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Dead Comic Standing
"Stand-up comic Dave Feener has a great rapport with his audience, so when his body is found maliciously stabbed a short distance away from The Laff Attak where he’s just performed, there seems to be no real motive for the brutal murder. A serial killer who does not think local comics are funny has just begun his rampage.
Constables Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway along with detective Vince Vetters are racing to find the killer before he claims another victim. Was Feener just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Left with his wedding ring and his wallet, Feener’s body isn’t even cold when the killer strikes again—this time stabbing Phil Vetters, a comic known for his redneck shtick and the brother of detective Vince Vetters. Just as Vince vows revenge, the killer makes a fateful mistake when he stabs another comic and does not ensure his victim is dead before he leaves the crime scene.
The killer is a sicko, but not an idiot. He’s right under everyone’s noses and the anticipation of a righteous kill is all just part of the fun. Only time will tell if the killer will have the last laugh."
Constables Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway along with detective Vince Vetters are racing to find the killer before he claims another victim. Was Feener just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Left with his wedding ring and his wallet, Feener’s body isn’t even cold when the killer strikes again—this time stabbing Phil Vetters, a comic known for his redneck shtick and the brother of detective Vince Vetters. Just as Vince vows revenge, the killer makes a fateful mistake when he stabs another comic and does not ensure his victim is dead before he leaves the crime scene.
The killer is a sicko, but not an idiot. He’s right under everyone’s noses and the anticipation of a righteous kill is all just part of the fun. Only time will tell if the killer will have the last laugh."
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
170 people want to read
About the author
Karen H. Vaughan
19 books132 followersKaren Vaughan lives in Peterborough Ontario with her husband Jim and a cat named Sugar. She is the mom of a 23 year old daughter and four grown step children and a 3 year old grandson named Ike. DEAD COMIC STANDING is her second novel. Her first novel DEAD ON ARRIVAL garnered praise from friends, family and online gamers. She also enjoys doing crafts and other hobbies. Her third book and sequel to DEAD ON ARRIVAL is called OVER HER DEAD BODY. DAYTONA DEAD is the third in that series and was released in May 2013. Other than writing Karen loves to read, do crafts and play online games.Currently she co-hosts an internet radio show with Dellani Oakes and will be hosting WRITERS ROUND TABLE starting January the 14th. She has a quirky sense of humor and show this in her mysteries
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 26, 2010
I know I wrote this book and that I am probably biassed. However, it is a good read and I hope all that do read it will enjoy it. I would rate it 5 stars based on how much I enjoyed writing it. The book combines the 2 things i enjoy writing and comedy.
September 16, 2011
Dead Comic Standing
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Some people think laughter is wrong. Others think that comedians are detrimental to the world and their own good. What happens when someone decides to knock off those that try and make us laugh? What would happen if there were no more funny men or women in the world? What would happen if the world were devoid of comics and the Last Man Standing had no one else waiting in line after him to make us smile? But, Dave Feener had no idea that when he left the stage it would be his last time and neither did Phil Vetters. Dave tore down the house at Laff Attak and Phil at Comedy F/X the clubs where they performed and neither realized that they were giving their final performance. The killer decided that neither man was funny but there would be more before the final joke was told and the killer was hopefully caught.
But, someone feels that he is the new comic critic and the body count is about to rise and the police department is on the look out for someone that feels comics need to die. When one of the police officer’s brother’s is the next victim, a young hopeful finds himself in critical care but the police get to the hospital too late no one realizes this guy is hiding in plain sight. Added to that the author brilliantly allows the reader to hear the inner thoughts and the killer’s rationale for murdering everyone including his feelings for his mother who just happens to be one his victims.
As Jeff the manager of Laff Attak and Shelly a comedian get closer the killer becomes more enraged and has his own plans for both of them as he watches from a distance and goes unnoticed. Comic F/X and Laff Attak seem to be the two clubs he is targeting for now. What will happen next and will anyone not die laughing? Constables Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway along with Phil’s brother detective Vince Vetters are racing the clock to find this serial killer before he strikes again. Seeing his brother’s body, having to inform his family and his wife’s family of Phil’s death was hard enough. However, he won’t stop until he finds this guy takes him in and gets the revenge he so rightly wants to inflict on him. Stab wounds made with different knives and victims killed because they don’t make him laugh the comedians in this town need definite protection.
The comics left standing wanted to ban together and have a fundraiser to help the families of the victims but the killer knew that too. His plan would be carried out during the festivities and the end result if not stopped catastrophic for more than just those trying to help and the comedians. Added to that the people of Edmonton needed to be on the alert at all times for this crazy man and the mayor and police chief wanted answers. The heat was rising on the police department and the comics.
The manager of one of the clubs knifed and more bodies on the rise as everyone prepared for the fest hoping big named comics would be present. But, the killer decided to give the police a run for their money and killed an older comedian and as usual left the night’s playbill next to the victim, which should have alerted them to the fact that he might be part of the audience. But, Shelly is attacked on her way out of the club; a Good Samaritan helps her and turns up out of nowhere.
The fun part of the novel is that the author created dialogues and routines for each comedian so you can decide for yourself which ones are really funny and which are not causing the killer to eliminate them. Hearing the killer’s rage when someone is arrested for assaulting Shelly and thinking he was the real killer sent him on quest for another victim. Alternating locations should have tipped the cops off but our killer who is always right in front of them seems to be clever enough to be invisible. Another victim, this time a woman comedian was killed but the killer was seen by a group of kids during the attack. Was he slipping? Would this finally be his first mistake? Evidence left at the scene but his master plan still in place. If this man succeeds the end result would be worse than an earthquake or hurricane. Just how all the pieces of the script get put together and how they nail this guy you just won’t believe. As the clues come into place and one person’s memory remembers a face and the snapshot comes into focus the killer just might be caught. Wait until you find out why he did it? This you just won't believe and the end result ? I can't tell you that or I will give away the ending or as a good comic would say THE PUNCH LINE.
Filled with humor, comedy routines, characters that blend well together a police department that does its job and listens to its witnesses, this book is filled with twists, turns and surprises not only for the reader but just maybe for the killer too. Laughter helps you feel better when stress seems to be on the menu during the day. Comedians sometimes pick on audience members just for fun or we hope for fun. Some comedians can get out of control and others just choose their marks and you have to hope the person in the audience has quick comebacks and a sense of humor. From the author of Dead On Arrival once again Karen Vaughan gets it better than right. This book is a quick read for anyone that wants to laugh, feel like they are in a comedy club even though you are reading a book and of course understanding that NO ONE SHOULD DIE LAUGHING OR TRYING TO MAKE OTHERS LAUGH TOO!
Fran Lewis: REVIEWER
THIS BOOK GETS FIVE FUNNY JOKES FOR FIVE GREAT COMICS: OF COURSE: FIVE GOLD PLAYBILLS
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Some people think laughter is wrong. Others think that comedians are detrimental to the world and their own good. What happens when someone decides to knock off those that try and make us laugh? What would happen if there were no more funny men or women in the world? What would happen if the world were devoid of comics and the Last Man Standing had no one else waiting in line after him to make us smile? But, Dave Feener had no idea that when he left the stage it would be his last time and neither did Phil Vetters. Dave tore down the house at Laff Attak and Phil at Comedy F/X the clubs where they performed and neither realized that they were giving their final performance. The killer decided that neither man was funny but there would be more before the final joke was told and the killer was hopefully caught.
But, someone feels that he is the new comic critic and the body count is about to rise and the police department is on the look out for someone that feels comics need to die. When one of the police officer’s brother’s is the next victim, a young hopeful finds himself in critical care but the police get to the hospital too late no one realizes this guy is hiding in plain sight. Added to that the author brilliantly allows the reader to hear the inner thoughts and the killer’s rationale for murdering everyone including his feelings for his mother who just happens to be one his victims.
As Jeff the manager of Laff Attak and Shelly a comedian get closer the killer becomes more enraged and has his own plans for both of them as he watches from a distance and goes unnoticed. Comic F/X and Laff Attak seem to be the two clubs he is targeting for now. What will happen next and will anyone not die laughing? Constables Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway along with Phil’s brother detective Vince Vetters are racing the clock to find this serial killer before he strikes again. Seeing his brother’s body, having to inform his family and his wife’s family of Phil’s death was hard enough. However, he won’t stop until he finds this guy takes him in and gets the revenge he so rightly wants to inflict on him. Stab wounds made with different knives and victims killed because they don’t make him laugh the comedians in this town need definite protection.
The comics left standing wanted to ban together and have a fundraiser to help the families of the victims but the killer knew that too. His plan would be carried out during the festivities and the end result if not stopped catastrophic for more than just those trying to help and the comedians. Added to that the people of Edmonton needed to be on the alert at all times for this crazy man and the mayor and police chief wanted answers. The heat was rising on the police department and the comics.
The manager of one of the clubs knifed and more bodies on the rise as everyone prepared for the fest hoping big named comics would be present. But, the killer decided to give the police a run for their money and killed an older comedian and as usual left the night’s playbill next to the victim, which should have alerted them to the fact that he might be part of the audience. But, Shelly is attacked on her way out of the club; a Good Samaritan helps her and turns up out of nowhere.
The fun part of the novel is that the author created dialogues and routines for each comedian so you can decide for yourself which ones are really funny and which are not causing the killer to eliminate them. Hearing the killer’s rage when someone is arrested for assaulting Shelly and thinking he was the real killer sent him on quest for another victim. Alternating locations should have tipped the cops off but our killer who is always right in front of them seems to be clever enough to be invisible. Another victim, this time a woman comedian was killed but the killer was seen by a group of kids during the attack. Was he slipping? Would this finally be his first mistake? Evidence left at the scene but his master plan still in place. If this man succeeds the end result would be worse than an earthquake or hurricane. Just how all the pieces of the script get put together and how they nail this guy you just won’t believe. As the clues come into place and one person’s memory remembers a face and the snapshot comes into focus the killer just might be caught. Wait until you find out why he did it? This you just won't believe and the end result ? I can't tell you that or I will give away the ending or as a good comic would say THE PUNCH LINE.
Filled with humor, comedy routines, characters that blend well together a police department that does its job and listens to its witnesses, this book is filled with twists, turns and surprises not only for the reader but just maybe for the killer too. Laughter helps you feel better when stress seems to be on the menu during the day. Comedians sometimes pick on audience members just for fun or we hope for fun. Some comedians can get out of control and others just choose their marks and you have to hope the person in the audience has quick comebacks and a sense of humor. From the author of Dead On Arrival once again Karen Vaughan gets it better than right. This book is a quick read for anyone that wants to laugh, feel like they are in a comedy club even though you are reading a book and of course understanding that NO ONE SHOULD DIE LAUGHING OR TRYING TO MAKE OTHERS LAUGH TOO!
Fran Lewis: REVIEWER
THIS BOOK GETS FIVE FUNNY JOKES FOR FIVE GREAT COMICS: OF COURSE: FIVE GOLD PLAYBILLS
November 1, 2011
Here’s a nifty little murder mystery--with a tight plot, lots of suspects, and a killer motive: if you’re not funny--you die. The story takes place in Edmonton, Canada, which is, from all I’ve heard, the hotbed of stand-up comedy. Indeed, there are at least two comedy clubs in the story vying for the attention of patrons--and a serial killer.
The main characters include two pairs--Jeff, owner of Comic f/x, and his sometime girlfriend Shelley, one of the club’s best female comics. The other pair consists of Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway, two Edmonton police detectives who are sent to investigate the murder of a comic outside of the Laugh Attak Comedy Club. The victim, Dave Feener, was stabbed to death and left with a program from the club on his body--apparently a type of calling card from the killer. Mike and Lissa don’t know what to make of the murder, but when soon after Dave’s death, another comic is murdered in a similar manner right outside another comedy club called Comic f/x and a brochure from that establishment is left on that victim’s body, they realize that they have a serial killer on the loose.
We, the readers, are privy to not only the actions of the police and the comedy club managers, but also to a smaller degree--the inner thought processes of the killer’s mind. It soon becomes apparent that this killer expects a lot from a comedy routine. Indeed, when he slashes his comedian victims, his parting words to them are, “You just aren’t funny!” That’s surely enough to make a person want to avoid a career in the comedy field--at least in Edmonton.
DEAD COMIC STANDING works well as a crime thriller, who-dunit, and police procedural. I was kept guessing right until the end as to the identity of the killer because there are lots of suspects and even more motives. The characters are richly drawn and certainly out of my personal frame of reference--as I don’t know any comics or policemen or even any residents of Edmonton, Canada. The suspense is maintained well and I was turning pages fast and furiously.
Probably the best part of the book was the added bonus of getting to experience each comic’s routine as he/she performed it--along with the audience’s reaction. I kept wondering if a particular comic would avoid the killer’s wrath when I encountered what I thought was a particularly humorous monologue, but it appeared that the killer was not as easily amused as I was, and some of the best comics in the book succumbed to the killer’s fury right after they gave a “killer” performance. The author gives the entire text of many of the comedy routines in the book and many are really funny. As a reader, it feels strange to laugh out loud at a character who gets whacked on the next page. But that’s life for you. Comedy and tragedy are often just a few sentences apart.
The main characters include two pairs--Jeff, owner of Comic f/x, and his sometime girlfriend Shelley, one of the club’s best female comics. The other pair consists of Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway, two Edmonton police detectives who are sent to investigate the murder of a comic outside of the Laugh Attak Comedy Club. The victim, Dave Feener, was stabbed to death and left with a program from the club on his body--apparently a type of calling card from the killer. Mike and Lissa don’t know what to make of the murder, but when soon after Dave’s death, another comic is murdered in a similar manner right outside another comedy club called Comic f/x and a brochure from that establishment is left on that victim’s body, they realize that they have a serial killer on the loose.
We, the readers, are privy to not only the actions of the police and the comedy club managers, but also to a smaller degree--the inner thought processes of the killer’s mind. It soon becomes apparent that this killer expects a lot from a comedy routine. Indeed, when he slashes his comedian victims, his parting words to them are, “You just aren’t funny!” That’s surely enough to make a person want to avoid a career in the comedy field--at least in Edmonton.
DEAD COMIC STANDING works well as a crime thriller, who-dunit, and police procedural. I was kept guessing right until the end as to the identity of the killer because there are lots of suspects and even more motives. The characters are richly drawn and certainly out of my personal frame of reference--as I don’t know any comics or policemen or even any residents of Edmonton, Canada. The suspense is maintained well and I was turning pages fast and furiously.
Probably the best part of the book was the added bonus of getting to experience each comic’s routine as he/she performed it--along with the audience’s reaction. I kept wondering if a particular comic would avoid the killer’s wrath when I encountered what I thought was a particularly humorous monologue, but it appeared that the killer was not as easily amused as I was, and some of the best comics in the book succumbed to the killer’s fury right after they gave a “killer” performance. The author gives the entire text of many of the comedy routines in the book and many are really funny. As a reader, it feels strange to laugh out loud at a character who gets whacked on the next page. But that’s life for you. Comedy and tragedy are often just a few sentences apart.
October 6, 2011
Someone's lost his sense of humor and it's gonna be murder! A serial killer is stalking the comedians of Edmonton, seeming to choose his victims based on the fact he doesn't share their sense of humor. Dave Feener, the first comic to die, is at the top of his game, but when he's stabbed, the killer tells him, "You just ain't funny!" Nothing like a little constructive criticism!
Comedienne Shelly has a comeback for everything. When a customer heckles her, she gives back as good as she gets. She's got a great routine, her comic star is rising. As the death count mounts, she begins to wonder what's wrong with the guy. Nervous, but not terrified, she continues working on her routines for Comic F/X. Soon, she finds herself falling for her boss, Jeff.
Jeff used to be a standup comic, but gave it up in lieu of starting his own club. He and his counterpart at the other comedy club, Laff Attack, have a friendly rivalry to see who can get the biggest crowd and the best comics. Unfortunately, both of them are losing their people as the serial killer continues.
Constables Lissa Cassway and Mike Borneo are investigating the murders. Despite their best efforts, the comic killer manages to kill again and again, making them wonder how he's managing to stay ahead of them. Will the tide turn in their favor? Or will the killer continue his deadly spree?
Karen Vaughan's novel, "Dead Comic Standing", is a wonderful look into the world of stand-up comedy. She mixes in funny comedic routines with the serious business of police work. Her characters sparkle, the story moves at a good pace as she builds to the climax of her tale.
I highly recommend "Dead Comic Standing" for anyone who likes a good mystery—or even a good joke.
Comedienne Shelly has a comeback for everything. When a customer heckles her, she gives back as good as she gets. She's got a great routine, her comic star is rising. As the death count mounts, she begins to wonder what's wrong with the guy. Nervous, but not terrified, she continues working on her routines for Comic F/X. Soon, she finds herself falling for her boss, Jeff.
Jeff used to be a standup comic, but gave it up in lieu of starting his own club. He and his counterpart at the other comedy club, Laff Attack, have a friendly rivalry to see who can get the biggest crowd and the best comics. Unfortunately, both of them are losing their people as the serial killer continues.
Constables Lissa Cassway and Mike Borneo are investigating the murders. Despite their best efforts, the comic killer manages to kill again and again, making them wonder how he's managing to stay ahead of them. Will the tide turn in their favor? Or will the killer continue his deadly spree?
Karen Vaughan's novel, "Dead Comic Standing", is a wonderful look into the world of stand-up comedy. She mixes in funny comedic routines with the serious business of police work. Her characters sparkle, the story moves at a good pace as she builds to the climax of her tale.
I highly recommend "Dead Comic Standing" for anyone who likes a good mystery—or even a good joke.
March 7, 2010
I truly enjoyed this book. The combination of comedy and psycho killer had me laughing and trying to figure out the killer all at once. A very different experience but a very good one. I also liked the little bit of romance thrown in. The characters all fit together great and the plot and story flowed together so well. It kept my interest right to the end.
July 31, 2013
What happens when one person decides that Comedians aren't actually fun and decides that he must do something about it. The results are deadly when stand up comedians are cut down by a serial killer. The police race to find who just who lost their funny bone and stop him before he strikes again. Meanwhile the stage is heating up with more talent and a steamy romance between the headliner and the clubs manager.
Non-stop laughs and a great suspenseful mystery make this page turner. You won't be able to put this one down. Watch out for the punchlines.
Non-stop laughs and a great suspenseful mystery make this page turner. You won't be able to put this one down. Watch out for the punchlines.
July 3, 2021
Well told even if a tad to explanatory.
September 8, 2012
Those who are convinced that laughter makes one live longer might think again after reading this delightful murder mystery. When comedians begin to turn up dead, everyone scratches their heads and wonders who will be next, as laughter and tragedy continue to meet in the shadows. Karen Vaughan did a fantastic job intertwining detailed police procedural with entertaining comedy routines, and she delivered an extremely unique plot in a voice that's as alluring as the silk of a spider web. A great read that will make you laugh and shiver.
September 28, 2015
I am truly surprised by all the positive reviews for this book and unfortunately cannot agree with them. The plot seemed promising in the beginning, but this book is so poorly written that I honestly struggled finishing it. It is full of mistakes and errors, both in form and content. Missing commas in nearly every sentence, missing or wrongly placed quotation marks, and an author who herself doesn't seem to know her own characters and plot - 1.5 stars from me. And most importantly: I didn't find the book the least bit funny (don't kill me ;) )...
March 25, 2017
This is a good read that is reader friendly and you feel like you are sitting down with the author and listening to the tale. One that is set in the comic world. When a serial killer strikes out at stand-up comedians, those who are in the business are worried. In a comic club called the Laff Attak, Shelley and her boss Jeff are dealing with the crisis while at the same time trying to start a relationship.As the hunt for a killer goes on, readers get a fun story that also is suspenseful. The author does a great job with the telling of the tale and making readers happy with a great story. Some authors are just the kind you want to go back to time and time again when looking for a great book, Karen Vaughan is one of those authors.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews