Funeral Daze

Danny Teakwell #2

by Dorian Box

Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Finalist in Mysteries/Thrillers
Readers' Favorite Medal for Humor Fiction

From the author of the multi-award-winning Emily Calby Series

SUMMER 2000. When down-and-out surfer and former lottery winner Danny Teakwell was framed for a grisly murder, he got help from a family of wacky morticians that included seven-year-old embalming expert Jessica Jewell (Psycho-Tropics ). Five years later the tables are turned when Jessica shows up, alone and desperate, seeking shelter. Her parents suddenly sold their family funeral home and vanished.

Danny’s not in a good place. Grieving the recent death of his wife, he’s let life crumble. He reluctantly agrees to take the girl in for one night, but the willful twelve-year-old convinces him to join her investigation to find her parents and get back their funeral home. The trail leads into a ghastly criminal enterprise of corpses, caskets, and killers. As the bond between the unlikely pair grows, it becomes unclear who’s saving who and which one is really running the show.

Hilarious and heartwarming mystery and suspense with a walloping conclusion, Dorian Box brings his unique blend of darkness and light to life in this zany sequel to the award-winning Psycho-Tropics.

PRAISE AND AWARDS FOR FUNERAL DAZE

"FUNERAL DAZE manages to be laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarmingly tender, and full of lively action and suspense, all at once – a thoroughly entertaining and engaging read." — IndieReader (5 Stars, IR Seal of Approval)

"[A] novel that takes both light and dark elements to present a fantastically engaging, emotionally resonant story in a deeply humorous and satirical fashion. Unmissable reading." — Readers' Favorite Medal for Humor Fiction

“The story unfolds at a crisp and steady pace, with plenty of thought-provoking moments once 12-year-old Jessica enters the scene, offering Danny surprisingly mature reflections on tragedy and a knockout mystery to occupy his time. … Funeral Daze delivers an appealing spin on the mystery genre through rich characterization and an abundance of insight throughout.” — Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Finalist in Mysteries/Thrillers

“A hilarious page-turner that effortlessly blends crime, humor and South Florida beach culture. … Award-winning author Dorian Box (Psycho Tropics, The Hiding Girl) has always employed brilliant doses of well-timed levity in crime fiction, but he pulls out all the stops for this laugh-out-loud caper. — BestThrillers

“A perfect beach read, this zany mystery has the thrills, quirky characters, juicy plot twists, and gripping conclusion you're looking for!” — Reedsy Discovery

“Time and again, Box has proven he can write a tense thriller that is funny, dark, and completely endearing. It’s the perfect combination of a smart storyline and characters that keep you reading well after bedtime. Fantastic!” — NetGalley

“Funeral Daze is a macabre and hilarious novel that intersects the lives of several bizarre and oddly compelling characters. … Dorian Box masterfully directs the story into a series of unpredictable and uproarious events that are deliciously ironic, unexpectedly thought-provoking, and always edgy and dark.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Suspense

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2023

About the author

Dorian Box is the pen name for A.J. McClurg, a former law professor. He likes to blend dark themes with heart, hope and humor with a goal of evoking tears and laughs over the same book.

His novels have received awards and honors such as: Writer's Digest Award for Genre Fiction; Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Finalist in Mysteries/Thrillers (twice); IndieReader Discovery Award for Fiction; Feathered Quill Medal for Mystery/Suspense; Best Psychological Thriller of the Year and Finalist, Best Legal Thriller of the Year (BestThrillers); National Indie Excellence Award Finalist; and Readers’ Favorite medals in four different categories (Suspense, Legal Thrillers, Humor, and New Adult Fiction).

At one time or another his books have been Amazon No. 1 Bestsellers in categories such as Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers, Legal Thrillers, and Women Sleuths (for the Emily Calby Series), and General Humorous Fiction, Humorous Dark Comedy, and Amateur Sleuth Mysteries (for the Danny Teakwell Series).

His nonfiction books include an Amazon Editors’ Favorite Book of the Year. As an academic, he's been interviewed as a legal expert by National Public Radio, the PBS Newshour, and many other sources.

McClurg (or maybe it's Box) lives out his childhood rockstar fantasies singing and playing in Memphis cover bands.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both dark AND hilarious! Protagonist Danny won the lottery and squandered it all, his wife Sari died of breast cancer, and he now owns the Nine Lives Surf Shop. So when 12-year-old Jessica comes into his life after her parents' mysterious disappearance, he isn't sure what to do with the precocious girl as she grew up in the funeral home and understands embalming and other techniques that would render any other youngster a squeamish mess! Throw in mobsters, cocaine, and oddly stereotypical characters--that are not really stereotypes at all--and you have this slapstick comedy that delights and entertains while showing the big-hearted Danny and sweet Jessica overcoming incredible obstacles! I laughed so hard while reading this and will now read more of Box as it's quirky and absolutely unforgettable!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Dorain Box and @NetGalley for the #gifted copy of the book. I really enjoyed the Emily Calby series so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book.

I will admit the the synopsis was intriguing. A 12 year old who is obsessed with death because her family owns a funeral home finds herself in the middle of a major problem. Her grandfather died and her parents sell the funeral home after some mobsters threatened her dad. She gets stuck with Danny, who seems to be a friend that she doesn't know very well as they try to figure out the mystery behind the sell of the funeral home.

While this was a good story, it was a bit of a let down as the relationship between Danny and Jessica seems odd. There is a prior book called Pyscho-Tropics that perhaps I should have read first. I did love Jessica's character. I am always a fan of strong willed girls.

[Bree Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I also want to wish "Funeral Daze" a happy publication day! In addition to celebrating, I posted a YouTube video and spoke about the book a little bit (if you want to skip to me talking about this book, it starts at 8:26).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5nKZ...

Thank you Net Galley and Friction Press for sending me a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Daniel Teakwell was getting his life back on track after being framed for murder, losing his childhood sweetheart, and winning the lottery (and splurging that money). Daniel's life was about to turn upside down yet again after Emily Jewell shows up on his doorstep after her parents suddenly vanished after selling their family funeral home to the mafia. From breaking into the funeral home and dissecting human bodies to jumping off of an exploding ship and being chased by a shark, Daniel and Emily brace themselves on this journey that will only make their bond stronger and bring down the mafia.

This is a standalone sequel from Dorian Box's Psycho-Tropics. I have not read the first book and still had an understanding of the characters and the plot.

I adored Emily's character. She is a tough twelve-year old who is "difficult", as she describes herself. She is forthcoming and strong. She will not go down without a fight. What made her character so realistic is giving her a fear of drowning and being afraid at crazy situations instead of giving her such strong characteristics. The author did a wonderful job crafting her character.

Daniel and Emily's relationship was sweet to witness. They were close from the beginning of the book but grew closer the more they spent together. They help each other through hardships and are there to lift each other up. Since Emily was dumped on Daniel, he was trying his hardest to become a better person not only for himself, but for her.

The plot was fast-moving, entertaining, mysterious, and action-pack. I did not want to put this book down (or rather put my phone away). Although the plot was fast-moving, it felt too rushed towards the end of the book with the big reveal. It was a surprised ending, as I had no clue what to expect of it, but I wished we spent more time in that scene.

Overall, I loved the book and am rating it 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend for young adults (upper young adults) to adults. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a beautiful bond between an adult and kid, I highly recommend this book.

[Henry Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extortion Murder - Oh... a 12-year-old mortician and a surfer-bum detective-
YOU"VE GOT TO READ THIS!

Just the first two-pages tell the reader you are in for a GREAT suspense thriller with an extraordinary dose of humor – only a sage law professor could craft the first chapter. Unraveling mysterious tragedies, extorsion, and graft, Dorian Box captures the unusual, hilarious, and tender friendship between Danny, the surfer beach bum, and Jessica, the eccentric twelve-year-old daughter of a mortician, often raising the question, “who is the adult here?” On top of being a fantastic suspense story, the book is incredibly well written – the author is kind to the reader where every word counts. The characters are mind-blowingly colorful and unique as individuals along with their interactions, where the author makes you feel like you’re sitting at the bar, learning to surf, or facing the barrel of a gun right next to them. Carl Hiaasen, there’s a new kid in town and he knows how to surf and play lead guitar! Admittedly, I cheated . . . I have read (and highly recommend) the author’s award-winning Emily Calby series and knew I was going to have a good-read – at the same time I was blown away with Funeral Daze. I highly recommend that you put on your beach attire with flipflops, grab a beer or margarita, and settle in for an exciting, tense, and thrilling book with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Box’s, prior novel, Psycho-Tropics, (also highly recommended) can easily be read as either a prequel or a sequel to Funeral Daze, to get the full backdrop on Danny – a character absolutely worthy of a TV mini-series!!!

[BethK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book of a series, but stands on its own. It is at the same time a thriller novel, a novel involving relationships and grief, a murder mystery, with some hints of legal grit, surfing, and a cast of some very quirky characters, including:
• A surfer dude widower won the lottery and lost the millions he won – except for a run-down condo and a surf shop he’s stopped running.
• A 12 year old girl who plans to run her family’s funeral home, who has been embalming since she was 7, is not well liked because of her morbid interests. She has more insight and wisdom than most adults.
• The surfer dude’s attorney friend, who has been practicing law without a license for years before law school or the Bar Exam.
• An organized crime boss, with plans to use the funeral industry to save money drug running.
• A hit man, who is insubordinate to his boss, and sees murder as the only way to solve any problem
• A bar owner.
• Many bar patrons and employees.

Although this is a thriller, which includes drug criminals, murder, kidnapping, extortion, grave robbing, burglary, treachery, much of the story is about relationships of all sorts, but hardly focusing on the romantic ones. It's about regaining interest in life after a death. It’s about friendship and family, and how friendships can become almost family-like, and family relationships can all but cease. It’s about the trustworthiness of others, heroism, and betrayal. The book has a happy ending, which will not disappoint.

The plot was complex and was difficult to put down, yet left no room for confusion about how it all linked together. It makes me want to read the prequel and await a sequel!

[WhatJordynnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect mix of suspense, thriller, and humor. Such a fun read.

Brief Synopsis: After Jessica’s parents mysteriously sell their family’s funeral home, they immediately go into hiding leaving Jessica with Danny (a family friend). Together they work to unravel the mystery behind a secret operation happening at the funeral home.

First off, we need to talk about Jessica. 🤣 She is up there as my favorite book character of all time. Her quick wit, no nonsense personality was literary gold. Jessica takes space in a room and isn’t afraid to make it known that she means business. Her commentary is laugh out loud funny.

I requested an ARC of Funeral Daze on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I was not expecting to be taken on such a fun and hilarious ride. Thriller/suspense novels aren’t typically full of funny banter and one-liners.

Funeral Daze is a light hearted mystery I’m certain you’ll enjoy. Just go into it with an open mind and enjoy the ride.

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised when I picked up this book. I wasn’t really expecting something so well written and boy did this grab me and reel me right in.

When a mid thirties widower finds himself attending the funeral of an older mortician he met five years earlier, he didn’t expect to become responsible for the man’s twelve year old grand daughter in the midst of a family emergency. But there is was, Danny was taking care of Jessica and found himself smack dab in the middle of a real life mystery.

Trying to get over the loss of his wife the year before, Danny finds himself shelling the girl, but also receiving help from her. Will the pair be able to fix the mob threat the family has received? Will he be able to keep Jessica safe, or are they both marked for murder themselves now? Only time will tell.

[WhatWouldRachRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a light hearted mystery/crime, which I didn’t know could exist together so well. The way the author Dorian Box wrote about the two main characters relationship made me smile the entire book. The love and admiration Jessica and Danny have for each other and how their relationship helped both of them in low/scary parts of there life warmed my heart. Not only the main characters but also the secondary/tertiary characters made the book relatable. The patrons of the Tradewinds bar reminded me of many people in my own life. This book had everything I look for in a new book; mystery and suspense, a little satire, and also that good feeling you get when there’s a sweet relationship between the characters. This was a perfect read for my Florida beach vacation and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a light mystery/crime.

[Deanna Fanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me a lot of Fredrik Backman's writing style which is probably why I loved it so much. I'd say the writing most closely resembles 'Anxious People.' A lot of chaos going on, and a lot of dark things going on that are partially masked by humor, and a lot of characters / plots to follow. It felt like some of the side characters could've been fleshed out a little more / gone deeper into their motivations (particularly Yago), but the character development for Danny / the build up of Danny and Jessica's relationship was really incredibly done.


Thanks you NetGalley for this ARC!

[Sandass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adoption

Danny is a nice guy. Surfer. Widower. Lost without the love of his life.
He discovers there's life after the death of a loved one.
He comes out of his shell where he's been hiding. He's kicking and screaming along the way, but the kid he's babysitting needs him, and he needs her just as much.
While they're sorting out their lives, an entire mystery takes place, multiple people are murdered and life is tough. A funeral home plays a big part in the tale. It's of special interest because twelve year old Jessica knows everything needed to operate the home. She's an amazing, strange, wonderful kid.

[George B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, I highly recommend not only Funeral Daze but other books by Dorian Box. Funeral Daze is light satire, with a mix of intrigue and a touch of the heavy-handed side of south Florida, the writer not only wraps you in the ambiance of south Florida but keeps you turning pages wondering what happens next. The plot and characters are unique, they blend together to say "Now what" in a very entertaining way.

[Agnes Muscoreil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funeral Daze was a delightful change from my usual murder mysteries! Fun characters that I grew to love – especially 12-year-old Jessica! Her relationship with Danny is the focus of the book and they are both struggling through their lives. There is a wonderful balance between mystery and hilarious dark humor! I look forward to hearing more from Box! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my copy of this quirky, fun, dark book.

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funeral Daze

Set five years after Psycho Tropics, Danny Treadwell is still mourning the death of his wife a year previously from breast cancer.
Jessica Jewel is now 12 and turns up on Danny’s doorstep with a peculiar and disturbing tale about her parents and their funeral home.
What ensues is a convoluted story of drug cartels, assassins and probable murder and extortion.
Dorian Box does a great job of combining a riveting plot with great character development. There’s real heart and soul in the interactions between the main characters that lifts this way above the “weird Florida” tales.
This is the first Dorian Box story that I’ve read but it won’t be the last.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and entertaining read! Although this is sort of a sequel to Psycho-Tropics, which I have not read, I really enjoyed it . . . and don’t feel as though I really missed out on very much. The two main characters (Danny, who was acquitted of murder, whose wife died of cancer, who squandered away lottery winnings, and who now owns a soft shop) and Jessica, an extremely precocious twelve-year-old) are well-developed and easy to relate to. The rest of the very quirky characters definitely add to the reader’s enjoyment. The plot is action-packed, and the writing is very, very good — lots of humor amidst some fairly dark goings on. All in all, this was an excellent mystery, and I hope that Danny and Jessica have many more adventures together.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Stephanie Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny, heart-warming romp through Hollywood, FL; accompanied by Danny Teakwell and Jessica Jewell. Who knew that they would make such a fun pair, even in the face of extreme danger? I enjoyed this story even though the cozy mystery genre has been way overhyped in my opinion. They have become almost formulaic. This book broke the mold and I had a good time without feeling like my brain was hurting from convoluted storylines. All in all, a fun and sweet story!

[Karen Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a most unique book, in a very good way. It was screwy and comical, but not madcap. And set in Florida, I totally believed it all. I guess this is part of a series or a follow up to another book, but I had no problems following along. If you like darkly comedic, zany, fast paced mysteries, this is for you.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new to me author impressed me by creating a quirky cozy set in a Florida funeral home. Eclectic characters, a peek into the mindset of addicts and good honest people just dealing with a crap storm not of their making. Thought provoking. I highly recommend.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

[Leoni Mccolgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!! I always go in to a book knowing very little, I had a vague idea and I honestly didn’t think it was going to be as good as it was. I love it when a book surprises you. From the first chapter to the last I was engaged the whole time. I read it in two sittings. It was a murder mystery unlike something I have ever read before. I am definitely going to be reading more by Dorian box.

[Renee Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a kick I got out of this fun, quirky, book! Delightful down to earth characters. Set in Florida. You will find yourself immersed inside the read and not wanting to stop. Characters are believable. Story is well plotted. A much needed breath of fresh air for me to read. Thanks #Netgalley and #FrictionPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

[Elise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bizarre, dark, heavy (but somehow still) light-hearted, and funny legal-murder mystery was positively delightful. Surfer dude Danny and 12-year old mortician-in-the-making Jessica are my new favorite buddy cop duo…even if they aren’t cops. Funeral Daze has all the outlandish storylines and humor you’d expect from Lethal Weapon or Bad Boys. It also gave me John Grisham vibes (specifically The Client). My only real knock on the book is that I didn’t realize it was the second in a series. Wish I’d read Psycho Tropics first. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

The characters and plot of this book are unusual and bring humor and wisdom throughout the story. There is extortion, murder and the cartel involvement to add intrigue and mystery. A lone survivor, a twelve years old girl inspires hope, justice and love as well as strength, boldness and acceptance.

[Caitlin Mucha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had wonderful character development and the plot was interesting from the start and I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh and cry which is hard to do in a fiction novel. I have already recommended it to a few friends.

[Sue Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

sorry to say it didnt grab me even though i could see that others were liking it... i just found other books to read...

we cant all like the same books

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder & drugs in paradise

Dorian Box has a great knowledge of Florida. He captures the reader by the hand and immerses them in the life & mayhem of the characters. As usual, I don't do spoiler reviews. Happy reading

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

One of the best books I've read this year. So well written and the story itself is terrific!! The characters are awesome as well. I'll be reading others in the series.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hit the Goldmine. What a great story. Problem- I was trying to sleep. Funniest story ever! Belly laughing funny. So many twists and turns and characters. The young girl is the best. She is only 12. But is full of love for people and at the same time, weird. She is brilliant and oh so funny. Warning you will laugh and lose time reading this funny story

[Medenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disgusting book. purchased for 0 & that was an overpayment

Gross, disgusting. Did not finish. Waste of my time. Not one bit funny like the description says. Stay far away from it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first chapter. The book really pulls you in to feel like you’re there! P Love, loss, the mob & humor the book has it all!
PS You will love Jessica! I hope her story continues!

[Kim A. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very very goid book. Plot was excellent, the characters just right and a couple of time I felt myself tearing up. Good writing can do that you know?

[Marguerite L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Put Down!

What a great story-suspenseful, funny, heartwarming. Couldn’t put down, had to see what happened next! Now have to go back and read the first book in the series even though that story is referenced in second book.