Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

ClareR (6230 KP) rated Coffin Moon in Books

May 17, 2026  
Coffin Moon
Coffin Moon
Keith Rosson | 2026 | Horror
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Coffin Moon isn’t your run of the mill vampire story, and is a new take on a genre that there has been a lot of books about over the years. It never came across as gratuitously violent, although by it’s nature, there is a lot of violence, and these are people fighting for their lives: it’s a vampire novel after all. Coffin Moon is about grief, revenge, regret and survival.

The story is told through three characters, and almost entirely by Duane Minor, a Vietnam vet, who is still struggling with the horrors that he saw on his tour. Duane embarks on his journey of revenge with his niece, Julia, who has also experienced trauma before her aunt adopted her. They are both searching for John Vadey, the vampire who is to blame for the death of their loved ones. All of these main characters are flawed, and this makes for a sad, melancholy story. Their backstories are well-developed and their actions are believable (within the context of the story, because I would be at home, hiding behind the sofa!). The narrator, Pete Cross, brought these people to life and made it seem all too real, especially the devastating finale. This is a masterclass in the vampire genre.

Keith Rosson is an author I haven’t come across before, and looking at his backlist, it looks as though I have a bit of catching up to do!
  
No Hallowed Ground
No Hallowed Ground
Steve Hockensmith | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
More Action in the Old … Mid-West
The team of Diehl, Hoop, and Eskaminzim are back on the trail. This time, they are heading a bit further east than normal when they are sent to Missouri. According to their client, some thieves have just made off with the cash for a local bank, and if it isn’t returned quickly and quietly, it would cause the bank to close. Not that our heroes believe that. But when they learn the truth, the realize that the stakes would impact the entire country. And they realized just how outnumbered they truly are. Can they win against overwhelming odds?

If you are looking for an action book, you’ll be glad you picked this one up. There are some entertaining twists to the story, and the plot is strong enough to hold the action scenes together. The characters are good, but they could be a little stronger. Still, they are developed enough to make you care about the outcome. I appreciated how the changing points of view were used to increase the suspense. I also appreciate how the politics of March 1894 was brought into the book. It informed the action without ever being preachy. While we got some language, I was more bothered by some of the violence, so know that before you pick up the book. But if you want a historical action story, do pick up this book.
  
Dragon's Mate Volume Three: Books 8-11
Dragon's Mate Volume Three: Books 8-11
Hope Bennett | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I needed previous books
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of thi box set, 3 books and a novella.

These are books 8-11 in the Dragon's Mate series, and I think, that I SHOULD have read the other books first. It came with a prior reading not required, so I jumped in. And I'm fairly certain I missed something along the way by not reading the previous 7 books.

These 3 main books kinda of overlap each other. Almost layer upon layer, there were the same scenes repeated in multiple books, granted from other points of view, but still. It got a bit...tedious, and I wasn't really enjoying those bits.

I LIKED that all 6 of the couples had a say. I liked the pairings were mismatched and very different. I liked each couples quirks. I liked that everyone came together in the end in the short novella to tie up ends.

It's steamy, but I didn't find it ever so explicit. A little bit of violence in some places, but not too much.

I *DID* like this, I really did, I just think I should have read the previous books first. I think I would have had a better picture of what was going on with those dragon who had been banished/left in the previous books, and seen the BIGGER picture, is all.

3 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Mark (Detective Louise Blackwell #4)
The Mark (Detective Louise Blackwell #4)
Matt Brolly | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Having not read any of the previous books in this series, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but what I got was a very engaging and enthralling story.

I don't think you have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this but I recognise that there is a lot of history that is missing, particularly when it comes to the difficulties DI Blackwell has with her superior, however, I feel the author provides enough of the back-story to get you up to speed.

DI Blackwell is an interesting and complex character; she has her issues (who doesn't!) but her determination, strength and fortitude shines through in this multi-threaded story. The cast of supporting characters are equally as good and all have their place and their own stories. As I said, this is a multi-threaded story but the underlying plot is the branding attacks which ultimately turns into murder. Told from both DI Blackwell's and the killer's point of view, this provides a comprehensive view of the case and into the mind and motivations of the killer.

With scenes of peril, descriptions of violence and body modification that some may find difficult, and brimming with suspense and a host of suspects, this is a book that's easy to get your teeth into and I need to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Amethyst Flame (Flame #2)
Amethyst Flame (Flame #2)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second in the Flame series, this is the story of Vaughan and Emma, a vampire and witch who have worked together for months. A friendship had grown between them before it became more than one night, which they both swore would never happen again. However, their friendship remained and when it becomes apparent that they are marked for death, circumstances change.

The world of Five Bridges is a very violent place and sex trafficking is commonplace. Vaughan's sister disappeared years ago and he has never been able to find her. Emma has had to deal with her own share of violence but this hasn't changed either of them from wanting to make the world a better place.

There was only one bit that had me confused which could be as simple an explanation as the Amethyst Flame was screwing with her mind, but there was one bit when Beth called Vaughan 'Nathan', and he answered her, saying "I'm here."

This is a fast-paced and exciting addition to the Flames series. Although all of the action takes place in a short amount of time, this couple has had the time to build up a connection, which always makes for good reading. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2015