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What Grows from the Dead
Morris Drummond is not at his best. Well, he hasn't been at his best for a while now. But having just suffered two crushing losses, he's almost at rock bottom, which for him means driving ride-share in his mom's beat up Chevy, drowning his sorrows in tacos and spray cheese, and avoiding anything related to ambition, self-care, or laundry.
Morris is about to learn that he didn't even know what rock bottom looked like, and it's all thanks to his mom. A secret she left behind comes to light, and that brings down a lot of unwanted attention on Morris, the kind that looks likely to send him either to prison or to the hereafter. Blood and treachery from long ago rise to the surface, and Morris has only his lawyer Annie, who's an old high school friend, and a few unexpected allies to call on as he tries to figure out what his mom was up to and why so many people want him out of the picture.
A humorous mystery with elements of suspense and thrillers, What Grows from the Dead is set in present-day small-town North Carolina, not far from the mysterious Uwharrie Forest.
Content Coarse language throughout; some gun violence (not graphic).
Morris is about to learn that he didn't even know what rock bottom looked like, and it's all thanks to his mom. A secret she left behind comes to light, and that brings down a lot of unwanted attention on Morris, the kind that looks likely to send him either to prison or to the hereafter. Blood and treachery from long ago rise to the surface, and Morris has only his lawyer Annie, who's an old high school friend, and a few unexpected allies to call on as he tries to figure out what his mom was up to and why so many people want him out of the picture.
A humorous mystery with elements of suspense and thrillers, What Grows from the Dead is set in present-day small-town North Carolina, not far from the mysterious Uwharrie Forest.
Content Coarse language throughout; some gun violence (not graphic).
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First published March 10, 2024
314 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read
About the author
Dave Dobson
13 books84 followersA native of Ames, Iowa, Dave loves writing, reading, boardgames, computer games, improv comedy, pizza, barbarian movies, and the cheaper end of the Taco Bell menu. Also, his wife and kids.
Dave is the author of Snood, Snoodoku, Snood Towers, and other computer games. Dave first published Snood in 1996, and it became one of the most popular shareware games of the early Internet. His most recent game is Scryptix, a word game for cell phones.
Dave taught geology, environmental studies, and computer programming at Guilford College for 24 years before stepping away to write full time. He does improv comedy every week at the Idiot Box in Greensboro, North Carolina. He’s also played the world’s largest tuba in concert. Not that that is relevant, but it’s still kinda cool.
Dave is the author of Snood, Snoodoku, Snood Towers, and other computer games. Dave first published Snood in 1996, and it became one of the most popular shareware games of the early Internet. His most recent game is Scryptix, a word game for cell phones.
Dave taught geology, environmental studies, and computer programming at Guilford College for 24 years before stepping away to write full time. He does improv comedy every week at the Idiot Box in Greensboro, North Carolina. He’s also played the world’s largest tuba in concert. Not that that is relevant, but it’s still kinda cool.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 29, 2024
Note to self: When reading a Dave Dobson book, wait until the weekend to start. Absolutely unputdownable.
What Grows From The Dead follows Morris, who recently lost his job as a professor and has been having a rough go of things. He is living back at his late mother’s house, dealing with her estate, and things start to get… interesting.
The story picks up right off the bat and is gripping right to the end. It’s so well fleshed out, the pacing is perfect, every detail has so much thought behind it. One of the things that stuck out to me is that there is no fluff/filler, nothing that I found myself skimming or rushing through. I was invested in every bit of it.
The author creates the most unique, lovable characters that feel so real. They are all so different from each other, but connect in the most genuine and often hilarious ways. Did I see myself being absolutely charmed by a guy called “Vampire Steve”? Nope, yet here we are.
Another thing that I appreciate— the characters don’t make awful choices just to advance the plot; the plot advances naturally. In so many mysteries/thrillers, I find myself yelling at the main character, but I never wanted to yell at sweet Morris.
An excellent read overall. Exciting and funny, doesn’t shame people for where they’re at, and shows that tough times can happen to anyone.
What Grows From The Dead follows Morris, who recently lost his job as a professor and has been having a rough go of things. He is living back at his late mother’s house, dealing with her estate, and things start to get… interesting.
The story picks up right off the bat and is gripping right to the end. It’s so well fleshed out, the pacing is perfect, every detail has so much thought behind it. One of the things that stuck out to me is that there is no fluff/filler, nothing that I found myself skimming or rushing through. I was invested in every bit of it.
The author creates the most unique, lovable characters that feel so real. They are all so different from each other, but connect in the most genuine and often hilarious ways. Did I see myself being absolutely charmed by a guy called “Vampire Steve”? Nope, yet here we are.
Another thing that I appreciate— the characters don’t make awful choices just to advance the plot; the plot advances naturally. In so many mysteries/thrillers, I find myself yelling at the main character, but I never wanted to yell at sweet Morris.
An excellent read overall. Exciting and funny, doesn’t shame people for where they’re at, and shows that tough times can happen to anyone.
August 20, 2024
A lot of crap is coming down on a luckless Morris Drummond. He just lost his collegiate teaching job and is coping with his mom’s death when he’s beset by a bevy of WTF moments due to an obscure inheritance that leads to a crime he had nothing to do with, made all the worse by shady buggers and crooked law enforcement.
The characters kept me locked in, especially the main three — Morris is a ‘real’ guy with a sharp wit (loads of comedic asides) and a big heart, his daughter Mindy is gifted, snarky, beyond her years, and cool, and his savvy lawyer (and one-time high school crush) Annie is an unshakable, supportive pillar of strength. In addition, a varied collection of cast members are introduced, all distinctive, but none more so than Vampire Steve, who steals every scene he’s in and deserves his own book. Write it!
As the shite keeps hitting the fan and the stakes keep increasing, Morris is incessantly browbeaten and must man up in order to defend those he loves, or else they, and he, will end up as just more casualties in a long, cold-blooded chronicle of crookedness… or ‘knavery’ as Vampire Steve would say. Go, Vampire Steve!
This isn’t my usual genre, yet I’m glad I read it and found it to be a particularly entertaining and fast read. Four stars.
The characters kept me locked in, especially the main three — Morris is a ‘real’ guy with a sharp wit (loads of comedic asides) and a big heart, his daughter Mindy is gifted, snarky, beyond her years, and cool, and his savvy lawyer (and one-time high school crush) Annie is an unshakable, supportive pillar of strength. In addition, a varied collection of cast members are introduced, all distinctive, but none more so than Vampire Steve, who steals every scene he’s in and deserves his own book. Write it!
As the shite keeps hitting the fan and the stakes keep increasing, Morris is incessantly browbeaten and must man up in order to defend those he loves, or else they, and he, will end up as just more casualties in a long, cold-blooded chronicle of crookedness… or ‘knavery’ as Vampire Steve would say. Go, Vampire Steve!
This isn’t my usual genre, yet I’m glad I read it and found it to be a particularly entertaining and fast read. Four stars.
April 2, 2024
"Vampire Steve" would approve
I enthusiastically recommended "What Grows From the Dead", as well as " Got Trouble?" also by Dave Dobson, to my husband. This is high praise indeed. My husband and I tend to have quite different taste in books. A story that we would both be happily pulled into is a rare treat.
The character building in "What Grows From the Dead" is spot on. I understand completely why college professor Morris is currently barely scraping by while living in his mother's house and driving "Vampire Steve" to and from work. His inability to move on from the huge injustice he has suffered is far too familiar. When his teen daughter Mindy shows up very unexpectedly and he learns from his attorney Annie (an old high school crush) that his deceased mother left a mysterious safe deposit box, Morris is thrown into a game that he had no idea he was playing. A game which may end in the deaths of Morris, Mindy and even Annie.
There is lots of law enforcement introduced; some retired, some off the grid and some thoroughly corrupt. It is hard to know what to expect from hostile neighbors, retired lawyers, "Vampire Steve" or Bjorn the mafia guy.
As the mystery unravels, you wonder if Morris can get his act together enough to save their lives.
Five stars
I enthusiastically recommended "What Grows From the Dead", as well as " Got Trouble?" also by Dave Dobson, to my husband. This is high praise indeed. My husband and I tend to have quite different taste in books. A story that we would both be happily pulled into is a rare treat.
The character building in "What Grows From the Dead" is spot on. I understand completely why college professor Morris is currently barely scraping by while living in his mother's house and driving "Vampire Steve" to and from work. His inability to move on from the huge injustice he has suffered is far too familiar. When his teen daughter Mindy shows up very unexpectedly and he learns from his attorney Annie (an old high school crush) that his deceased mother left a mysterious safe deposit box, Morris is thrown into a game that he had no idea he was playing. A game which may end in the deaths of Morris, Mindy and even Annie.
There is lots of law enforcement introduced; some retired, some off the grid and some thoroughly corrupt. It is hard to know what to expect from hostile neighbors, retired lawyers, "Vampire Steve" or Bjorn the mafia guy.
As the mystery unravels, you wonder if Morris can get his act together enough to save their lives.
Five stars
April 10, 2024
What Grows from the Dead is the perfect book - so good you can’t put it down, but you also try to read slowly because you don’t want it to end.
Dobson has created yet another incredibly likable main character in Morris - someone down on his luck who you truly root for every step of the way. The other characters are equally as intriguing and attention -grabbing (I need a book all about Vampire Steve like….yesterday). The entire story doesn’t miss a beat and I can’t wait to see what Dobson has in store for us next.
Dobson has created yet another incredibly likable main character in Morris - someone down on his luck who you truly root for every step of the way. The other characters are equally as intriguing and attention -grabbing (I need a book all about Vampire Steve like….yesterday). The entire story doesn’t miss a beat and I can’t wait to see what Dobson has in store for us next.
March 30, 2024
I don’t usually read this genre and was a bit uncertain about it but I’m so glad I picked it up! This was so well-written, and I loved the twists and turns throughout this. I loved getting to know the characters, the pacing of the plot, and the ending so much! The action and suspense made this book nearly impossible to put down. If you’re a mystery fan, or you’re wanting to check out the genre, I highly recommend this. I received a free eARC of this, and am choosing to leave an honest review.
August 1, 2024
Loved the cast of characters - and characters they were! Quite an interesting story, with a few surprises along the way. Good pacing and kept me guessing.
August 4, 2024
Fun book with a lot of twists and surprises. Interesting characters.
July 10, 2024
‘What Grows From The Dead’ is an entertaining thriller by Iowa-born author Dave Dobson, who also writes epic fantasy and science fiction. This time though, he’s focused on Earth (this Earth) and the trials and tribulations of Morris Drummond, a divorced professor whose loss of wife, college tenure and his beloved mother only mark stages in - not the end of - his downward spiral.
Not even the inheritance can halt the slide, putting him on the wrong side of the law simply by opening a safety deposit box he’d known nothing about.
Ably assisted by well-drawn characters including his spikey teenage daughter, a Swedish mafioso seeking vengeance and a comic store owner who thinks he’s a vampire, Morris suffers all manner of slings and arrows that may, or may not, lead to his ultimate salvation.
‘What Grows From The Dead’ is fast-paced, with heart-racing moments, sharp descriptions and a bunch of humorous asides thrown in for good measure. Recommended!
Not even the inheritance can halt the slide, putting him on the wrong side of the law simply by opening a safety deposit box he’d known nothing about.
Ably assisted by well-drawn characters including his spikey teenage daughter, a Swedish mafioso seeking vengeance and a comic store owner who thinks he’s a vampire, Morris suffers all manner of slings and arrows that may, or may not, lead to his ultimate salvation.
‘What Grows From The Dead’ is fast-paced, with heart-racing moments, sharp descriptions and a bunch of humorous asides thrown in for good measure. Recommended!
May 2, 2024
One of my favorite things about this book are the characters. Sometimes, you want a character who isn’t a superhero. Morris is a normal guy, with normal feelings, and with normal limitations. I LIKE that. It made this story feel more realistic. Vampire Steve is a really unique character, which is refreshing. There were some parts that I got a little mixed up on other characters, but that’s probably bc I have ADHD and read too fast. If I would’ve had a whole free Saturday, I could’ve finished this book in a day. Very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 2, 2024
Another Terrific Read
My only problem with Dave Dobson’s books is that I can’t put them down until I’m done—and then I feel grumpy because there isn’t more of the story. I’ve read them all, and they’re all terrific. This is another terrific read. It doesn’t seem to matter what genre Dobson writes in—he’s good at them all. So, Dave, here I am twiddling my thumbs again, waiting for the next book!
My only problem with Dave Dobson’s books is that I can’t put them down until I’m done—and then I feel grumpy because there isn’t more of the story. I’ve read them all, and they’re all terrific. This is another terrific read. It doesn’t seem to matter what genre Dobson writes in—he’s good at them all. So, Dave, here I am twiddling my thumbs again, waiting for the next book!
April 5, 2024
A really charming book with some great characters (Steve, Mindy), tightly plotted suspense, and an adorable romance. I like Daros and Got Trouble a little better, but would still recommend this one! As always, disclaimer: I know Dave slightly, but I paid for this book gleefully and would have even if I didn’t, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 6, 2024
This was such a fun and unique story. Imagine you mother dies and several months later you learn she was mixed up in some confusing mystery. You are a college professor in no way shape or form trained to deal with the fallout. Add in your teenage daughter, the girl who got away in high school and a vampire. Such a great plot and well written!!!
June 28, 2024
A really good read! An interesting plot, good pacing, great characters, a nice ending. Morris is an everyman character that I got attached to and Vampire Steve made me smile every time he appeared. I have to find more by this author.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 4, 2024
This was so well done, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed getting to know about the characters and world. It was an engaging read and thought the overall feel worked. Dave Dobson has a strong way of words and enjoyed the overall concept.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2024
I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving my own review. A great read. Smart, current dialogue, and great, well developed characters. A nice intricate plot and a very believable hero. Lots of action that keeps up the pace until the end. This is a new author for me and I want to read more.
September 4, 2025
I got this book from Amazon for free as a daily deal. The cover art sold me. I like reading indie books, I usually lower my expectations a bit and enjoy reading the book, even if it isn’t as polished as the best sellers.
So I was a bit dumbstruck when I realized this was better than many best sellers. The characters were well developed and memorable, the storyline was a good pace and the plot was unexpected and well constructed.
The best part though, it was legitimately funny. I find many authors have not mastered the art of humour in their writing. It is a hard balance to strike to ensure it doesn’t seem too try-hard or not actually funny.
I also did my BA and MA in anthropology, so that was a fun addition to pick up on the random name drops and concepts.
I usually like to add any constructive criticism for indie author to help them in their future writings, but I literally can’t think of anything.
Bravo. Keep doing what you’re doing.
So I was a bit dumbstruck when I realized this was better than many best sellers. The characters were well developed and memorable, the storyline was a good pace and the plot was unexpected and well constructed.
The best part though, it was legitimately funny. I find many authors have not mastered the art of humour in their writing. It is a hard balance to strike to ensure it doesn’t seem too try-hard or not actually funny.
I also did my BA and MA in anthropology, so that was a fun addition to pick up on the random name drops and concepts.
I usually like to add any constructive criticism for indie author to help them in their future writings, but I literally can’t think of anything.
Bravo. Keep doing what you’re doing.
October 13, 2025
When Morris Drummond loses his tenured professorship and retreats to his hometown to take care of his mother's final days he thinks he's hit rock bottom. But when odd characters turn up trying to find out about a final bequest from his mother it turns out there is a lot farther to fall.
The characters in this story are delightful. The plotting may show a bit that the author, as he writes in his afterword, lets it come to him as he writes, and yet it does all hang together, and maybe life also comes to us moment by moment.
The characters in this story are delightful. The plotting may show a bit that the author, as he writes in his afterword, lets it come to him as he writes, and yet it does all hang together, and maybe life also comes to us moment by moment.
August 6, 2024
My first impression of Morris Drummond was that he was a nerd, albeit a likeable one.
However, the further I read, the more I liked this character and found my self pursuing his exploits with the law with surpring passion and with nimble fingers.
Author Dave Dobson simply excelled in creating an extraordinary sleuthing novel with some outstanding and unique characters that still manages to raise a ready smile whenever I think back on the characters and their exploits.
Well done!
However, the further I read, the more I liked this character and found my self pursuing his exploits with the law with surpring passion and with nimble fingers.
Author Dave Dobson simply excelled in creating an extraordinary sleuthing novel with some outstanding and unique characters that still manages to raise a ready smile whenever I think back on the characters and their exploits.
Well done!
April 28, 2024
Morris Drummond is feeling he has reached rock-bottom. But a secret that his Mum kept from him brings unwanted attention down on himself the mystery unfolds. Lots of humour, suspense to make this a exciting read. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers
October 4, 2024
Good plot, good story, great characters
This is the kind of book where I kept looking nervously to see how many pages were left, because I didn't want to stop hanging out with these people. I did want to find out whodunnit, and what exactly happened, and why, but mostly I cared about what was going to happen to Morris and Mindy and Annie. And Steve. Read it, it's good.
This is the kind of book where I kept looking nervously to see how many pages were left, because I didn't want to stop hanging out with these people. I did want to find out whodunnit, and what exactly happened, and why, but mostly I cared about what was going to happen to Morris and Mindy and Annie. And Steve. Read it, it's good.
February 11, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a sweet, cute, if not a little bit cheesy story. Every character was so masterfully crafted, each with their own personality, flaws, etc. I have to say I am 100% obsessed with Vampire Steve, but honestly who wouldn’t be.
Huge brag that my dad was roommates with Dave in college (btw Alex says hi :) )
Huge brag that my dad was roommates with Dave in college (btw Alex says hi :) )
May 9, 2024
I loved this book! Morris is an out-of-work professor who inherits from his deceased mother some evidence that sends all sorts of trouble his way. It has everything a good book needs: mystery, comedy, suspense and romance. The characters are unforgettable!
July 8, 2024
Like a beach read for grimdark/thriller/crime fans. The stakes were real and heavy and I cared deeply about them, but the tone was light and funny. I tore through this book and enjoyed every second of it! Highly recommend it!
July 10, 2024
Loved it!
It made me laugh and I needed that. I loved the story, I loved Steve, the undead,the and many other aspects. Only there needs to be a little less description, going on too much in some places. Looking forward to reading more of Dave Dobson's books.
It made me laugh and I needed that. I loved the story, I loved Steve, the undead,the and many other aspects. Only there needs to be a little less description, going on too much in some places. Looking forward to reading more of Dave Dobson's books.
August 1, 2024
Great suspense
This book was such a crazy ride. Every time this poor guy got his feet on the ground the bottom dropped out again! Really vivid wonderful characters. Nice ending. Great read.
This book was such a crazy ride. Every time this poor guy got his feet on the ground the bottom dropped out again! Really vivid wonderful characters. Nice ending. Great read.
November 20, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve never read a book with so many jaw dropping plot twists, or one that kept me up until 2am because I couldn’t manage to put it down. I was so eager to finish it and any free time I got would be dedicated to reading it. After finishing the last page, I found myself sad that it was over. Definitely will be reading more books from this author!
October 5, 2025
A great read, from beginning to end 😃
What a great story!
Fabulous characters... loved Steve! 😄
Everything tied in well, and no long repetitions.
Great detailing, without lengthy descriptive jargon.
What a great story!
Fabulous characters... loved Steve! 😄
Everything tied in well, and no long repetitions.
Great detailing, without lengthy descriptive jargon.
October 26, 2025
Well written. Interesting start to finish
Well written. Interesting start to finish. The characters were all interesting and well defined and the details were withheld just long enough. Great read!!
Well written. Interesting start to finish. The characters were all interesting and well defined and the details were withheld just long enough. Great read!!
May 22, 2024
This is a great book. A slow burning plot with an entertaining cast.
June 24, 2024
wow
Great read from start to finish. Rollicking mystery ride. I loved this book for the characters and a super page turning plot.
Great read from start to finish. Rollicking mystery ride. I loved this book for the characters and a super page turning plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews