The Dead Rock Stars: A Novel

by Jay Watson, Kyle Wiltshire

What if famous rock stars from the past, those who died young, in sudden and tragic ways, actually faked their deaths to become secret agents? Welcome to the world of The Dead Rock Stars , the heroes we never knew we had.  The Dead Rock Stars is a tale about Cole Denton, a young tech genius who discovers the secret world of rock star secret agents. He is tasked with saving the world from an unknown threat—one that’s closer to home than either Elvis Presley or the team can imagine. But can they beat the clock before it strikes midnight on December 31, 1999?  In a twisting and nostalgic story, The Dead Rock Stars is an alternate history, placed squarely in the realm of real-world events, that happened without anyone knowing. Brimming with pop culture references for music lovers of every generation, the novel’s fast and hilarious plot will keep readers guessing at every turn. 

Genres: Fiction

270 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Suzanne Mosley (Suzanne Shares) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! It is set in the 90s, and it took me back to high school and college days with all of the 90s throwbacks! It was such a clever premise! What if all of the famous rock stars who died too young aren’t really dead? What if they are a secret agency helping to save the world? Meet Elvis, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia and more as they seek to save the world!

[Laural Denne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! If you were a child of the 90’s or remember that the world was maybe gonna end at Y2K, you’ll really like this nostalgic read. It had me remembering and laughing about things that I hadn’t thought about in years. Cleverly written, great story, music, dead rock stars like Elvis and John Lennon. Really liked this book 👌🏽 👍🏻👏🏻

[Janie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible plot, characters & story. Had me on the edge of my seat & I loved every second!

[Leigh Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!!! I got about halfway through and just had to keep reading until the end. Such a creative and clever premise. I hope that is not the last we see of The Dead Rock Stars!

[Robert R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked it up I didn’t want to put it down. Absolutely loved the concept, the characters were relatable and fun to get to know. I have not enjoyed a fiction book this much in years!

[William Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot, but rarely novels or fiction. In the last couple of years, I have dipped my toe in the water a little with the genre, and it is growing on me. A family member knows the author of "The Dead Rock Stars" and went to the book signing and told me about the book. I was intrigued and borrowed it. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The creativity and writing were superb! What a fun idea - imagining all of those rock stars who seemingly had premature deaths are all in a secret society protecting the planet. As silly as it may sound, it works. The book definitely needs to be made into a movie. As a 90's enthusiast, I loved all the references and throwbacks as the setting was 1999. It only made it a more fun read than it already was. The nostalgia reaches beyond 90s culture and into the depths of anyone who is a music/rock and roll lover. Tons of fun references and creative, thought-provoking ideas.

Great book!

[Mike Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so, it’s 1999 and not only are Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly still alive, they are covert agents trying to take down a crime ring.

That’s how this zany novel opens and it hooked me in from the opening page. I devoured it over the past few days (mostly from my beach chair) and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’ve got a wild enough imagination, I believe you will too.

My thanks to Brian Snyder who sent me this book. He knows one of the authors so it’s even personalized and autographed. Thanks for thinking of me Brian. And your instincts were correct, I loved the storyline and getting to hang with Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin and John Lennon was a lot of fun.

[Tipper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outstanding!

At first, this book was laugh out loud shocking, then it sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. Its crazy and quirky, yet still serious and believable. It gives life and feeling to music icons that have only been distant personas. The plot took some turns that I wasn't expecting making me sad, mad, confused and happy. The best review I can give a book is that it made me FEEL. Bravo gentlemen! I'm looking forward to your next collaboration!

[Lenis J McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining read

Watson & Wiltshire create an action-packed story that is reminiscent of Reacher/Allon/Rapp storylines, but includes more humor and layers of late 90s pop culture references. If you’re looking to be entertained, pick up a copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! I had the best time reading this book. I can’t wait to see more books come out. This is not my usual genre to read and I’m so glad I took the chance to do so. To the authors: Thank you, Thank you very much.

[John Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible concept. Fun story telling. Great plot twist.

[Grant Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! And lots of fun. Especially if you appreciate music and other pop culture of the 90s.