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Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers #4
Salt for the Devil's Eye: A supernatural mystery where ancient rites collide with modern crime
Lorne’s home is turning into a dream. He’s happy and at peace for the first time in his life. The nightmares are releasing their grip on his mind and he’s learning to cope with the whispering dead.
Sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.
An old friend calls about a missing boy from a traveller’s camp on the Quantocks. They’ve been living on the site of an ancient hillfort, near the burial grounds of long forgotten souls .
These people don’t trust the police, but they do put their faith in an old soldier to bring their boy home.
When Lorne discovers this disappearance has a link to his childhood friend vanishing, more than thirty years before, his oldest fears start to rise and take form.
The ancient sites of the Quantocks, the modern world of Hickley Point’s new nuclear reactor, and ex-police officer Tony Shaw, start to weave a tapestry of darkness that threatens all the peace Lorne’s worked so hard to find.
Forgotten souls return to haunt the moor...
Sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.
An old friend calls about a missing boy from a traveller’s camp on the Quantocks. They’ve been living on the site of an ancient hillfort, near the burial grounds of long forgotten souls .
These people don’t trust the police, but they do put their faith in an old soldier to bring their boy home.
When Lorne discovers this disappearance has a link to his childhood friend vanishing, more than thirty years before, his oldest fears start to rise and take form.
The ancient sites of the Quantocks, the modern world of Hickley Point’s new nuclear reactor, and ex-police officer Tony Shaw, start to weave a tapestry of darkness that threatens all the peace Lorne’s worked so hard to find.
Forgotten souls return to haunt the moor...
- GenresMystery
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2022
140 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 22, 2024
Salt for the Devil's Eye—Book 4 of the Lorne Turner series
Lorne has had little choice but to start believing in the supernatural, even if he's been screaming and kicking against it all the way. When a twelve-year-old child is kidnapped, and Lorne is begged to help find him, he has no idea of the powder keg that's about to go off. His recent and ancient past now collide with his present. When even the spirit sharing his body wants to turn tail and run, what chance does Lorne have in being able to keep himself and those he holds dear alive and well?
Multiple story threads that began in the previous books come into play as secrets are exposed and explanations are revealed. All Lorne has experienced in the last year culminates here. Loads of action, supernatural craziness, and more await in this fourth installment of the supernatural thriller series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lorne has had little choice but to start believing in the supernatural, even if he's been screaming and kicking against it all the way. When a twelve-year-old child is kidnapped, and Lorne is begged to help find him, he has no idea of the powder keg that's about to go off. His recent and ancient past now collide with his present. When even the spirit sharing his body wants to turn tail and run, what chance does Lorne have in being able to keep himself and those he holds dear alive and well?
Multiple story threads that began in the previous books come into play as secrets are exposed and explanations are revealed. All Lorne has experienced in the last year culminates here. Loads of action, supernatural craziness, and more await in this fourth installment of the supernatural thriller series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2022
My Thoughts:
The question is, who is sending Ella and Lorne these similar dreams of standing stone? Ella's christian God? The pagan's gods? The bad guys?
Funnily enough, I bought this book on July 6. By July 7, I was reading about the date of births of the missing boys. How is that for coincidence?!
I think that I have mentioned before already that this author is kind of the British version of the American John Connolly. Both writes in the same genre. Joe Talon, like John Connolly, takes elements from multiple pantheons, i.e., angels of the Christian religion and djinn of the Islamic faith. Takes these familiar concepts and weaves his fiction with it. Familiar enough to make a connection with the reader and different enough to make it interesting and his own brand of world building. The angel's appearance was brief but glorious!
At this point I am now an old die-hard fan of this series. So, this review might all just be fan raving from here on. But it doesn't make it any less true that this book is still a wonderful read!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 4.5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 cherries
July 21, 2022
Joe Talon has taken the Lorne Turner series to an incredible depth of psychic understanding. Lorne Turner with his self effacing, aw shucks type persona, just draws in me in. In the previous novels and novellas, the world building has been incredible, right down to the point I could smell the loamy earth and feel the drizzle and cold damp in the air. I love books with paranormal twists and turns and Talon never fails to meet those marks.
The mystery that has haunted Lorne for thirty years about his missing friend Tommy is brought to the forefront as well as so many other connections that while some may be comforting, others are downright horrifying. In this installment, Lorne and Heather join forces with Malik and Paul as they try to find Malik's missing son at the request of Angie, Spud's mother. When Lorne begins to investigate chilling similarities come up that are enough to have Lorne's djinn upset at what is coming. I hesitate to say more because I am on the edge of those spoilers that I will never reveal, I can say that as honored as I have been to receive each of these books as an arc, the true honor has been in joining Lorne in his world and spending time there. This series is a definite must have for my collection and I am sure if you like paranormal books with just a smidge of romance (and I do mean a smidge, Lorne isn't gushy but he sure knows what makes him happy and that is to make Heather happy.) then this is definitely a series to delve into. This is deeper than most of the paranormal books and I guarantee Talon doesn't shy away from the hard topics in the realm of evil vs. light.
The mystery that has haunted Lorne for thirty years about his missing friend Tommy is brought to the forefront as well as so many other connections that while some may be comforting, others are downright horrifying. In this installment, Lorne and Heather join forces with Malik and Paul as they try to find Malik's missing son at the request of Angie, Spud's mother. When Lorne begins to investigate chilling similarities come up that are enough to have Lorne's djinn upset at what is coming. I hesitate to say more because I am on the edge of those spoilers that I will never reveal, I can say that as honored as I have been to receive each of these books as an arc, the true honor has been in joining Lorne in his world and spending time there. This series is a definite must have for my collection and I am sure if you like paranormal books with just a smidge of romance (and I do mean a smidge, Lorne isn't gushy but he sure knows what makes him happy and that is to make Heather happy.) then this is definitely a series to delve into. This is deeper than most of the paranormal books and I guarantee Talon doesn't shy away from the hard topics in the realm of evil vs. light.
June 16, 2022
Salt For the Devil’s Eye is the fourth book in the Lorne Turner Supernatural series. Turner, a retired soldier, came back to his boyhood home with PTSD and a new friend attached – a djinn. When Lorne is asked to find a missing boy, he realizes that the disappearance is very similar to the vanishing of his childhood friend, Tommy. In the midst of trying to solve the mystery revolving around the missing children, his nightmares are getting worst. Something is off in their part of the world. Lorne, Heather, and all of their friends will have to combine their resources to set things right. And, though he struggles to accept his companion, Turner will definitely need his help to stop the upcoming catastrophe before it is initiated. This well-written supernatural thriller has a very interesting plot, great, multi-faceted characters, vivid descriptions, and twists and turns that kept me glued to my seat. I am completely invested in this series and can't wait for the next instalment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2022
Another great story of Lorne Turner and his friends! As long as Joe Talon keeps cranking out good yarns, I will be happy to keep reading them! Yes this is a series, but they don't have to be read in order, though I would suggest that you do. And while Amazon has slotted them in the occult category, I think while there are certainly elements, there is also a fair amount of faith and mystery. I have enjoyed the stories and especially the author's handling of his main character who happens to be be a vet with some PTS.
Give this series a try...you will be glad you did. The occult stuff is mostly tame enough to not give you nightmares - though Lorne does have them.
A small taste of the writing: " This wet cotton wool weather had hugged the moor for days and nights, roiling in off the sea and staying. Since its arrival, the black shadow keeping me company seemed to grow stronger." Very descriptive writing that put you in the story gets me every time....thanks for another great read Joe!
Give this series a try...you will be glad you did. The occult stuff is mostly tame enough to not give you nightmares - though Lorne does have them.
A small taste of the writing: " This wet cotton wool weather had hugged the moor for days and nights, roiling in off the sea and staying. Since its arrival, the black shadow keeping me company seemed to grow stronger." Very descriptive writing that put you in the story gets me every time....thanks for another great read Joe!
July 11, 2022
Mystery Adventure with Fantasy and Occult thrown in. Reviewed in Canada on July 6, 2022
I hadn't read any of the books in this series before so I had no idea what I was getting I to to, but Joe offered me a chance to read the bookand tell him what I thought of it..And, now I want to go back and read the series from the beginning. This is part of a series and even though there are references to the past books,they give you enough information to make sense in this story and enough to twig your curiosity about the past books.
The story has enough mystery mixed in with the fantasy to keep both fractions of readers satisfied.
There are no super heroes in the story just men and woman , that are flawed and scarred by past events, that are doing their best to survive the life they have been handed. Trying to do right by others to balance the wrong. You can relate to the characters and their stories. I really enjoyed the book,which was a good surprise as I normally don't read this type,but I am going back and reading this series from the beginning.
I hadn't read any of the books in this series before so I had no idea what I was getting I to to, but Joe offered me a chance to read the bookand tell him what I thought of it..And, now I want to go back and read the series from the beginning. This is part of a series and even though there are references to the past books,they give you enough information to make sense in this story and enough to twig your curiosity about the past books.
The story has enough mystery mixed in with the fantasy to keep both fractions of readers satisfied.
There are no super heroes in the story just men and woman , that are flawed and scarred by past events, that are doing their best to survive the life they have been handed. Trying to do right by others to balance the wrong. You can relate to the characters and their stories. I really enjoyed the book,which was a good surprise as I normally don't read this type,but I am going back and reading this series from the beginning.
April 25, 2023
I just finished listening to Salt for the Devil’s Eye – my fourth book from Joe Talon, and I have to say this is my favorite of the series. While I didn’t normally read/listen to supernatural thrillers, once I listened to Counting Crows, I was addicted to the Lorne Turner stores and every chance I got to listen to a review copy of each book, I jumped on it. One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is I can identify with Lorne; I have friends with similar backgrounds and similar damage from that background. Of course, when you add Lorne to well-crafted stories you have everything necessary for a highly entertaining read/listening. Regarding listening, Edmond Bloxam does an excellent job bringing the story to life as well as breathing life into each character through unique voices and attitudes. I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide my review.
March 13, 2024
Book 228 - Joe Talon - Salt for the Devil’s Eye
I first discovered Joe Talon’s work when searching online for some freebies for my Kindle. He has now become one of my favourite writers and along with John Grisham…he is one that I can’t wait for his newest tale to be finished.
For completists the others I have read were Book 107 - ‘Forgotten Homeland’; Book 115 - ‘Counting Crows’; Book 146 - ‘Money for Old Bones’; Book 179 - ‘Dead of the Winter Sun’; Book 210 - ‘A Meeting of Terrors’ and now this one.
Lorne Turner…former soldier…continuing to deal with PTSD and shares his very being with a Djinn…a spirit guide that rears its head whenever there is danger and fights for him…brutally…but what happens when even his Djinn is scared…how do you fight something that may or not be there…something that is and isn’t real.
I love the skirting round the supernatural…the hints of what is out there…it has become a bit more prevalent in the previous story and into this one…but this one is personal. Turner’s very ‘family’ are under threat…
As a sequel to ‘Dead of the Winter Sun’ it is mesmerising in its tale…loud and in your face but also gentle as Turner and his brother, the Djinn, come to an understanding…a balance. But with the return of characters that threaten him and all he loves at the centre, we again see the tortured soul of Turner burning to the surface.
And just when I thought the story was reaching a deafening crescendo Talon took us to another place…another rival…another twist. My one concern is that we may be losing sight of the people that make up the heart of the story and are reaching for simply spectacle…I hope I am wrong.
The anxiety that comes with PTSD is so real…so honest…and so important to every tale Talon tells that he makes you care so deeply for each and every character that it had me spinning through the pages hoping…nay…praying they all survive.
I first discovered Joe Talon’s work when searching online for some freebies for my Kindle. He has now become one of my favourite writers and along with John Grisham…he is one that I can’t wait for his newest tale to be finished.
For completists the others I have read were Book 107 - ‘Forgotten Homeland’; Book 115 - ‘Counting Crows’; Book 146 - ‘Money for Old Bones’; Book 179 - ‘Dead of the Winter Sun’; Book 210 - ‘A Meeting of Terrors’ and now this one.
Lorne Turner…former soldier…continuing to deal with PTSD and shares his very being with a Djinn…a spirit guide that rears its head whenever there is danger and fights for him…brutally…but what happens when even his Djinn is scared…how do you fight something that may or not be there…something that is and isn’t real.
I love the skirting round the supernatural…the hints of what is out there…it has become a bit more prevalent in the previous story and into this one…but this one is personal. Turner’s very ‘family’ are under threat…
As a sequel to ‘Dead of the Winter Sun’ it is mesmerising in its tale…loud and in your face but also gentle as Turner and his brother, the Djinn, come to an understanding…a balance. But with the return of characters that threaten him and all he loves at the centre, we again see the tortured soul of Turner burning to the surface.
And just when I thought the story was reaching a deafening crescendo Talon took us to another place…another rival…another twist. My one concern is that we may be losing sight of the people that make up the heart of the story and are reaching for simply spectacle…I hope I am wrong.
The anxiety that comes with PTSD is so real…so honest…and so important to every tale Talon tells that he makes you care so deeply for each and every character that it had me spinning through the pages hoping…nay…praying they all survive.
July 12, 2022
For not having read any of the other books in this series, I wasn't lost or left wondering what the heck was going on. This book can be totally read as a stand-alone, but I'm sure reading it in order of the series would be the best option. This story was great, spell-binding and suspenseful. I was kept on the edge of my seat through the entire book, it didn't drag once!! While it's labeled as an "occult" book, I would label more of a "supernatural mystery". There is some occult but it isn't really a "dark" book. The author did an amazing job creating this world and the characters in it!! So if you're looking for an action-packed supernatural mystery, this is most definitely the book for you!!
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 25, 2022
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fast paced, nail biting ride across Exmoor and West Somerset as Lorne Turner and his band of misfits take on supernatural forces, all while battling their own inner demons. Joe Talons gift is to write characters you like despite their flaws. If you haven't read any of the other Lorne Turner books I'd recommend that you start with them. This book draws on all that has happened previously and allows plenty of scope for more! I can't say too much without giving away spoilers but I can promise that this book will leave you wanting more!
Fast paced, nail biting ride across Exmoor and West Somerset as Lorne Turner and his band of misfits take on supernatural forces, all while battling their own inner demons. Joe Talons gift is to write characters you like despite their flaws. If you haven't read any of the other Lorne Turner books I'd recommend that you start with them. This book draws on all that has happened previously and allows plenty of scope for more! I can't say too much without giving away spoilers but I can promise that this book will leave you wanting more!
April 19, 2023
Audiobook: I liked book 4 of the "Lorne Turner Supernatural Thrillers" series as much as the first three books. This story kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how it would end. Lorne was working hard to achieve some peace from his demons when a friend asked him to help locate a missing boy. Lorne and his friends suffered a lot due to the obstacles they faced. The story was entertaining and captivating. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Edmund Bloxam's narration was great, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
June 2, 2023
The narrator was very good. I enjoyed the timbre of his voice. The only thing bad I can say was that I had difficulty understanding some of what he was saying. Now this was probably because I had never heard him before so was unused to how he spoke and I would probably understand him better by listening to more of his work, So, that's on my list.
Joe Talon's "Salt for the Devil's Eye" kept me interested and anticipating getting back to listening. It was an interesting story that stands alone well but, I think reading/listening in sequence would definitely be better. I didn't notice that this one was the fourth book in the series and I look forward to going back to book 1, "Counting Crows".
Joe Talon's "Salt for the Devil's Eye" kept me interested and anticipating getting back to listening. It was an interesting story that stands alone well but, I think reading/listening in sequence would definitely be better. I didn't notice that this one was the fourth book in the series and I look forward to going back to book 1, "Counting Crows".
June 22, 2022
Another great addition to the series. I highly recommend reading the three previous books in the series as well to really get to know Lorne Turner and friends. They are well written and so descriptive that you will be drawn into the story and feel like your right there with Lorne. In this book Lorne is drawn back into solving a mystery of missing children and dealing with the Occult and Religion.
I am enjoying all the books so far and none of them should be missed.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I am enjoying all the books so far and none of them should be missed.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
June 25, 2022
I enjoy seeing the way this author's mind works. He combines the supernatural with religion seamlessly while keeping me in suspense. Lorne and his friends tackle another mystery. Missing children brings back Lorne's PTSD with a vengeance. The story is well written with enough description to make you feel like you are standing right beside Lorne fighting his battles with him. the characters are excellent and brave in the face of unexplained happenings. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 24, 2022
The culmination of decades brings several story arcs to a conclusion in this book! While I am glad to have the answers I am excited to find out what happens next. Somehow I don’t think that Pilar Sanchez and her secret group are going to actually leave Lorne and Paul alone. I also think that things are always going to crop up that require the specialized talent of both. I am loving this series and eagerly await the next book!
June 27, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This book is about mystery, supernatural, faith and some detective work. The imagery is awesome. Here is a sample, "The full moon sat heavy and bloated over the village." Bloated is a good word for a full moon close to the earth. I read this book out of sequence of The Lorne Turner supernatural series and it can be read as a stand alone. I liked the book so much, I will start from the beginning of the series.
February 5, 2024
Intense
WOW! what an intense book. Just when you think you know what's going on and who the players are, you find out how little you really know. Lorne faces his past and present, which could determine his future and those of the people he cares about. He is tested constantly, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Him and his friends are pushed above and beyond their comfort zones, and all of them learn a lot about each other and themselves.
WOW! what an intense book. Just when you think you know what's going on and who the players are, you find out how little you really know. Lorne faces his past and present, which could determine his future and those of the people he cares about. He is tested constantly, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Him and his friends are pushed above and beyond their comfort zones, and all of them learn a lot about each other and themselves.
June 20, 2022
From start to finish, something that keeps you reading.
The ending will really surprise you.
This seamlessly blends the occult with the religious to show that they are not really separate worlds.
The main characters each contribute to the overall feeling that you are right there with them.
Do not miss this one.
The ending will really surprise you.
This seamlessly blends the occult with the religious to show that they are not really separate worlds.
The main characters each contribute to the overall feeling that you are right there with them.
Do not miss this one.
June 27, 2022
This latest story in the Lorne Turner series will keep you on the edge of your seat, and bring some crazy surprises. Lorne is getting a better handle on his abilities and it's just in time. I love these characters and cannot wait to see what's next, and I hope the new addition to the team brings some extra skills to the table
June 29, 2022
Another cracking bookworm Joe
A tense race against time to find some missing children, and a battle with some VERY ambitious occultism. Poor Lorne and his friends go through even more testing circumstances in which new friends are made and some old questions answered. You will not be able to put this down! Now to wait for the next book!
A tense race against time to find some missing children, and a battle with some VERY ambitious occultism. Poor Lorne and his friends go through even more testing circumstances in which new friends are made and some old questions answered. You will not be able to put this down! Now to wait for the next book!
July 19, 2022
Amazing read yet again. I have read all the books in the series and have not been disappointed. Looking forward to the next one. I was fortunate to read this book before it was published I received a free copy for a honest review, thanks Joe for the opportunity. I have now purchased it to add to my collection which I am sure I will read them all again.
July 28, 2022
SALT FOR THE DEVILS EYE
Salt for the Devils eye is another book in the lorne Turner series set in the beautiful Somerset County it's a fantastic phantasmagorical story still hard to put down you want to read it from beginning to end straight away but life gets in the way its beautifully written
Salt for the Devils eye is another book in the lorne Turner series set in the beautiful Somerset County it's a fantastic phantasmagorical story still hard to put down you want to read it from beginning to end straight away but life gets in the way its beautifully written
November 14, 2022
Very good!
I am enjoying this series. I gave this one 4 stars only because I found it difficult to get into. Not sure why, but I found myself skimming pages while waiting to get started on the whatever was going to happen parts of the book. I will say once I got into the main action of the story, I found it difficult to put it down. Go figure. I’m on to the next book now.
I am enjoying this series. I gave this one 4 stars only because I found it difficult to get into. Not sure why, but I found myself skimming pages while waiting to get started on the whatever was going to happen parts of the book. I will say once I got into the main action of the story, I found it difficult to put it down. Go figure. I’m on to the next book now.
February 20, 2023
Book 4 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 contains a lot of action; the characters don't get a chance to take a break and the story is pushed forward at a fast pace.
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.
June 23, 2022
An excellent supernatural thriller. Lorne and his friends become embroiled in the disappearance of a child which leads to so much more. Fast paced with plenty of action and humour throughout. Well recommended. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
July 8, 2022
Absolutely love this series
I wouldn't give any spoilers but if you enjoy books with good characters that develope then these are worth a read .
So looking forward to the fifth book
I wouldn't give any spoilers but if you enjoy books with good characters that develope then these are worth a read .
So looking forward to the fifth book
July 16, 2025
Fascinating books
I'm so glad I've stumbled upon Joe Talon's books. They are like a British mixture of Jack Reacher and Supernatural. Such well written characters. I care about all of them. I can't wait to read the next one.
I'm so glad I've stumbled upon Joe Talon's books. They are like a British mixture of Jack Reacher and Supernatural. Such well written characters. I care about all of them. I can't wait to read the next one.
September 10, 2025
I thought it was a bit slow to get started but once it did then it was what I had come to expect from Lorne Turner & crew.
This is the forth book in the series & I feel I’m really getting to know the main characters.
This is the forth book in the series & I feel I’m really getting to know the main characters.
June 16, 2022
Another fabulous story in the Lorne series. I couldn’t put it down it was enthralling. It had twists and turns and wow I loved it.
I received a free arc copy for a review
I received a free arc copy for a review
January 14, 2023
Good read. Great characters
Great series, just enough reality with the paranormal that works. One of the best in the series and you'll want the hero to succeed every time
Great series, just enough reality with the paranormal that works. One of the best in the series and you'll want the hero to succeed every time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews