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The Undead 32. The Battle for Winchester: Season Five. The Rain
THE ICONIC BRITISH SERIES THAT HAS REDEFINED A GENRE AND BECOME FAR MORE THAN A ZOMBIE STORY.
This is a tale of loyalty, friendship, and the sacrifices we make for love. The Undead is a gripping, and often laugh-out-loud exploration of how far we’ll go to protect those we care about.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the most original voices of our time.” - Richard Moriarty, The Sun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “RR Haywood delivers in style.” - Chris Riches, The Express.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exceptional” - The London Economic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Gripping authenticity from ex-cop Haywood” John Ward, Deputy Editor, Daily Star Sunday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It can only be a matter of time before RR Haywood’s books are adapted for Netflix.” - The European
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant writing from start to end.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A whip-cracking, adrenaline-fuelled doozy of a book!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best series ever!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A cracking read..."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "You'll cheer, laugh and cry..."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A gem of a series."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best zombie series by far."
"My name is Howie. I was named after my father, Howard, but having two Howards was confusing, so I became Howie. I am a supermarket night manager. This is my account." When a deadly infection spreads across Europe, supermarket manager Howie’s ordinary life is thrown into chaos. As the world crumbles around him, he teams up with his autistic best mate, Dave and a ragtag group of misfits to face an enemy unlike any other—the undead. But this isn’t just any infection. It evolves. It learns. And it’s getting smarter every day. Howie soon learns that nothing is quite what it seems - and neither is he.With fast-paced, blistering action, The Undead series follows Howie and Dave and their unlikely friends as they become the only hope for humanity pitted in a race against time to stop the infection before it becomes clevererer than them. Which honestly wouldn't be that hard.
The Undead has grown to become an iconic British series, redefining zombie horror with rich, unparalleled characterisation—seldom seen outside of literary fiction. But The Undead becomes far more than a zombie story. This is a tale of loyalty and friendship, of how we bond and how far we will go for the people we love. Its catchphrases have become part of everyday language for its readers, and its razor-sharp humour reflects the stupidity and greed of humanity, while still offering hope that we can rise above and do the right thing.
Start your journey now and become immersed in the world of The Undead.
Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon & Audible bestselling author, RR Haywood.
This is a tale of loyalty, friendship, and the sacrifices we make for love. The Undead is a gripping, and often laugh-out-loud exploration of how far we’ll go to protect those we care about.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the most original voices of our time.” - Richard Moriarty, The Sun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “RR Haywood delivers in style.” - Chris Riches, The Express.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exceptional” - The London Economic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Gripping authenticity from ex-cop Haywood” John Ward, Deputy Editor, Daily Star Sunday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It can only be a matter of time before RR Haywood’s books are adapted for Netflix.” - The European
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant writing from start to end.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A whip-cracking, adrenaline-fuelled doozy of a book!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best series ever!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A cracking read..."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "You'll cheer, laugh and cry..."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A gem of a series."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best zombie series by far."
"My name is Howie. I was named after my father, Howard, but having two Howards was confusing, so I became Howie. I am a supermarket night manager. This is my account." When a deadly infection spreads across Europe, supermarket manager Howie’s ordinary life is thrown into chaos. As the world crumbles around him, he teams up with his autistic best mate, Dave and a ragtag group of misfits to face an enemy unlike any other—the undead. But this isn’t just any infection. It evolves. It learns. And it’s getting smarter every day. Howie soon learns that nothing is quite what it seems - and neither is he.With fast-paced, blistering action, The Undead series follows Howie and Dave and their unlikely friends as they become the only hope for humanity pitted in a race against time to stop the infection before it becomes clevererer than them. Which honestly wouldn't be that hard.
The Undead has grown to become an iconic British series, redefining zombie horror with rich, unparalleled characterisation—seldom seen outside of literary fiction. But The Undead becomes far more than a zombie story. This is a tale of loyalty and friendship, of how we bond and how far we will go for the people we love. Its catchphrases have become part of everyday language for its readers, and its razor-sharp humour reflects the stupidity and greed of humanity, while still offering hope that we can rise above and do the right thing.
Start your journey now and become immersed in the world of The Undead.
Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon & Audible bestselling author, RR Haywood.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2024
114 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Haywood
94 books1,238 followers"One of the most original voices of our time." - Richard Moriarty, The Sun
"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.
His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."
A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.
"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.
His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."
A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 7, 2024
The Undead Day Thirty Two: The Battle for Winchester
The Undead #32
Sci-Fi
R.R. Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ • ᴛᴇᴀᴍᴡᴏʀᴋ • ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ •
I liked the diary entries from different characters and the foreshadowing of certain events. It made the tension grow and made me eager to find out what actually happened and who survived.
The battle was epic and the characters worked well together against various challenges.
I liked Krakov, his daughter and his team, who were new characters. They fit in well and it was actually nice to see that Krakov was actually different to how he was portrayed to worldwide government agencies.
The pacing was a little slow at times but it didn't stop me from enjoying the plot.
I really felt bad for Lilly and Mary. They had fought so hard to make The Fort livable for everyone and they tried to be fair. Then someone came and completely destroyed their leadership and made everyone think poorly of them.
I was glad that Charlie and Cookey finally admitted their feelings for each other. It was getting a little annoying with Cookey's constant self doubt and thinking he's not good enough for her.
The ending was good and I can't wait to read the next book.
The Undead #32
Sci-Fi
R.R. Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ • ᴛᴇᴀᴍᴡᴏʀᴋ • ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ •
I liked the diary entries from different characters and the foreshadowing of certain events. It made the tension grow and made me eager to find out what actually happened and who survived.
The battle was epic and the characters worked well together against various challenges.
I liked Krakov, his daughter and his team, who were new characters. They fit in well and it was actually nice to see that Krakov was actually different to how he was portrayed to worldwide government agencies.
The pacing was a little slow at times but it didn't stop me from enjoying the plot.
I really felt bad for Lilly and Mary. They had fought so hard to make The Fort livable for everyone and they tried to be fair. Then someone came and completely destroyed their leadership and made everyone think poorly of them.
I was glad that Charlie and Cookey finally admitted their feelings for each other. It was getting a little annoying with Cookey's constant self doubt and thinking he's not good enough for her.
The ending was good and I can't wait to read the next book.
October 13, 2025
I've been reading this series for the past decade, and I'm amazed that after all these years I'm still hooked by Haywood's writing. His humble origins show in his work, and he isn't afraid to publicly admit so, even offers genuine advice for free to aspiring writers that may lack (in their minds) proper studies and credentials. He knows his weaknesses and strengths, and leans into them, offering an exciting ride to his readers.
And you can see how his writing evolves if you start this series from the beginning.
The fast paced narrative in this entry was so captivating, I found myself going back to repeat certain passages just a couple lines back, amazed by how inside the action I felt. For those who have read Sanderson, the evolution of the characters over the years, the tension and at the same time cohesion of the fast POV switches during the finale, these aspects rivaled those of Oathbringer (arguably the best Sanderlance - IYKYK), at least in my view.
Along with Jameson's excellent audiobook narration, the next entry to the Undead series could be a phonebook, and it would still be a thrill.
And you can see how his writing evolves if you start this series from the beginning.
The fast paced narrative in this entry was so captivating, I found myself going back to repeat certain passages just a couple lines back, amazed by how inside the action I felt. For those who have read Sanderson, the evolution of the characters over the years, the tension and at the same time cohesion of the fast POV switches during the finale, these aspects rivaled those of Oathbringer (arguably the best Sanderlance - IYKYK), at least in my view.
Along with Jameson's excellent audiobook narration, the next entry to the Undead series could be a phonebook, and it would still be a thrill.
June 25, 2024
A whirlpool, no, a twister, no, it's the biggest rollercoaster of a ride I've ever experienced!
I'm a massive fan of all the books up till now. I've laughed and thrilled as each book has brought us so far. I genuinely love it when the storylines have slipped sideways and inwardly growled when my favourite characters have been written off the page. But...none of the previous books hold a candle to this one. I've been reading on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book. The jokes haven't stopped, the action is unrelenting and every page seems to be the one where the team fails... until the next page of course. I've loved this book and am on baited breath for the next one. If you are reading this review and haven't placed a tie in the Undead series, do it now. You will not regret it Mr Haywood, thank you so much. Your days must be full of laughter whilst your nightmares must be the stuff of legend. Take care.
I'm a massive fan of all the books up till now. I've laughed and thrilled as each book has brought us so far. I genuinely love it when the storylines have slipped sideways and inwardly growled when my favourite characters have been written off the page. But...none of the previous books hold a candle to this one. I've been reading on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book. The jokes haven't stopped, the action is unrelenting and every page seems to be the one where the team fails... until the next page of course. I've loved this book and am on baited breath for the next one. If you are reading this review and haven't placed a tie in the Undead series, do it now. You will not regret it Mr Haywood, thank you so much. Your days must be full of laughter whilst your nightmares must be the stuff of legend. Take care.
September 15, 2024
I have read this series from the beginning. I was going off the storyline a bit before Books 31 & 32, but reasoned with myself that there would be boredom before the action and time to infill the storyline. Got it right. Wow, I read 31 and 32 in 3 days and now into 33. I have worked out that as there are well over 60 million zombies left in mainland Britain (get over it Reginald, they are zombies) the series should get to 4 figures and keep on delivering for decades to come, wink, wink. And great to read that a TV series pilot could be on the way under the direction of young Haywood himself. It just gets better. Keep up the good work RRH.
June 22, 2024
Wow!!!!
This is a must read but you absolutely have to start with the first book for the series. The series is so well written you can see it in your mind as you read. It all makes perfect sense. The books will take you through an emotional rollercoaster at times. Happy. Sad. Laughing. Crying. Anger. Hate. Love. Fear. Anxiety. You’ll feel it all and more! As you are reading the series you may not be happy with certain turns of events but in the end it all makes sense. Just give it a read!!!
This is a must read but you absolutely have to start with the first book for the series. The series is so well written you can see it in your mind as you read. It all makes perfect sense. The books will take you through an emotional rollercoaster at times. Happy. Sad. Laughing. Crying. Anger. Hate. Love. Fear. Anxiety. You’ll feel it all and more! As you are reading the series you may not be happy with certain turns of events but in the end it all makes sense. Just give it a read!!!
June 25, 2024
Could this book be anything other than perfect? A pivotal book in the series, packed full of the usual humor, loyalty and aspirations for good. Yes, the massive battle which previous books were leading to is here in all it's vivid glory, but for me the characters' and story's development have reached a new zenith with this book.
New characters in, old characters out, the core characters and story will live on.
And whilst understated, the very subtle ending will lead to so much more. Incredible.
New characters in, old characters out, the core characters and story will live on.
And whilst understated, the very subtle ending will lead to so much more. Incredible.
January 28, 2025
Genius
I’m not sure how he does it, but every single book I read, I’m impressed. When I first started the series I was confused. How can a zombie story go for so long? The long ones always become about how humans are worse than zombies and blah blah blah, but somehow this series (while still hinting that humans can in fact be worse) is still all about zombies. And not boring at all. Impossible to put down. All of his books are good. Always have me hooked. But this series is something else
I’m not sure how he does it, but every single book I read, I’m impressed. When I first started the series I was confused. How can a zombie story go for so long? The long ones always become about how humans are worse than zombies and blah blah blah, but somehow this series (while still hinting that humans can in fact be worse) is still all about zombies. And not boring at all. Impossible to put down. All of his books are good. Always have me hooked. But this series is something else
June 27, 2024
oh my bloody god - epic
The final of a series of updates that have just been building in tension and anticipation to the Battle of Winchester. I know the area and could see every step of the battle - but even if you’re not from round there The Boss paints such a picture that you can’t help but be there amongst the action. Another masterpiece … and a new twist … waiting again with bated breath.
The final of a series of updates that have just been building in tension and anticipation to the Battle of Winchester. I know the area and could see every step of the battle - but even if you’re not from round there The Boss paints such a picture that you can’t help but be there amongst the action. Another masterpiece … and a new twist … waiting again with bated breath.
July 3, 2024
One of the best of the series
Your pacing is getting really, really good Mr Haywood.
Once again, the story in this long running series is completely turned on its head, and once again I can't wait for the next one.
If, like me, you read a lot of kindle books and like longer series, this is one of the best. Somehow, it not only stays fresh but it keeps getting better and better. It starts great, first seven books or so are unputdownable. Then it gets better.
Your pacing is getting really, really good Mr Haywood.
Once again, the story in this long running series is completely turned on its head, and once again I can't wait for the next one.
If, like me, you read a lot of kindle books and like longer series, this is one of the best. Somehow, it not only stays fresh but it keeps getting better and better. It starts great, first seven books or so are unputdownable. Then it gets better.
July 7, 2024
An Exciting Read
The battle was epic! This book kept me laughing til the end then I had tears. I'm enjoying this series so much I'm always looking to see if the next day is out. I'm ready for Day 33 now. RR Haywood is a master at storytelling. I can picture the characters in my mind and feel like I know them. I love most and dislike others but every good story has those characters. This series is a must read.
The battle was epic! This book kept me laughing til the end then I had tears. I'm enjoying this series so much I'm always looking to see if the next day is out. I'm ready for Day 33 now. RR Haywood is a master at storytelling. I can picture the characters in my mind and feel like I know them. I love most and dislike others but every good story has those characters. This series is a must read.
August 24, 2024
So Good!
I never would have thought a zombie series would be in my top 5 series, but it is! I live for these books to come out. Haywood does so much right when writes! I absolutely love the characters, the bonds, the action scenes, the love and most of not losing sight of “always doing the right thing!” I think for some the first book will be hard to stay and be able to see the whole of this series. Don’t just think zombies…it’s so much more than that!
I never would have thought a zombie series would be in my top 5 series, but it is! I live for these books to come out. Haywood does so much right when writes! I absolutely love the characters, the bonds, the action scenes, the love and most of not losing sight of “always doing the right thing!” I think for some the first book will be hard to stay and be able to see the whole of this series. Don’t just think zombies…it’s so much more than that!
July 10, 2024
No words
Omg you can't leave us hanging RR HAYWOOD. I 💯 loved the rain season. You are going to have your fans going all misery on you 😆 I went through every emotion reading this series and love the old characters and the new as if they were real and I knew them. RR Haywood you are awsome!!
Omg you can't leave us hanging RR HAYWOOD. I 💯 loved the rain season. You are going to have your fans going all misery on you 😆 I went through every emotion reading this series and love the old characters and the new as if they were real and I knew them. RR Haywood you are awsome!!
June 23, 2024
Winchester - Worth the wait!!!!
Absolutely brilliant!!!!!! Thanks as always for bringing the characters to life and great use of Winchester in the story.
Excited to read what comes next
Absolutely brilliant!!!!!! Thanks as always for bringing the characters to life and great use of Winchester in the story.
Excited to read what comes next
June 22, 2024
wow
Wow… wow… I did not want to put this down and got thoroughly annoyed by anyone who dared speak to me, some I did not even hear. I very much am looking forward to the next. Thank you.
Wow… wow… I did not want to put this down and got thoroughly annoyed by anyone who dared speak to me, some I did not even hear. I very much am looking forward to the next. Thank you.
June 23, 2024
Well well well
Thank's Richard for a sleepless night , bitten nails ,a heart beating like a drum BUT by God your just bloody brilliant . you deserve every single ounce of praise for another amazing book. Much love x
Thank's Richard for a sleepless night , bitten nails ,a heart beating like a drum BUT by God your just bloody brilliant . you deserve every single ounce of praise for another amazing book. Much love x
June 23, 2024
I’m exhausted!
In fairness, a frenetic climax to The Rain instalments, but still manages to leave the reader on a cliffhanger as to what exactly is about happen now?! just Wow! I can’t wait for the final part. Bring it on. ;)
In fairness, a frenetic climax to The Rain instalments, but still manages to leave the reader on a cliffhanger as to what exactly is about happen now?! just Wow! I can’t wait for the final part. Bring it on. ;)
June 23, 2024
And the saga continues....
It just goes by too quickly and before I know it,I'm waiting for the next release again!
Awesome as always boss twists,turns,blood,gore,love,laughter,tears, it's all covered once again,at breakneck speed!
It just goes by too quickly and before I know it,I'm waiting for the next release again!
Awesome as always boss twists,turns,blood,gore,love,laughter,tears, it's all covered once again,at breakneck speed!
June 25, 2024
The entertainment never stops
I've read a lot in my 58 years on this planet and enjoyed most of it but this series of books is on another level, simply the best series I've ever read and that's not hyperbole it's fact.
I've read a lot in my 58 years on this planet and enjoyed most of it but this series of books is on another level, simply the best series I've ever read and that's not hyperbole it's fact.
June 27, 2024
As always,amazing!
Love these books, can't read them fast enough, but never want the story to end. Thank you Mr Haywood, for your gripping story telling and even more wonderful characters.
Love these books, can't read them fast enough, but never want the story to end. Thank you Mr Haywood, for your gripping story telling and even more wonderful characters.
June 28, 2024
Winchester
Hope,Love,Tragedy,Pride,DespairJoy and all wrapped up in a brilliant story with characters you’ll love.
Unputdownable if that’s even a word.
Reading this in my lunch breaks trying to swallow food with a lump in my throat nearly choked to death.
Thanks mate
Hope,Love,Tragedy,Pride,DespairJoy and all wrapped up in a brilliant story with characters you’ll love.
Unputdownable if that’s even a word.
Reading this in my lunch breaks trying to swallow food with a lump in my throat nearly choked to death.
Thanks mate
June 30, 2024
Wow!
Just wow! Once I started reading i could not stop. More characters that are instantly enjoyed and feel like they have been a part of the journey from the beginning. Amazing writing yet again from R R Haywood!!!
Just wow! Once I started reading i could not stop. More characters that are instantly enjoyed and feel like they have been a part of the journey from the beginning. Amazing writing yet again from R R Haywood!!!
July 4, 2024
I Love This Saga
Thank you RR Haywood
I Love the undead series
It's humorous - I can't tell how many times I have laughed out loud in public
I Love the messaging on doing better with the rest of our lives
I wished there was no end to this story Love.
Thank you RR Haywood
I Love the undead series
It's humorous - I can't tell how many times I have laughed out loud in public
I Love the messaging on doing better with the rest of our lives
I wished there was no end to this story Love.
September 12, 2024
far too excited. amazing!!
Winchester. The battle. Just when you think it can’t get harder. It really does. This is breathtaking. I wanted to read slowly but I really couldn’t. Each event ramps up in new and unexpected ways. A master of twists. My head hurts from reading it.
Winchester. The battle. Just when you think it can’t get harder. It really does. This is breathtaking. I wanted to read slowly but I really couldn’t. Each event ramps up in new and unexpected ways. A master of twists. My head hurts from reading it.
November 9, 2025
Part 32: Krakov, the hall and pink berets
Another book from this series that has me laughing out loud and crying in public.
I know there’s only one book left in the series for now, so I’m trying to stretch it out, but I just love it so much.
Another book from this series that has me laughing out loud and crying in public.
I know there’s only one book left in the series for now, so I’m trying to stretch it out, but I just love it so much.
November 22, 2025
You’d think after 32 books about the Zompocalypse it would be getting old, but the author is constantly evolving the plot and bringing in new characters and story arcs. I love it. I feel I know the characters so well it’s a comforting read that I can rely on.
June 21, 2024
So good!
This season took the boss a year to write. All I can say is he better get cracking! Love it, love it, love it!
This season took the boss a year to write. All I can say is he better get cracking! Love it, love it, love it!
June 21, 2024
How good?
Amazing. Yet again it hits the mark. I read it in one sitting and loved it. Please, read and enjoy this book.
Amazing. Yet again it hits the mark. I read it in one sitting and loved it. Please, read and enjoy this book.
June 22, 2024
Undead 32
Great book just wish it was longer, looking forward for the next one.
I have read the entire series(some books twice) and recommend to everyone!
Great book just wish it was longer, looking forward for the next one.
I have read the entire series(some books twice) and recommend to everyone!
June 22, 2024
oh dear
Save my poor heart! Such an epic story. Tell me there will be more soon… yes, please, and thank you Mr Haywood
Save my poor heart! Such an epic story. Tell me there will be more soon… yes, please, and thank you Mr Haywood
June 22, 2024
excellent
Another fantastic ride in the world of the Undead. This writer creates the most believable characters and then always ends with a jaw dropper!
Another fantastic ride in the world of the Undead. This writer creates the most believable characters and then always ends with a jaw dropper!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews