Habeas Corpse

by Nikki Hopeman

"DEXTER meets Deadite... Nikki Hopeman's book just might be the most clever zombie story to hit the shelves in quite some time." Michael Arnzen, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Play Dead When a series of grisly murders terrorizes the Steel City, Theo-an undead "Riser" working as a forensic technician for the Pittsburgh police-decides to use his dark gift to hunt the killer. He finds a partner in his only friend, Dr. Henry Libitin, but Theo's unique talent of experiencing the victims' last moments comes with a shocking price. "An excellent read." Scott A. Johnson, author of Deadlands

Genres: Zombies

268 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2013

About the author

Nikki Hopeman loves the kind of horror that leaves her quaking in the back of the closet, the kind that won't let her close her eyes. Life before writing includes a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, a few years as a veterinary technician, floral arranger, blueberry picker, babysitter, and VW Beetle mechanic. She holds an MFA in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University. When she’s not writing, she can be found in the tattoo chair or on her Harley Davidson. Nikki shares her home in Pittsburgh with her husband, two sons, three crazy corgis, and a flock of spoiled chickens.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time horror-minded folks get together, someone sparks a discussion about whether zombies, vampires and werewolves are headed the way of the dodo. Are the familiar tropes too tired, too used up? We’re pretty saturated on these monsters, but I have to say, it’s for a good reason. When handled well, they are unstoppable.

Nikki Hopeman’s first novel, Habeas Corpse, has been described by Michael Arnzen as “DEXTER meets Deadite”. Theo Walker isn’t your normal zombie, and Habeas Corpse isn’t your normal zombie novel. As a general rule, I hate sentient zombies. I like my zombies to be mindless and hungry. Theo, though, is as close to a normal guy as you can get. He goes to work as a forensic technician, comes home where he lives with his folks, and plays Call of Duty in zombie mode to relax. The only catch is that he’s been dead for twelve years. A series of gruesome murders piques his attention, and he must use a rather…unusual…psychic skill to solve them.

The book touches on stereotypes and prejudice, and the troubles that any minority has to deal with. Hopeman’s attention to detail of all things forensic make Theo’s adventures seem very real. She explores, without being heavy handed, what it means to live your life. There are explorations on what makes someone human, and what humanity is worth. And the book has some perfect gross outs. One scene in particular turned my stomach in ways that make me want to give the author a high five.

If you’re maxed out on zombies, check this one out. It’s reminiscent of Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lingqvist going for a playful romp with CSI. Go on and meet Theo. He’s very excited to meet you.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. By far the most unique zombie novel I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

[Maria Hrabric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror isn't my typical genre, but I read this because a friend wrote it. Classifying it as a horror story alone is a disservice to this novel. It is a well written mystery with a great story line. Nikki takes on a popular topic of zombies in a new and refreshing way. I was not a fan of zombie books and wouldn't normally choose one to read. I will, however, be one of the first in line to read any sequels! I can't wait to see what Theo does next or what the future holds for him now.

[Meg Mims · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Pittsburgh, after massive radiation exposure, humans - both alive and dead - are trying to co-exist. What a great premise, and Hopeman brings her zombie hero Theo Walker (heh heh, nice twist there) to life (again) with a mix of sympathy and revulsion as he tries to solve a series of grisly murders. Not for the faint of heart, but a horror book with heart that makes for a suspenseful read.

[Nicholas Mccamant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. Was not expecting the usage of zombies on how it was done. Easy and quick read but still a book that I could not put down once started.

[Darcey Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, when is the next Theo story? I can't wait!!!!!

[John Bruni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little put off by the beginning of this story because it was too reminiscent of a comic series from Vertigo called iZombie. However, as I kept going, I started to feel bad for poor Theo. When we learn that the reason he's a zombie is because he was brutally murdered, it hurts. And to see how he conducts himself, even though he's struggling with the zombie part of him, is kind of amazing. Stick with it, and you'll be rewarded.

[Rena Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

HABEAS CORPSE is a great debut novel from author, Nikki Hopeman. I'm not generally a big zombie book fan, but I enjoyed this author's fresh perspective. Theo, a forensics/crime scene technician, hired after the event that made him a zombie, is funny, clever, and has the typical angst of a young adult - especially after he gets a little taste of brains. In this novel about a serial killer choosing who should RISE, Theo must solve the crime before the human view turns against the "risers" once more, using the psychic ability he gets when he eats a bit of the brains from the victims. At the same time, eating the brains forces him to regress to the rudimentary emotions of zombies--Must eat brains!

[Diane Kowalyshyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Habeas Corpse

Zombie Food for Thought
A refreshing and unnervingly believable zombie tale that pulls on the heartstrings and makes the reader root for Theo, an undead forensic tech with special gifts. Nikki Hopeman creates a tolerant world where zombies and humans coexist as long as certain rules are followed—rules that Theo shatters. Well-written and pervasive.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new and innovative take on the Zombie novel. Theo works with forensics, where he provides a new take on police work. There is a procedural wrapped up in a horror novel, with touches of humor and pathos from our undead protagonist. Look out for this author, as I am sure there is much more to come from her.

[Kristin Perry Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I find a book with a story angle that surprises me! Theo is a very likable zombie, but that doesn't mean that the story is any less gory than you would expect for a zombie book! Great story, very well written! I look forward to reading more about Theo!