Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #3

The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe

Rate this book
Hunting pirates is hard…especially when your only assets are an unarmed ship, two ex-naval officers, a makeup artist, and a couple of pistols.

But that’s exactly what Brad Mendoza and Jessica Lin have signed up to do on the edge of the to help a bunch of farmers on a dead-end planet fight the pirate threat! Quickly, they find that they really don’t know what they’re doing…and not everything is what it seems.

The third book in the humorous and action-packed Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe will have you laughing and cheering on our heroes as they battle pirates, run from their own pasts, and try not to mess up everything along the way! At the end of the day, Brad and Jessica will need each other and a whole lot of luck to get out of this one.

An exciting and funny military sci-fi adventure and space crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The clean and action-packed follow-up to The Worst Ship in the Fleet and The Worst Spies in the Sector.

Order today!

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2023

767 people are currently reading
403 people want to read

About the author

Skyler Ramirez

76 books130 followers
Skyler grew up in Southern California, under the best weather that state has to offer. So, he's shown a little of his insanity over the years in moving to colder, wetter places: New York City; Provo, Utah; Bainbridge Island, WA. He now resides with his family in Texas, which (apart from the humidity) gives him that great weather once again.

Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.

Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,151 (47%)
4 stars
887 (36%)
3 stars
345 (14%)
2 stars
39 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Hex.
56 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2024
Quite a step down in quality compared to the first two books.

The main plot seems to be a random idea to get our main characters moving towards something. And they are, but the road there lacks logic and believability. Perhaps this is one of the pitfalls of writing a short story; cutting corners to keep it from becoming a longer story.

The characters introduced to us are mostly one-dimensional and far too cartoonish for my taste.

Similar to the previous books, the ending relies somewhat on a deus ex machina, though in a short story format, I'm usually more forgiving of such mechanics. In this case, I'd even say the ending is the better part of the book.

I could comment on more juvenile stuff happening when it concerns women and our main protagonist, but the author manages to dodge that bullet eventually.

All in all, I didn't enjoy this much and I just barely found a reason to round this up from a 2,5/5 to a 3, but I'm not entirely sure it's warranted.
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews42 followers
December 30, 2023
"Humanity's Biggest Numbskull"

I really don't think that I could describe one of the main characters, Brad Mendoza/Ben Lopez, better that two quotes from "The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe" book 3 in the series DUMB LUCK and DEAD HEROES that really paints a picture of just how dumb Brad is. The first quote is the same as the subject line above; "Humanity's Biggest Numbskull," and the second quote from the book to describe Brad is "why I'm such a monumental moron." If you have to ask yourself why you are such a monumental moron, it's because you are a moron. If you enjoy science fiction, action, and comical situations about a couple of misfit heroes, you will really enjoy this book and the series. I highly recommend it for all ages since Skyler tells his story without the use of swearing and a lot of graphic bloodshed, which he does, as hard as it would seem, in a book about mercenaries, pirates, military interrogators, navy personnel, and a backworlds colony of farmers. I really enjoyed this book about Brad and Jessica becoming mercenaries and can't wait to read how they become the worst rescuers in the republic.
1,010 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2024
Dumb luck? More like bad luck!

Brad manages to stumble through this book as well, still obsessed by Lin. We do get to learn a little bit more about what drives her as she tells Brad a smidgen more than we knew before about her life. Of course she has similar luck as Brad has, meaning she’s also had a lot of grim experiences.
This book gives us the first cliffhanger since it ends with both Brad & Lin facing uncertainty at best.
44 reviews
March 11, 2025
Tsja, geef je nou twee of drie sterren aan dit boek. Het leest als een aflevering van een Netflix serie, je hoeft er niet bij na te denken, het stemt ook niet to nadebken, dus een lekker vakantieboek en dus toch drie sterren
Profile Image for Nathan Trachta.
285 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2024
Ok, catching up with a few reviews, specifically for The Worst ship series. Mr. Ramirez has done a great job capturing me with this series between the characters and the action. Brad Mendoza is what so many guys are and Jessica Lin has a certain thing about her… needing confidence and when she finds it for a situation, wow! Besides, she’s smart and once she’s comfortable with a situation and environment she opens up somewhat. Something I also love is how Brad gains the loyalty of others by being himself. This is something many writers don’t do a good job showing, the prime character being a human being. Now does Mr. Ramirez take advantage of this, yes, and that’s part of the win and why the story flows nicely. The disadvantage (since Brad and Jessica are a little ignorant on things) is that “fate” (Mr. Ramirez) kind of gives Brad and Jessica the “Indiana Jones effect” (really lucky or really unlucky. For this story it’s more so since there’s more of a cliff hanger ending than Worst Spies (Mr. Ramirez, really nice cliff hanger, especially as we’ve learned more about Jessica). An outstanding booking in an outstanding series! What I’d almost like to see is Mr. Ramirez do a story with Mr. Moriarty but till then I’ll keep reading from both of them!
Profile Image for Tria.
659 reviews79 followers
August 17, 2024
Improving, slowly.

Okay, yes, I gave in, largely because (a) I'm not giving him money and (b) the last "novella" felt so much like just a couple of chapters at best. Still feels like a chapter, or a scene, per book, but at least they're, or it's, free. I don't think I'd have paid to get this far. Actually I know I wouldn't - I've very little time for anybody led mainly by their gonads who claims they're following their heart.
Profile Image for Akshay.
805 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2024
  
The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe (Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, #3)
by Skyler Ramirez


Skyler Ramirez's latest installment in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe, is an exhilarating rollercoaster that both delights and disappoints in equal measure.




"The Fringe never felt so chaotic, and neither did my emotions while reading this book."


Ramirez excels in capturing the gritty, unpredictable nature of space piracy, bringing to life a cast of characters that are as flawed as they are endearing. The narrative is fast-paced, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. However, compared to its prequel, The Misadventures of Captain Vex, the third book occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition.



The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe offers a more sprawling narrative than its predecessor, diving deeper into the lore of the Fringe. While this expansion is welcome, it sometimes comes at the cost of character development. In The Misadventures of Captain Vex, each character arc was meticulously crafted, allowing readers to form strong connections with the protagonists. In contrast, the third book occasionally feels rushed, with some characters not receiving the same depth of development.


Swordfish MkII from Cowboy Bebop. Pixeltober entry for today. : r/PixelArt

Steam Workshop::60

When compared to its contemporaries in the space opera genre, such as James S.A. Corey's The Expanse series or Becky Chambers' Wayfarers series, Ramirez's work stands out for its raw, unpolished charm. The humor and sheer unpredictability of the plot are its greatest strengths, setting it apart from the often more polished narratives of its peers.


What are some most amazing facts about any anime/manga? - Quora

That said, The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe could have benefited from tighter editing. Certain sections drag, and the humor sometimes feels forced. Yet, despite these flaws, the book's heart and soul shine through, making it a worthy read for fans of the series.


Is there an anime that you've watched/started watching that when you've told it to other people who like anime they've never heard of it? - Quora

Overall, I would rate The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a thrilling ride with some bumps along the way, but if you’re a fan of chaotic space adventures and morally ambiguous characters, it’s well worth your time.


Made some spaceship captains for a fantasy sci setting : r/NovelAi
214 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2025
DR
From oven to skillet, having just escaped being entrapped by another mercenary group cpt. Brad, XO Jessica and, whatever position it is he takes, Harris, are immediately stopped by yet another, not the imperial neither the corrotin, star nation's space navy. Having too much heart for the good of them protagonists take on, or is it are forced to take, their first mercenary contract. An independent, economically bare bone farming world has been cordoned by pirates and needs all and any help to deliver aid. Who better than the empires excommunicated dead heroes to do it?

Final chapter introduces female narration for cpt. Jessica's pov. While disliking at first seeing the unorthodox voicing of different cast members change depending on the chapters narrator, continuing to listen couldn't help but to grow to appreciate this narration choice. Makes one keep the fact that each person is unique and views the world through their individual lens of experiences and biochemistry in the forefront throughout the narration. Maybe having aspergers has something to do with it.

Concluding the title with a massive, and I mean MASSIVE, upset to the protagonists, either makes for a 101-predatory marketing practice, to instigate/motivate readers' to continue reading, i.e. purchase the following book in the series, or adds to the unorthodox writing style of Skyler Ramirez that blends horrific emotional trauma with thus far over the top optimism/sarcastic retorts to the deterministic status que of the universe.

Conclusion: 4/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Michael Murphy, Madeleine Brolly. The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe quite unexpectedly and on short notices places protagonists in a situation where they have to decide on the nature of their only relatively recently started mutual relationship. Book highlights both to the readers' and the character himself, Brad's actual skills. Introducing new star nation and setting up the characters that will have a major role in later works. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 3.06 $/hour ( 9.99 $ / 03 hrs 16 mins ).

Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour

Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone
3,059 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2025
“The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe”, third in the 'Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes' series, sees Brad and Jessica agree to help a farming planet get rid of pirates who have been stripping the colonists of their assets.
Considering that the colonists are flat broke, with our daring duo in not much better financial circumstances, they've got their work cut out.
Not to mention the fact that they have been completely hornswoggled.
Part of the running joke in the series is that although Brad and Jessica are officially dead, and living under assumed identities, nearly everyone they meet knows exactly who they are - and that Brad knows a valuable secret.
Unlike the other books in the series this one definitely ends on a cliff-hanger, and is all the better for it.
3 Stars.
119 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
Wow!!! Pirates, space ships & guns. What more can you ask for!

Another great installment into the "Dumb luck..." series.. I really like how this story is going so far in these books. The characters have become very intense and realistic. As a reader, you get to care for them during their perils and tribulations.
The writer's style is down to earth and entertaining. There are times when the stories are funny and witty, yet there are other times when they are intense and full of action.
I can't wait to read the fourth book in this series. As for this third book, I highly recommend it. But make sure you read the first two books also.
Profile Image for Samuel Groves.
4 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024

Hunting pirates is hard …especially when your only assets are an unarmed ship, two ex-naval officers, a makeup artist, and a couple of pistols.


But that’s exactly what Brad Mendoza and Jessica Lin have signed up to do on the edge of the Fringe: to help a bunch of farmers on a dead-end planet fight the pirate threat! Quickly, they find that they really don’t know what they’re doing…and not everything is what it seems.


The third book in the humorous and action-packed Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe will have you laughing and cheering on our heroes as they battle pirates, run from their own pasts, and try not to mess up everything along the way! At the end of the day, Brad and Jessica will need each other and a whole lot of luck to get out of this one.


An exciting and funny military sci-fi adventure and space crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The clean and action-packed follow-up to The Worst Ship in the Fleet and The Worst Spies in the Sector. Order today!

Profile Image for Amyiw.
2,813 reviews68 followers
January 22, 2025

Major Cliffhanger ending, not the normal epilogue cliffhanger that has nothing to do with the story.

I hate how this plot ended as it didn't finish the plot. We just get to know the bad guys and who they are and what they want. Pretty easy to figure out. So this plot seemed lazier and it was definitely left completely hanging. I like the growth of the side characters and the relationship with Jen but much of it is in his mind and not thinking with his big head. So this just wasn't at the same level as the first two. I'll read the next and see how that is left, another major cliffhanger and I'm gone.
Profile Image for Ben Savage.
394 reviews11 followers
October 1, 2025
3.75 to 4!
Plot twists! We wanted a Kaylee and got a Sapphron. Again, problems abound with the " four named characters and 3 of them we know" but like all sci fi, it acknowledges and plays with the tropes. It's a fun read, and a fun premise. What to do when, even though the deck is stacked against you, things go... right? Well, hunt pirates for one and start a pseudo rebellion.

The other rationale seems rather thin looking back and it plays into the "low down... dirty... deciever" trope in play here.

The MacGuffin still MacGuffins, and serves as a purpose to drive the story forward. Onto the next one!
Profile Image for Rex Lorian.
Author 4 books7 followers
March 13, 2025
The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe is a laugh-out-loud adventure that’s equally absurd and heartwarming. This ragtag group of misfit "pirate hunters" bumbles through the galaxy with disastrous plans, terrible luck, and just enough charm to keep you rooting for them.

The action is fast-paced, the banter is sharp, and the plot twists—especially that jaw-dropping cliffhanger—will leave you desperate for the next book. If you love sci-fi with humor, chaos, and a lot of heart, this one’s a must-read!
6,726 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2024
Entertaining space opera listening 🎶🎎🎆

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 3 of 6

They are hired to help a planet rid it self of pirates. It turns into quite an adventure with the pirates being defeated. But then the truth comes out and the adventure continues.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of space opera fantasy world 🌎 adventure novels. 2024
Profile Image for Lynn Poppe.
711 reviews65 followers
November 29, 2024
Space pirates! Where was this book in September when I was looking for pirate books! It's far superior to the actual pirate book I read. This time around, Brad and Jessica are hired to save a planet from pirates. Their turns as space mercenaries going strong. I enjoy the literal fly by the seat of their pants action planning. Or lack of planning! Some excellent space fighting, with Jessica breaking out the ninja skills. On to the next book after that cliffhanger of an ending!
24 reviews
June 18, 2025
Great Twist Ending

I liked this book the best so far out of the series. I’m addicted to its positive tone, and the sarcastic humor. It’s refreshing to read the self doubt and stupid thoughts that actually go through real people’s minds, and it endears the characters to us. The action isn’t the star of the show, it’s the relationships that pull me in.

Happily on to the next book!
1,711 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2024
Another strong addition to the series

I found the first book by chance and gave it a try even though sci-fi is not in my wheelhouse. Having now read the second and third books in the series I am hooked on the series now. Look forward to seeing what happens next to Brad and his crew.
507 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2024
Fun quick space opera read and third in a series! This book works more on the characterization for the two main characters. It has an action oriented plot, evil villains, humor, etc. This story keeps you reading. Don't worry about the cliffhanger, just have the next book already on your shelf so you can go right into it. Recommended
760 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2024
Pirates and President

Meeting with a president's daughter about a pirate problem on her home planet, leads this intrepid crew to try to help but get into trouble. Something seems wrong but no-one can put words to what they feel is wrong. Finding out what is wrong before any innocent people get hurt is the job. Good Read.
Profile Image for James.
25 reviews
December 30, 2024

I have read all the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, by Skyler Ramirez, currently out. I have found them to be wonderful, quick military sci-fi reads. These stories are action-packed, with plenty of quick-witted humor, clean romance, and great characters in a vast yet trackable universe. Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes has quickly become my favorite enjoyment sci-fi read.

385 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2023
Excellent

Great twist at the end!!! And many giggles throughout!!! I sooo appreciate an author who can keep me reading (not scanning). And this one has now made my list of "favorite" authors. I'm only sad that I have to wait until book 4 comes out. Oh well... 🙂
564 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2023
Tough perspective change

Pretty good stories with a lot of backstabbing. The perspective change at the end was really a challenge and not quite enough information for it to sit in useful. Protagonist and the antagonists were all believable in me very human manner.
Profile Image for Cameron .
202 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2023
Good read

Ramirez knows how to.spina yarn and tell a tale. Book three continues the fun and fine story crafting of the first two books, space opera at its best, good scifi, great plot and fine story, held together with great characters.
Profile Image for Flugschütz.
35 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2023
Great story!

The characters aren’t deep. But they’ll get there eventually, I think. The story isn’t original, but it’s enjoyable. The obviousness of what is really going on is almost painful, but it’s okay because I still enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Trevor.
1,444 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2023
Brad Mendoza and Jessica Lin having been detained are offered a job to help Carter's world with a pirate problem. Using there limited skills, they help to resolve the issue, but all is not as it seems. Good series that continues to improve.
33 reviews
January 5, 2024
a lot of fun

It a fun series and looking forward to the next story line. Also wondering if at some point you will revisit the history of how humans got to the point where the story started.
174 reviews
January 22, 2024
Enjoyed it immensely.

I hope for sanity sake that Brad an Jessica get together in the next book. I'm tired of him complaining about his love life. Give me a break. Captain Kirk wouldn't have this kind of hesitation, nor would Han Solo!
Profile Image for CHERI.
42 reviews
March 4, 2024
A book that had me laughing out loud

“The worst Pirate Hunters is a perfect continuation of the lead protagonist, Brad Mendoza’s story. Skyler Ramirez keeps the humor coming while leaving the compelling story PG rated. I can’t wait to read book 4!
Profile Image for Kebaklgmail.com.
194 reviews
March 6, 2024
Clifhanger

Well Brad is still being lured into outrageous fights that choose him. Hes still a leering leach but this book made me smile! Give this series a chance youll be glad you did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.