How to Be Dead Boxed Set

Books 1-3

By: Dave Turner

Narrated by: Dan Calley

Dave Marwood is trapped in a soul-crushing dead-end job. He's in love with his work colleague Melanie and his only friend Gary is a conspiracy theory nut.

His life is going nowhere until he has a Near Death Experience—though Death thinks of it as a Near Dave Experience. He discovers gifts he never knew he possessed and a world he never dreamed existed. A world where the Grim Reaper is a hard-drinking, grumpy Billy Joel fan and the undead are bored, lonely, and dangerous.

©2013, 2015, 2016 Dave Turner (P)2024 Tantor

Good piece of brain candy

I enjoyed this book. I was looking for something to hold me over while I wait for the next in another series. The book reminded me of “On a Pale Horse” by Piers Anthony which I enjoyed so I gave it a listen. The story moved at a good pace and the character were likable. Overall it’s not a great piece of literature but it is a fun romp and worth a read.

Seriously, you don't have to fear this reaper

great story, great humor, wonderful way to escape the current 'darkness' and maybe even some useful tips on how to handle a hostile work environment.

Refreshing

There is nothing to dislike other than “The End”. Hopefully there will be more books in the future!!

Pleasant surprise

I thought I was getting a tongue cheek idiot’s guide to the afterlife. Instead you get a cheeky little story written in the vein as a Neil Gaiman novel about an average, not so average, Dave that goes to work for the immortal being of Death. I liked this set and plan to start the next.

Fun, different, & quick

Just a fun take focusing mainly on Dave. He can see dead people. Death, of the 4 horse of the Apocalypse fame, hires him to help the ghosts that are still here. Nice light fun and quick read.

Fun

If Terry Pratchett wrote Shaun of the Dead, it might resemble this story. That feels like too simplistic a comparison and it doesn’t give Dave Turner credit for his own style of humor, but this is one of the only series I’ve read which was compared to Sir Terry’s books and didn’t disappoint me.

The story is more nuanced than that of Shaun of the Dead, but it does include plenty of witty pop culture references that will delight any 80’s nerd. Supporting characters are well fleshed out and are entertaining to follow.

The narration was enjoyable, with distinct accents and voices. I’ve enjoyed these books long before they were available in audiobook format, and I have no complaints about how the narrator chose to portray any of the characters. I’m very pleased to add this to my list of favorite audiobooks.

Truly Entertaining

I purchased this book on a 2 for 1 credit sale. Knowing nothing about it but looking for a second book, I searched reviews and found the series to be highly rated. I can honestly say, as I very much enjoy this genre, I was more than happy with the first set of three and now downloading the next box set.

I enjoyed the characters

I liked the fast pace and comedy. the story was simple and easy to listen to

Dead on

Narration was a bit monotone, but still very well done. Fantastic story, sadly too short

Comedy

I didn’t like the rhythm and speed of the narrator. It merged altogether, like reading a book without punctuation. But I loved the story so I stuck with it.