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The Sinking Man: Book 1

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In the first full novel of the Sinking Man series, the team faces the harsh fallout of their past decisions.

With Dustin and Tina still missing, a routine radio check spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Ben believed he had made the right choice by sparing the survivors of Tallahassee—but his decision haunts him in ways he never expected.

As the team from Sanctuary fights to protect their fragile new family, they find themselves caught between the relentless undead and the even more dangerous remnants of a broken world. Old enemies resurface, new alliances are forged, and humanity’s darkest instincts rise to the surface.

Ben and the others will be pushed to the very edge, battling not only for survival, but for the last shreds of their humanity.“Remember, no matter what happens. Stick to the plan.” 

★★★★★“Finally, a well thought out take on the Zombie genre!” A. Bennet

★★★★★“Gritty and needed.” S. King

★★★★★“This is the type of Zombie story I wish they would make a show about!” T. Anderson

Fans of Keith C. Blackmore, Robert Kirkman, and Max Brooks, will want to read this series!

The Sinking Man series follows Ben’s journey in North East Florida with his wife Sarah and his newly found companions. All with one focus. Survive in a world full of ZOMBIES.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

2 people want to read

About the author

Justin Leslie

20 books39 followers

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,487 reviews496 followers
November 29, 2025
The Sinking Man: Book 1 by Justin S Leslie
The Sinking Man series. Best read after the series books Sheltered, Awakened, Released, Fractured, and Swarmed. This story continues after the previous books. Paranormal, zombies, horror.
Ben, Sarah, and the rest of the tight group are battling for survival. There’s hope that the zombies will just die out but Ben believes they won’t die but rather exist until killed. The group is relatively safe for now, but supplies will be needed eventually. Leaving the group alive in Tallahassee was the best decision at the time, but it’s likely Ken, the psycho killer isn’t going to forget about Sanctuary. Dustin and Tina are missing. Send out scouts? Shelter in place? None of their choices are safe. The zombies are still out there. As are other survivors. Can anyone be trusted? Is anywhere safe?

The zombies are relentless. Unthinking, sure. But always there.
Sanctuary has a good group of individuals. There are lots of crazies out there now that the world is pretty much destroyed. Lawlessness. And zombies. Lots of zombies. Don’t get caught unaware. It may be the last mistake you make.

A full length novel that follows the 5 shorter episodes.
Costco is a great resource but also a place the zombies seem to be drawn to.
Watch out for strangers. They may not have the same goals.
1,162 reviews
February 3, 2026
Another great installment. This is a great series involving zombies. I suggest maybe not trying to eat pizza while reading the first couple of chapters though! The crew are preparing for the Amanda and the others to exact their revenge for Tallahassee. Ben and others have been creating a sanctuary and are prepared to do what it takes to protect it. Along the way they lose some of their crew and gain others. Looking forward to what they will face next. I struggled with putting his book down!
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,826 reviews
February 1, 2025
This started out a bit slow, but it didn't last long. Ben and his group are up against a formidable enemy, and it isn't just zombies. Amanda, from TN, is looking for Ben and she has death on her hands. It is fascinating to watch as they work together to be strong and survive, navigating the back waters and roads of FL. Everyone in the sanctuary has their own amazing set of skills. I like the new addition of Carla and Andy.
25 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
Excellent series!

This was an excellent full size novel for this series which I have enjoyed very much. Other than a few typos, the story is compelling, the characters are engaging and who doesn't like a good zombie tale! I hope this isn't the end for Ben and Sanctuary...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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