The Killing Moon

Wolf Lake #4

by Dan Padavona

The night holds dangerous secrets. And a girl who cried wolf is caught in a murderer’s crosshairs.

Only twelve hours have passed since Violet saw her teenage boyfriend. Now his body lies in the morgue, riddled with stab wounds. And the evidence points to a mythical serial killer Violet invented to scare her friends…The Halloween Man.

Sheriff Thomas Shepherd is torn between two investigations after a deadly inmate escapes prison and stalks Wolf Lake. How can he defend his loved ones while a murderer runs loose?

Desperate to catch the killer, Thomas pursues Violet and her friends. But as he wades into the investigation, the suspect list grows.

Is a madman copying scenes from a horror movie on Halloween? Or is Violet hiding a deadly secret?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2021

About the author

Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My thriller style is often compared to Shari Lapena, Louise Jensen, Hilary Davidson, and Dean Koontz.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

Reviews

[Diane]

Solid 4.5 and 2 thumbs up!

Great series for those that love police procedurals. Well written and suspenseful, not overly descriptive, which works well for me.

[Vicky D.]

Getting a little predictable.

[S A]

I enjoy the series and the characters but the plot of this one was lacking.

[Judi Haley]

This is the 4th in the series and one of the best I think. Thomas Shepherd is still the Sheriff, he has now been elected, of Wolf Lake. This time this takes place on Halloween eve and Halloween night.

When Scout is listening to a internet broadcast about The Halloween Man, the narrator of the story, makes a shocking claim that the Halloween man is there and will kill her her. Believing that this is real, Scout enlists her friends to find out if the girl is still alive and needs help. This story about the Halloween man takes place in the neighboring county where Thomas would be called in as Sheriff.

It so happens, that night, a teenager is killed and when investigating, they find an orange fabric that looks like part of a costume. Is the Halloween Man real? Is he now killing people and is the girl
still alive.

A fast moving book that you will love. Can't wait until the next one in this series comes out!

[Tina Bailey]

Irritating to a fault!

I liked this series at first, but now its literally Scooby DOO comes to life! No law enforcement branch would ever welcome any non law enforcement person to break and enter a home, or run down suspects! Scout is a child with facial recognition installed on her computer.... That is priced up in the thousands, so no, could not be because Scout and her mom are just now living better than pay check to pay check! I do not know that I will read another in this series because even for fiction, it's too much to accept!

[Barb]

Another fun read but I’m dropping a star for a few reasons. First, I think I’ve cracked the formula though because I actually guessed the killer in this one. There were two storylines here which was a little weird as they never merged. The characters spent a lot of time staking out empty buildings instead of keeping people who were targets safe. I’ll probably continue the series but going to take a break for a while.

[Chris]

The saga continues. For a small town with a small police department, there’s a lot of murders and corrupt people!

[Rosemary]

The Killing Moon - a review by Rosemary Kenny

As a live podcast concludes, listeners are convinced the maker's been murdered by the Hallowe'en Killer she warned them about.
Who's stabbed by a copycat real-life killer?

Sheriff Thomas Shepherd and his deputies hunt for the Hallowe'en Killer, as two young men are brutally slain in separate incidents.
Valerie Leonard is at risk, but so are Scout, her Mom and Raven. Where will the fiend strike next?
A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues...with the pumpkin-masked, horror-film-obsessed slasher hiding in the shadows, just biding his time.

Dan Padavona knows exactly how to shred your nerves with the delicious cacophony of fear and anticipation, that takes place under The Killing Moon, another 5-star Wolf Lake winner.
Get it now, to find out who's behind the mask!

[Amber Clark]

Halloween Man unmasked

More than a few logic flaws as usual. Quick read. Great characters. Having 2 different problems going on made it feel rushed and incomplete. More of Halloween Man would have been better. Why didn't he kill Valerie when he had a chance? And as far as Benson goes, how incredibly stupid is he to go to all the places he did? That made zero sense. I escaped prison, let me go crash at my house.

I guess Raven"s trauma and anxiety will be magically cured now. The battle over Scout will intensify, but that is a twist that was shocking and also dumb.

Too many neat bows. The stepdad. The abusive husband. Too often closure is completed in one or two rushed sentences. The conversations are at times awkward as well.

Yet I keep reading. I want to know what the Scooby doo gang will find next.

[Dawn Myers]

In my opinion this a great addition to the Wolf Lake Series. This is can be read by itself, but I highly recommend the whole series. Dan Padavona gave me suspense, mystery and action. There is a couple of stories going on which is always fun. I figured out who the killer was from the first moment I was introduced (her/him). I believe most of the readers will be surprised by who the killer is. Dan Padavona grabbed my action at the beginning and kept it till the end. I loved how Thomas and the rest of his family that has been created, they have each others backs. I can't wait for the next one, but I have concerns where it's going. If you don't get it I love this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.

[gerry]

Halloween from hell

Interesting story crafted in a timeline of a Halloween weekend. A motley crew of private investigators, teen age sleuths and sheriff's deputies chase the perps. Two plots keep everyone on their toes.

The story would have more realistic merit if the author had considered the geography of the plot. The one perpetrator who wanted to leave the country from upstate New York heads for the Mexican border. This makes no sense when the Canadian border is so close and unguarded. This glitch should have been considered prior to publication. Many people from that area probably know how to cross the border in a boat or through the wilderness as our border with Canada has never been very secure.

[kylie]

the killing moon was a great read, with unique story points. i enjoyed the podcast parts, and it was interesting to see peoples reactions to violet getting “murdered” live. i didn’t expect who the killer was, especially since they were only named a few times. i thought that this book in the series was a bit more young adult-ish than the others, but it might just be due to the primary settings and several characters being in high school. i do feel like this book specifically in the series had investigative experiences were outlandish and unrealistic. like private investigators illegally breaking and entering, and the police knowing about it but turning a blind eye since they’re buddies.

i love dan’s books, and will for sure continue this series.

[mary arnold]

A Halloween setting with an escaped prisoner and a murdered teen. Are they connected? These small counties band together to catch the criminal(s) and return peace to the area. This author has a way with description that doesn’t stop the page-turner from moving forward but rather enhances the vision of the surroundings. The characters are from high school age to retired, all with distinct personalities, making them memorable. This thriller is a roller coaster ride until the final twist.

[Billie]

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 honest review.

[Judy Mcadam]

The killing moon

Bravo Dan...I bet you needed a long nap and an anxiety pill after this one. Keeping all the players in their correct places....whew..that was sorta tough for me but I got it all in one sitting! My eyes are too weary to go on to the next book but by tomorrow I will be right back with you thanks for the reality escape... My reason for all my reading. Love when I find a new author..so thanks again for the adventure. See you tomorrow! Judyjane

[Rose Mclaughlin]

Wasn't sure

So I read the first one,I was thinking ok writing a little stilted but like the hook of the storyline,by the second book I was hooked!!! I love Thomas the main character and the rest that surround him,plenty of mystery and each story better then the last. This is the 4th in the series and I can't wait for the next one,going to check out the other series the author has written
Congrats you can now add me as a new fan among many I'm sure!

[Larue Cline]

Thrilling Entry

This entry in the series was different from the previous ones, but I've enjoyed it just the same. Dan Padavona has an amazing way of reeling in the reader with a story of shock and thrills, but what has kept me returning to the series is the loving "family" the characters have created. Seeing the evolution of characters such as Serena and LeVar has been my favorite part of the entire series.

[Diana L. Wells]

This is a great series. You don’t necessarily have to read them in order but why deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know these characters. This story redefines what family is and how important it is being able to trust each other.
I have to admit I never pictured the Halloween Man until it was revealed. No spoilers here. I enjoy following these characters, reading about their next adventure and how they play off each other and are developed. Looking forward to their next adventure.

[Suzanne Lopes]

Again, the wolf lake series is outstanding. I literally started reading this Author’s books and I am totally hooked. I feel like I actually know the characters. This one was suspenseful. I love Thomas Shepard. He is the Sheriff of Wolf Lake and really smart but loving at the same time. Honestly, I will continue to read any books that this author Dan Padavona writes. Trust me, you are going to love this series!!

[Donna]

Sheriff Thomas Shepherd is involved in two deadly investigations this time. A girl stages an elaborate Halloween horror podcast and her boyfriend goes missing after they convince the audience that shes been stabbed on-air. Thomas’s neighbour Chelsea is a fan of the podcaster and rushes to solve the case. An escaped prisoner threatens Raven from Wolf Lake Consulting and that has the crew trying to trap him before he can kill again.

[Tina Langford]

Killers

So many killer in this fourth book of The Killing Moon. Someone makes up a halloween killer. This gives a jealous young man the perfect way to settle a score. The new crime solving team continues to help the police catch killers. This is a continuing story of a hand few of stranger come together creating solid friendship and a loving family. Keep reading this series. Don't want to miss any of the killers and their pursuers.

[Cattie Whaley]

Fast paced!

Another great thriller in Wolf Lake with some of my favorite characters. In this installment, we've got an escaped convict and a Halloween Man Serial killer! So much going on at once! Can Wolf Lake Consulting catch the escaped convict before he comes after one of their own? And can Sheriff Sheppard track down a violent killer before he kills his next victim? What a fast read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend!

[Mary Rowe]

another solved case (or two) in the books

A teen’s scary Halloween themed podcast, inferring a deadly confrontation with a contrived killer, sets the stage for someone to bring the story to bloody life.

Elsewhere, one of the kidnapper/assailants who held Raven hostage after she discovered the location of an abducted heiress, Mark Benson escapes custody and is on the run - right back towards Wolf Lake.

[Betsy Byrd]

Awesome!

Man, I love this book series! It is amazing! I'm so glad that I chose a series that already has a bunch of books in it bc I don't have to wait for the next book to come out, like I already have to do with a lot of my past series I have read. Hopefully by the time I'm done with these books that are already wrote, another one will be out!!

[Angela]

A fantastic thriller

This is a perfect story to head into the fall season! When fiction becomes reality, it has every one scrambling to figure out what's going on. When another problem crops up, this new unconventional family is racing against the clock, but this time it could have fatal results.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[LINDA MCCAULEY]

Great series!

An unlikely group of people became friends, then “family”! Fighting crime bonds them! From a sheriff with mild Asperger’s to a 14 year old girl in a wheelchair, this group, “ odd” as it might be, works well together and has success ! I’ve read four books so far and look forward to the rest!!!

[Brian K. Rhoads]

Outstanding!!!

Anyone looking for an extremely well written suspense mystery need to look no further. Wolf Lake series has it ALL. Believable characters, masterfully written with twists and turns. Keeps the reader engaged and turning pages.

[Barbara Williams]

Mixed feelings

I wavered between a 2 and 3**. Liked the sleuthing parts , the behind the scene with the amateur detectives, but the rest of the story was geared toward the young adult. Clumsy police work, even awkward. Far cry from the first episodes.

[bonnie kirchner]

The Killing Moon

This book in this series is as great as all the others are. This is a great thriller. This is a must read book. I would give this book ten stars if they had them. I highly recommend this book and series

[Carolann Hiller]

Scary good

Too many suspects, After murder of Valerie's boyfriend, the sheriff and crew have to narrow field of suspects. And to throw in escape of kidnapper, Busy Busy Busy. Great read and series. Go get it.