it is maybe a bit darker than most in the series, but it also definitely has lots of very funny moments as well.
I like that Jane/James Butterworth is the central character in this story, (s)he is a very well written character, and really gives the book a different dimension to the rest of the series.
Steve Higgs fans will love this book, but just about anyone who likes a decent mystery, peopled by very convincingly written characters and having just enough humour to keep things nice and light will love this book.
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.
The Blue Moon agency series books have always been exciting and clever, but also sprinkled with great humour, and this book is no exception, it is maybe a bit darker than most in the series, but it also definitely has lots of very funny moments as well.
I like that Jane/James Butterworth is the central character in this story, (s)he is a very well written character, and really gives the book a different dimension to the rest of the series.
Steve Higgs fans will love this book, but just about anyone who likes a decent mystery, peopled by very convincingly written characters and having just enough humour to keep things nice and light will love this book.
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.
June 12, 2022
One of the best books in this series.
The gang set out to rescue Jane from the Sandman, who creeps into the bedrooms of his victims and sings his theme song to them while they sleep in a drugged stupor. Sometimes they wake up but feel paralized and cannot move.
In the meantime, Tempest and Big Ben keep running into thugs dressed as monks. Who are these people who seem to be everywhere he goes?
Once they capture the Sandman and his monks, along with the Sandman's disfigured wife, in an underground WW2 bunker, Tempest rages at Inspector Quinn, who once more tries to steal the credit, in front of tv cameras! He hits him in the chin, causing the inspector to require some dental work, and this time ends up in jail for real.
The gang set out to rescue Jane from the Sandman, who creeps into the bedrooms of his victims and sings his theme song to them while they sleep in a drugged stupor. Sometimes they wake up but feel paralized and cannot move.
In the meantime, Tempest and Big Ben keep running into thugs dressed as monks. Who are these people who seem to be everywhere he goes?
Once they capture the Sandman and his monks, along with the Sandman's disfigured wife, in an underground WW2 bunker, Tempest rages at Inspector Quinn, who once more tries to steal the credit, in front of tv cameras! He hits him in the chin, causing the inspector to require some dental work, and this time ends up in jail for real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
37+books and I dread the day I don’t have another Steve Higgs book to read.
Sandman was a rush from start to finish! Higgs continuously builds on character development. We are always getting to know the main and secondary characters better with every book. And his characters mature as we all do over time and as we accumulate new experiences. As a result his characters become good friends of whom I don’t want to loose track. Every book is a new adventure and packed with surprises.
P.S. Thank you for letting us American finally know Tempest’s height and weight in the old British feet and pounds we have clung to.
Sandman was a rush from start to finish! Higgs continuously builds on character development. We are always getting to know the main and secondary characters better with every book. And his characters mature as we all do over time and as we accumulate new experiences. As a result his characters become good friends of whom I don’t want to loose track. Every book is a new adventure and packed with surprises.
P.S. Thank you for letting us American finally know Tempest’s height and weight in the old British feet and pounds we have clung to.
April 23, 2021
I started this series in the middle, or more precisely, near the CURRENT end. I wasn’t sure I would like it as much as I like others series by Steve Higgs because of the “paranormal” description. However, there really wasn’t anything I would call paranormal in THIS book. I liked the characters and the action. If other books in the series are similar (and I will be reading them based on this book), then I’m sure I’ll like them as much as other Higgs books. Worth reading.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
April 25, 2021
Blue Moon Team “v” Sandman
The Sandman has been mentioned in a couple of previous books. I think that is has been one of the Blue Moon teams biggest challenges.
This is a well written fast paced story. It’s set from multiple viewpoints with narrative from Big Ben and Ian Quinn as well as the rest of the regulars. It’s interesting to get a different insights into these other characters.
It’s book 17 of the Blue Moon series. This isn’t the book to start on, and if you’ve read others you’ll know what to expect.
The Sandman has been mentioned in a couple of previous books. I think that is has been one of the Blue Moon teams biggest challenges.
This is a well written fast paced story. It’s set from multiple viewpoints with narrative from Big Ben and Ian Quinn as well as the rest of the regulars. It’s interesting to get a different insights into these other characters.
It’s book 17 of the Blue Moon series. This isn’t the book to start on, and if you’ve read others you’ll know what to expect.
April 4, 2024
Great book and I enjoyed it, as I have all the Blue Moon books. Would have been 5 stars but I “lost” Hillary! Surely I can’t be the only one to notice he disappeared? He was in the car with Tempest on the way back to the office, looking forward to his fish and chips courtesy of Ben, but only Tempest seems to have arrived. I reread that bit several times and looked for him using x-ray to make sure it wasn’t me, but there’s no trace. More than happy for someone to tell me I’ve got it wrong. It’s unusual in my experience (30 + books) for Mr Higgs to have this hole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
Wow, talk about twist, turns, friends, frenemies and people who would throw someone under the bus.
I really like how the weaving of different occurrences were twisted around, to come together.
But was the actual leader of the massive plot and mayhem, what a twist you almost feel sorry for them, talk about two faced, not quite Batman style, I liked how Tempest punched out .....! I received this book as an ARC, I have read all of them and this is an honest unbiased opinion.
I really like how the weaving of different occurrences were twisted around, to come together.
But was the actual leader of the massive plot and mayhem, what a twist you almost feel sorry for them, talk about two faced, not quite Batman style, I liked how Tempest punched out .....! I received this book as an ARC, I have read all of them and this is an honest unbiased opinion.
April 23, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and this is my honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and this is my honest review.
April 24, 2021
If he sings you to sleep you may never wake up again. Tempest, Amanda, Big Ben, Basic and friends gather together to put their strategy in place to save Jane, one of their own, who was kidnapped by the Sandman. A story of friendship that knows no bounds, they are willing to put their lives on the line to rescue Jane from the evil Sandman. Dangerous, tense and wonderfully crafted. Another sure hit for Steve Higgs and his unique style. Very Highly Recommended.
April 30, 2021
Really good
Well Tempest and the Blue Moon team have a case in their hands again. Jane has been kidnapped by the Sandman and Tempest calls all the team together to find her and unmask the Sandman. They are plagued by a cult of Monks and the police. Inspector Quinn gets his comeuppance and Tempest gets to see the inside of a jail cell. Well worth five stars. Very funny in places and plenty of action.
Well Tempest and the Blue Moon team have a case in their hands again. Jane has been kidnapped by the Sandman and Tempest calls all the team together to find her and unmask the Sandman. They are plagued by a cult of Monks and the police. Inspector Quinn gets his comeuppance and Tempest gets to see the inside of a jail cell. Well worth five stars. Very funny in places and plenty of action.
September 15, 2024
Excellent story yet again spoiled by
the use of American terminology.
The Blue moon books are gripping.
The characters are, though sometimes far fetched, relatable and likeable.
The incessant use of American terminology is desperately annoying.
The fact that the author appears to use speech to type technology without checking spellings also grates.
But for these things I'd award five stars
the use of American terminology.
The Blue moon books are gripping.
The characters are, though sometimes far fetched, relatable and likeable.
The incessant use of American terminology is desperately annoying.
The fact that the author appears to use speech to type technology without checking spellings also grates.
But for these things I'd award five stars
April 11, 2021
Epic!
This series is the kind that makes it to the big screen! Fully engaging from start to finish! Powerful characters and well-rounded backgrounds. You'd be very remiss to pass up this series! And the ending of this book? EPIC!!! Fantastic author in every endeavour he undertakes! Highly recommended reading!
This series is the kind that makes it to the big screen! Fully engaging from start to finish! Powerful characters and well-rounded backgrounds. You'd be very remiss to pass up this series! And the ending of this book? EPIC!!! Fantastic author in every endeavour he undertakes! Highly recommended reading!
May 1, 2021
An absolute roller coaster ride of a story. Give yourself a space of time to read this because it's a page-turner if ever there was one. It's filled with non-stop action and it has an extremely satisfying conclusion (I was cheering), even if it does get Tempest arrested and jailed. Which leads into the next story. Not a bad thing.
May 11, 2021
Another great read
Wasn't sure I would like this book as the chapters change between the different team members but in fact it flowed well. Steve made it clear which character was telling that part of the story and the story was better for knowing what was happening to them in particular to Jane. Loved seeing the Inspector getting his just dessert.
Wasn't sure I would like this book as the chapters change between the different team members but in fact it flowed well. Steve made it clear which character was telling that part of the story and the story was better for knowing what was happening to them in particular to Jane. Loved seeing the Inspector getting his just dessert.
February 11, 2022
Another brilliant book
This book was especially gratifying, for two reasons, punching a bad copper, and a woman with a nail gun, you must read all the Blue Moon books to find out why. Keep em coming Steve, best books I have read in a while, except for False Gods also by Mr Higgs.
This book was especially gratifying, for two reasons, punching a bad copper, and a woman with a nail gun, you must read all the Blue Moon books to find out why. Keep em coming Steve, best books I have read in a while, except for False Gods also by Mr Higgs.
August 2, 2022
And now, things get really interesting!
This was my favorite book, thus far. Of course, I think that about every book in this series. Great action and comedy during tense situations. The characters are really coming together as a team. Even when I believe I know who done it, Steve surprises me. Highly recommend.
This was my favorite book, thus far. Of course, I think that about every book in this series. Great action and comedy during tense situations. The characters are really coming together as a team. Even when I believe I know who done it, Steve surprises me. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2025
Another head turner
I don't know how this author does it continually. You think you have the answer but boom you don't. . . I couldn't put this one down either. This thriller was indeed his best. But now knowing this author the next will be his best and then the next. What shall I do when I get to the last book? Please write faster Steve
I don't know how this author does it continually. You think you have the answer but boom you don't. . . I couldn't put this one down either. This thriller was indeed his best. But now knowing this author the next will be his best and then the next. What shall I do when I get to the last book? Please write faster Steve
December 6, 2025
Jane has been kidnapped by The Sandman. The whole crew is working on the case and Tempest has bullied DCI Quinn into looking into it. A promotion is coming up so he decides to ride the coattails of Blue Moon for his own benefit.
Jane is shown to be very resourceful. But, what will happen to Tempest when he goes off the rails when Quinn neatly gets 3 hostages killed.
Jane is shown to be very resourceful. But, what will happen to Tempest when he goes off the rails when Quinn neatly gets 3 hostages killed.
April 23, 2021
Series getting better and better
The antics of the Blue Moon team get more enjoyable with each book. Looking forward to the next one. Plus does anyone know where I can get a Camouflage Jacket?
The antics of the Blue Moon team get more enjoyable with each book. Looking forward to the next one. Plus does anyone know where I can get a Camouflage Jacket?
April 23, 2021
Great series
I absolutely love this series! The plot and subplots move quickly and the action makes sense. The characters are well developed and the conversations flow naturally. Tempest and Amanda’s relationship is progressing. I can’t wait for Blue Moon’s next case!
I absolutely love this series! The plot and subplots move quickly and the action makes sense. The characters are well developed and the conversations flow naturally. Tempest and Amanda’s relationship is progressing. I can’t wait for Blue Moon’s next case!
April 24, 2021
At long last!
Seems ages since the last book and I was desperate to find out if Jane made it. Well it was a tense action packed read, I couldn't put the book down, but at least my question was answered. Read it and see!
Seems ages since the last book and I was desperate to find out if Jane made it. Well it was a tense action packed read, I couldn't put the book down, but at least my question was answered. Read it and see!
April 25, 2021
Great story your completely part of the book from the start. Love the characters and the chattering between them. Laugh at the Big Ben antics or shake your head!! Always enjoyable read. Can’t wait for all the series this year worth the wait!!!
April 26, 2021
This series just gets better with each book and the twists and turns and ending of this one was no exception. Thank goodness we don’t have to wait very long for the next book. I wouldn’t be able to survive!
May 2, 2021
Action, suspense, heart-pounding satisfying novel
I'm working my way thru all Steve Higgs' books. My favorite series is the Blue Moon series, but the False Gods series has captured me, too.
I'm working my way thru all Steve Higgs' books. My favorite series is the Blue Moon series, but the False Gods series has captured me, too.
May 11, 2021
Wow the best one in this series so far...
Once again it is 2:45am just finished this wonderful book. Steve Higgs has such an incredible imagination! Now on to a different series by him....can't wait!
Once again it is 2:45am just finished this wonderful book. Steve Higgs has such an incredible imagination! Now on to a different series by him....can't wait!
August 6, 2021
Captured
This is an awesome story. It kept me on my toes and up half the night. I only put it down when I dropped it for the fifth time!😂. You must read this story right away! You won’t be disappointed!
This is an awesome story. It kept me on my toes and up half the night. I only put it down when I dropped it for the fifth time!😂. You must read this story right away! You won’t be disappointed!
August 8, 2021
Excellent book
I give this book 5 stars , if I could give more stars I would, excellent book, I like all the twists and turns to get to the truth , I will recommend this book to all my friends
I give this book 5 stars , if I could give more stars I would, excellent book, I like all the twists and turns to get to the truth , I will recommend this book to all my friends
October 15, 2021
Great Adventure
Follow Tempest, Big Ben, Amanda, & friends as they attempt to find and defeat the Sandman. Loved ones are at stake. Jane has been kidnapped. All their friends at Blue Moon Investigations pull together to find Jane. Page turning action You'll love the ending!
Follow Tempest, Big Ben, Amanda, & friends as they attempt to find and defeat the Sandman. Loved ones are at stake. Jane has been kidnapped. All their friends at Blue Moon Investigations pull together to find Jane. Page turning action You'll love the ending!
August 23, 2023
Such a good story, I really didn't see the twist at the end coming, fast paced and full of action, Jane showing what she is made of and as per usual Quinn been a P**ck did chuckled when he got what he deserved !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews