Stiffs and Stones

Kevin J Anderson returns with a collection of eight comedic mysteries featuring Dan Shamble, a zombie private investigator navigating the supernatural district known as the Unnatural Quarter. This volume gathers tales that blend horror tropes with noir detective fiction, offering readers a distinctively macabre yet humorous perspective on crime solving. The stories draw upon various mythological traditions, including those involving vampires, mummies, and werewolves, while grounding them in the daily struggles of the undead. The narratives follow Dan as he tackles cases that range from the absurd to the sinister. Readers will encounter a cyclops searching for an eyeball lost during a drinking binge, alongside an Aztec mummy seeking justice for parking violations. Other adventures include a crawling hand accused of shoplifting and a mutant fly mother looking for her missing offspring. The collection also features Dan’s interactions with his Best Human Friend at the Goblin Tavern, providing moments of respite between investigations. This book suits fans of paranormal comedy and urban fantasy who enjoy character-driven mysteries. It may not appeal to readers seeking serious horror or traditional detective fiction without supernatural elements. Anderson’s background in genre writing informs the tone, which balances spooky atmospheres with lighthearted absurdity. The stories are organized as a series of standalone cases, allowing for varied mythological references and comedic scenarios throughout the collection.