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Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. #4
Slimy Underbelly
Flushing Out Evil
There’s something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah’Chulhu (to which the usual response is “Gesundheit!”). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah’Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets.
While feuding weather wizards kick up storms, and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain…
Includes Bonus Story!
There’s something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah’Chulhu (to which the usual response is “Gesundheit!”). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah’Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets.
While feuding weather wizards kick up storms, and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain…
Includes Bonus Story!
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2014
24 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,038 books3,102 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 23, 2024
Love this series!
Slimy Underbelly
By Kevin J. Anderson
This has our guy Dan the zombie P.I. solving multiple cases in this book! Someone stole an Ogre's voice, a couple of murders, weather wizards dueling for votes, a young boy has his inventions stolen, and more. Lots of fun and humor! Especially when the gnomes go on a robbery spree! They use Timmy guns not Tommy guns. Lol!
Slimy Underbelly
By Kevin J. Anderson
This has our guy Dan the zombie P.I. solving multiple cases in this book! Someone stole an Ogre's voice, a couple of murders, weather wizards dueling for votes, a young boy has his inventions stolen, and more. Lots of fun and humor! Especially when the gnomes go on a robbery spree! They use Timmy guns not Tommy guns. Lol!
August 7, 2014
Although this book features some admittedly painful puns I still relished it. This is a very light read with lots of chuckles, an amazing cover and a likeable main character, how can you go wrong?
I look forward to reading more books in this series and it has the added bonus of each book being able to be read as a standalone. 3.5/5 but rounded up to 4 stars because I would love to live in the Unnatural Quarter.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book is currently available as a Read Now on Netgalley
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
I look forward to reading more books in this series and it has the added bonus of each book being able to be read as a standalone. 3.5/5 but rounded up to 4 stars because I would love to live in the Unnatural Quarter.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book is currently available as a Read Now on Netgalley
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
March 24, 2015
I like this series! These are just plain fun to read. I can sometimes get bogged down in "serious" reading and these really lighten my mood. I love our zombie hero, his "Spooky" girlfriend, his dedicated lawyer partner and all the random fun and crazy characters he meets along the way!
As a fan of Lovecraft, I especially enjoyed this installment in the Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series! After being stuck on the couch with a bum knee, this was just the thing I needed to keep my spirits up!
As a fan of Lovecraft, I especially enjoyed this installment in the Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series! After being stuck on the couch with a bum knee, this was just the thing I needed to keep my spirits up!
February 29, 2020
This is the fourth volume in the Dam Shamble series, Kevin Anderson's humorous zombie p.i. character in an alternate New Orleans. It's another one-gag-after-another story, with fast and furious puns and pop-culture lampoons. One of the main characters this time was a frightfully intelligent kid, which is a trope that I personally don't care much for, so I didn't enjoy this volume quite as much as the earlier books, but I still found many chuckles along the way, particularly with the many Lovecraft references. I listened to the well-performed audiobook thanks to my local library, and can't help but wonder what the librarian thought when they saw the title I requested.
November 3, 2020
This one moved a bit faster for me than the last. Issues in the sewers here. Silly good fun!
August 26, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales (http://darkfaerietales.com/)
Quick & Dirty: While I love zombies, this book about a zombie detective ended up being a bit too over the top for me in its use of puns and jokes.
Opening Sentence: It was a cold and snowy afternoon in the Unnatural Quarter.
The Review:
Undead life is never boring for zombie detective Dan Chambeaux. All of a sudden, he finds himself bombarded left and right with cases. There’s an opera singing ogre who has lost his voice, a lawn gnome gang on the loose, a weather wizard wanting to know who’s defaming his character right before a big election, and a 12-year-old super villain in training who has been evicted from his laboratory. That last case will be the one that brings Dan into contact with a dangerous tentacle half-demon who has far more up his sleeve than just stealing a 12 year old’s villainous inventions. Dan somehow has to solve all of these cases while trying to stay alive – or as alive as a zombie can be. Will he be successful, or are his undead days numbered?
Honestly, I wasn’t super excited about reading this book when I read the description. I love zombies, but the jacket description made the book sound like it was just going to be silly. For the most part, my initial fears were correct. While I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would, it is definitely intended for an audience who wants a lighthearted, silly read, and that’s just not the type of thing I go for usually. There were parts that made me smile, but the constant use of puns resulted in more eye rolling than laughter on my end. A lot of the humor was over-the-top, and that’s just not the kind of humor I enjoy in my books usually.
Aside from the over-the-top humor, another issue I had with the book was its lack of focus. With the numerous cases Dan was working on, it almost felt like the book had ADD, as it would hop from one storyline to the next, with no real connections occuring from chapter to chapter to make the novel flow better. I would finally find myself interested in a storyline only to be yanked out of it and pulled into a different one. While it wasn’t done in a confusing way, it still served to take me out of the story and made me wish that it was over already.
On the bright side, the world Anderson has created is an interesting one, full of many different creatures. I thought the use of lawn gnomes was particularly creative and funny. As someone who hasn’t read the previous books, there was enough backstory given that I didn’t feel lost in any way, which was greatly appreciated.
All in all, I just wasn’t thrilled with this one. I’m sure readers who enjoyed the previous books in this series will also enjoy this one. On my part, reading this book didn’t give me any desire to read the previous ones or to continue the series. While I enjoy a funny book, this one proved a little too over-the-top for my tastes.
Notable Scene:
Three hideous creatures rose up, standing erect and covered with scales, dripping greenish brown water. They had muscular arms, thick claws, and long snouts that bristled with teeth.
Their golden eyes had reptilian slits. I hoped they weren’t muggers.
I faced them. “You look like crocodiles playing dress up.”
The three creatures looked at one another, confused. “Crocodiles?” one said in a deep voice that sounded like a belch forming a word.
“Not stinkin’ crocodiles!” said the second, deeply offended.
“We’re alligators.” The third tapped the extended end of his face. “Note the snout.”
“How can we help you?” Sheyenne asked.
“We hear you’re looking for Ah’Chulhu. We’re his lieutenants.”
“If he’s a real-estate salesman, why does he need lieutenants?” I asked. “Why not additional sales associates?”
“Told you,” muttered one of the gator-guys to his companions.
“Lieutenant sounds better,” said the second one. “And we can’t spell associates.”
“Can you spell lieutenant?” I asked.
“L-O-O…” Then the creature gave up and shook his head.
A second tried. “L-U-T.”
“Not right either,” I said.
“Damn this reptilian brain,” said the first gator-guy. I started thinking of them as Moe, Larry, and Curly.
FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Slimy Underbelly. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: While I love zombies, this book about a zombie detective ended up being a bit too over the top for me in its use of puns and jokes.
Opening Sentence: It was a cold and snowy afternoon in the Unnatural Quarter.
The Review:
Undead life is never boring for zombie detective Dan Chambeaux. All of a sudden, he finds himself bombarded left and right with cases. There’s an opera singing ogre who has lost his voice, a lawn gnome gang on the loose, a weather wizard wanting to know who’s defaming his character right before a big election, and a 12-year-old super villain in training who has been evicted from his laboratory. That last case will be the one that brings Dan into contact with a dangerous tentacle half-demon who has far more up his sleeve than just stealing a 12 year old’s villainous inventions. Dan somehow has to solve all of these cases while trying to stay alive – or as alive as a zombie can be. Will he be successful, or are his undead days numbered?
Honestly, I wasn’t super excited about reading this book when I read the description. I love zombies, but the jacket description made the book sound like it was just going to be silly. For the most part, my initial fears were correct. While I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would, it is definitely intended for an audience who wants a lighthearted, silly read, and that’s just not the type of thing I go for usually. There were parts that made me smile, but the constant use of puns resulted in more eye rolling than laughter on my end. A lot of the humor was over-the-top, and that’s just not the kind of humor I enjoy in my books usually.
Aside from the over-the-top humor, another issue I had with the book was its lack of focus. With the numerous cases Dan was working on, it almost felt like the book had ADD, as it would hop from one storyline to the next, with no real connections occuring from chapter to chapter to make the novel flow better. I would finally find myself interested in a storyline only to be yanked out of it and pulled into a different one. While it wasn’t done in a confusing way, it still served to take me out of the story and made me wish that it was over already.
On the bright side, the world Anderson has created is an interesting one, full of many different creatures. I thought the use of lawn gnomes was particularly creative and funny. As someone who hasn’t read the previous books, there was enough backstory given that I didn’t feel lost in any way, which was greatly appreciated.
All in all, I just wasn’t thrilled with this one. I’m sure readers who enjoyed the previous books in this series will also enjoy this one. On my part, reading this book didn’t give me any desire to read the previous ones or to continue the series. While I enjoy a funny book, this one proved a little too over-the-top for my tastes.
Notable Scene:
Three hideous creatures rose up, standing erect and covered with scales, dripping greenish brown water. They had muscular arms, thick claws, and long snouts that bristled with teeth.
Their golden eyes had reptilian slits. I hoped they weren’t muggers.
I faced them. “You look like crocodiles playing dress up.”
The three creatures looked at one another, confused. “Crocodiles?” one said in a deep voice that sounded like a belch forming a word.
“Not stinkin’ crocodiles!” said the second, deeply offended.
“We’re alligators.” The third tapped the extended end of his face. “Note the snout.”
“How can we help you?” Sheyenne asked.
“We hear you’re looking for Ah’Chulhu. We’re his lieutenants.”
“If he’s a real-estate salesman, why does he need lieutenants?” I asked. “Why not additional sales associates?”
“Told you,” muttered one of the gator-guys to his companions.
“Lieutenant sounds better,” said the second one. “And we can’t spell associates.”
“Can you spell lieutenant?” I asked.
“L-O-O…” Then the creature gave up and shook his head.
A second tried. “L-U-T.”
“Not right either,” I said.
“Damn this reptilian brain,” said the first gator-guy. I started thinking of them as Moe, Larry, and Curly.
FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Slimy Underbelly. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 1, 2014
I hadn't read the three previous books in the series so I didn't know what to expect when I started reading Slimy. I really appreciate the world Anderson has built, the variety of characters and how he spends time fleshing all the species out. The puns, play on words and jokes show real effort. However, it took a lot of time away from Dan/Beaux's various investigations, which go on and on and on since so little of his time is spent on each case.
If you enjoyed the previous books, you'll probably enjoy this one. I, however, didn't care enough about Dan, Sheyenne (his ghost girlfriend) or Robin (his human lawyer partner)to want to read any of the previous books or any future books in the series.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
If you enjoyed the previous books, you'll probably enjoy this one. I, however, didn't care enough about Dan, Sheyenne (his ghost girlfriend) or Robin (his human lawyer partner)to want to read any of the previous books or any future books in the series.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
There's something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten--even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah'Chulhu (to which the usual response is "Gesundheit!"). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys--former pets flushed down the toilet--Ah'Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time--before the whole stinking city goes down the drain...
I will keep this short and sweet.
I didn't hate this book. It was okay.
But there were sooooo many cases going on that the constant chopping and changing was irritating to say the least.
Also, the puns and one-liners got to be a bit much by about page 20. Over 350 pages, it got to be well and truly overdone.
Still not a bad story. Just didn't really hit the mark for me.
Paul
ARH
There's something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten--even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah'Chulhu (to which the usual response is "Gesundheit!"). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys--former pets flushed down the toilet--Ah'Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time--before the whole stinking city goes down the drain...
I will keep this short and sweet.
I didn't hate this book. It was okay.
But there were sooooo many cases going on that the constant chopping and changing was irritating to say the least.
Also, the puns and one-liners got to be a bit much by about page 20. Over 350 pages, it got to be well and truly overdone.
Still not a bad story. Just didn't really hit the mark for me.
Paul
ARH
June 18, 2024
Dan Shamble returns to stop a half Lovecraft -monster real estate developer from turning the Unnatural Quarter into a sewer flood! If that’s all gibberish to you, you haven’t read Anderson’s zombie detective series yet. Which means you’re missing out on fast, fun, lighthearted reads that keep you chuckling.
When Anderson threw his hat into the Urban Fantasy ring a decade back with his first Shamble book, I wasn’t sure if it was going to gain any traction as it’s decidedly more tongue in cheek than any other UF series at the time. But he continues to write engaging, if silly novels with likeable characters.
Dan Chambeaux is a zombie detective (hence ‘Shamble’) in a New Orleans where all the monsters and creatures of fantasy exist. More often than not his books wind up as a series of seemingly disconnected cases which wind up solved conveniently together at each novels end.
Slimy Underbelly proves no different as Shamble searches for a stolen voice, keeps weather wizards on the honest and solves some frog demon murders. With lots of bad puns along the way.
If you’re looking for a fun read, grab this or any of the Dan Shamble books. Get some happy zombie detective in your life.
When Anderson threw his hat into the Urban Fantasy ring a decade back with his first Shamble book, I wasn’t sure if it was going to gain any traction as it’s decidedly more tongue in cheek than any other UF series at the time. But he continues to write engaging, if silly novels with likeable characters.
Dan Chambeaux is a zombie detective (hence ‘Shamble’) in a New Orleans where all the monsters and creatures of fantasy exist. More often than not his books wind up as a series of seemingly disconnected cases which wind up solved conveniently together at each novels end.
Slimy Underbelly proves no different as Shamble searches for a stolen voice, keeps weather wizards on the honest and solves some frog demon murders. With lots of bad puns along the way.
If you’re looking for a fun read, grab this or any of the Dan Shamble books. Get some happy zombie detective in your life.
October 2, 2021
My least favorite of the series so far. It dragged a little bit, and the jokes didn’t really hit.
July 20, 2023
I do love this series. It's such a fun noir urban fantasy idea. I can't resist coming back to see more of these characters. That said I can't wait to read book five.
September 19, 2014
Audio book read by Phil Gigante
The cases don't solve themselves so Dan 'Shamble' is back with a whole new set of cases to solve in the unnatural quarter. Many familiar faces make appearances as in previous novels but this can be read on it's own with no prior knowledge of the series. If you can't tell from the cover and premise, this is a supernatural humor novel with a diverse cast of supernatural creatures chock full of puns that could even make your crazy uncle groan. If that sounds like something fun to you or you've enjoyed previous novels in this series - you will like this novel. If that doesn't sound great to you or you're on the fence....you'll probably hate this book because it doesn't take itself seriously at all.
You can tell Kevin J. Anderson probably had fun writing this novel. He puts a lot of tongue-in-cheek commentary about book writing, publishing, and the nature of best sellers in here (more than previous novels). He goes to great lengths to set up a scene for things happening just to slip a one liner in there . Like I said, many will make you groan but I have to admit that several actually did make me laugh.
As for the audio side of things, Phil Gigante continues to shine in this series. The cartoony nature of the characters lets him use a wide range of voices. He really handles the comedic nature of the novel well and puts a good amount of inflection in his tone.
The cases don't solve themselves so Dan 'Shamble' is back with a whole new set of cases to solve in the unnatural quarter. Many familiar faces make appearances as in previous novels but this can be read on it's own with no prior knowledge of the series. If you can't tell from the cover and premise, this is a supernatural humor novel with a diverse cast of supernatural creatures chock full of puns that could even make your crazy uncle groan. If that sounds like something fun to you or you've enjoyed previous novels in this series - you will like this novel. If that doesn't sound great to you or you're on the fence....you'll probably hate this book because it doesn't take itself seriously at all.
You can tell Kevin J. Anderson probably had fun writing this novel. He puts a lot of tongue-in-cheek commentary about book writing, publishing, and the nature of best sellers in here (more than previous novels). He goes to great lengths to set up a scene for things happening just to slip a one liner in there . Like I said, many will make you groan but I have to admit that several actually did make me laugh.
As for the audio side of things, Phil Gigante continues to shine in this series. The cartoony nature of the characters lets him use a wide range of voices. He really handles the comedic nature of the novel well and puts a good amount of inflection in his tone.
March 24, 2017
Today's post is on Slimy Underbelly by Kevin J Anderson. It is the fourth in his Dan Shamble, P.I. series. It is 304 pages long and is published by Kensington. The cover is dark blue with Dan in the center and tentacles coming up behind him. The intended reader is someone who has read the previous three novels, likes over-the-top humor, and quick reads. There is mild foul language, no sex, and comedy violence in this novel. The story is told from first person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From back of the book-There's something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah'Chulhu (to which the usual response is "Gesundheit!"). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah'Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain.…
Review- Another funny Dan Shamble story. This time we are really getting into classic horror with some other bits added in. I have had fun all this novels and this one is no different. The puns is are good in this one but I like puns. All the cases that Dan is working in this book are just over-the-top. We get stolen voices, lawn gnomes on the run, and weather wizards fighting to win the vote. The writing is fun and Dan is a really fun character to follow around this Unnatural Quarter. I hope this is not the last Dan Shamble but I think it is. If that is the case then this one is a good one to go out with.
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this book with my own money.
From back of the book-There's something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah'Chulhu (to which the usual response is "Gesundheit!"). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah'Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain.…
Review- Another funny Dan Shamble story. This time we are really getting into classic horror with some other bits added in. I have had fun all this novels and this one is no different. The puns is are good in this one but I like puns. All the cases that Dan is working in this book are just over-the-top. We get stolen voices, lawn gnomes on the run, and weather wizards fighting to win the vote. The writing is fun and Dan is a really fun character to follow around this Unnatural Quarter. I hope this is not the last Dan Shamble but I think it is. If that is the case then this one is a good one to go out with.
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this book with my own money.
August 26, 2014
This review and others are available on my blog.
Kevin J. Anderson's Slimy Underbelly is a comic monster mash up noir. Dan Chambeaux, more commonly known as Dan Shambles, is a zombie P.I. in the Unnatural Quarter dealing with cases ranging from a Troll Opera singer's stolen voice, allegations of campaign misconduct between dueling weather wizards, and a budding mad scientists stolen inventions. Meanwhile there is a rampaging gang of garden gnomes and a tentacled villain named Ah’Chulhu (to which the usual response is “Gesundheit!”).
After reading a number of novels whose ambitions were laudable but whose reach exceeded their grasp, it is refreshing to read a novel that is aiming squarely for pulpy fun and succeeds. Dan is a zombie detective of the hard-boiled variety, but never descends into outright pastiche. Ah’Chulhu is, perhaps, a more outright Lovecraftian satire it is done with a loving and knowledgeable sense of fun. Anderson includes a number of references that range from the obvious to the obscure that shows an in depth knowledge of the genres he's playing in.
Slimy Underbelly is a fast paced, exuberantly fun read, filled to the brim with monsters of every description, often just trying to run their business, or deal with unresolved mommy issues. This could easily have turned into an incoherent mess of references, but Anderson has walked the tightrope without ever loosing the sense of giddy fun. He clearly loved writing this book, and it shows.
**Received copy from NetGalley for Review
Kevin J. Anderson's Slimy Underbelly is a comic monster mash up noir. Dan Chambeaux, more commonly known as Dan Shambles, is a zombie P.I. in the Unnatural Quarter dealing with cases ranging from a Troll Opera singer's stolen voice, allegations of campaign misconduct between dueling weather wizards, and a budding mad scientists stolen inventions. Meanwhile there is a rampaging gang of garden gnomes and a tentacled villain named Ah’Chulhu (to which the usual response is “Gesundheit!”).
After reading a number of novels whose ambitions were laudable but whose reach exceeded their grasp, it is refreshing to read a novel that is aiming squarely for pulpy fun and succeeds. Dan is a zombie detective of the hard-boiled variety, but never descends into outright pastiche. Ah’Chulhu is, perhaps, a more outright Lovecraftian satire it is done with a loving and knowledgeable sense of fun. Anderson includes a number of references that range from the obvious to the obscure that shows an in depth knowledge of the genres he's playing in.
Slimy Underbelly is a fast paced, exuberantly fun read, filled to the brim with monsters of every description, often just trying to run their business, or deal with unresolved mommy issues. This could easily have turned into an incoherent mess of references, but Anderson has walked the tightrope without ever loosing the sense of giddy fun. He clearly loved writing this book, and it shows.
**Received copy from NetGalley for Review
August 25, 2014
This book comes out tomorrow and I am so glad I obtained an early copy. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Dan Shambles series is one I always try to remain pretty current on. They are such fun, mindless read - and I mean mindless in a good way. Anderson has created a wonderful world in the Undead Quarter. Each new book is filled with more excited supernatural creatures. Every installment in the series pretty much has a large mystery for Detective Dan to solve, along with some others that either tie in or are indirectly related.
Dan is a well functioning, well maintained zombie. His PI agency consists of a human attorney partner, and a ghostly secretary who is also his girlfriend. These books are high on adventure and low on romance. They are also full of really tacky, really bad puns, which are extremely enjoyable in this context. As mentioned, it is part of a series of 3 other books and 2 novellas, but you could probably read it as a stand-alone and do OK. Anderson does a pretty good job on filling the reader in on the important history without overkilling it.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery books with a lot of paranormal, sci-fi elements. This book would make a great translation to graphic novels. The writing and description is so colorful and pulls the ready in to this strange, albeit fun, world. I am already looking forward to the next installment!
Dan is a well functioning, well maintained zombie. His PI agency consists of a human attorney partner, and a ghostly secretary who is also his girlfriend. These books are high on adventure and low on romance. They are also full of really tacky, really bad puns, which are extremely enjoyable in this context. As mentioned, it is part of a series of 3 other books and 2 novellas, but you could probably read it as a stand-alone and do OK. Anderson does a pretty good job on filling the reader in on the important history without overkilling it.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery books with a lot of paranormal, sci-fi elements. This book would make a great translation to graphic novels. The writing and description is so colorful and pulls the ready in to this strange, albeit fun, world. I am already looking forward to the next installment!
November 22, 2017
Loved it. Same review as the first three. It's full of eye-rolling dad jokes. Though there are a few more innuendos in this one. With a weather wizard named Thunder Dick who's running for office, it's kind of hard to avoid the dick jokes. And KJA wasn't even trying. I can't wait for the next.
October 23, 2014
Another fun romp.
June 21, 2017
Getting a little repetitious with lots of small cases turning into lots of trouble and overly lucky solutions.
July 11, 2017
Lots of good humor in this one. I wish there were more (full-length) installments to this series, I've really enjoyed it.
July 30, 2017
Totally loved this one. Audiobook is excellent. Phil Gigante showed a greater range of voices on this one. Alas, this is his last audiobook in this series. Moving on.
November 5, 2017
Fun, funky read. Looking forward to more adventures
in the series.
in the series.
July 8, 2018
There are only so many puns I am prepared to put up with a the Thunderdick ones put this book way past my limit. Otherwise fun, loved the narrator Phil Gigante.
September 6, 2019
Like the rest of the Dan Shambles, it was a quick, quirky read that was a fun read.
October 19, 2019
very fun and light hearted great for fans of zombie noir
March 13, 2020
Always fun to read. Enjoy them always
October 2, 2023
This is a fun series. Slimy Underbelly is the fourth book, but they can be read in any order, they don't really build on each other overly much.
Briefly, on the whole series. An unexpected series of events aligned to trigger the "Big Uneasy." Dwath is no longer the end. People come back as ghosts and zombies. There are werewolves, vampires and all manor of other monsters, living in relative harmony in the "Unnatural Quarter" of New Orleans.
Private Investigator Dan Chambeaux with his lawyer partner, Robin Dyer have their offices in the Unnatural Quarter. Dan's girlfriend is murdered and he will not stop until he finds her killer, even though she returns to him as a ghost. Even when Dan is shot dead during the investigation he claws his way out of the grave and gets back to work as a Zombie. The cases don't solve themselves.
Each book contains and entertaining variety of human and monster clients and many of the cases tie together in unexpected ways.
Briefly, on the whole series. An unexpected series of events aligned to trigger the "Big Uneasy." Dwath is no longer the end. People come back as ghosts and zombies. There are werewolves, vampires and all manor of other monsters, living in relative harmony in the "Unnatural Quarter" of New Orleans.
Private Investigator Dan Chambeaux with his lawyer partner, Robin Dyer have their offices in the Unnatural Quarter. Dan's girlfriend is murdered and he will not stop until he finds her killer, even though she returns to him as a ghost. Even when Dan is shot dead during the investigation he claws his way out of the grave and gets back to work as a Zombie. The cases don't solve themselves.
Each book contains and entertaining variety of human and monster clients and many of the cases tie together in unexpected ways.
December 22, 2017
This is the first book I've read/listened to in the series and I really enjoyed it. I didn't feel lost starting on this book at all and I can't imagine that the reading order matters much.
I don't normally care much for private detective stories, but this isn't a normal P.I. book. It's silly and whimsical, with a semi-deadpan delivery that makes the jokes and puns all the more entertaining.
The story tracked a few different cases and, by far, the Mr. Big Gnome arc was my favorite.
The voice work on the audio book is the best I've ever heard with the narrator able to a myriad of different voices--it sounds like a table read by a whole cast. Only Mel Blanc could voice more characters.
I don't normally care much for private detective stories, but this isn't a normal P.I. book. It's silly and whimsical, with a semi-deadpan delivery that makes the jokes and puns all the more entertaining.
The story tracked a few different cases and, by far, the Mr. Big Gnome arc was my favorite.
The voice work on the audio book is the best I've ever heard with the narrator able to a myriad of different voices--it sounds like a table read by a whole cast. Only Mel Blanc could voice more characters.
October 23, 2021
Love this series
I read the first two books in this series shortly after they came out in paperback, and then sort of "lost track" when I didn't find later books at the library; so I was happy to find the series here.
The main, and some recurring, characters are pretty likeable.
There are all manner of supernaturals, some silliness and humor, and some pretty good (or bad, depending on perspective) jokes and puns from Dan Shamble's BHF (Best Human Friend).
Not to mention the obvious P.I. angle.
It's a good thing we have Dan Shamble and company, because the cases don't solve themselves.
And the books are pretty entertaining.
I read the first two books in this series shortly after they came out in paperback, and then sort of "lost track" when I didn't find later books at the library; so I was happy to find the series here.
The main, and some recurring, characters are pretty likeable.
There are all manner of supernaturals, some silliness and humor, and some pretty good (or bad, depending on perspective) jokes and puns from Dan Shamble's BHF (Best Human Friend).
Not to mention the obvious P.I. angle.
It's a good thing we have Dan Shamble and company, because the cases don't solve themselves.
And the books are pretty entertaining.
October 28, 2022
Once again, the unnaturals are up to no good. Zombies, vampires, alligator soldiers, an ogre opera singer, a gang of thriving lawn gnomes, and feuding weather wizards, are raising Cain in blood bars, zombie spas, and the sewers of the Unnatural Zone. The number of cases Dan Shamble, Zombie P. I. is investigating, is exceeded only the number of over-the-top gags, puns, and absurd situations. Probably not for everyone, but if you're like me and love paranormal mystery comedies where the preposterous predominates, you'll likely find this a great, laugh-out-loud read.
May 28, 2025
Dan Chambeaux is going down…under the streets of the Unnatural Quarter, at least when he is not trying to determine who is creating havoc with the weather above ground and trying to discover who stole the voice of an opera-singing ogre. These and several other cases are what Dan, Robin, Sheyenne, and Officer McGoo are working on during this installment of the Dan Shamble Zombie P.I., series. This series keeps me turning pages, chuckling, and trying to connect the clues throughout.
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