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Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers #3
Dead Of The Winter Sun: A supernatural mystery of Cold War secrets and haunted Exmoor ruins
Lorne is beginning to understand that the dead might not stay in the graveyards where they are left. He also knows it’s time to start facing this disconcerting reality in the same way he faced his enemies in battle.
So, when Eddie Rice buys a rundown cottage on Exmoor, and an old graveyard, which should be empty, things become increasingly weird. It isn’t empty for a start. Not of bodies, or the whispering dead.
After an elderly woman is murdered nearby, Lorne, Ella and the others begin to uncover a plot that links this quiet corner of the world with Cold War espionage. Soviet secrets unravel and the more Lorne discovers the closer to breaking point he gets.
The Winter Sun burns in his blood, eating his mind. Can his desert hitchhiker save him? Or will his sanity fold under the weight of Cold War madness?
So, when Eddie Rice buys a rundown cottage on Exmoor, and an old graveyard, which should be empty, things become increasingly weird. It isn’t empty for a start. Not of bodies, or the whispering dead.
After an elderly woman is murdered nearby, Lorne, Ella and the others begin to uncover a plot that links this quiet corner of the world with Cold War espionage. Soviet secrets unravel and the more Lorne discovers the closer to breaking point he gets.
The Winter Sun burns in his blood, eating his mind. Can his desert hitchhiker save him? Or will his sanity fold under the weight of Cold War madness?
- GenresMystery
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2022
91 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 22, 2022
As I have said previously in other reviews Joe Talon is one of the few authors who can draw me right into the story with the main characters. Definitely read the first two books in the series. I just love this paranormal, murder mystery full secrets, interesting characters and all the details as the author spins his tale and drawing us in. I definitely want to read more by this author.
I received this book as an Advance Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advance Reader's Copy.
February 8, 2024
Book 179 - Joe Talon - Dead of the Winter Sun
A return to the disturbing but wonderful tales of Lorne Turner, our soldier turned survival guide, continuing to suffer from PTSD, with his simply fabulous support system of Heather, not quite his girlfriend, and Ella, the most incredible local vicar with such a stoic faith that it makes you want to get to know her and be really close friends with her.
One of the things I love about Talon’s writings is that he doesn’t try and solve the PTSD in one sitting…it is a journey…a long and painful one for both Turner and those he loves. The peace he yearns for is in a constant battle with the violence and demons of his past.
When the mother of a friend turns up dead, Lorne finds himself drawn into the a web of horror so dark…even he might not come out of it unscathed…he tries continuously to extricate himself from the twisted events…but…when he is captured the torturous truth begins to emerge.
Talon’s flirting with the supernatural continues in this third Turner novel and it is fascinating as the dark ID of his psyche emerges several times to help save him. A plot that touches on WW2 scientific treatments of soldiers, overseas secret agency experimentation and through to dangers to Turner’s widening ‘family’ circle continues to be brutal…but the closeness and triumph that emerges in such a dark tale is, as always, deeply moving.
Good vs evil…right vs wrong.
Life is always lit in shades of light and dark…
A rare hidden literary talent that deserves much praise.
A return to the disturbing but wonderful tales of Lorne Turner, our soldier turned survival guide, continuing to suffer from PTSD, with his simply fabulous support system of Heather, not quite his girlfriend, and Ella, the most incredible local vicar with such a stoic faith that it makes you want to get to know her and be really close friends with her.
One of the things I love about Talon’s writings is that he doesn’t try and solve the PTSD in one sitting…it is a journey…a long and painful one for both Turner and those he loves. The peace he yearns for is in a constant battle with the violence and demons of his past.
When the mother of a friend turns up dead, Lorne finds himself drawn into the a web of horror so dark…even he might not come out of it unscathed…he tries continuously to extricate himself from the twisted events…but…when he is captured the torturous truth begins to emerge.
Talon’s flirting with the supernatural continues in this third Turner novel and it is fascinating as the dark ID of his psyche emerges several times to help save him. A plot that touches on WW2 scientific treatments of soldiers, overseas secret agency experimentation and through to dangers to Turner’s widening ‘family’ circle continues to be brutal…but the closeness and triumph that emerges in such a dark tale is, as always, deeply moving.
Good vs evil…right vs wrong.
Life is always lit in shades of light and dark…
A rare hidden literary talent that deserves much praise.
March 21, 2022
Dead Of The Winter Sun is the third novel in the Lorne Turner mystery series by one my most favorite authors Joe Talon. It's an action-packed, page-turning that features dark secrets, plot twists and compelling characters an incredible book. Joe Talon is perhaps one of the most gifted story tellers that I have had the opportunity to read. He is able to weave a story like an artist, weaves a tapestry. Each intricate line is carefully gathered and stitched into the story. As the pattern develops you begin to see the design, but he leaves a few strings unpulled as he goes, but he hints at Talon that the picture on the tapestry will be. As a reader you are sure you know what that pattern will be but then he adds a new thread and you know the picture you had formed was wrong. By the end of the novel Joe has pulled all the threads together and you as the reader will know how the story was developed. I have to tell you that I was absolutely captivated. This book drew me in from the very first page and I admit I had a very difficult time putting it down. I can not recommend a book and author more highly. I intend to read more novels by this author, I received this novel from the StoryOrigin. This is my true and honest review.
March 29, 2022
This is hands down one of the most intensely riveting books I have ever read. Joe Talon takes storytelling to a entirely new realm, with sheer grit and inventiveness. The background is so well written I could easily hear every sound and smell every last scent. The characters have such depth, I kept being disappointed that it was a book and not real.
Lorne and Heather have become a truly incomparable team and with the help of their vicar friend Ella, they really have most of the bases covered in their battles against evil.
I can honestly say, that while I would love to see all the places described, Talon definitely knows how to put the creep in creepy and there are quite a few that he has added to this addition to the series that I feel the evil vibes from here.
I was so drawn into the drama, light romance, intrigue and the terrifying chills that I almost missed the twists forming. This is the third in the series and while you can read as standalone, I personally recommend reading these in the order written for a richer reading experience. This is an absolute must for your collections.
Lorne and Heather have become a truly incomparable team and with the help of their vicar friend Ella, they really have most of the bases covered in their battles against evil.
I can honestly say, that while I would love to see all the places described, Talon definitely knows how to put the creep in creepy and there are quite a few that he has added to this addition to the series that I feel the evil vibes from here.
I was so drawn into the drama, light romance, intrigue and the terrifying chills that I almost missed the twists forming. This is the third in the series and while you can read as standalone, I personally recommend reading these in the order written for a richer reading experience. This is an absolute must for your collections.
March 20, 2022
Dead of The Winter Sun: The Spirits Are weeping Their Terror is the third novel in the Lorne Turner Mystery Thrillers. Everyone is family in a small town, so when an elderly woman and a dear friend to Ella is murdered, Lorne investigates. What he uncovers will bring about links to espionage from the Cold War era and scientific experiments trying to build the perfect soldier. Unfortunately, as Lorne finds these hidden abandoned facilities, he also finds ghosts, all horror and hate filled. The dead are not at rest in this evil place. He will need the help of his friends and his hitchhiker to try to put things to right. This is an absolutely fantastic occult thriller. With its detailed plot and compelling characters, I couldn’t put it down. I am looking forward to the next novel in this incredible series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2022
Loved it! Just when I think the writing and stories can't possibly get better, along comes "Dead of the Winter Sun" and shatters my expectations. This roller coaster of a tale is very well written, wonderfully paced and full of more take of our beleaguered band of misfits.
One of the very early passages transports you to the places in the book. "I removed my sunglasses and squinted. The sun weighed down on the fields, and they soaked the hot embrace. After the terrible snow of the winter and the dramatic flooding during the spring, nature had decides Exmoor deserved a bucolic summer. The oak trees surrounding the field I stood in were dark green and grand. Their companions, the beech and a few surviving ash, were just as dominant. The arboreal versions of titans." Loved, loved, loved this book....hoping there are still more tales to come.
I did receive an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
One of the very early passages transports you to the places in the book. "I removed my sunglasses and squinted. The sun weighed down on the fields, and they soaked the hot embrace. After the terrible snow of the winter and the dramatic flooding during the spring, nature had decides Exmoor deserved a bucolic summer. The oak trees surrounding the field I stood in were dark green and grand. Their companions, the beech and a few surviving ash, were just as dominant. The arboreal versions of titans." Loved, loved, loved this book....hoping there are still more tales to come.
I did receive an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 26, 2022
great read
I enjoyed this book and the preceding 2 and the novellas very much. Book 1 was good but the characters and story line, particularly around Lorne, were still developing. Now we have fully developed story lines and great great characters. I love the supernatural elements of the stories. And the combat/military influences. It’s fascinating watching Lorne come to terms with his abilities and his past. It certainly gives us a clear insight to the stress and trauma that soldiers past and present go through. It particularly struck me that countries spend millions on training elite soldiers such as the SAS and spend absolutely nothing when they return to civilian life. It’s so very sad.
I am looking forward to book 4!
I enjoyed this book and the preceding 2 and the novellas very much. Book 1 was good but the characters and story line, particularly around Lorne, were still developing. Now we have fully developed story lines and great great characters. I love the supernatural elements of the stories. And the combat/military influences. It’s fascinating watching Lorne come to terms with his abilities and his past. It certainly gives us a clear insight to the stress and trauma that soldiers past and present go through. It particularly struck me that countries spend millions on training elite soldiers such as the SAS and spend absolutely nothing when they return to civilian life. It’s so very sad.
I am looking forward to book 4!
March 31, 2022
War changes a person. The heavy training, the horrors of battle and the wrenching of one’s morals and beliefs give strength and fear, often leading to a preternatural awareness of one’s surroundings. Survival and protection of those important to existence make some decisions without conscious thought. The survivor learns the vital importance of understanding people, and sometimes of letting them into the closed, locked, protected parts of one’s being.
Lorne faces extreme challenges in a lovely British countryside. He has to find his way in new emotional territory among old (and relatively new) friends.
This author writes from the heart, with a profound understanding of what it really requires to survive.
Lorne faces extreme challenges in a lovely British countryside. He has to find his way in new emotional territory among old (and relatively new) friends.
This author writes from the heart, with a profound understanding of what it really requires to survive.
July 19, 2022
I am truly enjoying Lorne Turner supernatural books. Lorne's character is strong. He also can show compassion and empathy. But saints be with you if you hurt any of his new family members. His good friend Ella the vicar, girlfriend Heather and local Wiccan expert, Willow work to keep him grounded in the moment. Lorne finally accepts the fact he can see and hear spirits. The group went walking on Eddies's new property and found an old cemetary. Along with the graves is a hidden, abandoned Russian hospital. Evil testing on people had caused the angry spirits to stay in the hospital. All their hate was aimed at anyone who goes in. Start this series, you won't be disappointed.
February 3, 2024
Eerie, dramatic, action-packed, spiritual
Lorne, ex military with PTSD, trying to live as a normal civilian but trouble finds him like a magnet. He now sees spirits in the daylight, not just the dark spirit that has been tagging along with him since the desert. He comes face to face with evil, past, present, and if some have their way, future. Him and the "family" he has become a part of will need to learn patience and trust between themselves and the unknown, to survive the current threat, help the past, and save the future. I am very much looking forward to Mr Talons' next book.
Lorne, ex military with PTSD, trying to live as a normal civilian but trouble finds him like a magnet. He now sees spirits in the daylight, not just the dark spirit that has been tagging along with him since the desert. He comes face to face with evil, past, present, and if some have their way, future. Him and the "family" he has become a part of will need to learn patience and trust between themselves and the unknown, to survive the current threat, help the past, and save the future. I am very much looking forward to Mr Talons' next book.
March 31, 2022
Holy moly! This was fantastic!! This author has a way of sucking me into their stories and not letting me go. The story is incredible. The characters are fascinating. The murder mystery and paranormal aspect to the story are spot on. The characters felt realistic and that kept me engaged, kept me turning the pages. Overall, a phenomenal read! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
June 12, 2022
Only reason it is not a 5 star is language. If the F- word had been used less it would have been a 5-star.
Being that some of the female characters were raped or abused, using that word so freely makes reading the book much more difficult.
Otherwise, I loved how the main character Lorne goes from the present to his past. One seems to have a mixed effect on the other.
I could especially sympathize with the supernatural parts because, although mine are not as intense, I seem to feel that there are always "spirits" around assisting or hindering our lives.
Being that some of the female characters were raped or abused, using that word so freely makes reading the book much more difficult.
Otherwise, I loved how the main character Lorne goes from the present to his past. One seems to have a mixed effect on the other.
I could especially sympathize with the supernatural parts because, although mine are not as intense, I seem to feel that there are always "spirits" around assisting or hindering our lives.
November 10, 2022
I enjoyed the narration of Edmund Bloxam.
This book is a murder mystery with paranormal aspects, that is action packed, features dark secrets, plot twists. Lorne investigates a murder, and he uncovers links to espionage from the Cold War era and scientific experiments trying to build the perfect soldier. While Lorne finds the hidden abandoned facilities, he finds ghosts, all horror and hate filled. The dead are not at rest in this evil place.
Lorne and Heather are an incomparable team and with the help of their vicar friend Ella, fight the evil.
Loved.
This book is a murder mystery with paranormal aspects, that is action packed, features dark secrets, plot twists. Lorne investigates a murder, and he uncovers links to espionage from the Cold War era and scientific experiments trying to build the perfect soldier. While Lorne finds the hidden abandoned facilities, he finds ghosts, all horror and hate filled. The dead are not at rest in this evil place.
Lorne and Heather are an incomparable team and with the help of their vicar friend Ella, fight the evil.
Loved.
November 10, 2022
Audiobook: I enjoyed book 3 of the "Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers" series. The mystery was fascinating. The characters were memorable. There were some intense moments and some disturbing actions depicted. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Edmund Bloxam's narration was good and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
November 8, 2024
Totally Excellent
I have read thousands of books in all genres and have never fallen in love so hard with such a great cast of characters! Plots are great fun, the action is seriously biting but most of all the cast of characters are truly family. Thank you, Joe Talon, for such a wonderful series of books. And thank you too for making it so affordable for me to purchase them all!
I have read thousands of books in all genres and have never fallen in love so hard with such a great cast of characters! Plots are great fun, the action is seriously biting but most of all the cast of characters are truly family. Thank you, Joe Talon, for such a wonderful series of books. And thank you too for making it so affordable for me to purchase them all!
March 22, 2022
I enjoyed this occult thriller. Lorne Turner investigates when a friend of Ella's is murdered. The author has a way of drawing you in with his words and chilling you to the bone with his haunting descriptions. I couldn't put it down. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 26, 2022
Lonely is back in the best adventure yet
Love love loved this book and the rest of the series. Read it and you will be on a roller coaster of emotions. I had to stop reading about half way through to go and do something but spent the time worrying whether Lorne would be OK! Fantastic characters and brilliant writing.
Love love loved this book and the rest of the series. Read it and you will be on a roller coaster of emotions. I had to stop reading about half way through to go and do something but spent the time worrying whether Lorne would be OK! Fantastic characters and brilliant writing.
March 29, 2022
Dead of winter sun
These books are great very atmospherical and very well written set in a beautiful and mysterious part of the UK Somerset you really feel for the characters in the book - not the baddies of course once you start reading you don't want to put them down I felt I was there great book well done Joe T
These books are great very atmospherical and very well written set in a beautiful and mysterious part of the UK Somerset you really feel for the characters in the book - not the baddies of course once you start reading you don't want to put them down I felt I was there great book well done Joe T
April 1, 2022
An excellent Murder/Mystery/Horror.
The death of an elderly lady escalates into so much more and Lorne and his friends are pushed to their limit. What unfolds is beyond belief when a company called Winter Sun gets more resistance from them than they bargained for. Well written and full of action. Definitely recommended. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
The death of an elderly lady escalates into so much more and Lorne and his friends are pushed to their limit. What unfolds is beyond belief when a company called Winter Sun gets more resistance from them than they bargained for. Well written and full of action. Definitely recommended. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
June 11, 2022
It seems that with each adventure Lorne and his family have the danger and darkness is greater. I am not sure how he survived this one. The depravity of the powers in charge is truly disturbing and I am happy it was exposed in the end. I also am curious to find out if his djinn has departed permanently or not. The next book should be interesting and I can’t wait to read it!
November 10, 2022
GREAT BOOK!
This series just keeps getting better and better! Lorne, still fighting his personal demons from war finds himself involved with the murder of a neighbor. This leads to far reaching evil that Lorne and his family of friends must vanquish together. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This series just keeps getting better and better! Lorne, still fighting his personal demons from war finds himself involved with the murder of a neighbor. This leads to far reaching evil that Lorne and his family of friends must vanquish together. I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 21, 2023
Book 3 in the series, it helps to read the previous books to get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships. The story is plot-driven and Lorne sees and hears shadows and ghosts, affected by his past.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
March 29, 2022
The dead have long memories.
The disturbing death of an elderly widow sets Lorne Turner and his friends on another dark and terrifying journey into the past. Another great entry in the series.
The disturbing death of an elderly widow sets Lorne Turner and his friends on another dark and terrifying journey into the past. Another great entry in the series.
April 3, 2022
Such a great series of books I can’t put them down. The latest is the best and I can’t wait for the next.
A well written series and worth adding to your reading list.
What will happen in the next book? I have no idea but I can’t wait until it’s ready to read
A well written series and worth adding to your reading list.
What will happen in the next book? I have no idea but I can’t wait until it’s ready to read
May 16, 2023
You never know what's around the corner.
If you are open-minded, this book is for you.
If you accept, there's more than just here and now. It's for you.
The descriptive style draws you in, I read through most of the night as I didn't want to leave the southwest of England.
Enjoy!
If you are open-minded, this book is for you.
If you accept, there's more than just here and now. It's for you.
The descriptive style draws you in, I read through most of the night as I didn't want to leave the southwest of England.
Enjoy!
April 1, 2022
Gripping read. I have read the whole series and love the way the characters have developed. I can't wait for the next book.
March 17, 2023
Seldom does one find a series by an author that actually improves as it progresses….trust me, this is that series and author. For all fans of Phil Rickman, this is a must read!
The interplay between the esoteric and the exoteric is excellent and brilliantly related in a way that draws the reader into the world of these well crafted and complex characters. A suspenseful and enjoyable read that leaves us, the readers, wanting more
The interplay between the esoteric and the exoteric is excellent and brilliantly related in a way that draws the reader into the world of these well crafted and complex characters. A suspenseful and enjoyable read that leaves us, the readers, wanting more
July 11, 2024
This is an interesting series. Lorne is such a great character and I love getting to read about the various cases and twists and turns in the series. I look forward to more.
October 15, 2022
Stoke Pero Church
My Thoughts:
I realised that this is not urban fantasy! This is rural fantasy! Little villages like Scob are not urban. But I don't think there is a genre called rural fantasy. So might as well stick with supernatural thriller.
I mentioned in my review of previous books in this series that the author is good at weaving facts and fiction and here he is again. Gives the story a common ground with the reader to provide just enough link with the audience to establish a fertile ground to grow his fictional world. I like that!!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 3.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 3.5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
November 30, 2022
Action packed addition to the Lorne Turner series!
The Lorne Turner stories are addicting to say the least, and when you add Edmund Bloxam’s narration they become something that must be devoured in a single sitting. Dead of the Winter Sun went in a direction that I didn’t expect and covered topics that sadly sounded too plausible. Additionally, Lorne is getting more in touch with his various spirit guides/ghosts and in some cases uses them to his advantage, in others let’s just say he runs like hell. I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide this review.
The Lorne Turner stories are addicting to say the least, and when you add Edmund Bloxam’s narration they become something that must be devoured in a single sitting. Dead of the Winter Sun went in a direction that I didn’t expect and covered topics that sadly sounded too plausible. Additionally, Lorne is getting more in touch with his various spirit guides/ghosts and in some cases uses them to his advantage, in others let’s just say he runs like hell. I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews