Southern Bound (Max Porter Mysteries Book 1)

Author: Stuart Jaffe

5 out of 5 stars

After getting a new job, Max and his wife Sandra move from Michigan to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Max quickly notices some odd things about his new job, like not being allowed to move his office furniture. When he does so anyway, he meets the ghost of private detective Marshall Drummond, who was murdered and bound to his office by a witch. How are Drummond’s circumstances and Max’s new job connected?

I loved this book and will definitely be reading more of the series. It’s well written with a good flow. The story really sucked me in. The beginning was really intriguing as the reader learns about the rules of his job along with Max. I immediately had questions, which continued as the story progressed. The more that was revealed, the more I wondered what his employer was really after and his motivations.

I also liked all of the characters. I found them to be relatable especially Max and how he reacts to everything that happens throughout the story. The only negative in the story had to with with an aspect of Sandra’s characterization. She’s eventually revealed to have once been interested in witchcraft, mostly as a teenager, but she hasn’t been involved in it in years, so she has a lot of knowledge that Max and Drummond need. It was just a bit of a stretch for me that she would have the exact knowledge they need and would remember it so well. The entire thing felt like it was just a way to move the plot on quickly.

Despite that one minor negative, Southern Bound has fully earned 5 out of 5 stars. Any mystery fan will enjoy this book, especially if they like ones with paranormal elements. There’s some action, but it’s not action-packed.

Current price through Amazon Kindle: $4.99

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AKE9V8

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