This haunted house has ghosts, secrets… and a story that refuses to stay buried.
When widower Richard Craft returns to his family’s historic Virginia home, he’s searching for peace—and maybe the spark to finish his long-delayed novel. Instead, he finds creaking floorboards, ghostly whispers, Civil War relics in the cellar, and a loyal Sheltie named Lincoln who never leaves his side.
But the past in this house runs deep. As unsettling visions and strange events mount, Richard is drawn into an unlikely alliance: a determined paranormal researcher, a retired cop with a knack for digging up the past, and an eccentric pair who run a local occult shop. Along the way, unexpected romance sparks—and moments of humor lighten even the darkest nights.
Together, they uncover a mystery that binds Richard’s family history to restless spirits with unfinished business. What begins as a ghost story becomes something more: a journey through grief, love, friendship, and the courage it takes to face what haunts us.
Begin the journey today — because the past never stays buried for long.
A winner of the Summer 2025 Pencraft Award for literary excellence.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Some of the most fun I’ve ever had while being completely freaked out! ” With a great cast of characters trying to reveal the secrets of an old, haunted house, I was completely absorbed by the story and entertained from start to finish.” 5 Stars from Karen Siddal on Reedsy Discovery Must read ��Blame It On the Moon is a fascinating, suspenseful blend of paranormal adventure, crime, historical fiction, and science fiction. Spooky apparitions, Ouija board spiritual seances, and macabre artifacts awaited me as I investigated the mysteries of Richard’s haunted house. Passionate romance, protective friendship, the adorable Sheltie Lincoln, and hilarious humor balanced the suspense and enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this riveting mystery. Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers’ FavoriteBlame It on The Moon is a ghost story, murder mystery, steamy romance, and Indiana Jones archeology mission all rolled into one. These little twists are pleasant surprises that add a lot of nuance (& fun!) to the reading experience. There’s a believable world in this novel with real-feeling characters who, like many readers, have reservations about believing in ghost stories, even if they enjoy them. From scientific equipment and experienced academic teams to Ouija boards and opal amulets, there’s a little something for every reader in this book. Looking for a haunting tale incorporating the past and the present with a great cast of characters? You’ve found your next read in Blame It on the Moon. Reviewed by Kristine Eckart – INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW Independent Book Review – A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published BooksBlame It on the Moon is a work of fiction in the historical, paranormal, and mystery genres. The novel offers a unique take on the haunted house genre with unexpected twists and turns, and a multifaceted narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish . . . a hauntingly delightful read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ FavoriteBlame It on the Moon will appeal to mature fans of historical mystery, crime and family drama, the supernatural, and adventure. The characters are remarkable and finely written. Richard’s bond with his dog, Lincoln, and the dad jokes he often makes are among his most memorable and enchanting traits. The talented Audrey also easily wins hearts with her wit and open-mindedness. Good food connoisseur, Don, and a New Age enthusiast, Vicki, are my favorite secondary characters. The main plotline skillfully balances between mundane reality and the supernatural, while the intrigue steadily thickens until the last riveting twist at the end Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers’ Favorite
From the Author
Part of a series! You’ll find protective friendships, the adorable Sheltie Lincoln, passionate romance, hilarious humor, and a dynamic cast of distinct, relatable, and interesting characters balancing the suspense of the Moon series.Blame it on the Moon, a Haunted House Mystery is a paranormal journey introducing the ensemble cast of the series, a group that you’ll come to love and look for throughout the entire succession of books. Final Exam joined as a prequel highlighting crime-solving events of gruesome campus murders in the life of one of those characters, Don Weston. The next in line is the pending Portal book, bringing back the entire group for a deeper dive into the realm between life and death.
About the Author
Author, Lou Pugliese is retired from two careers: a senior manager at Toyota Motors with national (US) andinternational experience, and a business professor at a small, liberal arts college in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.Lou and his wife Kathy (and their dog Mitch) are now settled in Green Cove Springs, Florida. His writing influence.comes from both careers, extensive travel, and a passion for obscure research. Outside of his mystery andhistorical fiction writing, he published his dissertation on the roots of prejudice, and has had poetry published through VoxPoetica.Lou belongs to the Mystery Writers of America and the Florida Writers Association (FWA), hosting the monthly FWA chapter for Clay County
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