Death Warmed Over: Dan Shamble, Zombie PI by Kevin J. Anderson (audio)
Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: Dan Chambeaux (though everyone keeps calling him Shamble now) is a private investigator who also happens to be a zombie. Ten years ago there was an event called “The Big Uneasy” that made monsters a reality. Well, sort of. It brought the monsters out of the darkness but it also started affecting humans. People could be changed into vampires and werewolves; they could come back from death as ghosts or zombies. Murder and suicide drastically up the odds of the last two. He was already working cases for other Unnaturals when he was killed. Now he’s trying to solve his own murder in his spare time. And the murder of his girlfriend-turned-ghost, Cheyenne. Could they be related? Could his current cases shed light on his murder? And will he find answers before someone tries to kill him again?
My Review: I really enjoyed the this book. Dan’s approach with detective works a whole lot more realistic – he’s working multiple cases at a time. Some are from before he died, some are from after, but he takes them all seriously and follows what leads he can. We got a good idea of the cross-section of what’s out there – werewolves, trolls, goblins, ghouls, ghosts, witches, mummies, and zombies. The unnatural community feels authentic; the hate groups seem real; and even the business feel was true to life. At no point does Anderson veer off into tastelessness. Descriptors are clear without being graphic, and as Dan is something of a gentleman, no one and nothing is over-sexualized or over emphasized. A refreshing detail after some of the other urban fantasy I’ve read.
The audio version of this book was really well done and helped give this an immersive feeling. Phil Gigante breathes life (or unlife) into all of his characters, and the man has some impressive range! I’m looking forward to trying more books in this series!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Fun, Ghoulish, Enjoyable
Give This a Try if You Like… Noir, Zombies, Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Find it at the library!
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!