What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Moon Investigations: Sacramento #1
Voodoo Blues
Curiosity. It’s going to get more than just the cat killed.
Sacramento has its share of spooky, crazy, and unexplained, just like everywhere else, but most other places don’t have a self-appointed paranormal investigator to really stir things up.
There are good reasons to fear the night. August Watson is about to kick them in the pants.
With an oversized sidekick, a school-skipping apprentice, and too many bad habits to count, August aims to drag the truth into the light. Kicking and screaming if necessary.
Sacramento has its share of spooky, crazy, and unexplained, just like everywhere else, but most other places don’t have a self-appointed paranormal investigator to really stir things up.
There are good reasons to fear the night. August Watson is about to kick them in the pants.
With an oversized sidekick, a school-skipping apprentice, and too many bad habits to count, August aims to drag the truth into the light. Kicking and screaming if necessary.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2022
385 people are currently reading
159 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 11, 2024
Such an interesting book
March 16, 2025
Not like the original Blue Moon…
I’d like to start by saying I read both the original Blue Moon series as well as the Australian spin off and loved them both, I would highly recommend them. I was excited to read the Sacramento series as I enjoyed the previously read Blue Moons and have visited Sacramento many times. Unfortunately this first book was much darker and more twisted than I had expected. I accept that in most mysteries there are murder victims but in all of the other Blue Moon books I had read thus far the details of the killings were pretty tame. There were things that happened in this book that I wish I hadn’t read. Also, I did not enjoy the characters, the MC let others walk all over him and Maya and Alina were overbearing and obnoxious. I will happily return to the other two Blue Moon series but will not continue with this one.
I’d like to start by saying I read both the original Blue Moon series as well as the Australian spin off and loved them both, I would highly recommend them. I was excited to read the Sacramento series as I enjoyed the previously read Blue Moons and have visited Sacramento many times. Unfortunately this first book was much darker and more twisted than I had expected. I accept that in most mysteries there are murder victims but in all of the other Blue Moon books I had read thus far the details of the killings were pretty tame. There were things that happened in this book that I wish I hadn’t read. Also, I did not enjoy the characters, the MC let others walk all over him and Maya and Alina were overbearing and obnoxious. I will happily return to the other two Blue Moon series but will not continue with this one.
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed the story, but the narrator sucks!!!!!!! The narrator really actually damaged the story. He did the worst voices for everyone, especially for the teenage girl. She was an obnoxious character, but she probably would have been slightly irritating and amusing had he not done such an incredibly strident voice for her. I’m not sure he has ever heard any human being ever speak. It was screeching and piercing. Horrible. The character herself was obnoxious, but it could have been funny obnoxious. The voice he had made her an asshole. I am only listening to the second book because I bought a whole box set of five, and with Steve Higgs on the cover, I figure there has to be some redeeming value. So far in the second book not only are the voices better but the story is better. The story and the first one wasn’t bad, it was just that narrator.
August 30, 2023
Those Blues Just Chase You
A new intern at August's office has him wanting to scream. She's 16 going on 30 and has something to say to everyone even if they don't want to hear it. I wanted to shut her up. She was driving me nuts as well as all the characters in the book. haha. August is chasing a killer who leaves voodoo dolls behind after the intended victim dies of an "accident" or is it. He actually has 3 cases ongoing and is lookig for Sasquatch who is rabid? You'll have to read it for yourself. And then there's Maya's boyfriend and Glacia who hires August to get rid of ghosts in her Nana's house and there's a lot going on. Entertaining, funny, scary -- this book has it all.
A new intern at August's office has him wanting to scream. She's 16 going on 30 and has something to say to everyone even if they don't want to hear it. I wanted to shut her up. She was driving me nuts as well as all the characters in the book. haha. August is chasing a killer who leaves voodoo dolls behind after the intended victim dies of an "accident" or is it. He actually has 3 cases ongoing and is lookig for Sasquatch who is rabid? You'll have to read it for yourself. And then there's Maya's boyfriend and Glacia who hires August to get rid of ghosts in her Nana's house and there's a lot going on. Entertaining, funny, scary -- this book has it all.
June 27, 2025
Blue Moon Sacramento is my number one series by Alex Gates and Steve Higgs. August Watson is the newest Blue Moon franchisee and mercy me he’s great and after this book is well and truly put to bed ,he finds himself a mate ,an ally who’s awesome and quirky but it works that she has them . But first about the story. Well it’s all Voodoo and him getting in the doodoo as he has to juggle the cases ,three at the same time isn’t he doing well? Time will certainly tell, Maya ,now she’s a great character too and she comes into her own . Perfectly sublime reading and it was easy to immerse myself in with a grin .its got the Blue Moon feel to it straight away which I loved and was drawn in. Brilliant storytelling and compelling too. Couldnt wait for book two.
February 20, 2023
Plot riviting
The story begins with repulsive characters and in stinky locations. Tossing trash into the street, foregoing personal cleanliness, and the like happens in the first chapters. Writing is hackneyed with awkward phrases like "You'll do amazing" and "leveled onto the third floor" for an elevator ride. Sacramento is supposedly a place where wind storms occur everyday. Spelling errors where there are "fur" trees, who's instead of whose.
But as the plot unfolds the weird characters clean up and the story begins to become interesting. I do think that more humor would have made the intro to a good story better. It's a worthwhile read.
The story begins with repulsive characters and in stinky locations. Tossing trash into the street, foregoing personal cleanliness, and the like happens in the first chapters. Writing is hackneyed with awkward phrases like "You'll do amazing" and "leveled onto the third floor" for an elevator ride. Sacramento is supposedly a place where wind storms occur everyday. Spelling errors where there are "fur" trees, who's instead of whose.
But as the plot unfolds the weird characters clean up and the story begins to become interesting. I do think that more humor would have made the intro to a good story better. It's a worthwhile read.
June 6, 2023
A not what I expected book
August Watson is a haunted man, and straight as a ruler, honest, tall, and handsome. He trained to be a police officer, but after a tragic incident he left the force and fell into a liquor bottle. But he has crawled out, and opened a business of paranormal investigations. He has some clients and some mysteries to solve with the help of a woman friend and her smart smart mouthed niece. I expected some paranormal, and it is not there, but the plot is good, the book is paced well, and the characters, while a little stock, perform well throughout the story. Good, okay, but not great.
August Watson is a haunted man, and straight as a ruler, honest, tall, and handsome. He trained to be a police officer, but after a tragic incident he left the force and fell into a liquor bottle. But he has crawled out, and opened a business of paranormal investigations. He has some clients and some mysteries to solve with the help of a woman friend and her smart smart mouthed niece. I expected some paranormal, and it is not there, but the plot is good, the book is paced well, and the characters, while a little stock, perform well throughout the story. Good, okay, but not great.
February 24, 2025
This book starts out strong, the main characters are interesting & the premise pulls you in. A couple of times it was obvious where the story was going, but not in such a way that you wanted to DNF.
slight spoiler
I did have a major problem with a character having a debate with themselves about hitting an attacker enough times to make sure the attacker would STAY down, knowing if they didn't the attacker would get up & stop them from escaping. Ill let you guess what they did.
The book was fun, I might see if the Library has copies of the next books, but I won't pay for any more.
slight spoiler
I did have a major problem with a character having a debate with themselves about hitting an attacker enough times to make sure the attacker would STAY down, knowing if they didn't the attacker would get up & stop them from escaping. Ill let you guess what they did.
The book was fun, I might see if the Library has copies of the next books, but I won't pay for any more.
November 4, 2022
The Boy Who Played With Voodoo Dolls???
I’m a big Steve Higgs fan but this collaboration novel (something new that Steve is doing) really didn’t take off for me. There was definitely a Steve Higgs flavour in places but it lacked something to really draw me in. Toward the end the action picked up and there was more character development so I’m willing to give another book from this collaboration a try. We’ll see how things develop.
I received an arc copy of the book.
I’m a big Steve Higgs fan but this collaboration novel (something new that Steve is doing) really didn’t take off for me. There was definitely a Steve Higgs flavour in places but it lacked something to really draw me in. Toward the end the action picked up and there was more character development so I’m willing to give another book from this collaboration a try. We’ll see how things develop.
I received an arc copy of the book.
November 7, 2022
A great start to this new spin-off series from Higgs and Gates. A spinoff from the Blue Moon series, we have August (Gussy according to mom), Fred, his friend and unpaid employee, and a whole host of wonderful, crazy characters that made this fun to read. Enough humor to make you laugh out loud and crazy incidences that require a paranormal sleuth to figure things out. August is a great protagonist, and he has an awesome supporting cast. I highly recommend this!
December 13, 2023
Voodoo Blues (1)
Wow! I absolutely love, love, love this adventure! I have read many of Steve Higgs books! They are very amusing and amazing at the same time! While Alex Gates, the first author of this incredible story, I have actually never read any of his writing! I completely feel in love at the first reading the books written by both authors! I'm excited that I have the chance to read these books!!
Wow! I absolutely love, love, love this adventure! I have read many of Steve Higgs books! They are very amusing and amazing at the same time! While Alex Gates, the first author of this incredible story, I have actually never read any of his writing! I completely feel in love at the first reading the books written by both authors! I'm excited that I have the chance to read these books!!
January 17, 2023
A welcome surprising mystery
I hadn't read the book summary so this book surprised me in a good way. All the characters are well written with quirks and personalities that really bring them to life. The mysteries are slightly predictable but characters make the tale and I can't wait to read about the next potentially paranormal cases.
I hadn't read the book summary so this book surprised me in a good way. All the characters are well written with quirks and personalities that really bring them to life. The mysteries are slightly predictable but characters make the tale and I can't wait to read about the next potentially paranormal cases.
January 18, 2023
Voodoo Blues: Blue moon Investigations Sacramento
What a terrific book! I enjoyed the story and learning about August the paranormal investigator. He was a kind man and was good at helping people facing their hallucinations and learning their truth. I loved the female characters who bring out the best in August, especially Alina. She is awesome!
Don't miss this great story.
What a terrific book! I enjoyed the story and learning about August the paranormal investigator. He was a kind man and was good at helping people facing their hallucinations and learning their truth. I loved the female characters who bring out the best in August, especially Alina. She is awesome!
Don't miss this great story.
February 7, 2023
Voodoo Blues, Blue Moon Investigation Sacramento book1 in series, by Steve Higgs and Alex Gates, my first exposure to August Watson a paranormal investigator to disprove paranormal activities. Great story, with great characters, provided with a back story, history, family and friends, action packed. 4* kindle. Next in series Doppleganger Danger.
September 5, 2023
Wonderful!
What a wonderful first book to introduce some new characters and set the foundation for this series. Much like our friend from England, our new hero is flawed, fights against his fears and generally seems to learn from his experience with his clients. Onward to the next book. Thanks to the authors I have something to look forward to again.
What a wonderful first book to introduce some new characters and set the foundation for this series. Much like our friend from England, our new hero is flawed, fights against his fears and generally seems to learn from his experience with his clients. Onward to the next book. Thanks to the authors I have something to look forward to again.
November 10, 2022
Good start to a new series. I liked that August, even though he was barely holding it together, was the most logical, interesting detective. Enjoyed the characters and it was exciting reading about how and when he solves his cases. Recommend reading.
November 16, 2022
Great start of a series
This book combines a complete back story of the main character, and the creation of credible (and memorable) secondary characters, whilst telling a story thar is intriguing and fascinating at the same time. I look forward to the next book in this series.
This book combines a complete back story of the main character, and the creation of credible (and memorable) secondary characters, whilst telling a story thar is intriguing and fascinating at the same time. I look forward to the next book in this series.
December 12, 2022
Paranormal true or false
Does paranormal really exit can August and friends prove it, or not . Do people still use voodoo witchcraft read the book to find out. Will August cure his ghosts ?
Does paranormal really exit can August and friends prove it, or not . Do people still use voodoo witchcraft read the book to find out. Will August cure his ghosts ?
January 1, 2023
August Watson
I enjoyed this book, though it was a bit of a slow start. Lots of potential and some good characters. I liked the different cases and their resolutions. I may continue with series.
No cliffhanger. Told from multiple points of view, though mostly August. Stays PG-13.
I enjoyed this book, though it was a bit of a slow start. Lots of potential and some good characters. I liked the different cases and their resolutions. I may continue with series.
No cliffhanger. Told from multiple points of view, though mostly August. Stays PG-13.
January 16, 2023
I thought this was a sassy, humorous book. August Watson with the help of his friends, sets out to prove that the paranormal does not exist. I laughed at some of the antics.
I found this to be an enjoyable book, although it was a bit slow to start.
I found this to be an enjoyable book, although it was a bit slow to start.
January 16, 2023
Loved this
Steve Higgs and Gates write in a way that brings in multiple topics, some of which touch close to home. Always keeps the story flowing and interesting. I think I've found another series. Bravo!
Steve Higgs and Gates write in a way that brings in multiple topics, some of which touch close to home. Always keeps the story flowing and interesting. I think I've found another series. Bravo!
Read
January 26, 2023Great easy read
This was a fun one. Picked it up not expecting a whole lot, but I ended up reading the entire book in just 2 sittings. Great characters, really exciting story and I'm looking forward to the next one.
This was a fun one. Picked it up not expecting a whole lot, but I ended up reading the entire book in just 2 sittings. Great characters, really exciting story and I'm looking forward to the next one.
February 25, 2023
Fun read
Does paranormal exist? Well maybe once in a blue moon. Fun read, a few cases solved and looking forward to getting to know August, Fred, Maya and Alina more. Onto next book in series.
Does paranormal exist? Well maybe once in a blue moon. Fun read, a few cases solved and looking forward to getting to know August, Fred, Maya and Alina more. Onto next book in series.
November 18, 2022
A fun new series!
Who knew Sacramento could have so much drama!! I love Blue Moon series and this one I think we'll be a great addition!!
Who knew Sacramento could have so much drama!! I love Blue Moon series and this one I think we'll be a great addition!!
December 11, 2022
More please
Yes! All the craziness, compassion and humility of the original Blue Moon series is here. I plan on enjoying every book.
Yes! All the craziness, compassion and humility of the original Blue Moon series is here. I plan on enjoying every book.
January 6, 2023
The book was sooooo boring. DNF because 60% in and it was just the same old. Boring.
January 15, 2023
A new scene
Not Tempest but August, fighting the battle against the paranormal. Tempest allies with August to create a new world paranormal detective agency I Sacramento, CA.
Not Tempest but August, fighting the battle against the paranormal. Tempest allies with August to create a new world paranormal detective agency I Sacramento, CA.
January 16, 2023
Excellent pacing
A good story with excellent pacing and several great twists. I love the characters and look forward to getting to know them. Devoted this book in a single day
A good story with excellent pacing and several great twists. I love the characters and look forward to getting to know them. Devoted this book in a single day
January 19, 2023
Interesting and intriguing, looking forward to reading more
January 20, 2023
Awesome
Wow , a must-read. Could not put it down.
On the edge at all times. This book has it all. Can't wait to read the next one.
Wow , a must-read. Could not put it down.
On the edge at all times. This book has it all. Can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews