Title: Death Warmed Over
Author: Kevin J. Anderson
First published August 28, 2012
309 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780758277343 (ISBN10: 0758277342)
Rating: 3.68
Overview
When the Big Uneasy resulted in the rise of supernatural beings, Dan Chambeaux, a zombie private investigator, found himself in a difficult position. With a human lawyer as his partner and a ghost as his girlfriend, Dan takes on the most unusual cases in the Unnatural Quarter.
He was murdered, but that doesn’t stop him from helping his clients. In fact, he’s back from the dead and ready to take on a caseload that’s entirely unnatural.
From a resurrected mummy suing a museum to two witches seeking compensation for a curse gone wrong, Dan is up for the challenge. But the biggest question he needs to answer is who murdered him?
In this hilarious and fresh detective tale, Kevin J. Anderson delivers a cadaverous caper that will leave you wanting more.
About the Author
Welcome to my Amazon author page! If you’re browsing for the first time, you might be wondering where to start with my extensive collection of books. Allow me to suggest a few titles that could be great starting points if you’re new to my work.
First up, I recommend the Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series – a line of humorous horror/mystery books that kicks off with DEATH WARMED OVER. Another favorite of mine is CLOCKWORK ANGELS, a steampunk fantasy adventure co-written with Neil Peart, the legendary drummer from Rush.
Its sequel, CLOCKWORK LIVES, is another great read.
If you’re in the mood for science fiction, check out my magnum opus, The Saga of Seven Suns, which commences with HIDDEN EMPIRE. And, of course, I have many other series for you to explore after you’ve given these a try.
You may also be interested to know that I’ve written spin-off novels for popular franchises, including Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files. I’m also the co-author of the Dune prequels.
In addition, I’ve written several comic books, such as the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi (co-written with Tom Veitch), Predator titles, and X-Files titles for Topps.
As a judge in the Writers of the Future contest, I’m passionate about encouraging and supporting new writers. My wife, Rebecca Moesta, is also an author, and we currently call Monument, Colorado home.
Editoral Review
Death Warmed Over by Kevin J. Anderson is a post-apocalyptic crime novel set in a world where the dead have risen and the living struggle to survive.
Anderson, a New York Times bestselling science fiction author, brings his talent for world-building and character development to this gritty and action-packed story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is set in a world where a mysterious virus has turned the dead into flesh-eating monsters.
The story follows the adventures of Dan Shamble, a private investigator who specializes in cases involving the undead. He is a zombie himself, but one of the lucky ones who managed to keep his intelligence and personality.
Shamble’s latest case involves investigating the death of a famous chef, whose ghost is haunting his own restaurant. As Shamble unravels the mystery, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the fragile peace between the living and the undead.
One of the strengths of the novel is the vivid and imaginative world that Anderson has created. He has thought through the implications of living in a world where zombies, vampires, werewolves, and other monsters are a part of everyday life.
The society he portrays is both familiar and yet eerily different from our own, with its own laws, customs, and prejudices. Anderson’s attention to detail is impressive, and he manages to create a plausible and immersive world that readers will enjoy exploring.
Another strength of the novel is the character of Dan Shamble. Despite his undead status, he is a fully developed and sympathetic protagonist, with a dry wit and a strong sense of justice.
He is surrounded by a colorful cast of supporting characters, including his human girlfriend, his lawyer (who is a vampire), and his cop friend (who is also a zombie). Anderson does a great job of giving each character a unique voice and personality, and the interactions between them are one of the highlights of the book.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed and others dragging on.
The plot also takes a few too many turns, and some readers may find it hard to keep track of all the different subplots and characters. Additionally, some of the humor and pop culture references feel a bit forced or dated.
Overall, Death Warmed Over is a fun and entertaining read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and crime novels. Anderson has created a rich and imaginative world that is worth exploring, and his characters are engaging and memorable.
While it may not be the most groundbreaking or literary work of fiction, it succeeds in delivering a thrilling and satisfying story. However, readers who are put off by violence, gore, or dark humor may want to steer clear.
Rating: **** (out of five)
Recommended for: Fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, Max Brooks’ World War Z, and other genre-bending works of speculative fiction.
