Dead Letters: A multi-layered, ghostly mystery

by P.J. Murphy

“If you want to find me, search within these pages.”

Bestselling author Richard Debden is missing. The only clue: a copy of his unpublished final novel delivered to his ex-girlfriend, Amy. When Richard’s closest reunite for his memorial, Amy turns to Chris, his former best friend, to help unravel the mystery. Could Richard still be alive and in need of their help?

Richard’s manuscript tells of two abandoned children in wartime Britain, instructed by a shadowy Postmaster to deliver letters to ghosts and release them from their torment. As Chris and Amy delve into the text, they identify parallels between fiction and reality; clues to a trail that leads across the country and – they hope – to Richard.

But they are not the only interested party. A mysterious society is following them, their motives unclear. Can Chris and Amy unlock the secrets of Dead Letters, or will more sinister forces get there first?

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“A really immersive and captivating read - two interlinked stories in one - past and present overlapping and intertwining to create a brilliant plot… An intelligent, thoughtful and engaging mystery” LoveReading

“Dead Letters is a great book to pick up next. If you're a fan of light-hearted yet meaningful adventures with good characters and literary cores, you won't be disappointed.” Electra Nanou, Reedsy Discovery

“This well-written book, encapsulating a story within a story, will captivate readers seeking a richly layered and intellectually stimulating literary experience.” Literary Titan

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

About the author

P.J. Murphy writes novels that introduce unusual and humorous twists to established genres. If you pick up one of his books, you’re in for an unusual read that rarely loses its sense of fun.

His mystery novel, Dead Letters, was selected as the genre winner in the 2023 Page Turner Book Awards, and his coming-of-age novel, Yesterday’s Shadow, was the genre winner for contemporary fiction in 2024.

As a writer, P.J. Murphy tries to stick to the adage ‘write what you know’, although with the addition, ‘just make sure you exaggerate and distort it beyond all recognition’. He is planning to write a novel about taking a road trip with a parrot. He has never owned a parrot.

Reviews

[Kate Cedras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well written suspense filled story. The twists and turns of the characters using an unfinished novel to find the missing author was a really cool book and kept me genuinely wanting to know more and more.

Worth the read for sure & thankful to have the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An author of fantasy novels with an active fan group disappears leaving behind a manuscript for a book with a puzzle in it. An old friend and an old love start trying to use the book to help them find their author friend. They are hounded by members of his fan club who think they can find him themselves. It is written as a story within a story with a bunch of people searching for him. It is very cleverly done and towards the end I got more invested in the story, but for much of it I just found it depressing. This may be more of a factor of my own perception of the story, than a fault of the author. 3.5 stars

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Letters by P. J. Murphy is a captivating narrative that delves into the intricacies of a tale within a tale. The novel follows two individuals’ journey, traversing the country’s expanse in search of their vanished comrade, employing every means possible to unravel the mystery. Richard, an acclaimed author of a fantasy epic, has been conspicuously absent for a year, drawing significant attention. Fate intervened when Amy, Richard’s former girlfriend, fortuitously obtained a manuscript titled Dead Letters, which stood to be his final opus before his enigmatic disappearance. Now entrusted with deciphering the cryptic contents of this unpublished work, Amy and Chris, our point of view character, embark on an enthralling quest laden with uncertainty—where reality and fiction entwine seamlessly.

Dead Letters is not only the title of this novel but also bears relevance to the book within the narrative. It alludes to letters that remain undelivered due to untraceable recipients, resulting in their return to the post office, where they languish, forgotten. However, the introduction of Timothy and Imogen, who retrieve these letters and dutifully deliver them to the deceased addressees, introduces an ethereal connection between these spectral beings and Richard’s entangled past. These spectral missives provide an intimate and profound exploration of the characters’ lives and psyches, unraveled through intricate details that delve deep into the shadows of their existence.

Despite the complexity of presenting a book within a book, the author skillfully guides the reader through various narrative layers without confusion. One never feels disoriented, effortlessly discerning the current level of storytelling, thanks in part to the discernible differences in formatting. The characters, while occasionally treading familiar archetypes, exude vibrancy and realism. Though ambitious and intricate, the plot gains credibility by mirroring the mental landscape of a writer like Richard, whose mind perpetually brims with multifaceted concepts. While the book may occasionally succumb to foreseeable twists and a touch of grandiosity, these minor shortcomings pale compared to the gratifying banter shared between Chris and Amy, rendering Dead Letters a worthwhile read.

Dead Letters is a suspense-filled mystery that takes readers on an adventure into the paranormal with twists and turns that sometimes will leave them questioning what is real or not. This well-written book, encapsulating a story within a story, will captivate readers seeking a richly layered and intellectually stimulating literary experience.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

P. J. Murphy creates a fascinating story that explores a journey within the tale of a widely acclaimed epic fantasy author, Richard Debden. After the author has been missing for over a year, a funeral service is held for family closure. Chris, his college friend, attends the event, which brings back shared memories.

Amy, Richard’s longtime girlfriend during his university years and for a large portion of his successful writing career, receives a manuscript, Dead Letters. She reaches out to Chris to get his take on the contents. This manuscript differs from the award-winning, highly sought-after books that brought him fame. A copy of the manuscript was also delivered to his loyal fan base, desperate to find their favorite author’s promised final book.

Chris and Amy, driven by their shared history and emotional connection, embark on a gripping journey to decipher the messages hidden within the manuscript. Hints of history in the chapters of the unpublished work cause them to visit old haunts and recall the past times spent together. Dead Letters characters Timothy and Imogene deliver letters to ghosts at various locations in the surrounding area, making the journey seem like a treasure map. The struggles Timothy and Imogene face bring reality entwined within fiction to the forefront.

In Dead Letters, every chapter delves into the lives and minds of Richard and the people he knew. The author, P.J. Murphy, skillfully illuminates their struggles, survival, and surroundings with exquisite prose. The letters exchanged between the characters reveal a striking intimacy and offer glimpses into their intertwined past. Murphy expertly guides readers through each layer of the story with intense animation, superb supporting characters, and emotionally charged dialogue.
Fans who enjoy suspenseful mysteries, action, and adventure with a touch of paranormal will find this stimulating tale fascinating. Listening to this story in audiobook format adds a profound dimension to the experience. Jez Sands delivers flawless narration with perfect pace and tone, greatly enhancing this well-written story. There are no issues with the quality of the Dead Letter audiobook, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a good mystery.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Dead Letters’ is a mystery fiction story about Chris, who happens to attend the funeral of his old friend Richard after he has disappeared for a year. Chris realizes that his old friend has left an unpublished final novel that provides clues and information within its pages, enabling him and Richard’s girlfriend, Amy to find him. As you read along you, the story gets increasingly mysterious with much drama and twists and turns, you realize that you are in for an exciting adventure.

The story is written well, and due to its nature of skillful writing you are constantly on the edge wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I found the concept enjoyable and felt the author has paid attention to details enough to not lose its intensity.

I recommend this book to drama and mystery fans.

[Becca Hines · Rating 2 out of 5]

“If you want to find me, search within these pages.”

Richard Debden is missing and has been for over a year. Was he kidnapped? Did he change his identity and move away? Is he even still alive? One year later, friends of Richard gather for a memorial service. Ex-girlfriend Amy and former best-friend Chris unite after the services and realize there is a mystery to solve, using non-other than Richard's last unpublished manuscript.

The book is well-written and joins both stories together well but lacked the ability to captivate me. I felt like I was struggling through the bulk of the story. I'm not sure how a book can feel both too long and too short at the same time but this one did.

[J.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good read! If you like a little bit of mystery, a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of British friendships, and a lot of great writing, Dead Letters is for you. This book begins with a missing person, evolves as clues unravel as friends of that person make their way through chapters of a manuscript that that person left behind, and ends with ... (you'll need to read it to see how it ends!). I loved the combination of the mysteries unfolding in real life and in the manuscript. And the images of people and places in Britain are a treat.

[Kate Aberle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel alternates between portions of a fantasy entitled “Dead Letters” and the story of the search for the book’s author. The searchers include the author’s ex-girlfriend, an old friend from college days, his literary agent and members of his fan club as they all stumble from clue to clue. The fan club even has a map to aid in the quest!

I enjoyed trying to figure out where the author was, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. The narrator was witty and self-deprecating, but there was still a remove. The fantasy sections were charming and ominous.

[Louise Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book within a book, and each story is equally compelling. The twin journeys are both so sad and so important, especially for readers who have wondered about their place and purpose in life. The author touches some truly tragic moments, especially with the two visits to the slaughterhouse. Thankfully, the ending gives a sense of closure.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and suspenseful. I liked the story inside the story element, which is a difficult feat to pull off.

The writing style is good and the characters feel real and the reader feels engrossed in their journey to find their missing friend.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Electra Nanou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny, heartwarming, and intricate adventure on the trail of a missing fantasy author. A wonderful read.

Thanks to the author and Reedsy Discovery for the free ARC. Read my full review here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/dea...

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, sad, thought provoking, unsettling, I am unsure how I feel about it. Not sorry I read it though. I received this as an advance copy from the author via NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hard to follow and had too many characters tha I didn’t really care about.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book just wasn't my cup of tea. I had trouble following the story line. So much so that I must have missed some critical details along the way.