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A Clive January Mystery #1
A Dead Man Speaks
Introducing the first in a new paranormal crime mystery series set in 1980s, New York City on Wall Street
Clive January is a driven, self-made Black man, a ruthless, wildly successful investment banker who had it all - until he is shot and killed from behind by an unknown assailant. As Clive lies in a pool of blood, his life slowly ebbing away, he hears voices, unearthly beings tormenting him, telling him that he will burn in hell, unless he finds out who killed him. Now before it's too late, his ghost must solve the crime of his own murder and his only choice is to work with the white racist cop assigned to his case, Detective Bob Greene.
Their relationship begins in hate and distrust, but soon they each realize that they have more in common than they could ever believe. And in the wrenching ending, they discover the truth that frees them both.
Clive January is a driven, self-made Black man, a ruthless, wildly successful investment banker who had it all - until he is shot and killed from behind by an unknown assailant. As Clive lies in a pool of blood, his life slowly ebbing away, he hears voices, unearthly beings tormenting him, telling him that he will burn in hell, unless he finds out who killed him. Now before it's too late, his ghost must solve the crime of his own murder and his only choice is to work with the white racist cop assigned to his case, Detective Bob Greene.
Their relationship begins in hate and distrust, but soon they each realize that they have more in common than they could ever believe. And in the wrenching ending, they discover the truth that frees them both.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2020
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 24, 2025
Clive January wanted more from life than Hendersonville, Mississippi could offer. He knew from a very early that he would be leaving this small place on earth. After many journeys, he lands in New York City and becomes a Wall Street arbitrageur with a wife and daughter. Life appears good until the unthinkable. He was shot in the back. Now, his ghost is happening homicide Detective Bob Greene find his killer.
This book goes back through the lives of both Clive and Bob to find their shared path and pains that still haunts both men to this day. For Bob it is the rejection of his father. For Clive it is the rejection of his mother. Find out who killed Clive January and why. The list of suspects is endless........ A good read.
Quotes :
The room was starting to have that nice wavy feel to it.
Hell, where I grew up in Brooklyn, you knew what you saw, not some mumbo jumbo kinda shit that didn't make sense half the time, but always seemed to be right.
What was worse, the humiliation of being charged with a crime that you didn't commit or exposure for one that you did?
This book goes back through the lives of both Clive and Bob to find their shared path and pains that still haunts both men to this day. For Bob it is the rejection of his father. For Clive it is the rejection of his mother. Find out who killed Clive January and why. The list of suspects is endless........ A good read.
Quotes :
The room was starting to have that nice wavy feel to it.
Hell, where I grew up in Brooklyn, you knew what you saw, not some mumbo jumbo kinda shit that didn't make sense half the time, but always seemed to be right.
What was worse, the humiliation of being charged with a crime that you didn't commit or exposure for one that you did?
May 23, 2025
“A Dead Man Speaks” is unlike any book I’ve read this year and honestly, it might be the most memorable. This was my first five-star read of the year, and it deserves every star.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The author’s storytelling is incredibly powerful, weaving together elements of crime, history, passion, and spirituality in a way that felt deeply personal and moving. As a reader, I found myself emotionally invested, constantly thinking about the characters, even when I wasn’t reading.
What stood out most to me was the depth of the characters. Clive, in particular, gripped me from the start. I felt for him, understood him, and continued to empathize with him as his story unfolded. The author has such a skillful way of writing people that you not only connect with them, but you also understand the choices they make, even the difficult and crazy ones.
There were so many themes in this book that hit close to home, and the spiritual layer added a richness that I wasn’t expecting but absolutely appreciated. The blend of realism and emotion was masterfully done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. I am officially a fan of this author and eagerly looking forward to whatever she writes next.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The author’s storytelling is incredibly powerful, weaving together elements of crime, history, passion, and spirituality in a way that felt deeply personal and moving. As a reader, I found myself emotionally invested, constantly thinking about the characters, even when I wasn’t reading.
What stood out most to me was the depth of the characters. Clive, in particular, gripped me from the start. I felt for him, understood him, and continued to empathize with him as his story unfolded. The author has such a skillful way of writing people that you not only connect with them, but you also understand the choices they make, even the difficult and crazy ones.
There were so many themes in this book that hit close to home, and the spiritual layer added a richness that I wasn’t expecting but absolutely appreciated. The blend of realism and emotion was masterfully done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. I am officially a fan of this author and eagerly looking forward to whatever she writes next.
August 12, 2025
A Dead Man Speaks is the gripping first book in the Clive January Mystery series. Set in 1980s New York City, the story follows Clive January, a successful Black investment banker, who is murdered from behind. His ghost is trapped in a limbo, tormented by unearthly voices, and told he won't find peace until he solves his own murder. His only hope is to team up with Detective Bob Greene, a white racist cop who has the unique ability to communicate with the spirits of victims. The narrative is a compelling journey as Clive and Bob, despite their initial hate and distrust, are forced to work together. Through visions and shared memories, they discover a commonality in their past pains, leading to a profound understanding and a wrenching reveal that frees them both. This paranormal mystery is a unique exploration of justice, redemption, and the unexpected bonds that can form between people from different worlds.
The novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and rich character development. Clive and Detective Bob are a compelling duo, whose relationship evolves from animosity to a deep, shared empathy. The author masterfully uses a multiple-POV structure, allowing the reader to experience both Clive's ghostly journey and Bob's investigation. This narrative choice, as noted by a reviewer, makes the characters feel deeply personal and their stories moving. The book tackles heavy themes like racism and past trauma with power and grace, making for a memorable and emotionally resonant read. The plot is a tense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, subverting expectations about who the killer might be.
The plot is driven by Clive's quest for justice and peace. The mystery of his murder, with its endless list of suspects, provides a constant source of suspense. The paranormal element, with Clive's ghost communicating through visions and dreams, is a fresh take on the crime detective genre. The central themes of love, loss, success, murder, and redemption are all woven together seamlessly. The exploration of shared pain, despite racial and social differences, is a particularly strong element of the story, leading to a "wrenching ending" that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a really strong read that keeps you engaged throughout.
I'm giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is a powerful, memorable, and moving story that masterfully blends paranormal elements with a compelling crime mystery. The character arcs are deeply engaging, and the themes of forgiveness and redemption are handled with great skill. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal thrillers, character-driven mysteries, and stories that challenge and inspire.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and rich character development. Clive and Detective Bob are a compelling duo, whose relationship evolves from animosity to a deep, shared empathy. The author masterfully uses a multiple-POV structure, allowing the reader to experience both Clive's ghostly journey and Bob's investigation. This narrative choice, as noted by a reviewer, makes the characters feel deeply personal and their stories moving. The book tackles heavy themes like racism and past trauma with power and grace, making for a memorable and emotionally resonant read. The plot is a tense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, subverting expectations about who the killer might be.
The plot is driven by Clive's quest for justice and peace. The mystery of his murder, with its endless list of suspects, provides a constant source of suspense. The paranormal element, with Clive's ghost communicating through visions and dreams, is a fresh take on the crime detective genre. The central themes of love, loss, success, murder, and redemption are all woven together seamlessly. The exploration of shared pain, despite racial and social differences, is a particularly strong element of the story, leading to a "wrenching ending" that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a really strong read that keeps you engaged throughout.
I'm giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is a powerful, memorable, and moving story that masterfully blends paranormal elements with a compelling crime mystery. The character arcs are deeply engaging, and the themes of forgiveness and redemption are handled with great skill. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal thrillers, character-driven mysteries, and stories that challenge and inspire.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
A huge thankyou to both Netgalley and Sibylline Digital First for an ARC of this amazing book!.
A dead man speaks was a powerful story about love, loss, success, murde, redemption and justice that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The character of Clive was both unique and powerful- from his traumatic childhood (at the hands of his cruel and cold mother), to him and his father getting out of the house and to Clive having to leave his home town to make a better life for himself elsewhere and find his own success.
In the story, Clive (whilst at the peak of his career got mixed up with shady people and decided to get out) however before he could he was killed in cold blood and his murder became unsolved until a detective was tasked with solving the case.
This story was an unforgettable, memorable and moving one that will stay with me as a reader for a long time to come. The next story in this series is sure to be just as good when it is released.
A dead man speaks was a powerful story about love, loss, success, murde, redemption and justice that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The character of Clive was both unique and powerful- from his traumatic childhood (at the hands of his cruel and cold mother), to him and his father getting out of the house and to Clive having to leave his home town to make a better life for himself elsewhere and find his own success.
In the story, Clive (whilst at the peak of his career got mixed up with shady people and decided to get out) however before he could he was killed in cold blood and his murder became unsolved until a detective was tasked with solving the case.
This story was an unforgettable, memorable and moving one that will stay with me as a reader for a long time to come. The next story in this series is sure to be just as good when it is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Just finished A Dead Man Speaks by Lisa Jones Gentry, and wow… this one left me thinking deeply about justice, redemption, and the power of storytelling.
Told from the perspective of Billy Wayne Sinclair—a man sentenced to death at just 20 years old—this book is raw, honest, and incredibly moving. The way Gentry and Sinclair explore the prison system, personal accountability, and transformation over time gave me chills.
You can feel every word. Every regret. Every moment of growth. It's not just about crime—it's about humanity.
Rating: 4/5
Emotional, thought-provoking, and necessary.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. If you're into true crime with a twist of hope and introspection, definitely add this to your TBR!
Told from the perspective of Billy Wayne Sinclair—a man sentenced to death at just 20 years old—this book is raw, honest, and incredibly moving. The way Gentry and Sinclair explore the prison system, personal accountability, and transformation over time gave me chills.
You can feel every word. Every regret. Every moment of growth. It's not just about crime—it's about humanity.
Rating: 4/5
Emotional, thought-provoking, and necessary.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. If you're into true crime with a twist of hope and introspection, definitely add this to your TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
A Dead Man Speaks is another great hit of 2025. Unforgettable, brave, and extraordinary, I can't stop thinking about this book!
Clive always knew he was born for greater things. His life has always been hard, his mother didn't like him, he grew up poor, but he always had his father, until he passed. From that moment forward, Clive's life has been rough, all trials, and many many errors. His story is deep, full of so much pain and suffering. You can't help but feel for Clive, no matter what choices he made. The power of love, redemption, and survival are present throughout the novel.
Thank you, Netgalley and Sibylline Digital First/Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Clive always knew he was born for greater things. His life has always been hard, his mother didn't like him, he grew up poor, but he always had his father, until he passed. From that moment forward, Clive's life has been rough, all trials, and many many errors. His story is deep, full of so much pain and suffering. You can't help but feel for Clive, no matter what choices he made. The power of love, redemption, and survival are present throughout the novel.
Thank you, Netgalley and Sibylline Digital First/Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
May 7, 2025
This book completely grabbed me from the first page.
Thank you to Sibylline Digital first and NetGalley for this copy for my honest unbiased review.
The author really brought Clive January to life Black investment banker in New York City – you feel his struggles, his sadness, and the weight of his life. Following Detective Bob's investigation was equally compelling; he's this racist detective tackling a case everyone else gave up on. The story deals with some heavy stuff – racism and hatred – but it's handled with such power. I kept thinking about it long after I finished reading. Will they solve Clive's murder? You'll have to read it to find out! Highly recommend.
Thank you to Sibylline Digital first and NetGalley for this copy for my honest unbiased review.
The author really brought Clive January to life Black investment banker in New York City – you feel his struggles, his sadness, and the weight of his life. Following Detective Bob's investigation was equally compelling; he's this racist detective tackling a case everyone else gave up on. The story deals with some heavy stuff – racism and hatred – but it's handled with such power. I kept thinking about it long after I finished reading. Will they solve Clive's murder? You'll have to read it to find out! Highly recommend.
October 25, 2025
The book, a dead man speaks, was mystifying to me in the beginning an incredibly enjoyable by the end. The idea of a police officer and a dead spirit solving a case caused me to wonder if ESP might have more validity in the real world than we imagine. When I saw the subtitle and realized that one of the main characters was dead, I wondered if there could be a continuation of the series, but thankfully there will be. I challenge you to overcome your natural thoughts and allow this mystery to get under your skin. It will be worth it to you.
March 25, 2025
This book is amazing! Kept me hooked from start to finish. I'm typically the romance/fantasy reader to this was the first thriller I've read in a while, and this book as made me so much more interested in the genre. The way that this story subverts all expectations and had me dying to know how this was going to end... long story short, I loved every page of this book!
I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
7/5 stars!
I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
7/5 stars!
March 25, 2025
Shoutout Black people for fitting a message in a murder mystery. I didn't know what to expect when I saw a Black man had to work with racist cop. But I was plesantly suprised. The way we explore the story from multiple points of views got me so attached to characters. Going on the journey of forgiveness and coming to terms with the past mads this book hard to put down. This is all I can say without giving everything away Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
January 3, 2025
Great thriller!
Read
October 10, 2025DNF
March 1, 2025
I really had no idea how the plot would turn out, it truly succeeded in diverting every expectation inclination I may have had about "whodunit". also loved the robust cast of characters featured in this novel – alongside the plot of course, they really made this book what it was!
October 1, 2020
A Dead Man Speaks is the first book in Lisa Jones Gentry’s Clive January Mystery series. The premise of the book is that the deceased Mr January can’t rest until his murder is solved and is able to communicate with Detective Bob Greene to help him. Which should really make the case easier for Greene except that what he gets from January are a series of powerful memories from throughout his life which send him chasing up all kinds of leads which may or may not have anything to do with January’s death.
The story takes a while to get going. For the first twelve chapters it feels like January’s life is flashing slowly before his eyes. This gives us a fair bit of backstory which is useful later on, but I think interspersing this with aspects of the murder investigation would have given the story a more momentum. It is worth persevering, though, as it is an interesting story and the pace and tension do pick up later in the book.
Detective Greene is a complicated character. He testified against a partner who murdered a black teenager but did nothing in the moment to stop his partner. This means that pretty much everybody dislikes him, and his apparently confused morals make it hard for the reader to warm to him. He is persistent, though, and determined to find justice for January.
For me, this is a four-star book. It requires a fair bit of attention and patience but rewards you with an intriguing, tangled mystery with plenty of twists and surprises. I’d recommend it to mystery fans who are interested in ghosts and the paranormal. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
The story takes a while to get going. For the first twelve chapters it feels like January’s life is flashing slowly before his eyes. This gives us a fair bit of backstory which is useful later on, but I think interspersing this with aspects of the murder investigation would have given the story a more momentum. It is worth persevering, though, as it is an interesting story and the pace and tension do pick up later in the book.
Detective Greene is a complicated character. He testified against a partner who murdered a black teenager but did nothing in the moment to stop his partner. This means that pretty much everybody dislikes him, and his apparently confused morals make it hard for the reader to warm to him. He is persistent, though, and determined to find justice for January.
For me, this is a four-star book. It requires a fair bit of attention and patience but rewards you with an intriguing, tangled mystery with plenty of twists and surprises. I’d recommend it to mystery fans who are interested in ghosts and the paranormal. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
October 2, 2020
A Dead Man Speaks ( a Clive January Mystery Book 1)
Lisa Jones Gentry
4 out of 5 stars
I've been reading (and enjoying) a lot of books outside of my normal genre as of late. This was a great read and a bit more of what I gravitate toward.
This was my first book I have read by this author and much to my pleasant surprise, a first in a series.
This is one of those books that has characters that you find yourself growing attached to. I found myself intrigued from start to finish as a Dead Man Speaks has elements of a good mystery/thriller. The idea of the victim taking part in solving his own murder is fantastic to me! While there is an obvious paranormal element to the story, I never felt like the author was reaching or that the twists and turns were over the top. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Lisa Jones Gentry.
Lisa Jones Gentry
4 out of 5 stars
I've been reading (and enjoying) a lot of books outside of my normal genre as of late. This was a great read and a bit more of what I gravitate toward.
This was my first book I have read by this author and much to my pleasant surprise, a first in a series.
This is one of those books that has characters that you find yourself growing attached to. I found myself intrigued from start to finish as a Dead Man Speaks has elements of a good mystery/thriller. The idea of the victim taking part in solving his own murder is fantastic to me! While there is an obvious paranormal element to the story, I never felt like the author was reaching or that the twists and turns were over the top. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Lisa Jones Gentry.
October 1, 2020
5/5 Stars
A Dead Man Speaks (A Clive January Mystery #1) by Lisa Jones Gentry
This is the first book by the author that I've read. It won't be my last by Gentry. She's got a great way of wording and her characters. I highly recommend this for Crime lovers.
Clive had a bad life. As a young boy his mom didn't want him. His father takes him and they move into a boarding house. The lady of the house takes them in.
Clive loses his father and his mom comes to take him back. He takes off after he graduates because he can't take living with his mom. The quote I chose for Clive is: “What did that guy really say?”
A Dead Man Speaks (A Clive January Mystery #1) by Lisa Jones Gentry
This is the first book by the author that I've read. It won't be my last by Gentry. She's got a great way of wording and her characters. I highly recommend this for Crime lovers.
Clive had a bad life. As a young boy his mom didn't want him. His father takes him and they move into a boarding house. The lady of the house takes them in.
Clive loses his father and his mom comes to take him back. He takes off after he graduates because he can't take living with his mom. The quote I chose for Clive is: “What did that guy really say?”
October 1, 2020
This is my first book by Lisa Jones Gentry. I love paranormal stories and crime is my jam. This book put them both together. I loved this book! The plot was well established and the characters are well developed. Detective Bob and Clive (he’s the poor dude that got whacked) go through who could have caused Clive's murder. The twists and turns of this story were amazing. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book for this series!
October 2, 2020
If you like a good mystery with plenty of meat to sink your teeth into, you will love this book. The author does a fantastic job setting up the story and then helping fill in the blanks in a very thoughtful way. I appreciated how she developed the storyline and allowed the character to become a complete tangible person. I kept reading wanting to find out what exactly happened and why. It really was just extremely well written. I hope to read more from this author soon.
October 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading A Dead Man Speaks by Lisa Jones Gentry. The book is a womderful combination of paranormal and mystery that really will keep you turning pages. Each page you read brought more and more insight into the lives of the characters. The way the story is told was new and fascinating to me. This was my first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read the next book!
December 2, 2024
This is the best read for our paranormal-loving friends. Super interesting characters & situations.
December 2, 2024
Wow — Totally gripping! If you love doses of paranormal in your mystery, this book serves it up with incredible style. It's a fascinating page-turner that fans will enjoy.
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed the way this book takes you into multiple realms--thoughts, time, places, the minds of others--following a provocative story to a satisfying end. Lisa has created something unique!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews