What do you think?
Rate this book
Bob the Zombie #1
Bob the Zombie
A novella.
Life is rough, unlife can be even more difficult, especially when you're a zombie with bad luck. This is not your average zombie novella.
Life is rough, unlife can be even more difficult, especially when you're a zombie with bad luck. This is not your average zombie novella.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2013
21 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Johnesee
41 books84 followersJaime Johnesee lives in Michigan with her husband and two sons. She spent fourteen years as a zookeeper before shifting her focus to writing full time. Known for her bestselling horror comedy series, Bob the Zombie, she is also currently coauthoring the paranormal horror series, Revelations, for Devil Dog Press as well as her Samantha Reece series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 5, 2014
"Bob the Zombie" is a fun short story of Bob, a twenty-five year-old self-proclaimed loser whose Mom pays the local necromancer to bring back to zombie life. Bob, who likens his life to Clark W. Griswold's of National Lampoon's Vacation, likes to spend his time hanging out with his Horde, playing video games and hitting up the local bar scene. There are lots of fun moments in this book, and well worth the read. No blood, no gore, just light-hearted humor.
April 26, 2015
Technically, 3.5 stars.
Jaime Johnesee brings readers into close proximity of a friendly zombie who is just trying to deal with his existence and the world around him.
Bob is now a zombie, and it’s all because his mother missed him too much to let him rest in peace. Now he has to deal with the new “life” he’s been dealt – there’s no way out.
He shares his struggles with his new friends and horde as he tries to help others out in his own kind way.
This book is a fun, playful, entertaining read that I can see teens loving, especially if they have short attention spans; it’s short. But, for me, it missed the mark on a couple points.
The plot in Bob the Zombie was almost nonexistent, as if it were an afterthought, thrown in half-heartedly. There was little conflict that would push the character/story forward. Also, I have to wonder if Bob was one of those people (before he became a zombie) that everyone avoided because he over shared. Like that person that if you sat by them on the bus would tell you the intimate details of his life whether you wanted to know them or not. Why do I say this? Because he shares everything about himself in what seems like a nonstop info dump. There is no mystery involved in his existence. The read tells everything in big clumps. This leads to it being great for younger readers who are eager for everything to make complete sense with no effort or tension involved. The book is more of a “memoir” of Bob’s life than an actual story, especially with the weaknesses in conflict and plot.
Jaime Johnesee brings readers into close proximity of a friendly zombie who is just trying to deal with his existence and the world around him.
Bob is now a zombie, and it’s all because his mother missed him too much to let him rest in peace. Now he has to deal with the new “life” he’s been dealt – there’s no way out.
He shares his struggles with his new friends and horde as he tries to help others out in his own kind way.
This book is a fun, playful, entertaining read that I can see teens loving, especially if they have short attention spans; it’s short. But, for me, it missed the mark on a couple points.
The plot in Bob the Zombie was almost nonexistent, as if it were an afterthought, thrown in half-heartedly. There was little conflict that would push the character/story forward. Also, I have to wonder if Bob was one of those people (before he became a zombie) that everyone avoided because he over shared. Like that person that if you sat by them on the bus would tell you the intimate details of his life whether you wanted to know them or not. Why do I say this? Because he shares everything about himself in what seems like a nonstop info dump. There is no mystery involved in his existence. The read tells everything in big clumps. This leads to it being great for younger readers who are eager for everything to make complete sense with no effort or tension involved. The book is more of a “memoir” of Bob’s life than an actual story, especially with the weaknesses in conflict and plot.
September 1, 2016
Bob the Zombie a wonderful story that takes place in a world where Zombies, werewolves, necromancers, ghouls, witches, etc (I could go on & on) are part of the everyday norm. Bob is a zombie brought back after a "Griswaldian" accident by a distraught mother through a necromancer, who then no longer wants her son around once he starts rotting. I feel brainless writing the word "heartwarming" in a book titled Bob the Zombie. But that is what you get, a wonderfully funny yet heartwarming tale that will have you laughing out loud one minute and then feeling heart break for our fun loving protagonist in this well crafted story.
Jaime Johnesee is one of those rare authors who can actually inject humor & cynicism into her story without it feeling forced. A fun read that I recommend and that I plan on reading multiple times. Just like Donkey Kong, this book has great replay value. (Read the book and you will get the Donkey Kong reference)
Jaime Johnesee is one of those rare authors who can actually inject humor & cynicism into her story without it feeling forced. A fun read that I recommend and that I plan on reading multiple times. Just like Donkey Kong, this book has great replay value. (Read the book and you will get the Donkey Kong reference)
February 16, 2014
I read Bob the Zombie in two evenings and it is a really fun story. The cover is a great portrayal of the book, and you can see what you can expect: A fun loving pop culture zombie. There is a good sense of humour in this book, though I wouldn't call it a comedy, but it made me smile a lot. Bob is an interesting character and I like the approach the writer took to him. If you are looking for brains and gore, this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a nice story that can put a smile on your face, read about Bob. I really think Bob could be going places!
January 11, 2018
Cute little story about a zombie with a sense of humour. There could have been a bit more depth to the other characters and plot. I got the feeling there is a bigger story to be told. Definitely a good start and worth keeping an eye out for more about the falling apart, stapled back zombie who always looks on the bright side of life (or death).
April 5, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It was so funny! Am a bit confused by the book orders though.. For example.. is Bob the Sequel the same as Bob the Spy?
December 19, 2023
Very nicely done
A fun, quick read with a very different sort of hero. I look forward to reading more about Bob, his freinds, and the world they live in.
A fun, quick read with a very different sort of hero. I look forward to reading more about Bob, his freinds, and the world they live in.
October 8, 2025
If you need a zombie comedy try this. Wasn’t for me.
March 21, 2017
Poor Bob that he has a mother who loves him too much, and that she brings him back to life as a zombie. Good for us that he also turns into such a funny character. If you enjoy zombie comedy, you'll love this book.
November 9, 2013
Bob The Zombie is a short story that reads more like the first chapter of a much larger tale, and given the fact that the author has already produced a sequel, it is clear that this is destined to become something of a serialized saga of this Griswoldian zombie.
Bob is a hapless zombie who was killed in a tragically comedic way and was brought back to life at the request of his mother, who didn’t realize he would come back as a rotting version of himself that needs to staple various body parts back on when they fall off, which they do with great frequency. Bob has made new friends-others like himself who lives on the edges of society. Zombies aren’t like the slobbering Romero monsters here. They do need meat to continue their undead existence, but they tend to refrain from chowing down on humans.
There is a flavor of urban fantasy to this tale. Zombies aren’t the only supernatural characters. Though mostly just hinted at, there are plenty of other beasties out there, including vamps, mermaids, and ghouls. What is the difference between ghouls and zombies you ask? Well, zombies have free will, whereas ghouls are controlled by the witch who brought them back to life. And if they don’t rein them in every now and then, they tend to go all Night of the Living Dead on humans. That particular nugget plays a part in this brief tale, but again, this short reads more like the introduction to a longer story, including hints of what is to come.
So the main thing to keep in mind if you choose to take the plunge and give Bob The Zombie a try is that there is much more to the story, and unless I missed my guess, we will be getting it in single short story installments for some time to come. Bob is a likable character and it’s clear there is more to learn about him as well as the rest of his not-so-menacing horde of buddies.
Bob is a hapless zombie who was killed in a tragically comedic way and was brought back to life at the request of his mother, who didn’t realize he would come back as a rotting version of himself that needs to staple various body parts back on when they fall off, which they do with great frequency. Bob has made new friends-others like himself who lives on the edges of society. Zombies aren’t like the slobbering Romero monsters here. They do need meat to continue their undead existence, but they tend to refrain from chowing down on humans.
There is a flavor of urban fantasy to this tale. Zombies aren’t the only supernatural characters. Though mostly just hinted at, there are plenty of other beasties out there, including vamps, mermaids, and ghouls. What is the difference between ghouls and zombies you ask? Well, zombies have free will, whereas ghouls are controlled by the witch who brought them back to life. And if they don’t rein them in every now and then, they tend to go all Night of the Living Dead on humans. That particular nugget plays a part in this brief tale, but again, this short reads more like the introduction to a longer story, including hints of what is to come.
So the main thing to keep in mind if you choose to take the plunge and give Bob The Zombie a try is that there is much more to the story, and unless I missed my guess, we will be getting it in single short story installments for some time to come. Bob is a likable character and it’s clear there is more to learn about him as well as the rest of his not-so-menacing horde of buddies.
October 9, 2014
I had given up on zombie stories for a while after reading a series that completely spoiled (in a good way) the genre for me, and several attempts at reading other books which were all following the usual zombie apocalypse pattern and didn't make me feel that they were bringing much to me as a reader. I've had Bob the Zombie in my TBR list for quite a few months, and with the recent release of a couple of new stories, I thought it was time for me to give this one a try.
And it was good fun. Bob is different. Bob is special. I'd love it for him to turn into the MacGyver of Zombies, but not with a Swiss knife, just through the use of his trusty stapler. He made me giggle a few times, and other times, he got me a little down. His goofiness contrasts with his sadness, and really created a connection with me, as a reader. And this usually makes me enjoy a story even more.
I loved the humanity touch in him, and the lovely message that is passed on at the end. I'm looking forward to his Valentine experience, see how he deals with that situation.
And it was good fun. Bob is different. Bob is special. I'd love it for him to turn into the MacGyver of Zombies, but not with a Swiss knife, just through the use of his trusty stapler. He made me giggle a few times, and other times, he got me a little down. His goofiness contrasts with his sadness, and really created a connection with me, as a reader. And this usually makes me enjoy a story even more.
I loved the humanity touch in him, and the lovely message that is passed on at the end. I'm looking forward to his Valentine experience, see how he deals with that situation.
April 3, 2016
Bob the Zombie.
A fun quirky almost whisical account of Bob trying to make his afterlife the best he can. He was in a horrable accident and his mother wanted to do something for him. Then his son dies and he wants to do what he can for him.
He has some of the same issues that a very unlucky person may have, dealing with an arch enamey but he has even more than the run of the mill issues of everyday life. You see he also has to deal with some issues only the rotting and decaying would have if they were up and about.
In life Bob was a funny and nice guy.He is going to do the best he can to see the humor of the unlife he now lives.
The one moral that jumps out is never ever consult a necromancer! Nothing good will ever come of it.
This is not your heart pounding run for your life zombie book. This book will help you to get your funny bone in good working order. Even though there were a few typos and grammer errors I am giving it 4 stars because Jamie Johnesee did such a wonderful job of creating something unique.A funny entertaining zombie story.Well done.
A fun quirky almost whisical account of Bob trying to make his afterlife the best he can. He was in a horrable accident and his mother wanted to do something for him. Then his son dies and he wants to do what he can for him.
He has some of the same issues that a very unlucky person may have, dealing with an arch enamey but he has even more than the run of the mill issues of everyday life. You see he also has to deal with some issues only the rotting and decaying would have if they were up and about.
In life Bob was a funny and nice guy.He is going to do the best he can to see the humor of the unlife he now lives.
The one moral that jumps out is never ever consult a necromancer! Nothing good will ever come of it.
This is not your heart pounding run for your life zombie book. This book will help you to get your funny bone in good working order. Even though there were a few typos and grammer errors I am giving it 4 stars because Jamie Johnesee did such a wonderful job of creating something unique.A funny entertaining zombie story.Well done.
February 3, 2014
This is a refreshing new take on the undead genre
I'm not knocking the violence that is all too often shown in zombie and monster fiction, but it is nice to read a book where the author brings a brand new perspective into the world.
This brings us humor, an entire culture of undead peeps just hanging around and trying to survive like the rest of us.
Our main protagonist, Bob, is a zombie who is never without his trusty stapler and all he wants to do is play vintage video games and get freaky on the dance floor.
I totally dig the way the author writes the main character with his sense of distracted attention span. He'll be talking and then it's - Squirrel!
I'm not knocking the violence that is all too often shown in zombie and monster fiction, but it is nice to read a book where the author brings a brand new perspective into the world.
This brings us humor, an entire culture of undead peeps just hanging around and trying to survive like the rest of us.
Our main protagonist, Bob, is a zombie who is never without his trusty stapler and all he wants to do is play vintage video games and get freaky on the dance floor.
I totally dig the way the author writes the main character with his sense of distracted attention span. He'll be talking and then it's - Squirrel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2016
Why did it take me so long to read this book? This is a funny, fast, and wonderful story.
Bob, our hero, was dead but his mother had him brought back to life -- not really life but close enough for Bob. I want so much to tell you about Bob's adventures but I don't want to ruin your fun. I will say that Ms. Johnesee, the author, really cut loose and totally changed her stripes from other books of hers I have read.
As you read, which I know you will, don't make judgments about Bob, you will be wrong. I was!
Loved it!
Bob, our hero, was dead but his mother had him brought back to life -- not really life but close enough for Bob. I want so much to tell you about Bob's adventures but I don't want to ruin your fun. I will say that Ms. Johnesee, the author, really cut loose and totally changed her stripes from other books of hers I have read.
As you read, which I know you will, don't make judgments about Bob, you will be wrong. I was!
Loved it!
November 21, 2016
What's not to like about this book? The story is very entertaining and moves at a pace. Its short enough to be read in a single session and guaranteed to send you to bed with a smile. The author builds up an interesting scenario whereby supernatural beings somehow co-exist with the living without them realising. Certainly its a world with plenty of opportunity for other stories and many more books. It's very daft and I loved it.
November 1, 2013
If you're looking for blood and gore in your zombie apocalypse, this zombie short will disappoint you.
But if you're looking for an amusing jaunt in a supernatural world where zombies are just one supernatural creature that exists, this may be your ticket. I found the book fun to read, and very imaginative.
Who would have figured a stapler could be so useful to a zombie?
But if you're looking for an amusing jaunt in a supernatural world where zombies are just one supernatural creature that exists, this may be your ticket. I found the book fun to read, and very imaginative.
Who would have figured a stapler could be so useful to a zombie?
October 20, 2016
Bob the Zombie is a fun introduction to a great character who is quite funny. This is a short tale but the main character feels very real and has a great sense of humor. I enjoyed the other monster creatures who are introduced as well. The pace moved fast and the writing is first rate. This is a great short story that has me excited to read more in this world. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2013
Bob the Zombie was a delightful read. A great way to relax and get a feel for the dead side. Jaime truly creates a character one can identify with and truly makes you feel sorry for Bob. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
April 13, 2016
Bob
This is an amusing tale of a Zombie named Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a different take on zombies that I think everyone would enjoy. It is not a long story and it won't take long to read, so get it and read it. Now to find the second one!!!
This is an amusing tale of a Zombie named Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a different take on zombies that I think everyone would enjoy. It is not a long story and it won't take long to read, so get it and read it. Now to find the second one!!!
July 31, 2016
Zombie crush!
Ok...so I'm a little infatuated with Bob. He's kind and you definitely feel for him and all his issues. This is a very funny look at the zombie world like you've never read before! I have already bought the Bob compilation so...onto the next.
Ok...so I'm a little infatuated with Bob. He's kind and you definitely feel for him and all his issues. This is a very funny look at the zombie world like you've never read before! I have already bought the Bob compilation so...onto the next.
August 2, 2016
Refreshing zombie story
Funny refreshing look into the story of a zombie with the heart and feelings of a normal person well normal as you can be being a zombie looking forward to reading this series and finding out what happens to Bob in is new life or sound I say afterlife !
Funny refreshing look into the story of a zombie with the heart and feelings of a normal person well normal as you can be being a zombie looking forward to reading this series and finding out what happens to Bob in is new life or sound I say afterlife !
April 30, 2014
Loved it!!!!! :D
April 4, 2015
This was definetly fun!! Loved the take on the zombie genre and can't wait to read more of Bob!!
September 6, 2015
This is more of a funny type of story then the thrillers I usually read. It was ok. I just wasnt in the mood for undead laughs.
January 2, 2017
Meet Bob ... You are going to love him ... Definitely NOT your average zombie!
July 10, 2016
I like Bob
I like Bob he is this cool dead guy he lives with his buddies now and they have their fun H e tries to help other supernatural beings check it out
I like Bob he is this cool dead guy he lives with his buddies now and they have their fun H e tries to help other supernatural beings check it out
December 3, 2015
A short story about a zombie and how he copes in his new life. This is actually fun engrossing read
March 19, 2016
A fun and humorous book about a zombie named Bob.
Great book by Jaime Johnesse. Loved it and look forward to reading more of Bob's adventures.
Great book by Jaime Johnesse. Loved it and look forward to reading more of Bob's adventures.
August 21, 2016
Fun read
I enjoyed this quick, fun read. It was well written with snappy dialogue and lots of cool characters Look forward to more tales.
I enjoyed this quick, fun read. It was well written with snappy dialogue and lots of cool characters Look forward to more tales.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews