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Hammer #1
D*E*D Dead
D*E*D Dead is the tale of a man whose conscience makes him take on his motorcycle club for their manufacture and sale of crystal meth, coupled with their use of young girls to fill their pockets with cash. His efforts leave the Club in disarray, members hiding from the law and each other.
It's 1990, before cell phones and the internet. Leaving Virginia with a vague idea of hiding out at a friend's house in southern Tennessee, he's on the run, hiding from the Club, the Cops, and the Feds, he uncovers a plot to upset the balance of power in the northern Alabama/southern Tennessee meth trade.
Joined by his old Navy buddy and a small group of locals, including a pair of strong, capable women, our protagonist is
once again plotting ways to dismantle the Club's illegal empire. This time, he has help!
Join in as this crew hits back at those who have ruined the lives of many of their friends, neighbors, and family.
One thing is certain; people are liable to end up dead, D-E-D, DEAD!
It's 1990, before cell phones and the internet. Leaving Virginia with a vague idea of hiding out at a friend's house in southern Tennessee, he's on the run, hiding from the Club, the Cops, and the Feds, he uncovers a plot to upset the balance of power in the northern Alabama/southern Tennessee meth trade.
Joined by his old Navy buddy and a small group of locals, including a pair of strong, capable women, our protagonist is
once again plotting ways to dismantle the Club's illegal empire. This time, he has help!
Join in as this crew hits back at those who have ruined the lives of many of their friends, neighbors, and family.
One thing is certain; people are liable to end up dead, D-E-D, DEAD!
594 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2012
5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Larry "Animal" Garner
3 books8 followersLarry was born and raised in Colorado, the state he still calls home. A Navy veteran, he also has been a welder, mechanic, custom paint and body man, as well as a stock car race driver.
The nickname Animal came about in 1973, and has endured for nearly five decades. In the Navy, it meant someone who partied hard, and it definitely was appropriate at the time.
Animal, as Larry is known to most people who know him, has been involved in charity fund-raising work since the mid 1980's, raising tens of thousands of dollars to assist families of terminally-ill or seriously-ill children in his community.
D-E-D, DEAD was Animal's first novel, and has been very well-received, and was a finalist in the prestigious 2013 Colorado Book Awards.
DED Reckoning: Vengeance Takes a Road Trip is the sequel to D-E-D, DEAD, and follows Eric "Hammer" Thorssen as he finds himself in the Rocky Mountains, once again battling those who make and sell meth. There is plenty of action, some unforgettable characters, and a healthy dose of snarky humor. DED Reckoning: Vengeance Takes a Road Trip was a finalist in the 2017 Colorado Book Awards in the Thriller category.
Danger Every Direction is the third novel in the "Hammer series of vigilante justice crime novels, and is once again set in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Hammer and his friends, including a band of feisty women who hat those who prey onthe innocent, take on a motley crew of meth manufacturers, distributors, and owners of a high-security brothel featuring sex slaves captu
red off the streets of Colorado's Front Range. Danger Every Direction is set to be published in early Novenber of 2021. Pre-orders for the limited edition signed and numbered first printing are available on Animal's website.
http://larryanimalgarner.com
Animal and his lovely wife live in southern Colorado, in the San Luis Valley.
The nickname Animal came about in 1973, and has endured for nearly five decades. In the Navy, it meant someone who partied hard, and it definitely was appropriate at the time.
Animal, as Larry is known to most people who know him, has been involved in charity fund-raising work since the mid 1980's, raising tens of thousands of dollars to assist families of terminally-ill or seriously-ill children in his community.
D-E-D, DEAD was Animal's first novel, and has been very well-received, and was a finalist in the prestigious 2013 Colorado Book Awards.
DED Reckoning: Vengeance Takes a Road Trip is the sequel to D-E-D, DEAD, and follows Eric "Hammer" Thorssen as he finds himself in the Rocky Mountains, once again battling those who make and sell meth. There is plenty of action, some unforgettable characters, and a healthy dose of snarky humor. DED Reckoning: Vengeance Takes a Road Trip was a finalist in the 2017 Colorado Book Awards in the Thriller category.
Danger Every Direction is the third novel in the "Hammer series of vigilante justice crime novels, and is once again set in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Hammer and his friends, including a band of feisty women who hat those who prey onthe innocent, take on a motley crew of meth manufacturers, distributors, and owners of a high-security brothel featuring sex slaves captu
red off the streets of Colorado's Front Range. Danger Every Direction is set to be published in early Novenber of 2021. Pre-orders for the limited edition signed and numbered first printing are available on Animal's website.
http://larryanimalgarner.com
Animal and his lovely wife live in southern Colorado, in the San Luis Valley.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 14, 2012
When I read a book I think of one thing; the story, and this story was engaging. It was almost too realistic at times, making me a little edgy during some scenes. There was some great tension and some great moments of downtime, as every story should have.
I always enjoy people coming together for a cause and that’s what these guys do. Some of the violence was a bit harsh, but when you’re dealing with meth labs and drugged out peeps, there’s really no sense in trying to stand on moral ground, even though in a roundabout way, the protagonist and his pals did. It showed me things I didn’t like, which took me outside of the ‘safe zone’ and made me like the book even more. It’s gutsy and raw in places and that’s what a story should be.
There were a few bumps, but as with the last two books I’ve read (Harper Collins and Penguin) there were bumps in those books as well. I’ve never been one to grade a book, but instead, focus on the story. This would be a good movie.
I always enjoy people coming together for a cause and that’s what these guys do. Some of the violence was a bit harsh, but when you’re dealing with meth labs and drugged out peeps, there’s really no sense in trying to stand on moral ground, even though in a roundabout way, the protagonist and his pals did. It showed me things I didn’t like, which took me outside of the ‘safe zone’ and made me like the book even more. It’s gutsy and raw in places and that’s what a story should be.
There were a few bumps, but as with the last two books I’ve read (Harper Collins and Penguin) there were bumps in those books as well. I’ve never been one to grade a book, but instead, focus on the story. This would be a good movie.
November 10, 2012
Larry "Animal" Garner's "D-E-D, Dead" is a thriller and expose of motorcycle clubs operating like organized crime, set in 1990. It has a compelling sense of immediacy --the first person, present tense pov does the trick--and a great deal of detail. Even before chapter one, I chuckle at the "Acknowledgement" to "all the crazy bastards I know who inspired this book." Throughout, it has a vividness and authenticity in its use of the language that are bed-rock.
However, D-E-D is also, sometimes painfully, S-L-O. It's a book that needs a radical paring down. If I were Larry's editor or a film agent, I'd say cut the thing in half and then you'll really have something. The action takes place over a couple of weeks, but it takes 600 pages to get through it. As a frequent customer of the Green Parrot Bar, I'm delighted it ends there. I would be just as glad, however, to see many other scenes and locales cut. For instance, we're treated to literally hundreds of diner meals. Order details give a homey feel--once or twice--but there are way, way, way too many. Each day is grindingly chronicled. Two words: Occam's Razor. When it's cut back, the talent will shine forth.
I would also suggest certain things about it aren't entirely credible. The hero's willingness to wait until the end of the book to bed the willing woman he has the hots for is a questionable choice. We're talking a biker guy here, not Sir Galahad. I prefer the tension when the hero and his pal both love the same gal. There's a sappy, sentimental tinge to the friendship that strikes me as not quite on-the-nose. I guess I'm looking for that "Treasure of Sierra Madre" complexity, where the money makes for interesting difficulties.
Speaking of the money, the hero(on the lam from busting his gang's meth labs )blunders upon 5 million dollars while playing the Good Samaritan. The money is handed out to the growing gang members at the end, but this is anticlimactic. The money is never used to good theatrical effect. This is a gang with a heart--perhaps too much so-- rescuing young girls from meth addiction and prostitution, caring about a guy's sister who has lupus. The bad guys are bad, but the "good" guys, despite Hammer describing himself as a "criminal," sometimes come off as goody-two-shoes. There's not a lot of friction in that formula. Though violence is perpetrated, sometimes suspense is lacking. However, there are some scenes that are riveting, such as the bloody Polly-versus-Judy scene in a cafe men's room.
All in all, it's a four-star presentation with an editing problem, which brings it to a three-star. Plus a tip of the hat to a writer who knows how to write sentences in the Hemingway style--spare, physical, and real. Nice work!
However, D-E-D is also, sometimes painfully, S-L-O. It's a book that needs a radical paring down. If I were Larry's editor or a film agent, I'd say cut the thing in half and then you'll really have something. The action takes place over a couple of weeks, but it takes 600 pages to get through it. As a frequent customer of the Green Parrot Bar, I'm delighted it ends there. I would be just as glad, however, to see many other scenes and locales cut. For instance, we're treated to literally hundreds of diner meals. Order details give a homey feel--once or twice--but there are way, way, way too many. Each day is grindingly chronicled. Two words: Occam's Razor. When it's cut back, the talent will shine forth.
I would also suggest certain things about it aren't entirely credible. The hero's willingness to wait until the end of the book to bed the willing woman he has the hots for is a questionable choice. We're talking a biker guy here, not Sir Galahad. I prefer the tension when the hero and his pal both love the same gal. There's a sappy, sentimental tinge to the friendship that strikes me as not quite on-the-nose. I guess I'm looking for that "Treasure of Sierra Madre" complexity, where the money makes for interesting difficulties.
Speaking of the money, the hero(on the lam from busting his gang's meth labs )blunders upon 5 million dollars while playing the Good Samaritan. The money is handed out to the growing gang members at the end, but this is anticlimactic. The money is never used to good theatrical effect. This is a gang with a heart--perhaps too much so-- rescuing young girls from meth addiction and prostitution, caring about a guy's sister who has lupus. The bad guys are bad, but the "good" guys, despite Hammer describing himself as a "criminal," sometimes come off as goody-two-shoes. There's not a lot of friction in that formula. Though violence is perpetrated, sometimes suspense is lacking. However, there are some scenes that are riveting, such as the bloody Polly-versus-Judy scene in a cafe men's room.
All in all, it's a four-star presentation with an editing problem, which brings it to a three-star. Plus a tip of the hat to a writer who knows how to write sentences in the Hemingway style--spare, physical, and real. Nice work!
October 14, 2012
This is a tale in the classic tradition of good guys do battle against the bad guys. It kind of makes up for all the softly-softly, PC legal system we have to endure in which victims come off worse than the amoral criminals. These people are victims who are determined to fight back, and friends who are determined to help them. There is violence, but the real thrust of the story is friendship.
It’s very long, and I must admit I got a little bored in the middle, but that’s because it’s not the sort of story I would normally choose to read. It should not be a problem for anyone who enjoys this genre as there is plenty going on all the way through to keep a reader’s interest. The friends’ plans to destroy the biker gangs’ meth labs, and the gang members too as they are responsible for a multitude of other sins, are constantly being revised in response to the events playing out around them.
The language is colloquial, which is perfect for the first person, present tense POV. However, it needs proof reading, especially the last 25%. The errors were never a major problem for me, except that poor paragraphing sometimes had me double-checking who the text applied to. The excellent characterisation and scene setting more than made up for these shortcomings. The ending is completely satisfying and I’m very pleased I stuck with it.
My rating was initially 3.5. On reflection I realised the tendency towards a 3 was down to personal preference. The quality of the story telling deserves a 4, and with a little work it could well deserve a 5.
It’s very long, and I must admit I got a little bored in the middle, but that’s because it’s not the sort of story I would normally choose to read. It should not be a problem for anyone who enjoys this genre as there is plenty going on all the way through to keep a reader’s interest. The friends’ plans to destroy the biker gangs’ meth labs, and the gang members too as they are responsible for a multitude of other sins, are constantly being revised in response to the events playing out around them.
The language is colloquial, which is perfect for the first person, present tense POV. However, it needs proof reading, especially the last 25%. The errors were never a major problem for me, except that poor paragraphing sometimes had me double-checking who the text applied to. The excellent characterisation and scene setting more than made up for these shortcomings. The ending is completely satisfying and I’m very pleased I stuck with it.
My rating was initially 3.5. On reflection I realised the tendency towards a 3 was down to personal preference. The quality of the story telling deserves a 4, and with a little work it could well deserve a 5.
November 12, 2012
D*E*D, Dead was provided to me for an honest review.
This book is not for the wimpy or the faint of heart. The author describes a lifestyle far from our comfortable world of mowed lawns and ironed clothing, and he pulls no punches. The "hero" isn't always likeable but he has his standards and his limits and when those limits are reached, those standards not met, he takes matters into his own hands. By the end of the book you're exhausted from reading his exploits
Unfortunately you're also exhausted by the sheer volume of words. A strong editor or even a critique partner who cared enough to be brutal would have made this a story to be reckoned with. And perhaps that will happen in the future. In the meantime, Mr Garner reveals this world of motorcycle gangs and reckless living in excruciating detail. Perhaps too much but there's a lot to learn about what's really going on in the remote areas of our country.
This book is not for the wimpy or the faint of heart. The author describes a lifestyle far from our comfortable world of mowed lawns and ironed clothing, and he pulls no punches. The "hero" isn't always likeable but he has his standards and his limits and when those limits are reached, those standards not met, he takes matters into his own hands. By the end of the book you're exhausted from reading his exploits
Unfortunately you're also exhausted by the sheer volume of words. A strong editor or even a critique partner who cared enough to be brutal would have made this a story to be reckoned with. And perhaps that will happen in the future. In the meantime, Mr Garner reveals this world of motorcycle gangs and reckless living in excruciating detail. Perhaps too much but there's a lot to learn about what's really going on in the remote areas of our country.
August 3, 2013
If the thought of anyone dropping the F-bomb makes you die a little inside, then you are well advised to give this book a very wide berth. If it doesn’t bother you all that much then put on body armour and jump right in, as this book has F-bombs exploding liberally throughout its pages. The reason for this is quite clear, the book in set in the world of outlawed motorcycle clubs, think Sons of Anarchy but 100 times worse and depraved. There is sex, drugs, strip clubs and violence; lots of violence and not pretty either, There are scenes of gang rape and drug production; so you can see this novel is not for the faint of heart or people with a sensitive stomach.
There really isn’t a great deal of back-story to any of the characters in this book but then again they are all, for the most part, criminals and the reader probably know as much about them as the other members of their respective MCs know, as they progress through the novel. I didn’t think this lack of character development detracted from this book at all, rather it added to its rough and gritty feel and to have ‘fluffed’ them out would have pulled some of the reality from the topic. The main lead again is not very deep all we find out about him are bits and pieces, mainly that is ex-military. The one thing I did find a little unbelievable was, after being involved with his club for so long, he suddenly gained a conscience and decides to act on morals that, up until this point he really had not shown. I was hoping that because the book was written in the first person, present tense point of view I may have been able to pick up hints as to what the main lead was really like, but this was not to be the case.
The scene setting was excellently written but, I felt, that it did not make up for the length of the book which is 600 pages; and this is the major downfall of the book. There are only so many diner meals we can read through without wanting to never visit any diner again; and does the reader really need a blow by blow account of the interstate route our main character is going to take travelling? I feel a really good editor would have told the Author to lose at least half of the pages, and it would still have been a very good read. As it stands it is fast paced and urgent in parts and almost comatose in others. On the plus side though, the Author is one of a dying breed out there today, who actually writes in proper sentences bringing them to a conclusion not just chopping them off willy nilly. This helps project a raw and reckless quality to the way the characters are living. The Authors experience of this world, although not with an outlawed club, shines through in his writing and brings an extra touch of realism to the pages.
If not for the editing issues, and the sheer yawn factor of its length, I would have rated this higher; but I would still recommend it as a good adult read, but definitely not for the overly sensitive or the politically correct crowd.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.wordpress.com/...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
There really isn’t a great deal of back-story to any of the characters in this book but then again they are all, for the most part, criminals and the reader probably know as much about them as the other members of their respective MCs know, as they progress through the novel. I didn’t think this lack of character development detracted from this book at all, rather it added to its rough and gritty feel and to have ‘fluffed’ them out would have pulled some of the reality from the topic. The main lead again is not very deep all we find out about him are bits and pieces, mainly that is ex-military. The one thing I did find a little unbelievable was, after being involved with his club for so long, he suddenly gained a conscience and decides to act on morals that, up until this point he really had not shown. I was hoping that because the book was written in the first person, present tense point of view I may have been able to pick up hints as to what the main lead was really like, but this was not to be the case.
The scene setting was excellently written but, I felt, that it did not make up for the length of the book which is 600 pages; and this is the major downfall of the book. There are only so many diner meals we can read through without wanting to never visit any diner again; and does the reader really need a blow by blow account of the interstate route our main character is going to take travelling? I feel a really good editor would have told the Author to lose at least half of the pages, and it would still have been a very good read. As it stands it is fast paced and urgent in parts and almost comatose in others. On the plus side though, the Author is one of a dying breed out there today, who actually writes in proper sentences bringing them to a conclusion not just chopping them off willy nilly. This helps project a raw and reckless quality to the way the characters are living. The Authors experience of this world, although not with an outlawed club, shines through in his writing and brings an extra touch of realism to the pages.
If not for the editing issues, and the sheer yawn factor of its length, I would have rated this higher; but I would still recommend it as a good adult read, but definitely not for the overly sensitive or the politically correct crowd.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.wordpress.com/...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
November 10, 2012
This author has talent. Mechanics were good. The story line was consistent, and I expect was either true or could be true. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked. I wanted to know who got the money. It's not everyday one finds five million dollars in a situation where the 'finders keepers' rule would apply. Reading over five hundred pages of crass language is a little too much for me. Having said that, I hasten to say that the language was appropriate for the story. I would expect meth cookers, dealers, users, reformers and vigilantes are less than delicate in their choice of words. I would like to read something written by Animal a bit more genteel. Can I look forward to that?
Kudoes to Mr. Garner.
Kudoes to Mr. Garner.
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April 9, 2013This novel was just named a finalist in the crime/mystery category for the 2013 Colorado Book Awards, presented by Colorado Humanities and Center for the Book. I would like to thank everyone who has read it....You're why I did this!
August 25, 2012
I loved this book and the characters totally won me over. Round two shortly, I always miss something the first time. Great read!
December 7, 2023
I would have to say, as a fellow writer that as much as I enjoyed the story, I think that the word I would use to describe this book, would be chewy and I mean this both in a positive and negative way.
Many parts of this story, more so than not, made me want to continue 'chewing' through the pages of adventure, excitement and 'what's next?'. Those parts, I thoroughly enjoyed, but then there were pages that left me feeling like I was literally 'chewing' through the words to get on with the story line.
Overall, I would say that Larry is a great writer and wonderful person. And although biker stories aren't exactly my preferred read, I will say that I enjoyed Hammer's adventures and I sincerely loved his friend Kenneth and his obsession with gravy and grits.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books that Larry has written in the Hammer series and if you are looking for a great adventure, graphic in nature and not for the faint of heart, I would sincerely recommend this read.
Many parts of this story, more so than not, made me want to continue 'chewing' through the pages of adventure, excitement and 'what's next?'. Those parts, I thoroughly enjoyed, but then there were pages that left me feeling like I was literally 'chewing' through the words to get on with the story line.
Overall, I would say that Larry is a great writer and wonderful person. And although biker stories aren't exactly my preferred read, I will say that I enjoyed Hammer's adventures and I sincerely loved his friend Kenneth and his obsession with gravy and grits.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books that Larry has written in the Hammer series and if you are looking for a great adventure, graphic in nature and not for the faint of heart, I would sincerely recommend this read.
August 12, 2025
A gritty, fast-paced ride that hooks you from page one. Larry “Animal” Garner knows how to blend tension, raw emotion, and action into a story that feels real enough to smell the asphalt. The characters are tough, layered, and unforgettable, especially the women who prove they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone. If you’re looking for an authentic outlaw tale with a heart, this is your ticket.
May 6, 2014
Once I started this book I did not want to put it down, I became so interested in the characters and the story I just had to know how things ended up. Larry made the characters so interesting, it makes me wonder if he based them on people he knows...and if they really do eat that much!
Great book I highly recommend it!
Great book I highly recommend it!
November 7, 2013
D.E.D dead is a AWSOME book I got a copy signed to me because when I met him his sister was my English Teacher best book ever though......
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews