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Blue Moon Investigations: Sacramento #3
Nightmare Scare
There are good reasons to fear the night. August Watson is about to kick them in the pants.
Kids getting hurt by a figure in their nightmares might sound like the makings for a bad slasher movie, but for August Watson, Sacramento’s only paranormal detective, it’s a very real case.
He’s heading to the coast for a well-deserved break, but he’s soon gonna wish he’d stayed at home. That could be because his assistant sneakily invited August’s entire family and the two women he is struggling to pick between.
Recovering from injuries sustained solving his last case – something he might have omitted to tell his mom – August figured the dream demon case would be easy to solve.
Not only is it anything but, all too soon he has multiple cases to juggle, and they are coming to him whether he wants them or not.
Flocks of birds attacking people, and a ghostly apparition on the coastal highway prove to be the tip of the iceberg, for lurking in the background, a self-appointed nemesis is pulling the strings.
Kids getting hurt by a figure in their nightmares might sound like the makings for a bad slasher movie, but for August Watson, Sacramento’s only paranormal detective, it’s a very real case.
He’s heading to the coast for a well-deserved break, but he’s soon gonna wish he’d stayed at home. That could be because his assistant sneakily invited August’s entire family and the two women he is struggling to pick between.
Recovering from injuries sustained solving his last case – something he might have omitted to tell his mom – August figured the dream demon case would be easy to solve.
Not only is it anything but, all too soon he has multiple cases to juggle, and they are coming to him whether he wants them or not.
Flocks of birds attacking people, and a ghostly apparition on the coastal highway prove to be the tip of the iceberg, for lurking in the background, a self-appointed nemesis is pulling the strings.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2022
137 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gates
38 books80 followersA product of Small Town, California, Alex Gates is a loving husband, skilled educator, true Gryffindor, dragon-slayer, wizard of the highest order, defender of the realm, Cowboys fan, and connoisseur of cheap beer. He spent four years at California State University, Sacramento studying literature, watching football, and day drinking before obtaining a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 23, 2023
Nightmare Scare: Blue Moon Investigations Sacramento 5 stars
Wow! This is really a gut-wrenching story. August really gets chewed up in this story... Lots of clever murders and then they get much too personal. By the end, you feel overwhelmed and worn out. Well-written, good characters and amazing mysteries. (breaks your heart for all the pain whether someone deserves it or not)
Wow! This is really a gut-wrenching story. August really gets chewed up in this story... Lots of clever murders and then they get much too personal. By the end, you feel overwhelmed and worn out. Well-written, good characters and amazing mysteries. (breaks your heart for all the pain whether someone deserves it or not)
September 1, 2025
So far, these are really pretty good stories except the explanation is not always very clear. But the narrator. He just continues to suck. It actually changes some of the characters because of the voice he does. It’s hard to understand how any of these characters have any appeal because their voices are so obnoxious. It’s hard to see how Daniel Quinn has any kind of hold over anyone, for example. In the last book, he got August to tell him all kinds of things, but there’s nothing about the character that makes you see why August would be talking to him. Frankly, it’s just the voice. The voice is so slimy for Daniel Quinn. It’s not anybody you would ever speak to. The voice he does for Elena is tried into piercing and just makes her obnoxious and you can’t like anything that might be a good quality of hers. The voice for Maya is just ridiculous.
April 13, 2024
I'm very impressed.
I've read many, many mysteries. In too many of them the names and places change but the outcomes are somewhat predictable. This book - and the whole series so far - has been exceptional. I'm more than impressed, I'm moved. The protagonist and his story has touched my heart and I'm feeling his pain. The plot of the story is captivating and I had no idea where the authors were going to take it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. On top of that, the book is filled with very relatable characters and, in the middle of the horror, I'd find myself giggling at their very entertaining personalities.
I recommend this book, and the ones that come before it, without reservations. You won't regret the read.
I've read many, many mysteries. In too many of them the names and places change but the outcomes are somewhat predictable. This book - and the whole series so far - has been exceptional. I'm more than impressed, I'm moved. The protagonist and his story has touched my heart and I'm feeling his pain. The plot of the story is captivating and I had no idea where the authors were going to take it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. On top of that, the book is filled with very relatable characters and, in the middle of the horror, I'd find myself giggling at their very entertaining personalities.
I recommend this book, and the ones that come before it, without reservations. You won't regret the read.
August 3, 2023
Excellent Read
Although the characters are a bit overwhelming for me, I'm growing to love them. This nightmare that grows when they go on a work vacation to Santa Cruz would keep anyone up and it's up to August Watson and Alina and Fred, Maya, and the rest of them to solve it. That crazy song keeps emanating through their heads and then we have the Devil who swings his massive sledgehammer, but are there really victims or are they making it all up or are they really dreaming it all. Then tragedies strike, but who's to blame? You'll find yourself nail biting, scratching your head, laughing out loud and wanting to slap someone--you just gotta read it!
Although the characters are a bit overwhelming for me, I'm growing to love them. This nightmare that grows when they go on a work vacation to Santa Cruz would keep anyone up and it's up to August Watson and Alina and Fred, Maya, and the rest of them to solve it. That crazy song keeps emanating through their heads and then we have the Devil who swings his massive sledgehammer, but are there really victims or are they making it all up or are they really dreaming it all. Then tragedies strike, but who's to blame? You'll find yourself nail biting, scratching your head, laughing out loud and wanting to slap someone--you just gotta read it!
March 28, 2024
Good read, but more horror than the original Blue Moon
I read all of the Blue Moon (Tempest Michaels and Co.) Books and loved them, loved the humor, the characters, and th are mystery. This series has a greater depth to the lead characters and even explores the theme of the after life , but it is also much darker. The crimes are more gruesome, and more gory. I am rooting for the good guys but had to put the series down. If you have a stomach for gory crime and are looking for some depth in your fantasy characters, this is a great series. I had to stop at book 3, the golem storyline was too creepy for me.
I read all of the Blue Moon (Tempest Michaels and Co.) Books and loved them, loved the humor, the characters, and th are mystery. This series has a greater depth to the lead characters and even explores the theme of the after life , but it is also much darker. The crimes are more gruesome, and more gory. I am rooting for the good guys but had to put the series down. If you have a stomach for gory crime and are looking for some depth in your fantasy characters, this is a great series. I had to stop at book 3, the golem storyline was too creepy for me.
June 27, 2025
The stuff of nightmares but this is real scary . Kids are getting hurt in their sleep by this creep and it needs to stop.Flocks of birds on the attack and other weird happenings and he’s on bis back .he’s resting from his latest case. There’s no time to waste though even if there’s a decision he’s forced to make in his personal life . In the professional capacity there’s strife. How he solves this is very clever even though his other has him on a tether . Great writing as ever and real clever . Gripping stuff by this author pairing Alex Gates and Steve Higgs
December 16, 2022
Fun Story!
Nightmare Scare - Blue Moon Sacramento Book 3 by Alex Gates and Steve Higgs
Boy, this is such a fun series. Great characters and a fun plot. I am really enjoying getting to learn more about August and his friends and family, even if his family can be annoying (just like many loving families).
Dream demons, Hitchcock scenes, and mother. What is more challenging? Read this fun book and find out.
Nightmare Scare - Blue Moon Sacramento Book 3 by Alex Gates and Steve Higgs
Boy, this is such a fun series. Great characters and a fun plot. I am really enjoying getting to learn more about August and his friends and family, even if his family can be annoying (just like many loving families).
Dream demons, Hitchcock scenes, and mother. What is more challenging? Read this fun book and find out.
January 21, 2023
difficult themes
I did think the book was well written although the whole story was not a wonderful experience, the bad guy is very creepy, but the second bad guy isn’t making a lot of sense to me, and there was a lot of soulsearching by the hero, which was something that got me skimming pages. There were too many references to various horror movies for my liking, and I really didn’t like the ending. Not a bad book, but not my favourite.
I did think the book was well written although the whole story was not a wonderful experience, the bad guy is very creepy, but the second bad guy isn’t making a lot of sense to me, and there was a lot of soulsearching by the hero, which was something that got me skimming pages. There were too many references to various horror movies for my liking, and I really didn’t like the ending. Not a bad book, but not my favourite.
January 13, 2023
Wow, loved it
This is a new series for me, I love the original blue moon series and wasn't sure about this series but this book I thoroughly enjoyed, getting to know the characters and loved the pace of the story, suspense, mystery and comedy, really sassy women, loved it, can't wait to read the next one
This is a new series for me, I love the original blue moon series and wasn't sure about this series but this book I thoroughly enjoyed, getting to know the characters and loved the pace of the story, suspense, mystery and comedy, really sassy women, loved it, can't wait to read the next one
January 26, 2023
I loved it.
This is the third book of the Blue Moon Investigations Sacramento. August Watson and his friends solve the case of the Devil threatening to kill people with a sledgehammer in their dreams.
I am about to start reading the fourth book in this series. These books have kept me interested throughout and I have found it hard to put them down.
This is the third book of the Blue Moon Investigations Sacramento. August Watson and his friends solve the case of the Devil threatening to kill people with a sledgehammer in their dreams.
I am about to start reading the fourth book in this series. These books have kept me interested throughout and I have found it hard to put them down.
September 25, 2023
Very Interesting!
This story has everything! Intrigue, twists and turns abound, crazy things that happen when least expected. Never figured out who done it. It took a lot to understand the what, how and why. So, without giving anything away, I have to say this had the perfect suspect. Can't wait to see what comes next.
This story has everything! Intrigue, twists and turns abound, crazy things that happen when least expected. Never figured out who done it. It took a lot to understand the what, how and why. So, without giving anything away, I have to say this had the perfect suspect. Can't wait to see what comes next.
January 4, 2023
Worst yet…
I don’t even have the words to describe how bad this is, I can’t read any more of this rambling drivel…as good as the Tempest series is; this is equally bad. Senseless deaths, unlikeable characters. Done with the series.
I don’t even have the words to describe how bad this is, I can’t read any more of this rambling drivel…as good as the Tempest series is; this is equally bad. Senseless deaths, unlikeable characters. Done with the series.
January 19, 2023
Darker but still good
August's working vacation turns really dark. This time everything becomes more dangerous and more complex. The emphasis on characters along with a few mysteries and tragedies makes this a compelling story.
August's working vacation turns really dark. This time everything becomes more dangerous and more complex. The emphasis on characters along with a few mysteries and tragedies makes this a compelling story.
January 27, 2023
A real page turner.
This book had me sitting up nights to see what happens next. A group of young adults are being terrorized by a song and they are being killed off one by one. A diabolical antagonist is taking the credit.
Great story!
This book had me sitting up nights to see what happens next. A group of young adults are being terrorized by a song and they are being killed off one by one. A diabolical antagonist is taking the credit.
Great story!
February 27, 2023
Didn't see that coming!!!
Enjoying getting to know these characters and what drives them. Only this time, there is a glaring timeline error. Didn't affect the main story, but had me rereading parts! Still, a great read and diving into the next one now!!!!
Enjoying getting to know these characters and what drives them. Only this time, there is a glaring timeline error. Didn't affect the main story, but had me rereading parts! Still, a great read and diving into the next one now!!!!
April 5, 2023
Nightmare scare Blue Moon Investigations Sacramento book 3 by Alex Gates and Steve Higgs, a great story kids are being killed in their dreams, August Watson to solve the case, a family vacation doesn't go to plan. Characters develop and there's even a bit of love for August. 4* kindle.
April 12, 2023
Whoa !
Geese can you possibly squeeze any more drama into one book?! And what is with the over zealous mothers ??! No mother needs to be that entrenched in her adult sons lives . Lose that and the story would definitely lose the mamas boy vibe and ring more authentic
Geese can you possibly squeeze any more drama into one book?! And what is with the over zealous mothers ??! No mother needs to be that entrenched in her adult sons lives . Lose that and the story would definitely lose the mamas boy vibe and ring more authentic
October 9, 2023
WOW Craft story!
I love the Blue Moon series in its several offshoots. August is a tortured character for sure. I can't wait to see how the side investigation all go cause that person is evil!!
I love the Blue Moon series in its several offshoots. August is a tortured character for sure. I can't wait to see how the side investigation all go cause that person is evil!!
November 17, 2023
Gave up on this one after a few chapters. August started out an interesting character, but … jeez. This is such a let down after the other blue moon investigation books. Totally stopped reading books by these authors. Emotional maturity of teenagers, at best.
June 15, 2024
Arrrghhh… sometimes I had to put this down and walk away
Because it scared the crap out of me! Other times it was so intense I would read to fast and force myself to go back a few pages and read them again!
In other words… um WOW!
Because it scared the crap out of me! Other times it was so intense I would read to fast and force myself to go back a few pages and read them again!
In other words… um WOW!
January 6, 2023
Another hit
Loved books 1-3 of this series. Can't wait for more to be published.
I think it's as good as the original Blue Moon series.
Loved books 1-3 of this series. Can't wait for more to be published.
I think it's as good as the original Blue Moon series.
July 9, 2023
Great book!
This author is incredible!
The plot just keeps on taking surprising twists and turns.
The people become like old friends you really care about.
This author is incredible!
The plot just keeps on taking surprising twists and turns.
The people become like old friends you really care about.
April 4, 2024
great Storey enjoyed it so much
January 27, 2025
Kept me fascinated
Until the very end I still had not figured out how anyone could be hurt in a dream it was that good
Until the very end I still had not figured out how anyone could be hurt in a dream it was that good
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews