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Dead Stop
Welcome to the Textro Truck Stop...where they have hot food, hot coffee, and even hotter waitresses.
It's a slow Friday night at the Textro, and business isn't expected to pick up until the football game lets out in nearby Masonfield. Deke, backed up by his friend Harley, is here on a mission of romance. Rachel Sutherland has come to unwind from a bad day at the clinic. Thomas "Grandpa Tom" Burns and "Leaping" Larry Brown are just dropping in for some diesel and coffee, while across the diner Holly just wants to get her socially disastrous boyfriend, Gerald, home. Waitresses Stacey and Marisa are taking it easy, serving the few patrons while waiting for the game crowd to arrive.
But things are about to get busy in an unexpected and very deadly way.
There is a storm coming in and the crowd that arrives with it isn't from Masonfield...at least, not anymore. These unexpected guests are from the nearby Mazon County Cemetery, and they have their own idea of what should be on the menu. Now a dwindling collection of locals, waitresses, truckers, out-of-towners, and one astonished veterinarian find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against a foe they thought only existed in the movies. And as the night wears on they discover that if they don't escape by dawn, they will lose all hope of getting away.
It's a slow Friday night at the Textro, and business isn't expected to pick up until the football game lets out in nearby Masonfield. Deke, backed up by his friend Harley, is here on a mission of romance. Rachel Sutherland has come to unwind from a bad day at the clinic. Thomas "Grandpa Tom" Burns and "Leaping" Larry Brown are just dropping in for some diesel and coffee, while across the diner Holly just wants to get her socially disastrous boyfriend, Gerald, home. Waitresses Stacey and Marisa are taking it easy, serving the few patrons while waiting for the game crowd to arrive.
But things are about to get busy in an unexpected and very deadly way.
There is a storm coming in and the crowd that arrives with it isn't from Masonfield...at least, not anymore. These unexpected guests are from the nearby Mazon County Cemetery, and they have their own idea of what should be on the menu. Now a dwindling collection of locals, waitresses, truckers, out-of-towners, and one astonished veterinarian find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against a foe they thought only existed in the movies. And as the night wears on they discover that if they don't escape by dawn, they will lose all hope of getting away.
297 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2012
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881 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 11, 2018
You have entered the Textro Truck Stop and the menu is chock full of good things to eat and drink, the only thing is the patrons inside are unaware that they are on a menu for the residents at the Mazon County Cemetery.
A major storm is brewing and as it gets ready to let loose on the live residents of the town, some of the overly ripe residents have decided to crawl up out of their graves. The first thing they see as they come up out of the earth are bright lights in the distance. The truck stop is lit up like a beacon and some of the town residents are inside enjoying their meal.
This book is loaded with all different kinds of characters and it makes for an interesting read. There is action, suspense, and mayhem at the truck stop along with a high survival rate for the patrons inside and out.
I don't read a lot of zombie books, but this one was not bad and it kept up the action throughout the book. Three stars for this one.
A major storm is brewing and as it gets ready to let loose on the live residents of the town, some of the overly ripe residents have decided to crawl up out of their graves. The first thing they see as they come up out of the earth are bright lights in the distance. The truck stop is lit up like a beacon and some of the town residents are inside enjoying their meal.
This book is loaded with all different kinds of characters and it makes for an interesting read. There is action, suspense, and mayhem at the truck stop along with a high survival rate for the patrons inside and out.
I don't read a lot of zombie books, but this one was not bad and it kept up the action throughout the book. Three stars for this one.
September 20, 2012
D. Nathan Hilliard brings the scares with "Dead Stop". The past of Masonfield rises as the town is on the brink of a major storm. the inhabitants of the Textro Truck Stop must band together to survive the dangers that approach.
The cast of character in this zombie novel are typical but not cookie cutter stereotypes. You have Deke and Harley, friends, set out on a romantic dare. Stacey, Marisa, Benny, and several other patrons at the truck stop. There's budding romance, gore, and a bit of comedy as well.
The author's use of description is the key and really helped sell the book for me, also the science behind the plot is plausible and interesting. I got a kick out of the 'Buddha Boy' character as well, very menacing.
In closing, "Dead Stop" is a great read that kept me on the edge waiting for whatever would come.
The cast of character in this zombie novel are typical but not cookie cutter stereotypes. You have Deke and Harley, friends, set out on a romantic dare. Stacey, Marisa, Benny, and several other patrons at the truck stop. There's budding romance, gore, and a bit of comedy as well.
The author's use of description is the key and really helped sell the book for me, also the science behind the plot is plausible and interesting. I got a kick out of the 'Buddha Boy' character as well, very menacing.
In closing, "Dead Stop" is a great read that kept me on the edge waiting for whatever would come.
October 27, 2012
I'll be honest my opinion may be a little biased. because I won it for free on here. but I will say if You like reading zombie novels. You will LOVE this book. I won't spoil anything. I'll just say that the book is full of realistic zombie kills. as well as relatable characters. it really impressed me because it seemed to keep to the classic Zombie (Night of the living dead) while also being current with some deferences. the origins of it starting I thought was very original. I've read about 20 zombie novels. and seen probably the same amount of movies. and never heard of the plot behind this "Zombie" outbreak before. that alone made this book worth reading. I'm a terrible review writer. please excuse me. but I'd recommend reading this to anyone who enjoys Zombie Novels or Movies Or Tv Shows :) 5 Star Book!
October 2, 2013
This is exactly my kind of book. A bunch of characters holed up in small setting, trying to survive whatever nastiness is outside and fixing to get them. Said characters then get picked off one by one and the fun comes from attempting to identify who's next to go and who will survive, how those survivors might make it out of their flimsy sanctuary, and considering what you would do in their situation. And Hilliard's Dead Stop sets things up oh-so-well. The build up is pitch perfect, the initial characters drawn well enough to elicit empathy, and the threat of the undead here seems creepier and done to better effect than most similar efforts. A couple of the early kill scenes are also particularly impressive as the menace of the zombies is proven all-too effectively.
But then, after this fantastic opening, the pace of the novel grinds to a tyre-shredding halt. Not much happens for quite some time, and for some bizarre reason, the focus switches from some of the more interesting characters to ones that initially seemed like little more than cannon-fodder. Most perplexing of all was Hilliard's decision to give a POV from every character stuck in the truck stop - except the guy who is most tuned in and is easily the most likeable.
The end then comes far too quickly, and with far fewer losses than one would expect from a novel about zombies. Which, in fact, is my biggest problem with Dead Stop: It reads and feels like only the first third of an epic zombie novel. Perhaps it is the first in a trilogy or a series, but if that's the case, some indication would be nice. It would certainly have jacked up my score.
2.5 Ripped Off Faces for Dead Stop.
But then, after this fantastic opening, the pace of the novel grinds to a tyre-shredding halt. Not much happens for quite some time, and for some bizarre reason, the focus switches from some of the more interesting characters to ones that initially seemed like little more than cannon-fodder. Most perplexing of all was Hilliard's decision to give a POV from every character stuck in the truck stop - except the guy who is most tuned in and is easily the most likeable.
The end then comes far too quickly, and with far fewer losses than one would expect from a novel about zombies. Which, in fact, is my biggest problem with Dead Stop: It reads and feels like only the first third of an epic zombie novel. Perhaps it is the first in a trilogy or a series, but if that's the case, some indication would be nice. It would certainly have jacked up my score.
2.5 Ripped Off Faces for Dead Stop.
November 6, 2012
If you are a fan of zombie fiction, or just a general fan of horror, drop whatever it is you are doing and go buy DEAD STOP right now. Seriously. You must read this book. It is an amazing and intense foray into zombie terror, but it also gives a nice shot of originality to a densely populated genre.
Make no mistake: this is a Must-Read for you zombie fans. I’ve read several very good living dead books so far this year, but I have to say that DEAD STOP makes my Top Three list. It is simply that good.
Author D. Nathan Hilliard does an amazing job of world-building and character construction with this book. Set in rural Texas, this truck shop could very well be the one down at the end of your street, or even over at the edge of town. And the people within the pages could be your neighbors; Hilliard paints them as average folks, which makes them likable and easily relatable.
The prose in DEAD STOP flows smoothly however the action is nerve-wracking and nail-biting as the inhabitants of the truck stop are forced into an unthinkable situation. I particularly enjoy the author’s writing style; he does not get bogged down with $5 dollar words and instead focuses on putting the reader in the middle of the action. This obviously allows for better immersion into the story, but it also allows the plot develop quicker and at a smoother pace.
The action may be intense, but the zombies themselves are the true winners here. These are not your run-of-the-mill walking dead; oh no...these are something much worse. But where some zombie books only hypothesize as to what brought the dead back to life, DEAD STOP gives a concrete explanation, thanks to veterinarian Rachel Sutherland. And this is not something you’ve heard before, either...I have to commend Hilliard for coming up with an actual plausible scenario for reanimating the dead.
Probably the most stunning aspect of this book is that it is self-published. Normally, with SP books, the editing is bad or the grammar is quirky, or it might be rife with spelling and punctuation errors. Not so here. Hilliard has gone to great lengths to ensure accuracy throughout the book. By my count, I only found one error in the whole thing: a single instance where a ‘the’ was missing in a sentence.
DEAD STOP is an excellent read and it is one you will hate yourself for missing if you don’t check it out. It is available in a couple of different formats over at Amazon, so be sure and snag a copy today. And then visit A Dark and Stormy Blog (click on the link above) to check out Hilliard’s own rantings. Tell him what you think about his book; I am sure he would appreciate to hear from you. Self-publishing is difficult, but praise from readers can make it all worth it.
Make no mistake: this is a Must-Read for you zombie fans. I’ve read several very good living dead books so far this year, but I have to say that DEAD STOP makes my Top Three list. It is simply that good.
Author D. Nathan Hilliard does an amazing job of world-building and character construction with this book. Set in rural Texas, this truck shop could very well be the one down at the end of your street, or even over at the edge of town. And the people within the pages could be your neighbors; Hilliard paints them as average folks, which makes them likable and easily relatable.
The prose in DEAD STOP flows smoothly however the action is nerve-wracking and nail-biting as the inhabitants of the truck stop are forced into an unthinkable situation. I particularly enjoy the author’s writing style; he does not get bogged down with $5 dollar words and instead focuses on putting the reader in the middle of the action. This obviously allows for better immersion into the story, but it also allows the plot develop quicker and at a smoother pace.
The action may be intense, but the zombies themselves are the true winners here. These are not your run-of-the-mill walking dead; oh no...these are something much worse. But where some zombie books only hypothesize as to what brought the dead back to life, DEAD STOP gives a concrete explanation, thanks to veterinarian Rachel Sutherland. And this is not something you’ve heard before, either...I have to commend Hilliard for coming up with an actual plausible scenario for reanimating the dead.
Probably the most stunning aspect of this book is that it is self-published. Normally, with SP books, the editing is bad or the grammar is quirky, or it might be rife with spelling and punctuation errors. Not so here. Hilliard has gone to great lengths to ensure accuracy throughout the book. By my count, I only found one error in the whole thing: a single instance where a ‘the’ was missing in a sentence.
DEAD STOP is an excellent read and it is one you will hate yourself for missing if you don’t check it out. It is available in a couple of different formats over at Amazon, so be sure and snag a copy today. And then visit A Dark and Stormy Blog (click on the link above) to check out Hilliard’s own rantings. Tell him what you think about his book; I am sure he would appreciate to hear from you. Self-publishing is difficult, but praise from readers can make it all worth it.
December 4, 2012
Dead Stop follows the plight of a ragtag group of people who find themselves caught in a truck stop that is besieged by zombies of the 28 Days Later variety (fast zombies) and their attempts to secure and eventually escape the horror they are confronted with.
The book starts off well with an account of a few unlucky souls encounters with the zombies and a set up of the main characters. The book is well written from a descriptive point of view, and there are only a few points where the reader is unclear of what is happening (and almost all of these are in reference to the layout of the building itself). The author does a very good job of describing action scenes, making them entertaining yet clear – something that many authors struggle with.
The problems with the writing are not serious, but the dialogue is typically flawed in that the characters all have the same kind of sarcastic, well-spoken tone that seems t pervade many horror novels, with little attention paid to the differences in characters backgrounds, education levels, etc. They tend to fall on hyperbole often, and the usual self-berating inner monologue is present. Finally, the dialogue sometimes is either too lengthy or unnecessary given the circumstance (two of the main characters tend to joke about their make-up looking awful just after discussing some very grave issue and so forth, for example) Frequent readers of horror novels will be familiar with these shortcomings and will likely be wiling to overlook these issues.
The other shortcoming is that the action tends to move at a slow pace – which is somewhat part and parcel of a limited location such as this. Still, the book is close to 300 pages and there does not feel to be much movement forward in their situation beyond incremental discoveries about the zombies.
All of this aside, and despite that I am picking apart the novel, it succeeds in it's overall goal as entertainment. It is well written by most standards and in most areas, and it will keep the casual and most more serious zombie fans at least interested. At a couple of bucks on Kindle, I would certainly recommend it as a way to kill a long rainy night.
The book starts off well with an account of a few unlucky souls encounters with the zombies and a set up of the main characters. The book is well written from a descriptive point of view, and there are only a few points where the reader is unclear of what is happening (and almost all of these are in reference to the layout of the building itself). The author does a very good job of describing action scenes, making them entertaining yet clear – something that many authors struggle with.
The problems with the writing are not serious, but the dialogue is typically flawed in that the characters all have the same kind of sarcastic, well-spoken tone that seems t pervade many horror novels, with little attention paid to the differences in characters backgrounds, education levels, etc. They tend to fall on hyperbole often, and the usual self-berating inner monologue is present. Finally, the dialogue sometimes is either too lengthy or unnecessary given the circumstance (two of the main characters tend to joke about their make-up looking awful just after discussing some very grave issue and so forth, for example) Frequent readers of horror novels will be familiar with these shortcomings and will likely be wiling to overlook these issues.
The other shortcoming is that the action tends to move at a slow pace – which is somewhat part and parcel of a limited location such as this. Still, the book is close to 300 pages and there does not feel to be much movement forward in their situation beyond incremental discoveries about the zombies.
All of this aside, and despite that I am picking apart the novel, it succeeds in it's overall goal as entertainment. It is well written by most standards and in most areas, and it will keep the casual and most more serious zombie fans at least interested. At a couple of bucks on Kindle, I would certainly recommend it as a way to kill a long rainy night.
February 10, 2013
Great characters, great zombies, great action!!! A few laugh out loud moments, some gross out moments, a little bit of science, and even some budding romance. Dead Stop has it all!!
November 6, 2012
Dead Stop by D. Nathan Hilliard
It’s a dark and stormy night, and Armageddon is dropping in for dinner . . .
Welcome to the Textro Truck Stop, a typical middle of nowhere establishment with all your favourite archetypes from the highways and byways of the American Dream. Truckers stop for coffee refills, chirpy waitresses serve hot coffee and greasy food, while the local rednecks grab a bite to eat before the big game in town. Hilliard sets his location well and instantly creates sympathy for his characters about to be dropped into a nightmarish version of hell. A potent storm brews on the horizon then the crowds of the dead arrive, freshly and mysterious awoken from the local cemetery; and harbouring a vast and unrelenting hunger. One by one they start to devour the various ragtag patrons and staff of the Textro Truck Stop.
I’ve been a fan of Mr Hilliard since reading one of his short stories last year and I’ve have been looking forward to a longer work from him for some time. Dead Stop doesn’t disappoint in grabbing the reading by the throat from the get go with a fantastic description of a zombie awakening whilst trapped in the grave. Carrying on throughout are some excellent descriptions of the zombies physiology and even the reasoning behind the biters great strength is told so well it’s believable.
I’m a big fan of The Return of the Living Dead series and even the novel by John Russo (the cover gave me nightmares), and Hilliard catches the desperate essence of a B-movie with an ever diminishing bunch of characters that he’s quite hard on at times, chipping away with bites and scratches, though I feel he loved his characters a bit too much and a few more deaths during the later pages might have added a bit more shock value to proceedings. If you’re not going to explore a character in too much depth, then by all means feed them to the zombies. But with the ending left wide open for a sequel, I understand why Hilliard wanted to save a few souls for desert.
Never the less, I felt for the main character of Rachel Sutherland and rooted for her to survive above anybody, and ballsy waitress Marisa is a fun read as she tries her best to evade being eaten whilst keeping her Latino pout on her face. Even the image of Buddha Boy, a grotesquely over weight trucker was described to the point of being a thing of macabre beauty. The action is sweaty balls-to-the-wall and the smart one-liners bring light relief in-between the hero’s being torn apart.
Dead Stop isn’t the best zombie novel out there, but it’s certainly is a fun little ride to while away a dark and stormy night.
5/5
It’s a dark and stormy night, and Armageddon is dropping in for dinner . . .
Welcome to the Textro Truck Stop, a typical middle of nowhere establishment with all your favourite archetypes from the highways and byways of the American Dream. Truckers stop for coffee refills, chirpy waitresses serve hot coffee and greasy food, while the local rednecks grab a bite to eat before the big game in town. Hilliard sets his location well and instantly creates sympathy for his characters about to be dropped into a nightmarish version of hell. A potent storm brews on the horizon then the crowds of the dead arrive, freshly and mysterious awoken from the local cemetery; and harbouring a vast and unrelenting hunger. One by one they start to devour the various ragtag patrons and staff of the Textro Truck Stop.
I’ve been a fan of Mr Hilliard since reading one of his short stories last year and I’ve have been looking forward to a longer work from him for some time. Dead Stop doesn’t disappoint in grabbing the reading by the throat from the get go with a fantastic description of a zombie awakening whilst trapped in the grave. Carrying on throughout are some excellent descriptions of the zombies physiology and even the reasoning behind the biters great strength is told so well it’s believable.
I’m a big fan of The Return of the Living Dead series and even the novel by John Russo (the cover gave me nightmares), and Hilliard catches the desperate essence of a B-movie with an ever diminishing bunch of characters that he’s quite hard on at times, chipping away with bites and scratches, though I feel he loved his characters a bit too much and a few more deaths during the later pages might have added a bit more shock value to proceedings. If you’re not going to explore a character in too much depth, then by all means feed them to the zombies. But with the ending left wide open for a sequel, I understand why Hilliard wanted to save a few souls for desert.
Never the less, I felt for the main character of Rachel Sutherland and rooted for her to survive above anybody, and ballsy waitress Marisa is a fun read as she tries her best to evade being eaten whilst keeping her Latino pout on her face. Even the image of Buddha Boy, a grotesquely over weight trucker was described to the point of being a thing of macabre beauty. The action is sweaty balls-to-the-wall and the smart one-liners bring light relief in-between the hero’s being torn apart.
Dead Stop isn’t the best zombie novel out there, but it’s certainly is a fun little ride to while away a dark and stormy night.
5/5
June 15, 2013
"Dead Stop" is definitely one of the best Zombie books I've read. The Author is so descriptive in the details, especially when it comes to gore, that, at times, I've felt like I was standing right there with the characters in the middle of the action. Hell, I even checked myself a couple of times to see if blood splattered on my clothes.
The story takes place at a rural truck stop - the closest citizens live in a town roughly a mile away. The highway is empty of traffic as most of the locals are filling the bleachers at the local high school football game. The activity around the truck stop is quiet, casual and normal: truckers are in the shower and preparing for the night, mechanics are closing up shop, Lizzy the prostitute is making her rounds among the parked trucks, a customer wanders through the store and patrons occupy seats within the restaurant. The first sign of any trouble is when the three local sheriff cars and two state police cars speed by with lights flashing and sirens blaring - heading toward the nearby town. There is some speculation about the police emergency, but those inside the main building soon return to what they were doing before the interruption. Little do they know that zombies are exiting the cornfield, at the rear of the property, and are starting to attack the living. Soon, those within will be surrounded by the living dead and the siege will begin.
These zombies are different and the method of reanimation is unique to this genre. They are very strong, ferrel, quite fast and dressed in their Sunday best, however, many are missing faces; the author refers to them as "the terror". Those inside must try to survive on their own. There is no outside information or help, no weapons, and they can't die like normal zombies. Some parts of the story are so intense, that I found myself thankful afterwards for an opportunity to catch my breath. Those type of breaks occur often, but don't get too comfortable, because the intensity will start all over again within a heart beat.
There are some typos throughout the story, but those can be easily overlooked as they don't impact the tale. "Dead Stop" is highly recommended - especially for those liking this genre. It opens up a whole new possibility for future books. I would assume there will be a sequel (the ending leaves it open for one), and if so, I look forward to reading it when it becomes available.
Great job!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
The story takes place at a rural truck stop - the closest citizens live in a town roughly a mile away. The highway is empty of traffic as most of the locals are filling the bleachers at the local high school football game. The activity around the truck stop is quiet, casual and normal: truckers are in the shower and preparing for the night, mechanics are closing up shop, Lizzy the prostitute is making her rounds among the parked trucks, a customer wanders through the store and patrons occupy seats within the restaurant. The first sign of any trouble is when the three local sheriff cars and two state police cars speed by with lights flashing and sirens blaring - heading toward the nearby town. There is some speculation about the police emergency, but those inside the main building soon return to what they were doing before the interruption. Little do they know that zombies are exiting the cornfield, at the rear of the property, and are starting to attack the living. Soon, those within will be surrounded by the living dead and the siege will begin.
These zombies are different and the method of reanimation is unique to this genre. They are very strong, ferrel, quite fast and dressed in their Sunday best, however, many are missing faces; the author refers to them as "the terror". Those inside must try to survive on their own. There is no outside information or help, no weapons, and they can't die like normal zombies. Some parts of the story are so intense, that I found myself thankful afterwards for an opportunity to catch my breath. Those type of breaks occur often, but don't get too comfortable, because the intensity will start all over again within a heart beat.
There are some typos throughout the story, but those can be easily overlooked as they don't impact the tale. "Dead Stop" is highly recommended - especially for those liking this genre. It opens up a whole new possibility for future books. I would assume there will be a sequel (the ending leaves it open for one), and if so, I look forward to reading it when it becomes available.
Great job!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
November 5, 2012
I love a great diner. You know, those greasy spoons that really make you begin to reconsider even going through the doors. The saucy waitresses, the belligerent cook and, of course, the questionable clientele. Well, in Dead Stop we have all these elements PLUS zombies that just happen to be dropping in for a bite.
Set in a small town in Texas, the Textro truckstop and diner is having a rather slow night, thanks to the local football game going on just down the way. Deke and Harley, a couple of local boys, have managed to talk Stacey into a date with Deke on the condition that her friend Marissa joins them as Harley's date. However, before these budding lovebirds have a chance to make further plans all hell breaks loose. Somehow, what appears to be dead people are attacking the truckers and attempting to gain entry to the restaurant and storefront. The small group, consisting of the aforementioned couples, the local veterinarian and a few other patrons, must now hunker down and decide what to do. Do they wait things out and hope that help comes for them or do they make an attempt at getting out of the diner and to someplace safer.
The characters, to me, were very believable for small town dwellers. As I mentioned, I loved the setting, the action was intense and hard core. There were definite moments of suspense, not knowing how someone will react to a certain threat or how they will survive the situation they have been put. Of course, as always, there was one character I was most thrilled to see get turned into the late night blue plate special.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. It was so much fun. Filled with interesting characters, a great setting and lots of blood and guts. If you like a little comedy, a little romance and a LOT of undead/action then definitely give Dead Stop a try!
Set in a small town in Texas, the Textro truckstop and diner is having a rather slow night, thanks to the local football game going on just down the way. Deke and Harley, a couple of local boys, have managed to talk Stacey into a date with Deke on the condition that her friend Marissa joins them as Harley's date. However, before these budding lovebirds have a chance to make further plans all hell breaks loose. Somehow, what appears to be dead people are attacking the truckers and attempting to gain entry to the restaurant and storefront. The small group, consisting of the aforementioned couples, the local veterinarian and a few other patrons, must now hunker down and decide what to do. Do they wait things out and hope that help comes for them or do they make an attempt at getting out of the diner and to someplace safer.
The characters, to me, were very believable for small town dwellers. As I mentioned, I loved the setting, the action was intense and hard core. There were definite moments of suspense, not knowing how someone will react to a certain threat or how they will survive the situation they have been put. Of course, as always, there was one character I was most thrilled to see get turned into the late night blue plate special.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. It was so much fun. Filled with interesting characters, a great setting and lots of blood and guts. If you like a little comedy, a little romance and a LOT of undead/action then definitely give Dead Stop a try!
October 18, 2012
surprisingly, i loved this book!! would never have sought out to read a zombie story, yet somehow i wound up doing just that, and looking forward to every opportunity to read! reviewing some of the authors other works... getting hooked!
July 1, 2016
Not believable.
I read and liked the beginning of this book. Then it became very repetitive and hardly believable. Then I started skim reading and then I just skipped to the epilogue just out of curiosity but by that time I didn't really care what happened.
I read and liked the beginning of this book. Then it became very repetitive and hardly believable. Then I started skim reading and then I just skipped to the epilogue just out of curiosity but by that time I didn't really care what happened.
October 3, 2012
Oh, yeah... I love me a good zombie story, and this one pulls a couple of unexpected twists! Probably the most realistic zombie story I've ever read--And I've read a bunch of em!!!
November 8, 2014
Review to come.
November 3, 2013
Great read!
February 8, 2020
Solid 3.5! Unfortunately I came down with a super bad virus so wasn't able to really sink my teeth (get it) into this one as much as I would have liked and it did take me much longer to get through as I haven't been able to look at a book nevermind sit and read for long periods of time without wanting to puke.
But I finally managed to finish off the end last night and while I probably didn't really get the full impact with having to read in such short spurts I still found it highly enjoyable and fast paced and also Mr Hillard has some of the most descriptive and gory death scenes that I have read for quite some time.... loved it! I do love a book where you get a bunch of different characters with different personalities having to band together in one spot (I'm thinking dusk till dawn for comparison to this book) to fight off something evil or macabre.
Either way Dead Stop was a fun one, while not really adding anything to the zombie genre per say it was just solid writing with likeable characters and lots of blood and gore! Sometimes it's all you need in a book.
But I finally managed to finish off the end last night and while I probably didn't really get the full impact with having to read in such short spurts I still found it highly enjoyable and fast paced and also Mr Hillard has some of the most descriptive and gory death scenes that I have read for quite some time.... loved it! I do love a book where you get a bunch of different characters with different personalities having to band together in one spot (I'm thinking dusk till dawn for comparison to this book) to fight off something evil or macabre.
Either way Dead Stop was a fun one, while not really adding anything to the zombie genre per say it was just solid writing with likeable characters and lots of blood and gore! Sometimes it's all you need in a book.
July 7, 2020
I'm stingy with handing out 5 stars. I'm not sure if Dead Stop is really a 5 star read, or just scratched an itch I had at that time. Either way, it's lots of fun.
My favourite horror movie is the original Night of the Living Dead. Plot: a group of people trapped in a house have to fight off hordes of flesh eating zombies trying to get in. A video game I love is Resident Evil 4. There is one part where you and another character are trapped in an old house. Possessed villagers are attacking and you have to keep them out; push furniture against doors, knock over ladders to keep them from entering the second floor, shoot the ones that do get in. You get the idea. Then we come to Dead Stop. A group of people trapped in a gas station/diner as the town is over run by zombies. Seems like it was written just for me.
While this is a concept that has been done to death, Hilliard introduces a few fresh ideas that no one has ever mentioned before, but I've wondered about. For example, morticians sew the mouths of corpses from the inside to keep them shut. How can the recent dead, that have arisen from the grave, eat people? Hilliard has a solution and it is very cool. The sequence where the grave keeper encounters the first zombie is just amazing. How long the body was dead before coming back plays a role as well. Zombies that had been dead for a while were a little slow out of the gate. It took them longer to get control of their bodies, and to learn basic things. Attracted by lights, movements and sounds, they weren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Someone that had just died and came back quickly was smarter, faster and stronger, a super zombie if you will. Hilliard is able to use that idea to create some great situations. Overall, Dead Stop is nothing revolutionary, but if you enjoy an intense, fast-paced zombie tale, this one shouldn't be missed.
My favourite horror movie is the original Night of the Living Dead. Plot: a group of people trapped in a house have to fight off hordes of flesh eating zombies trying to get in. A video game I love is Resident Evil 4. There is one part where you and another character are trapped in an old house. Possessed villagers are attacking and you have to keep them out; push furniture against doors, knock over ladders to keep them from entering the second floor, shoot the ones that do get in. You get the idea. Then we come to Dead Stop. A group of people trapped in a gas station/diner as the town is over run by zombies. Seems like it was written just for me.
While this is a concept that has been done to death, Hilliard introduces a few fresh ideas that no one has ever mentioned before, but I've wondered about. For example, morticians sew the mouths of corpses from the inside to keep them shut. How can the recent dead, that have arisen from the grave, eat people? Hilliard has a solution and it is very cool. The sequence where the grave keeper encounters the first zombie is just amazing. How long the body was dead before coming back plays a role as well. Zombies that had been dead for a while were a little slow out of the gate. It took them longer to get control of their bodies, and to learn basic things. Attracted by lights, movements and sounds, they weren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Someone that had just died and came back quickly was smarter, faster and stronger, a super zombie if you will. Hilliard is able to use that idea to create some great situations. Overall, Dead Stop is nothing revolutionary, but if you enjoy an intense, fast-paced zombie tale, this one shouldn't be missed.
August 2, 2018
This is my first zombie book, and I'm already tired of the genre. One long physical struggle with bites, blood, and gore galore, interspersed with some conversation between the rounds. Built on the dynamic of Stephen Kings "Cujo" it stretches credibility in the nature of the monsters ( eg. super human strength from decayed flesh?) and compounds the numbers exponentionally. Maybe it is just me, but I lose patience with a story when I realize I am reading the first installment in a series, and the "end" is just intermission. I wish authors would write one, self contained, compelling story, and focus on that one piece of art. Resolve the evil, and the relationships created. Let the Next Book take care of itself.
December 18, 2019
Dead Stop by D. Nathaniel Hilliard
This was an awesome story & quite truthfully, 5 stars really are not enough! This story starts a bit slowly but that's good because it allows you a little time to get to know it's extremely well fleshed & likeable (for the most part!) characters. It's gonna keep you guessing & I found myself gasping a few times when events to a fast turn or different direction. Once it grabs you, just hang on & enjoy the ride! You sure don't want to fall off! You can trust me on that!! 😉
This was an awesome story & quite truthfully, 5 stars really are not enough! This story starts a bit slowly but that's good because it allows you a little time to get to know it's extremely well fleshed & likeable (for the most part!) characters. It's gonna keep you guessing & I found myself gasping a few times when events to a fast turn or different direction. Once it grabs you, just hang on & enjoy the ride! You sure don't want to fall off! You can trust me on that!! 😉
February 14, 2017
Solid state
While nothing new here is being added to the genre, the author knows how to tell a story, which is more than I can say for a good number of would be storytellers. If the price is right, I would come back for more
While nothing new here is being added to the genre, the author knows how to tell a story, which is more than I can say for a good number of would be storytellers. If the price is right, I would come back for more
July 19, 2018
Non stop-Dead stop.
Unrelenting page turner. This is a highly enjoyable adrenaline filled dystopian shocker with quite well thought out scenarios and fully fleshed out characters. Would thoroughly recommended to fans of apocalyptic horror.
Unrelenting page turner. This is a highly enjoyable adrenaline filled dystopian shocker with quite well thought out scenarios and fully fleshed out characters. Would thoroughly recommended to fans of apocalyptic horror.
September 19, 2019
New spin on Zombies
A different theory on what could cause a zombie apocalypse. Great story line with lots of zombie action. I couldn't put this book down. Now that I have finished the book, I am hooked and hoping that another is in the works!
A different theory on what could cause a zombie apocalypse. Great story line with lots of zombie action. I couldn't put this book down. Now that I have finished the book, I am hooked and hoping that another is in the works!
October 9, 2024
finished in one day.
This book is so good for a zombie read. You’ll be rooting for characters to live and captivated by the detail in action sequences. This is a classically good zombie book you could read over and over again.
This book is so good for a zombie read. You’ll be rooting for characters to live and captivated by the detail in action sequences. This is a classically good zombie book you could read over and over again.
February 6, 2017
Something new.
I thought that I had seen all the different ways that zombies could be created, then Hilliard comes along and gives me a new example. Nature is a b#tch.
I thought that I had seen all the different ways that zombies could be created, then Hilliard comes along and gives me a new example. Nature is a b#tch.
September 30, 2017
Awesome
Mr. Hilliard gives the best possible definition or cause of "zombism" that I have ever seen. Just the right amount of thrill and terror.
Mr. Hilliard gives the best possible definition or cause of "zombism" that I have ever seen. Just the right amount of thrill and terror.
October 18, 2017
Pretty basic zombie book.
February 25, 2018
Loved it!
A really great read ride! It was a different spin on the zombie genre. I just hope there's a Dead Stop 2!!
A really great read ride! It was a different spin on the zombie genre. I just hope there's a Dead Stop 2!!
March 28, 2019
This was actually my first real zombie book. It had some great action, a little comedy and some well worked characters. I enjoyed it but it didn't grab me by the balls and give them a good yank.
March 3, 2017
Well, that was a lot of fun!
Talk about a page turner, I was barely able to keep my seat. I kept wanting to jump up, run and hide!! This is a very fast paced, but wonderful tale of horror and suspense, filled with wonderful, and well defined characters. I sincerely enjoyed myself, from the first page to the very last word. Good job!
Talk about a page turner, I was barely able to keep my seat. I kept wanting to jump up, run and hide!! This is a very fast paced, but wonderful tale of horror and suspense, filled with wonderful, and well defined characters. I sincerely enjoyed myself, from the first page to the very last word. Good job!
July 9, 2016
I enjoyed the author's type of "zombie". Something a veterinarian would be able to figure out, and I believe the author was one, as well as many other occupations. A bunch of kids and a couple adults get stuck in a truck stop diner..when the dead come out of their graves to attack the nearest light up attraction with people..like a neon sign and store lights or a stadium.. Nobody really knows each other but they all live in the same community and some work together. I like how the characters learn about each other,learn to trust.. And the epilougue was great. I didn't feel cut off with no ending or stuck waiting for a sequel if there is one.. That would be awesome but the story did conclude without major questions. There was tons of gory action, some funny stuff and lots and lots of zombies! The perfect mix to keep me entertained...which as other zombie lovers know..the more you read.. The more as a reader I appreciate unique stories :)
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