The Star and the Strange Moon

By: Constance Sayers

Narrated by: Imani Jade Powers, Josh Hurley, Helen Laser

Length: 15 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of A Witch in Time comes a haunting tale of ambition, obsession, and the eternal mystery and magic of film.

A vanished star. A haunted film. A mystery only love can unravel…

1968: Gemma Turner once dreamed of stardom. Now the actress is on the cusp of obscurity. When she’s offered the lead in a radical new horror film, Gemma believes her luck has changed—but her dream is about to turn into a nightmare. One night, between the shadows of an alleyway, Gemma disappears on set and is never seen again. Yet, Gemma is alive. She’s been pulled into the film. And the script—and the monsters within it—are coming to life. Gemma must play her role perfectly if she hopes to survive.

2007: Gemma Turner’s disappearance is one of Hollywood’s greatest mysteries—one that’s captivated film student Christopher Kent ever since he saw L’Étrange Lune for the first time. The screenings only happen once a decade and each time there is new, impossible footage of Gemma that shouldn’t exist. Curiosity drives Christopher to unravel the truth. But answers to the film’s mystery may leave him trapped by it forever.

"A sweeping tale of dark magic, artistic obsession, and a love unbound from the limits of time, The Star and the Strange Moon captivates with lush prose and moments of poignant, heartbreaking beauty." —Paulette Kennedy, author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

For more from Constance Sayers, check out:
A Witch in Time
The Ladies of the Secret Circus

©2023 Constance Sayers (P)2023 Redhook

Critic reviews

"Be warned! The Star and the Strange Moon will cast its spell on you. Constance Sayers has created a book of worlds within worlds. Like the main characters, the reader is irresistibly drawn into the dangerous intrigue and dark truth at the heart of the story. Highly recommended!" (Paula Brackston, New York Times bestselling author)

“Ambitious and teeming with magic, Sayers creates a fascinating mix of art, The Belle Époque, and more than a little murder.” (Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation on The Ladies of the Secret Circus)

"At times decadent and macabre, The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a mesmerizing tale of love, treachery, and depraved magic percolating through four generations of Cabot women." (Luanne G. Smith, author of The Vine Witch on The Ladies of the Secret Circus)

Absolutely wonderful.

I didn't simply read this book. I DEVOURED it! Now if only there could be a second book to A Witch ain Time.

If you like A Witch in Time you'll enjoy this

I was a much bigger fan of Christopher's POV. The forced French accents in Jemma's scenes were a bit cringey but it was will a good story. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the ending left me with all sorts of feelings in the best way.

outstanding.

I recommend this book 100 percent. the story is stunning and so intriguing. had me at the edge of the chair from beginning to end. this is definitely going to make it into my top 10 list.

The Storyline was unique

I loved each character and their metamorphous into different eras. Really well done. I’d read anything Sayers wrote

Bravo

Another great story by Sayers!!! Absolutely loved this story. The narrator’s were great!!! Loved the little twist and turns.

Interesting story slowly unravels a good mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It does have spots that move a little slowly, but I never wanted to stop listening.

Exceptional story and narration

"The Star and the Strange Moon" by Constance Sayers presents a story that transcends genres, weaving together elements of horror, historical fiction, gothic, thriller, romance, old Hollywood charm, and the paranormal. Sayers crafts a story that immerses readers in the haunting tale of ambition, obsession, and the eternal magic of film.

The novel has two POVs. The first is actress Gemma Turner, who once dreamed of stardom and finds herself on the verge of slipping into obscurity. Her chance for a comeback appears when she's offered the lead in a radical new French horror film, L’Etrange Lune. However, the movie proves to be unconventional, with an eccentric director and a perplexing script. As Gemma attempts to make her last shot at stardom work, she mysteriously disappears on set, transported into the film itself.

Gemma Turner's vanishing act becomes one of film history's greatest mysteries. Film student Christopher Kent, captivated by the enigma, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. The screenings of L’Etrange Lune, occurring once a decade, reveal new and impossible footage of Gemma long after her disappearance. Christopher becomes entangled in the cursed legacy of the film

Sayers masterfully builds tension throughout the narrative, slowly unraveling the plot and keeping me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well-developed, each contributing to the complexity of the story. The novel not only explores the intrigue of the film industry but delves into other themes of obsession and identity

The author's ability to blend various genres seamlessly creates a unique reading experience. The historical backdrop, the allure of old Hollywood, and the supernatural elements contribute to the richness of the narrative. "The Star and the Strange Moon" stands out as an exceptional book, offering a spellbinding and immersive journey into the mysterious and magical realms of film.

Adored the narration. Dual-narrator POVs is my favorite of all time. All were very talented.

Pleasant Surprise

I picked this book up as a random read from the Library and due to my schedule decided to also grab the audio book because once I got into the book I was stuck like Gemma, the story is new and refreshing and I enjoyed the fact that Gemma refused to be the typical female horror troupe actress. All wrapped up in a complete story no loose ends or questions left unanswered. Excellent book beautiful story and wonderfully told.

A triumphant third book

Loved the book great story. Should become a movie.

I enjoyed all 3 books by Constance sayers.

Another great from Sayers

Sayers has become one of my favorite authors and this one did not disappoint. Very original plot. I do wonder if sayers is forming her own multiverse with her books…..