Title: Dead City
Author: Joe McKinney
First published November 1, 2006
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780786017812 (ISBN10: 0786017813)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
In the aftermath of a catastrophic storm, a deadly virus sweeps across the land, transforming ordinary people into vicious and bloodthirsty zombies. The virus spreads rapidly, and before long, Texas is overrun by the undead.
Among the few survivors is Eddie Hudson, a police officer in San Antonio. As the zombies close in, Eddie fights to stay alive and reunite with his family.
With every passing moment, the situation grows more dire, and Eddie must use all of his skills and courage to outwit the hordes of the undead and find his loved ones before it’s too late.
About the Author
Meet Joe McKinney, a true jack-of-all-trades. He’s worked as a patrol officer, a homicide detective, a disaster mitigation specialist, a patrol commander, and even found success as a novelist.
Joe’s written several books, including the gripping Dead World series, Quarantined, and Dodging Bullets. He’s also published two collections of short stories: The Red Empire and Other Stories and Dating in Dead World and Other Stories.
To learn more about this talented writer, check out his website at http://joemckinney.wordpress.com.
Editoral Review
Dead City by Joe McKinney is a thrilling horror novel that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the streets of a post-apocalyptic world. McKinney is an American horror author known for his fast-paced, action-packed writing style, and Dead City is no exception.
The book was first published on November 1, 2006, and has since become a cult classic in the horror genre.
The novel is set in a world where a virus has turned most of the population into flesh-eating zombies. The story follows Eddie Hudson, a Houston police officer who is trying to survive in this new world.
Eddie is tough and resourceful, but he is also haunted by his past and struggling to come to terms with his new reality. As he navigates the dangers of the zombie-infested city, he must also confront his own demons and fight to keep his sanity intact.
One of the strengths of Dead City is McKinney’s ability to create a vivid and immersive world. The descriptions of the desolate city and the horrific zombies are both chilling and captivating.
McKinney’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to root for them as they face impossible odds.
One of the themes explored in Dead City is the breakdown of society in the face of a crisis. The novel raises important questions about how people would behave in a world without rules or social norms.
It also explores the psychological toll that such a world would take on individuals, particularly those who are tasked with protecting others. These themes are particularly relevant in today’s world, where we are facing a global pandemic and grappling with the societal implications of lockdowns and social distancing.
That being said, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel uneven, with some sections dragging on while others move too quickly.
Additionally, some of the dialogue feels forced or clichéd. However, these issues are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the novel.
Overall, Dead City is a must-read for fans of the horror genre. It is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
McKinney’s writing is both stylish and sophisticated, and he handles the complex themes of the novel with skill and sensitivity. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
On a scale of 1-10, I would rate Dead City an 8.5 – it’s not perfect, but it’s damn good.
