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Dead Weight: A Supernatural Crime Thriller Where the Dead Demand Justice
Winner of the Killer Nashville Conference's Silver Falchion Award for Best Supernatural Novel.
Book One of a supernatural crime thriller series about a detective who hears murder victims and pays a mental price for it. Eerie and unsettling, with a paranormal police procedural, a psychiatrist pulled into the case, a sadistic killer, and clues that reach past death.
Haunted by the dead. Hunted by the living. Some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Carl Drozick has a rare gift—he can talk to the dead. For a detective, that should be an advantage. Instead, it's a curse. The voices of the murdered demand justice, their whispers pressing in on him, but the toll on his sanity is steep.
When Carl turns to psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Loomis for help, she sees his case as a potential career breakthrough. But as their paths intertwine, they're drawn into a far more dangerous mystery—one that threatens them both.
As Carl's investigations lead him into a realm where the boundary between life and death wavers, he uncovers secrets darker than the crimes he's trying to solve. A sadistic serial killer is on the loose, leaving clues that draw him deeper into a chilling game. With each new victim, Carl must piece together a puzzle that stretches beyond the grave—before it consumes him completely.
Richard Rybicki's supernatural crime thriller, the first in the Corpse Whisperer series, takes readers on a haunting journey where murder, mystery and the afterlife collide, and one detective's extraordinary ability may be the key to uncovering the ultimate truth.
Praise for The Corpse Whisperer Series
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great character development, good pace, explaining police procedures and acronyms was good. Good twist in the story!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I read this in 1 night! Kept my interest all the way to the end! What an amazing story line, with twists and turns and a little giggle thrown in here and there!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I enjoy a good ghost story and this one had a little different twist which made it a nice read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The characters, especially the main character are completely human and are skillfully developed. The mystery was intriguing and the touch of paranormal is fascinating and intricately woven through it all.
Book One of a supernatural crime thriller series about a detective who hears murder victims and pays a mental price for it. Eerie and unsettling, with a paranormal police procedural, a psychiatrist pulled into the case, a sadistic killer, and clues that reach past death.
Haunted by the dead. Hunted by the living. Some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Carl Drozick has a rare gift—he can talk to the dead. For a detective, that should be an advantage. Instead, it's a curse. The voices of the murdered demand justice, their whispers pressing in on him, but the toll on his sanity is steep.
When Carl turns to psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Loomis for help, she sees his case as a potential career breakthrough. But as their paths intertwine, they're drawn into a far more dangerous mystery—one that threatens them both.
As Carl's investigations lead him into a realm where the boundary between life and death wavers, he uncovers secrets darker than the crimes he's trying to solve. A sadistic serial killer is on the loose, leaving clues that draw him deeper into a chilling game. With each new victim, Carl must piece together a puzzle that stretches beyond the grave—before it consumes him completely.
Richard Rybicki's supernatural crime thriller, the first in the Corpse Whisperer series, takes readers on a haunting journey where murder, mystery and the afterlife collide, and one detective's extraordinary ability may be the key to uncovering the ultimate truth.
Praise for The Corpse Whisperer Series
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great character development, good pace, explaining police procedures and acronyms was good. Good twist in the story!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I read this in 1 night! Kept my interest all the way to the end! What an amazing story line, with twists and turns and a little giggle thrown in here and there!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I enjoy a good ghost story and this one had a little different twist which made it a nice read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The characters, especially the main character are completely human and are skillfully developed. The mystery was intriguing and the touch of paranormal is fascinating and intricately woven through it all.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 29, 2026
Elmore Leonard would have loved this novel. Carl Drozick is an admittedly lazy and not very competent detective, who’s always looking for a way to cut corners on the job; however, everything changes when he inexplicably acquires the ability to talk to victims who were recently murdered. Since his conversations with the dead almost always lead to a quick arrest of the murderer, Carl suddenly becomes an almost legendary detective with the highest number of solved murders in the city. Even so, matters become complicated when Carl seeks help from a psychologist, who immediately sees a future book deal in treating the detective who “talks to the dead.” What’s more, a serial killer appears on the scene…and, as the bodies stack up, it appears that the killer may be specifically targeting Carl.
While this supernatural thriller is not your typical police procedural, it was a lot of fun to watch the disheveled Carl (*picture Peter Falk as Columbo) use his new-found skill to talk to murder victims; most, of whom, add a lot of humor to an, otherwise, dark situation. All in all, this was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
While this supernatural thriller is not your typical police procedural, it was a lot of fun to watch the disheveled Carl (*picture Peter Falk as Columbo) use his new-found skill to talk to murder victims; most, of whom, add a lot of humor to an, otherwise, dark situation. All in all, this was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 4, 2026
Dead Weight is a delightful, fast‑moving story that is witty, and packed with personality. The characters feel real and relatable, the dialogue snaps with humor, and the plot keeps you engaged without ever becoming heavy. If you’re looking for a mystery that’s smart, lighthearted, and genuinely entertaining, this one hits the mark. A great, fun read all around.
January 26, 2026
suspenseful
Enjoyed every page. Great character building. Read in one day Looking forward to his next book Highly recommend and suspenseful
Enjoyed every page. Great character building. Read in one day Looking forward to his next book Highly recommend and suspenseful
February 24, 2026
great read!
Could not put this book down, I am on to the next book. Thank you for a great detective story
Could not put this book down, I am on to the next book. Thank you for a great detective story
May 26, 2025
Interesting take on homicide detective work as Carl Drozick, recovering addict and alcoholic, talks to the recently murdered to gain as much information as he can to find the murderer/s. Carl is not entirely likable and not even relatable from a citizen's (my) point of view. However, I continued reading, really wanting to see how he worked. Glad I did as his story unfolds as he and a homicide team follow the evidence. A bit noir, a bit abrupt and taciturn, a bit of compassion and dogged determination shows through. Good start to a series. I am going to go get book two, "Dead Line."
April 1, 2026
I picked up Dead Weight for the psychic angle, and while it was not quite what I expected, it delivers a gritty and compelling take on the trope.
Detective Carl survives a near death experience that leaves him with a disturbing ability. He can speak to the newly murdered. It is not comforting or simple, and it is definitely not something he can control. Instead, it pulls him into the darkest moments of other people’s lives. As he struggles to understand what is happening to him, he turns to therapy hoping for clarity or stability. What he finds instead is skepticism, blurred boundaries, and a professional who adds to his unease rather than easing it.
At the same time, a serial killer circles the investigation, turning it into a psychological standoff. The killer is not just avoiding capture. He is provoking it, pushing Carl forward and testing how far he will go. With each new victim, Carl’s ability becomes both a tool and a weight, giving him insight while steadily wearing him down.
The story sits comfortably in horror thriller territory with a light paranormal edge. It does not go especially deep into any one element, but it blends them well enough to stay engaging. The pacing keeps things moving, and while it feels like the start of a series, it stands well enough on its own to be satisfying. 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
Detective Carl survives a near death experience that leaves him with a disturbing ability. He can speak to the newly murdered. It is not comforting or simple, and it is definitely not something he can control. Instead, it pulls him into the darkest moments of other people’s lives. As he struggles to understand what is happening to him, he turns to therapy hoping for clarity or stability. What he finds instead is skepticism, blurred boundaries, and a professional who adds to his unease rather than easing it.
At the same time, a serial killer circles the investigation, turning it into a psychological standoff. The killer is not just avoiding capture. He is provoking it, pushing Carl forward and testing how far he will go. With each new victim, Carl’s ability becomes both a tool and a weight, giving him insight while steadily wearing him down.
The story sits comfortably in horror thriller territory with a light paranormal edge. It does not go especially deep into any one element, but it blends them well enough to stay engaging. The pacing keeps things moving, and while it feels like the start of a series, it stands well enough on its own to be satisfying. 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
June 26, 2026
I was intrigued by this, not entirely sure about it, because the main character is mostly a reformed lazy detective, but then it turns out that is why he was part of this investigation all along.
When a murder happens, he is on call and he talks to the dead, after he makes sure that the others leave, which helps him learn who did it, but as the next murder crops up, the FBI get involved.
Carl finds that he is connected to the investigation, as he tries to seek help and deal with his past. The psychiatrist he consults thinks he is psychotic, but as the stakes get higher, she too is part of the deal and learns that just maybe, he really can hear the dead, but then so can the newbie FBI agent as well and she can hear more than he can.
It's a good story. Carl gets to right what went wrong last time, in a similar situation, but the murderer is still at it and the next book will carry on.
When a murder happens, he is on call and he talks to the dead, after he makes sure that the others leave, which helps him learn who did it, but as the next murder crops up, the FBI get involved.
Carl finds that he is connected to the investigation, as he tries to seek help and deal with his past. The psychiatrist he consults thinks he is psychotic, but as the stakes get higher, she too is part of the deal and learns that just maybe, he really can hear the dead, but then so can the newbie FBI agent as well and she can hear more than he can.
It's a good story. Carl gets to right what went wrong last time, in a similar situation, but the murderer is still at it and the next book will carry on.
January 7, 2026
Fabulous Read -
I was so surprised by this book, the title of supernatural crime thriller, demand, justice, and the corpse whisperer really caught my attention. I am so glad that I took the time to read this book and Richard. Rybicki has an absolute new fan!!!! if you’re looking for something different with crime and a supernatural twist, please read this book and the series!! I loved all of the characters the storylines and the way that the main character talks to you in the story. I can hardly wait to read the second, and then I’m going to pick up Mr. Rybicki other books. give it a chance you will definitely not be disappointed. It was really a breath of fresh air combining my two favorite genres.
I was so surprised by this book, the title of supernatural crime thriller, demand, justice, and the corpse whisperer really caught my attention. I am so glad that I took the time to read this book and Richard. Rybicki has an absolute new fan!!!! if you’re looking for something different with crime and a supernatural twist, please read this book and the series!! I loved all of the characters the storylines and the way that the main character talks to you in the story. I can hardly wait to read the second, and then I’m going to pick up Mr. Rybicki other books. give it a chance you will definitely not be disappointed. It was really a breath of fresh air combining my two favorite genres.
September 16, 2025
This was one of a kind!
Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good. Idk if it's because my hubby was a cop for 18 yrs and I get it but I did enjoy those parts. Poor Carl, he's in a sticky situation with his abilities. There wasn't a dull moment. I loved all the characters and they were well developed. I loved hating the bad ones. And omgosh now I'm liking Blake better than Dr Loomis in a way. I do hope she is at least in the next book. I also hope this author writes so many more in the series! Sure wish there was an audiobook.
Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good. Idk if it's because my hubby was a cop for 18 yrs and I get it but I did enjoy those parts. Poor Carl, he's in a sticky situation with his abilities. There wasn't a dull moment. I loved all the characters and they were well developed. I loved hating the bad ones. And omgosh now I'm liking Blake better than Dr Loomis in a way. I do hope she is at least in the next book. I also hope this author writes so many more in the series! Sure wish there was an audiobook.
March 28, 2026
Loved these two books!
When I first started reading this book, I had read quite a few paranormal type series recently. I enjoyed them. This one wasn’t all about the paranormal. Drozik was such an endearing, funny, and down to earth character that I found myself wishing I actually knew him. His dry witty thoughts and comebacks were so fun and his sad history and acceptance of his failures was uplifting to watch him overcome. I read both books in just a few days. If I didn’t work full time, I would have finished them in one. I really hope this isn’t the end of his stories. Thanks!!!
When I first started reading this book, I had read quite a few paranormal type series recently. I enjoyed them. This one wasn’t all about the paranormal. Drozik was such an endearing, funny, and down to earth character that I found myself wishing I actually knew him. His dry witty thoughts and comebacks were so fun and his sad history and acceptance of his failures was uplifting to watch him overcome. I read both books in just a few days. If I didn’t work full time, I would have finished them in one. I really hope this isn’t the end of his stories. Thanks!!!
April 9, 2026
This book is great. A page turner I think is what people call it. It is very well written, the characters are great and there is some cop type dark humor thrown in. This is more than a murder mystery or your basic police procedural. It asks How does a bad beat cop that has become a lazy detective turn into the city's best detective solving most of his cases? Well - the murdered victim tells him who did it. Easy peasy as they say, but what if the victims have no clue who their killer is and the killer is leaving messages for our ace detective. Even if crime or murder mystery thrillers isn't you normal read, you won't regret diving into this one. On to book 2
March 3, 2025
Entertaining read about a homicide detective named Carl that worked the bare minimum until the dead started talking to him. Now he's a super-star and has attracted the attention of a serial killer who is roping Carl into his kills. Add in a psychiatrist who is mildly attracted to him but also using him to further her own career and you have exciting action and intrigue! Great characters and world-building, fun dialogue. Love his concept, hoping this is the first in the series!
March 4, 2025
A super original story with many unexpected twists and turns that confuse, intrigue and funny situations that will not let you let go of the book until the end, an entertaining and exciting story about a detective that the dead begin to talk to him, a psychiatrist infatuated with him and a serial killer who has him in his sights.
A very enjoyable and exciting read that will not let you get bored.
A very enjoyable and exciting read that will not let you get bored.
January 12, 2026
Very good read.
This is a regular serial killer cop book. The mystery isn't the super interesting part. The character building is the center of this book. The central detective speaks to the dead victims post death.
The only thing I was leary of was the obvious scooby doo reference...but the writer addressed it.
It has very few plot errors and Grammer errors. Even fewer misspellings. THANK YOU.
This is a regular serial killer cop book. The mystery isn't the super interesting part. The character building is the center of this book. The central detective speaks to the dead victims post death.
The only thing I was leary of was the obvious scooby doo reference...but the writer addressed it.
It has very few plot errors and Grammer errors. Even fewer misspellings. THANK YOU.
July 11, 2026
This in a new author to me. Carl Drozick is a detective who after an attack that left his partner deceased, and Carl struggling for his life, he discovers he has the ability to talk to the dead. He soon becomes the best detective, because now the dead can tell him what happened. Carl is soon facing a killer who seems determined to rid the world of bad guys as directed by "God", and leaves a letter for Carl at a crime scene. As the murders pile up, and none of the dead seem to know who their killer is, it makes Carl's job to solve the case even harder. This was a fantastic story, and Carl's character was very relatable, and you like him. He was someone you rooted for, even through his self depreciation. This is definitely one to keep an eye on for sequels. So worth it.
February 27, 2025
After working in law enforcement for twenty-five years, it’s obvious to me that this author has walked the walk. Rybicki does an amazing job of spinning this original story that is full of twists and turns. This is a page turning thrill ride that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
March 4, 2025
A new author to me and a story concept that is totally different to everything else I've read and I loved it. This story was a page turner for me with the cast of characters adding plenty, especially Carl, I really liked him, he was the perfect hero.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 19, 2025
The characters in this book were exceptionally well-developed and engaging; the author's skillful use of humor and wit created a highly enjoyable reading experience. The storyline was compelling, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all readers; it is certain to create devoted fans. I am eager to continue with the next installment in the series.
June 28, 2025
Dead End Dialogues
You'd think that having an inside source would make solving crimes easier, but it’s more complicated than you'd expect. You can tell that this series is written by someone who has the experience of an actual detective. But, it isn't because he stuffed a million factual details into it, though it's a well-written police procedural. It's because he has relied heavily on his own humanity, especially in his dialogues.
The details that fill these pages assure you that Detective Carl Drozick is a self-deprecating and flawed human being. He's made mistakes and is more than a little broken. He’s modest and human enough to admit how he played a part in his own tragedies, yet is rededicated to the job because he wants to bring killers to justice.
I like Carl very much and I liked Dead Weight well enough to get the second book in the series and devour that, too. Though Carl uses more than experience and training to solve crimes, the series has a feel similar to Ed McBain’s excellent 87th Precinct series, though it's relatively more modern.
Thank you to the author, Richard Rybicki, Vinci Books, and Hidden Gems for a free advanced review copy of the book. I'm under no obligation for their gift and my review is my own opinion.
You'd think that having an inside source would make solving crimes easier, but it’s more complicated than you'd expect. You can tell that this series is written by someone who has the experience of an actual detective. But, it isn't because he stuffed a million factual details into it, though it's a well-written police procedural. It's because he has relied heavily on his own humanity, especially in his dialogues.
The details that fill these pages assure you that Detective Carl Drozick is a self-deprecating and flawed human being. He's made mistakes and is more than a little broken. He’s modest and human enough to admit how he played a part in his own tragedies, yet is rededicated to the job because he wants to bring killers to justice.
I like Carl very much and I liked Dead Weight well enough to get the second book in the series and devour that, too. Though Carl uses more than experience and training to solve crimes, the series has a feel similar to Ed McBain’s excellent 87th Precinct series, though it's relatively more modern.
Thank you to the author, Richard Rybicki, Vinci Books, and Hidden Gems for a free advanced review copy of the book. I'm under no obligation for their gift and my review is my own opinion.
January 20, 2026
Original and believable story
The characters, especially the main character are completely human and are skillfully developed. The mystery was intriguing and the touch of paranormal is fascinating and intricately woven through it all. I want to keep reading and am really hoping this is the first in a series!
The characters, especially the main character are completely human and are skillfully developed. The mystery was intriguing and the touch of paranormal is fascinating and intricately woven through it all. I want to keep reading and am really hoping this is the first in a series!
April 9, 2026
Great story
I enjoyed this book immensely! The characters were developed very well and the story had such s good twist. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and have already purchased the next in this series. If its as good as the first, I won't be able to put it down!
I enjoyed this book immensely! The characters were developed very well and the story had such s good twist. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and have already purchased the next in this series. If its as good as the first, I won't be able to put it down!
April 18, 2026
A humdinger of a detective story!
I really enjoyed this book & I think you will, too. Written in a style reminiscent of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe and Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade the dialogue is gritty and reminiscent of the old time detective novels. The story is original and engaging. I’m downloading the next book in the series now.
I really enjoyed this book & I think you will, too. Written in a style reminiscent of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe and Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade the dialogue is gritty and reminiscent of the old time detective novels. The story is original and engaging. I’m downloading the next book in the series now.
May 15, 2026
After the first few pages I knew I wouldn't finish this book but I persevered. It didn't improve: the two psychogists talk like horny teenagers while gossiping about their clients. The lead detective is just an amalgam of every cliché with the required background of trauma. The central trope is a rip off of 'Tru Calling'. Garbage.
May 22, 2026
Suspenseful, real characters, and PSYCHIC!
Loved this book and can't wait to read the next. Anyone who loves police books and psychic thrillers should read this. I wish some how Agent Blake comes back again. She is great. I really want Carl to clean up his act and lean into his abilities more. Highly recommend this book!
Loved this book and can't wait to read the next. Anyone who loves police books and psychic thrillers should read this. I wish some how Agent Blake comes back again. She is great. I really want Carl to clean up his act and lean into his abilities more. Highly recommend this book!
July 31, 2026
Great book! Wish I could have given it a 10 rating. This book had me from the very start. Detective Drozick has a gift he doesn’t want his co-workers to know about because it could cost him his job , but when he teams up with FBI SA Blake they actually would make a great team with her gift as well. I hope there’s another story in the works for them. Guess I’ll have to read on to find out.
April 13, 2025
Dead Weight
This was a really good story. The characters were well designed and Interesting. Our hero, was a lazy man who had a come to Jesus movement. He was shot and died, but was revived. Now he can talk to murdered victims. This was a good read.
This was a really good story. The characters were well designed and Interesting. Our hero, was a lazy man who had a come to Jesus movement. He was shot and died, but was revived. Now he can talk to murdered victims. This was a good read.
April 15, 2025
Engaging stories
I’ve read all the Sam Laska books and loved them! Engaging stories from the get go and interesting characters. The settings with Sarasota, FL and Chicago as the background are a bonus for me as I’ve lived in both locations!
I’ve read all the Sam Laska books and loved them! Engaging stories from the get go and interesting characters. The settings with Sarasota, FL and Chicago as the background are a bonus for me as I’ve lived in both locations!
January 4, 2026
excellent reading
Great book. I love paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint. It was very well done. The main character was flawed and very human. Great police story as well.
Great book. I love paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint. It was very well done. The main character was flawed and very human. Great police story as well.
January 20, 2026
A must read! Dead Weight
I read this in 1 night! Kept my interest all the way to the end! What an amazing story line, with twists and turns and a little giggle thrown in here and there! Ok off to read the next one by this author…..
I read this in 1 night! Kept my interest all the way to the end! What an amazing story line, with twists and turns and a little giggle thrown in here and there! Ok off to read the next one by this author…..
February 21, 2026
LOVE LOVE LOVE
This book was a wonderful eady read. It pulled you in right away and kept you turning the pages. I would recommend for anyone wanting something light and entertaining.
This book was a wonderful eady read. It pulled you in right away and kept you turning the pages. I would recommend for anyone wanting something light and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews