☣️ Apocalyptic

How to Be Dead Boxed Set: Books 1-3

✍️ Dave Turner
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$45.95
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A boxed set of three books featuring a near-death experience and a grumpy Grim Reaper.

The narrative centers on Dave Marwood, who transitions from a mundane office existence to a supernatural one after a fatal accident. He discovers abilities he never knew he possessed while navigating a world where death is personified as a cynical music lover. His relationships with Melanie and Gary provide a grounded contrast to the eerie events unfolding around him. The books explore the intersection of corporate drudgery and the afterlife, offering a fresh take on classic horror tropes through a comedic lens.

Key Themes
near-death experience grumpy grim reaper undead loneliness
Literary Context

Published by Tantor Audio in 2024, this boxed set blends contemporary American office culture with traditional gothic and supernatural fiction. It reimagines classic death mythology through a modern, humorous lens, appealing to fans of dark comedy and paranormal romance.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Neil Gaiman · Ellen Kushner · Terry Pratchett
☣️
Apocalyptic
🏛 Tantor Audio 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 MP3 CD ISBN: 9798874683238

📝 Description: How to Be Dead Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Dave Turner presents a boxed set containing the first three installments of his How to Be Dead series. The narrative follows Dave Marwood, a man stuck in a soul-crushing dead-end job who finds himself trapped between life and death after a near-death experience. This event is humorously reframed by Death as a Near Dave Experience, granting Marwood unexpected gifts and revealing a hidden world. The story introduces a grim reaper who is characterized as a hard-drinking, grumpy fan of Billy Joel. The undead population in this setting is depicted as bored, lonely, and dangerous. Marwood’s personal life involves his colleague Melanie, whom he loves, and his friend Gary, who is described as a conspiracy theory nut. Turner combines elements of the supernatural with mundane office dynamics to create a unique horror-comedy blend. This collection suits readers who enjoy dark humor mixed with gothic themes and those interested in modern interpretations of death myths. It may not appeal to readers seeking traditional, serious horror without comedic relief.

💎 Our verdict on How to Be Dead Boxed Set: Books 1-3

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Turner successfully merges the mundane tedium of corporate life with the eerie unpredictability of the afterlife. The characterization of Death as a grumpy Billy Joel enthusiast provides a refreshing, humorous twist on traditional folklore. The narrative effectively balances supernatural danger with relatable human connections, particularly through Marwood’s interactions with Melanie and Gary. While it may not satisfy those seeking solemn terror, its unique horror-comedy blend offers a compelling alternative. This boxed set delivers a witty, accessible introduction to the series, making it an excellent choice for readers who appreciate dark fantasy that does not take itself too seriously.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a unique fusion of cosmic horror and office drudgery will find this collection engaging. It appeals to those who enjoy dark humor mixed with gothic themes, offering a fresh take on the Grim Reaper trope through a cynical, music-loving lens. Fans of psychological horror that incorporates mundane corporate dynamics alongside supernatural elements will appreciate the grounded contrast provided by relationships with colleagues and friends. This series is ideal for audiences tired of serious horror without comedic relief, providing a lighthearted yet eerie exploration of death myths in a modern context.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Turner successfully merges the mundane tedium of corporate life with the eerie unpredictability of the afterlife. The characterization of Death as a grumpy Billy Joel enthusiast provides a refreshing, humorous twist on traditional folklore. The narrative effectively balances supernatural danger with relatable human connections, particularly through Marwood’s interactions with Melanie and Gary. While it may not satisfy those seeking solemn terror, its unique horror-comedy blend offers a compelling alternative. This boxed set delivers a witty, accessible introduction to the series, making it an excellent choice for readers who appreciate dark fantasy that does not take itself too seriously.

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