The Star and the Strange Moon

By: Constance Sayers

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

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

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

"At once 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. A soaring celebration of female agency and the power of free will, this is Constance Sayers at her finest."—Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

“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

"A spellbinding historical fantasy....Fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus will love this page-turning story of dark magic, star-crossed love, and familial sacrifice."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) 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

"A captivating tapestry of a tale, A Witch in Time weaves together the supernatural, historical fiction, and a humorous present day heroine, while traveling the macabre brambles of a dark curse-through lifetimes-with a compass to the heart."—Gwendolyn Womack, bestselling author of The Fortune Teller & The Time Collector on A Witch in Time

"Fresh and original... a narrative rich in historical detail, brightened by flashes of humor, and filled with colorful characters and fascinating settings. A most rewarding read!"—Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches on A Witch in Time

"A sweeping story of magical, star-crossed love, as glamorous as it is romantic. Prepare to be dazzled."—Alma Katsu, author of The Hunger on A Witch in Time

"Fans of Deborah Harkness will devour this page-turning tale of love, reincarnation, and dark magic. A highly unique and enjoyable read!"—Hester Fox, author of The Witch of Willow Hall on A Witch in Time

"Sayers traverses time periods effortlessly with lush, graceful descriptions....This spiraling narrative will appeal to fans of historical fiction and complicated love stories ."—Publishers Weekly on A Witch in Time

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…..

Such a good story

Enjoyed this book, the story was so good I loved the characters. I will read this book again. I hope the author writes more books

Captivating and original!

Your best novel yet! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and all of your books. I couldn’t wait to return to it every night. Liz (Rathbone) Montagna

I’ve binged the entire thing. Gluttonous and fulfilling.

Well, done! I loved it from beginning to end. A Witch in Time is an all-time favorite, and it did my heart good to hear the names of some of those characters in this book. This book will also stay in my collection, forever. I hope in time we get to revisit some of these characters again. Their development was crafted in a way that connected the reader on a deeper level.