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Zombie #3
Zombie, Indiana
In the third book of his Zombie series, Scott Kenemore brings the explosive horror thriller of an undead outbreak in the city of Indianapolis. Zombie, Indiana takes place during the same timeline as the outbreaks in his books Zombie, Ohio and Zombie, Illinois, and has the same punch as the previous two.
Zombie, Indiana explores the impact of an invading zombie horde on a trio of Hoosier protagonists . . . each of whom have some dark secrets to keep. When the governor’s daughter mysteriously disappears on a field trip, IMPD Special Sergeant James Nolan, scholarship student Kesha Washington, and Governor Hank Burleson must all come together not only to find the governor’s daughter, but also to undertake a quest to redeem the very soul of the state itself . . . all while under constant attack from the living dead.
With humorous, memorable characters, tense action sequences, and brutal zombie violence, Zombie, Indiana will put readers in mind of some of the most compelling works of popular fiction. At once a mystery, a thriller, and a horror novel, Kenemore strikes again with this rollicking tour through America’s heartland that is nothing but a tour de force for zombie fiction fans!
Zombie, Indiana explores the impact of an invading zombie horde on a trio of Hoosier protagonists . . . each of whom have some dark secrets to keep. When the governor’s daughter mysteriously disappears on a field trip, IMPD Special Sergeant James Nolan, scholarship student Kesha Washington, and Governor Hank Burleson must all come together not only to find the governor’s daughter, but also to undertake a quest to redeem the very soul of the state itself . . . all while under constant attack from the living dead.
With humorous, memorable characters, tense action sequences, and brutal zombie violence, Zombie, Indiana will put readers in mind of some of the most compelling works of popular fiction. At once a mystery, a thriller, and a horror novel, Kenemore strikes again with this rollicking tour through America’s heartland that is nothing but a tour de force for zombie fiction fans!
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
30 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Scott Kenemore
31 books135 followersScott Kenemore lives in Chicago. He attended Kenyon College and Columbia University. He is the drummer for the pop-punk band The Blissters."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 19, 2024
This book was great!!!
First grab this copy thinking it was book 2 (whoops)
After reading a book when I wanted to do the series, it was a good fun zombie novel, I found book one was a little silly in spots and serious and others making a good well-rounded read.
This book didn’t have that silly stuff I liked in the first book, but I found the heavy series tone throughout this book reading made it an amazing read. Who is focus on a singular point and the tragedies that characters in the novel face making it a treaty gripin story that made you care for the people involved and hate the people that only made things worse the entire story.
This is the kind of story that comes to mind when it comes to a zombie book that I want to read!
First grab this copy thinking it was book 2 (whoops)
After reading a book when I wanted to do the series, it was a good fun zombie novel, I found book one was a little silly in spots and serious and others making a good well-rounded read.
This book didn’t have that silly stuff I liked in the first book, but I found the heavy series tone throughout this book reading made it an amazing read. Who is focus on a singular point and the tragedies that characters in the novel face making it a treaty gripin story that made you care for the people involved and hate the people that only made things worse the entire story.
This is the kind of story that comes to mind when it comes to a zombie book that I want to read!
June 2, 2014
I think first of all I need to tell you all that I am not part of the zombie craze. I don't watch zombie television shows, I don't read zombie books- except these. I love that each of these books is tailored for a particular state. Which brings me to my main annoyance is that there are ONLY 3 of these books! By my count, there's 47 more to write. Zombie New York- they take a bite out of the big apple? Or tour Lily Dale (psychic zombies) Zombie California- Hollywood zombies?! Zombie Texas- everything's bigger in Texas. But what I REALLY want is Zombie Nevada- I want zombie Elvis impersonators and drive through chapels. We're waiting Mr. Kenemore.
October 5, 2014
Scott Kenemore's story has solid writing but none of the characters really made me care. If you are looking for another zombie book, this one is okay. I liked that it showed the onset of the zombie apocalypse as it affected a few leaders in Indiana, but the bad guy was the most interesting, leaving the good guys I was supposed to root for with minimal interest in their success beyond just hoping they live. Unfortunately, this read kept falling lower in my queue because of other stories with more engaging interest in the lead heroes. Scott is a solid writer though, so I will likely check out more of his work to see if a different cast resonates more.
June 24, 2014
This is the third book in this series (maybe there will be more to come?), and it's my favorite so far. Seriously, a book with zombies and politics -- how could I not love it? Even though it's the third in the series, the books are simply set in the same time line / "world", but have their own independent storylines and characters. Recommend it to fans of this genre!!!
August 2, 2023
Nolan was a caricature. Keisha was an idiot, Madison was a spoiled brat, Burleson was a cliché.
Slow, slow story with no one to even root for as all the characters suck. ANd even the rwrting was not so hot this time.
Slow, slow story with no one to even root for as all the characters suck. ANd even the rwrting was not so hot this time.
December 6, 2017
Pretty slow up until the last quarter of the book. I would like to have know more about the actual zombies but that might have been described more in the prior books. I liked the antagonist that was the Governor Burleson, the selfish nature of a Hoosier politician hits the nail on the head!
December 16, 2025
As with the Ohio book, this was barely about zombies, even less than that one. Could just as easily have been about any apocalypse.
Was interesting to slowly learn the truth about the accident, and to see the growth and maturation of the characters.
Was interesting to slowly learn the truth about the accident, and to see the growth and maturation of the characters.
April 26, 2023
I-456? Tsk tsk. We don't want the zombies to get lost, now do we?
But I did like the reference to the 'snooty' private school whose name 'sort of sounded like “rotted crap” spelled backwards'.
However, the plot and subplot just don't warrant the time to read this. Perhaps the first book, Zombie, Ohio, should have been the last.
But I did like the reference to the 'snooty' private school whose name 'sort of sounded like “rotted crap” spelled backwards'.
However, the plot and subplot just don't warrant the time to read this. Perhaps the first book, Zombie, Ohio, should have been the last.
April 29, 2014
Wonderfully insightful political drama set in the zombie apocalypse. It even has an upbeat ending, I loved it! Very similar to Zombie Illinois, but with a real feel for Indiana people and Indiana politics. This is what zombie fiction does best, point out our problems and our triumphs.
June 4, 2018
2.5 Stars
There wasn't anything specifically wrong with the book, maybe I just expected more after Zombie, Ohio. That one was original, funny, and kept me turning pages. This one was more along the lines of traditional zombie fiction. Nothing bad, just nothing different or impressive.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'backwater racist old white people' trope. Lame.
I also thought there was a place or two where characters did things just to move the plot along. Kesha opting not to approach her dad and the cop who saved her life because they're talking to a stranger? I get the explanation, I just didn't think it was convincing.
Then there's the crazy outlaw biker gangs, shooting up the carnival, commiting murder and so forth, chasing Kesha and Steve (the carney iirc), killing Steve's mom . . . and then nothing. We never see or hear from them again. Until we meet the bikers at the end, who are like, the good guys. Eh.
There was one unique twist - the zombie apocalypse gets cleaned up and life returns to semi-normal at the end. Very different - most zombie books end with everyone getting killed, or a gloomy picture of humans fighting to survive in a world forever lost. I prefer that to the happy ending - just my opinion though.
This is the second book by this author I have read, and I would read others based on this series.
There wasn't anything specifically wrong with the book, maybe I just expected more after Zombie, Ohio. That one was original, funny, and kept me turning pages. This one was more along the lines of traditional zombie fiction. Nothing bad, just nothing different or impressive.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'backwater racist old white people' trope. Lame.
I also thought there was a place or two where characters did things just to move the plot along. Kesha opting not to approach her dad and the cop who saved her life because they're talking to a stranger? I get the explanation, I just didn't think it was convincing.
Then there's the crazy outlaw biker gangs, shooting up the carnival, commiting murder and so forth, chasing Kesha and Steve (the carney iirc), killing Steve's mom . . . and then nothing. We never see or hear from them again. Until we meet the bikers at the end, who are like, the good guys. Eh.
There was one unique twist - the zombie apocalypse gets cleaned up and life returns to semi-normal at the end. Very different - most zombie books end with everyone getting killed, or a gloomy picture of humans fighting to survive in a world forever lost. I prefer that to the happy ending - just my opinion though.
This is the second book by this author I have read, and I would read others based on this series.
November 13, 2017
My favorite thing about this book was how it accurately used specific locations in Indiana (my home state) as a backdrop for a deft zombie apocalypse. Specific streets in Indianapolis. Lampooning a posh private school without using its actual name, describing a certain industrial street so well I knew the name of the street? Wow. I dug that. Another poignant allusion to Indiana’s personality was to recognize a popular morning radio show thusly:
The remains of a T-shirt showing the faces of two radio DJs had fused with the flesh of its upper body, forming a disturbing mix of cloth and plasma.
Zombie Indiana is a little noir-like, as well, as though the narrator is terminally sarcastic (in only the very best way).
Here’s a good quote:
Three silhouetted figures stumbled soporifically beside it, looking for a way in. Their heads and limbs lolled as if they were exhausted. At the same time, their night-dark mouths masticated with a horrible ferocity.
I didn’t care as much as I should have for the main characters. The story didn’t draw any sympathy from me. But hey. This is a well-written horror novel with plenty of humor. Four strong stars from me.
The remains of a T-shirt showing the faces of two radio DJs had fused with the flesh of its upper body, forming a disturbing mix of cloth and plasma.
Zombie Indiana is a little noir-like, as well, as though the narrator is terminally sarcastic (in only the very best way).
Here’s a good quote:
Three silhouetted figures stumbled soporifically beside it, looking for a way in. Their heads and limbs lolled as if they were exhausted. At the same time, their night-dark mouths masticated with a horrible ferocity.
I didn’t care as much as I should have for the main characters. The story didn’t draw any sympathy from me. But hey. This is a well-written horror novel with plenty of humor. Four strong stars from me.
February 25, 2018
This was a pretty good read. It was fun to read about places here in Indiana and places I have actually been to. (without the Zombies of course). While it is about zombies coming back to life the book is more about three actual characters and their lives before, during and after the zombie invasion.
January 19, 2018
As a Hoosier living in Indianapolis, Kenemore’s portrayal of the state is pretty solid. His research shines through with the way he describes the lay of the land. I enjoyed his characters, but it’s not much of a zombie story and the ending was rather disappointing.
March 2, 2018
A good read
The story does bring you in. Pretty good character development. But not great. Some was stereotypes. I would still recommend to my friends who enjoy the zombie genre.
The story does bring you in. Pretty good character development. But not great. Some was stereotypes. I would still recommend to my friends who enjoy the zombie genre.
October 21, 2024
Wow, this needed editing. For repetiton, for pace/exposition dumps, for flow. It's an ok story with some great sections (the early cave scenes are fantastic) but it reads very much like a 1st draft. If there was a 2.5 stars, I would have chosen that.
November 3, 2017
The 3 book series was a nice change. I enjoyed all three. Zombie Ohio was in my opinion the most interesting being from a thinking zombies point of view.
November 13, 2018
Didn't finish. Meh
February 4, 2019
Made it to about chapter 13 when things just got stupid. Since life is too short for stupid books, I gave up reading before the end.
August 10, 2019
It
Stated out great, but then it read like a elementary book for children ,that have a difficult time understanding. It was okay.
Stated out great, but then it read like a elementary book for children ,that have a difficult time understanding. It was okay.
August 4, 2022
Great undead read
Yet another zombie novel with relatively few zombies. Very well done with an awesome plot and story with exceptional characters. Breezed through it in no time.
Yet another zombie novel with relatively few zombies. Very well done with an awesome plot and story with exceptional characters. Breezed through it in no time.
November 3, 2022
Exactly what you expected. A book about zombies set in Indiana. Clearly it's a sign.
June 23, 2024
This is a great edition to the post apocalyptic genre! Looking forward to reading the others 🫶🏻
June 17, 2025
Fun quick read. I enjoyed the references and research that went into notable figures.
March 24, 2023
As always, I try to review a series as a whole. This review will be consistent for all the novels in the run.
Zombie, Ohio was a bold departure from the usual zombie plot. The sequels were less innovative, but still well written and enjoyable. All three examine different facets of an outbreak. If you are looking for a thoughtful supposition on the way different people may act in the face of an apocalypse, then these books are for you. While they are zombie books, they aren’t bogged down with excessive gory details for shock and awe. Instead, the real horror is what it always will be: fellow man.
Zombie, Ohio was a bold departure from the usual zombie plot. The sequels were less innovative, but still well written and enjoyable. All three examine different facets of an outbreak. If you are looking for a thoughtful supposition on the way different people may act in the face of an apocalypse, then these books are for you. While they are zombie books, they aren’t bogged down with excessive gory details for shock and awe. Instead, the real horror is what it always will be: fellow man.
June 25, 2014
from James:
I know, I know. Zombies have been done. I agree, but being from and living in Ohio, the title grabbed me. Zombie, Ohio is actually a well-crafted book told from the point of view of a zombie.
Quick synopsis: the protagonist is a professor at Kenyon College who dies in car crash at the exact moment of a zombie outbreak. He doesn't immediately realize he's a zombie; in fact, he's the only zombie with reasoning and awareness. During the course of the book (since he is dead), he continues to frustratingly decompose. It's really quite an existential tale. What's left when you're already undead? Highly recommended.
Zombie, Indiana falls more squarely in the typical zombie range of literature. Entertaining, but not questioning of one's philosophy. Kenemore (an Indiana native) is rather down on Hoosiers and their seemingly laissez faire attitude towards politics and science. It's a bit distracting. I found the first half of the book much more entertaining (especially the cavern scenario) and the denouement a little "okay, how do I get out of this?"
Despite that criticism, it won't deter me from reading the third in the series, Zombie, Illinois. The books are not continuing tales, by the way, but take place concurrently. You can read them as stand-alone novels.
I know, I know. Zombies have been done. I agree, but being from and living in Ohio, the title grabbed me. Zombie, Ohio is actually a well-crafted book told from the point of view of a zombie.
Quick synopsis: the protagonist is a professor at Kenyon College who dies in car crash at the exact moment of a zombie outbreak. He doesn't immediately realize he's a zombie; in fact, he's the only zombie with reasoning and awareness. During the course of the book (since he is dead), he continues to frustratingly decompose. It's really quite an existential tale. What's left when you're already undead? Highly recommended.
Zombie, Indiana falls more squarely in the typical zombie range of literature. Entertaining, but not questioning of one's philosophy. Kenemore (an Indiana native) is rather down on Hoosiers and their seemingly laissez faire attitude towards politics and science. It's a bit distracting. I found the first half of the book much more entertaining (especially the cavern scenario) and the denouement a little "okay, how do I get out of this?"
Despite that criticism, it won't deter me from reading the third in the series, Zombie, Illinois. The books are not continuing tales, by the way, but take place concurrently. You can read them as stand-alone novels.
July 27, 2016
The governor's daughter has disappeared and zombies have attacked. Special agent James Nolan is sent to find her. He finds some survivors and they work together to figure out what has happened and where she as gone to. Kesha survived her field trip and is hunting down other survivors. She learns son not t trust some people. The governor knows more than he lets on about the zombie rise and his daughter may be he key to putting a stop to it.
I looked forward to reading this as I love zombie books. Set in Indiana I looked forward to some people who know how to take care of there selves. I really liked Kesha as she was tough and used her head. While I wouldn't call her an outcast she isn't one of the popular kids. Madison is the popular girl who everyone circles around. I figured she would be a snob being the governor's daughter but she actual surprised me. She has a mind of her own and is willing to do the right thing. The zombies for me really weren't a huge part of the book. It is a mystery and a danger all around. You keep reading to see who is behind it and how it will end. It has a few surprises I did not see coming and I enjoyed that.
I looked forward to reading this as I love zombie books. Set in Indiana I looked forward to some people who know how to take care of there selves. I really liked Kesha as she was tough and used her head. While I wouldn't call her an outcast she isn't one of the popular kids. Madison is the popular girl who everyone circles around. I figured she would be a snob being the governor's daughter but she actual surprised me. She has a mind of her own and is willing to do the right thing. The zombies for me really weren't a huge part of the book. It is a mystery and a danger all around. You keep reading to see who is behind it and how it will end. It has a few surprises I did not see coming and I enjoyed that.
May 16, 2016
Because of the subject matter and the title, of COURSE, I had to read this book!
It wasn't too bad. It wasn't great, but it was an entertaining book to read while on a brief vacation. The characters are clichéd and the writing was so-so. But there were numerous mentions of places in Indiana, including my alma mater, Ball State. One of the main characters was a former Ball State basketball player whose career ended in a tragic car accident; he became a policeman and was still a beloved figure in the state. I can tell you that this is completely plausible in Indiana. We still consider Bobby Plump, the kid who hit the winning shot in the high school state championship that was immortalized in the movie "Hoosiers," to be basketball royalty!
I really can't recommend this to anyone who isn't a current or past Hoosier. The only reason I gave it three stars is because of the many references to places I am familiar with. That would be lost on anyone without that frame of reference. But it was a fun book for me to read on the plane.
It wasn't too bad. It wasn't great, but it was an entertaining book to read while on a brief vacation. The characters are clichéd and the writing was so-so. But there were numerous mentions of places in Indiana, including my alma mater, Ball State. One of the main characters was a former Ball State basketball player whose career ended in a tragic car accident; he became a policeman and was still a beloved figure in the state. I can tell you that this is completely plausible in Indiana. We still consider Bobby Plump, the kid who hit the winning shot in the high school state championship that was immortalized in the movie "Hoosiers," to be basketball royalty!
I really can't recommend this to anyone who isn't a current or past Hoosier. The only reason I gave it three stars is because of the many references to places I am familiar with. That would be lost on anyone without that frame of reference. But it was a fun book for me to read on the plane.
April 10, 2016
It wasn't my favorite of the the series but I still enjoyed reading it. When I think about it, Indiana isn't my favorite state either. Lol. I can remember driving from Chicago to Kentucky and back as a child. A lot of, " are we done with Indiana yet?," was asked. I did like James and Keisha, with Keisha being my favorite. I liked the mix of politics and the part they may have played in the zombie outbreak. That was an interesting, (somewhat scary), explanation. I do recommend this book and the others that have been written. I am anxiously awaiting future states. Zombie, California with the Hollywood potential sounds fun. Zombie, Wisconsin....zombie cheeseheads, haha. Each state has so much going for it. I really like the ingenuity of this series.
October 13, 2014
The third in the series, and for me, the best. Perhaps it's because I'm now a Hoosier, and the political environment is spot on. Kenemore does a really fine job using zombies to show the evil that lurks in the hearts of some men. What differs in this tale is that there is a happy ending, which may be wishful thinking on my part. Perhaps it's just a throwback to my youth in the sixties, when everything seemed possible if only people learned to work together. All ends well here. Some day that might be true in the world of reality.
February 15, 2015
Pretty entertaining zombpocalyptic tale set in my home state. A fast read, but several characters' behavior stretched the bounds of believe-ability a little too often for me. An unctuous and politically ambitious Governor, a former basketball star-turned policeman, a "poor kid" scholarship student from a private high school, and a biker gang all factor into how this zombie uprising is "resolved." A glaring typo slipped past the goalie in this one too, as Indianapolis's encircling interstate, I-465, is referred to once as "456." :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews