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The Physics of the Dead: A Supernatural Mystery Novel
The Audible UK #1 bestseller from the author of The Stone Man!
What do the dead do when they can't leave...and don't know why?
The afterlife doesn't come with a manual. In fact, Hart and Bowler (two ordinary but dead men) have had to work out the rules of their new existence for themselves. It's that fact (along with being unable to leave the boundaries of their city center, unable to communicate with the other lost souls, unable to rest in case The Beast catches up with them) that makes getting out of their situation a priority. But Hart and Bowler don't know why they're there in the first place; if they ever want to leave, they will have to find all the answers to be able to understand the physics of the dead.
What are the strange, glowing objects that pass across the sky? Who are the living people surrounded by a blue glow? What are their physical limitations in that place, and have they fully explored the possibilities of what they can do?
Time is running out. Their afterlife was never supposed to be this way, and if they don't make it out soon, they're destined to end up like the others. Insane, and alone forever....
In this creepy, mysterious debut novel from the author of the Amazon and Audible number-one best seller The Stone Man, the richly-built world of The Physics of the Dead will slowly draw you in with an icy grip until you are left gasping.
What do the dead do when they can't leave...and don't know why?
The afterlife doesn't come with a manual. In fact, Hart and Bowler (two ordinary but dead men) have had to work out the rules of their new existence for themselves. It's that fact (along with being unable to leave the boundaries of their city center, unable to communicate with the other lost souls, unable to rest in case The Beast catches up with them) that makes getting out of their situation a priority. But Hart and Bowler don't know why they're there in the first place; if they ever want to leave, they will have to find all the answers to be able to understand the physics of the dead.
What are the strange, glowing objects that pass across the sky? Who are the living people surrounded by a blue glow? What are their physical limitations in that place, and have they fully explored the possibilities of what they can do?
Time is running out. Their afterlife was never supposed to be this way, and if they don't make it out soon, they're destined to end up like the others. Insane, and alone forever....
In this creepy, mysterious debut novel from the author of the Amazon and Audible number-one best seller The Stone Man, the richly-built world of The Physics of the Dead will slowly draw you in with an icy grip until you are left gasping.
Audible Audio
First published April 15, 2011
109 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Luke Smitherd
32 books593 followersLuke Smitherd is the author of The Stone Man (shortlisted for Audible Book of the Year 2015) and its sequels as well as several other novels. A former singer and guitarist, he now writes full time, hosts the comedy music-discussion show Cracker Juice, and performs around Los Angeles as a stand-up comic. He divides his time between the United States and the United Kingdom.
www.lukesmitherd.com
www.lukesmitherd.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 23, 2012
This book is not exciting. I mean, it's about people who are dead and bored.
This book is about bored, dead people. They are stuck in Coventry, they can't read, they can't change TV channels, they don't sleep, and for the most part they can't talk to each other. They can sign. And they can sometimes tune in to someone else. But mostly they just hang around. Many of them go crazy.
Is this what death becomes for everyone?
And is it forever? Is there anything else?
And yet, even without the excitement that I, as a dedicated thriller reader, love, I thought this was an excellent book. The truth is that I don't know what comes next, what comes after this life is over. The thought of the afterlife as a puzzle is fascinating. And the thought of an afterlife without sleep and without books horrifies me.
Maybe that's why I kept reading. I could handle a quiet afterlife. I could handle not sleeping if I was never tired. But not reading? That is truly the most terrifying concept in this book.
This book is about bored, dead people. They are stuck in Coventry, they can't read, they can't change TV channels, they don't sleep, and for the most part they can't talk to each other. They can sign. And they can sometimes tune in to someone else. But mostly they just hang around. Many of them go crazy.
Is this what death becomes for everyone?
And is it forever? Is there anything else?
And yet, even without the excitement that I, as a dedicated thriller reader, love, I thought this was an excellent book. The truth is that I don't know what comes next, what comes after this life is over. The thought of the afterlife as a puzzle is fascinating. And the thought of an afterlife without sleep and without books horrifies me.
Maybe that's why I kept reading. I could handle a quiet afterlife. I could handle not sleeping if I was never tired. But not reading? That is truly the most terrifying concept in this book.
July 21, 2016
I have read a lot of books in my time and I thoroughly recommend this book. Although I read a lot of different types of book, I'd say nowadays I'm mostly a sci fi fan, although I used to read a lot of horror. I decided to give this book a go as one of my friends recommended it. I'm glad I did as I have now found another author I like!
This is a difficult book to classify, but it is definitely a page turner. It has a different tone to most books, the relationship between the characters feels a lot more personal and real than the vast majority of authors manage. The way the author manages to combine everyday events with fantastical elements makes it very easy to relate to the story, being drawn in in recognition of the day to day events that we all experience, mixed in with some things we really wouldn't want to! The story is gripping and although not a horror story is sometimes terrifying, for a variety of different reasons.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this author, which is always the sign of a good one, there is nothing worse than the long wait while they craft a new story. I hope he gets on with it!
I would recommend this book and in fact have now recommended it to several of my other friends who read the same sort of thing as I do. Don't hesitate, get it now and read it tonight. You will love it.
This is a difficult book to classify, but it is definitely a page turner. It has a different tone to most books, the relationship between the characters feels a lot more personal and real than the vast majority of authors manage. The way the author manages to combine everyday events with fantastical elements makes it very easy to relate to the story, being drawn in in recognition of the day to day events that we all experience, mixed in with some things we really wouldn't want to! The story is gripping and although not a horror story is sometimes terrifying, for a variety of different reasons.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this author, which is always the sign of a good one, there is nothing worse than the long wait while they craft a new story. I hope he gets on with it!
I would recommend this book and in fact have now recommended it to several of my other friends who read the same sort of thing as I do. Don't hesitate, get it now and read it tonight. You will love it.
June 9, 2014
Say What?
Say What?
I read and read and read thinking something would happen - something would approximate a plot. Then I thought of Waiting for Godot.
If you have nothing else to read, go for it. Just remember Godot. Sadly, I guess I've missed what so many others liked about this story.
Say What?
I read and read and read thinking something would happen - something would approximate a plot. Then I thought of Waiting for Godot.
If you have nothing else to read, go for it. Just remember Godot. Sadly, I guess I've missed what so many others liked about this story.
July 1, 2016
First Impression: Another book on the afterlife so soon? Well it was an indie author who is getting a lot of praise at the moment so I thought I would give it a go. The Physics Of The Dead is maps out the possibilities for an alternative afterlife beyond the ones we already assume to be there. This book has elements of science, suffering and severe britishness. A nice little read that will open your mind...
Summary Of The Book:
Welcome to the not so conventional afterlife. In The Physics Of The Dead we visit The Foyer, another realm cast over the one where the living exist. Here the deceased roam around unable to communicate with the living or the other undead. Then we meet Hart who has spent the last 60 years in Foyer and desperately wants out! If it is possible to even get out.
He needs help and armed with theories of the physics of the afterlife he occupies, he manages to overcome the communication issues that all the undead seem to suffer from with a new arrival Bowler. Hart overcomes this problem with a theory that energies and frequencies rule the dead and the space they live in. Having an ally in Bowler, Hart can start looking for ways to get out of eternal spiritual prison. The foyer may not be a typical version hell that we come to expect, but it is far from heaven.
Follow Hart and Bowler on their mission to stretch the boundaries of the afterlife and free themselves from the Foyer, The Beast and the other mute dead who have accepted their place in an eternal resting place. The adventures inside The Foyer are abundant! Ride the train. Avoid The Beast. Investigate the living people who glow blue. Find out why the dead are dying all over again....
Hart has the theories, Bowler has the will and fortitude, they must work together to help themselves and their fellow undead, because there is nothing like real life.
My Review:
I know what your thinking... Another book about the afterlife/ hell. I am pleased to announce that this piece is refreshingly original (for myself any way). TPOTD has a lot of layers and I thought that was what made this book better than the average novel on what happens after death.
The story follows Hart, a 60 something man who after 60-70 years locked in The Foyers walls, wants out. Hart is the soul of this book and he does a great job. Hart is sad, persistent, angry and smart, good blend of characteristics. Bowler is the other half of this piece and his is the more diverse story in this book. Where Hart is fully established and knows the lay of the land, Bowler knows nothing and this book is pretty much a telling of his arrival and stay within the afterlife. There is a lot of emotion between the characters in this book and this adds depth to their story and the overall tone of the book. The Beast and The Train are included to add some mystery and a sense of fear, they are brutal characters that tear the characters and the readers to shreds.
The Foyer as a setting is pretty genius, I thought it was well tailored and had a lot to offer as an afterlife setting. The Foyer does generate a lot of questions but not so much about the quality but of the dynamics. What I am trying to say is that it is a challenging setting that keeps the reader guessing and doesn't give too much away. The England setting does not add much to the story, it could really be set anywhere but the little british touches are interesting and amusing. The span of time is hit and miss, spreading it out works just fine but it is only like that to facilitate the back and forth between tenses. The tenses are a decent delivery style and help build up the story in layers.
The themes in this piece are also copious. I will only focus on the main set though. First there is Death and the Afterlife. The author spent most of the novel on this theme alone and he did a great job using it as the basis for this story. The author was trying to establish a different mindset on the afterlife for the reader and did well at it. Other themes include hope and science. These themes are very relevant to this story but LS is subtle when he uses them. Themes like madness, entrapment and fear run through and keep the reader on their toes.
My favourite element of this book is that it doesn't take itself to seriously, the author isn't trying to convince the reader about anything, he is just having a bit of fun with a big subject. My least favourite part to this book is the fact that in my personal opinion the emotional responses and events don't really match up. This means that fights between characters and their overall reactions don't really make sense sometimes. Tears of over small bickering doesn't quite make sense to me, but that may just be me. If you read this book please let me know what you think.
Overall this is a piece about the next realm, the physics part comes in drips and drabs, the characters suffer but are determined for freedom and we get a unique view into an alternative afterlife...a very british alternative version of the afterlife. I wouldn't say buy this book but definitely check out the author and his material as he is one to watch!
7/10
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Summary Of The Book:
Welcome to the not so conventional afterlife. In The Physics Of The Dead we visit The Foyer, another realm cast over the one where the living exist. Here the deceased roam around unable to communicate with the living or the other undead. Then we meet Hart who has spent the last 60 years in Foyer and desperately wants out! If it is possible to even get out.
He needs help and armed with theories of the physics of the afterlife he occupies, he manages to overcome the communication issues that all the undead seem to suffer from with a new arrival Bowler. Hart overcomes this problem with a theory that energies and frequencies rule the dead and the space they live in. Having an ally in Bowler, Hart can start looking for ways to get out of eternal spiritual prison. The foyer may not be a typical version hell that we come to expect, but it is far from heaven.
Follow Hart and Bowler on their mission to stretch the boundaries of the afterlife and free themselves from the Foyer, The Beast and the other mute dead who have accepted their place in an eternal resting place. The adventures inside The Foyer are abundant! Ride the train. Avoid The Beast. Investigate the living people who glow blue. Find out why the dead are dying all over again....
Hart has the theories, Bowler has the will and fortitude, they must work together to help themselves and their fellow undead, because there is nothing like real life.
My Review:
I know what your thinking... Another book about the afterlife/ hell. I am pleased to announce that this piece is refreshingly original (for myself any way). TPOTD has a lot of layers and I thought that was what made this book better than the average novel on what happens after death.
The story follows Hart, a 60 something man who after 60-70 years locked in The Foyers walls, wants out. Hart is the soul of this book and he does a great job. Hart is sad, persistent, angry and smart, good blend of characteristics. Bowler is the other half of this piece and his is the more diverse story in this book. Where Hart is fully established and knows the lay of the land, Bowler knows nothing and this book is pretty much a telling of his arrival and stay within the afterlife. There is a lot of emotion between the characters in this book and this adds depth to their story and the overall tone of the book. The Beast and The Train are included to add some mystery and a sense of fear, they are brutal characters that tear the characters and the readers to shreds.
The Foyer as a setting is pretty genius, I thought it was well tailored and had a lot to offer as an afterlife setting. The Foyer does generate a lot of questions but not so much about the quality but of the dynamics. What I am trying to say is that it is a challenging setting that keeps the reader guessing and doesn't give too much away. The England setting does not add much to the story, it could really be set anywhere but the little british touches are interesting and amusing. The span of time is hit and miss, spreading it out works just fine but it is only like that to facilitate the back and forth between tenses. The tenses are a decent delivery style and help build up the story in layers.
The themes in this piece are also copious. I will only focus on the main set though. First there is Death and the Afterlife. The author spent most of the novel on this theme alone and he did a great job using it as the basis for this story. The author was trying to establish a different mindset on the afterlife for the reader and did well at it. Other themes include hope and science. These themes are very relevant to this story but LS is subtle when he uses them. Themes like madness, entrapment and fear run through and keep the reader on their toes.
My favourite element of this book is that it doesn't take itself to seriously, the author isn't trying to convince the reader about anything, he is just having a bit of fun with a big subject. My least favourite part to this book is the fact that in my personal opinion the emotional responses and events don't really match up. This means that fights between characters and their overall reactions don't really make sense sometimes. Tears of over small bickering doesn't quite make sense to me, but that may just be me. If you read this book please let me know what you think.
Overall this is a piece about the next realm, the physics part comes in drips and drabs, the characters suffer but are determined for freedom and we get a unique view into an alternative afterlife...a very british alternative version of the afterlife. I wouldn't say buy this book but definitely check out the author and his material as he is one to watch!
7/10
Thank you for reading from us at Always Trust In Books. Please:
SHARE
COMMENT
REVIEW
TALK
WRITE
SMILE
HIGH FIVE
EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BRING BOOKS TO PEOPLE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2016
Having read a few books by Luke Smitherd now, I've grown rather fond of his style as an author. The Physics of the Dead was a peculiar book to start reading, taking a while for me to get into the story. However, that only added to its charm, as "life" in The Foyer—this limited prison-like section of Coventry which is home to a handful of dead people and The Beast—gradually unfolds.
To say that the characters are dead, and essentially a group of bored, non-corporeal prisoners, this book has a depth and complexity which was surprising.
Highly enjoyable, and deliciously strange in a way that I've come to associate with Smitherd's writing.
To say that the characters are dead, and essentially a group of bored, non-corporeal prisoners, this book has a depth and complexity which was surprising.
Highly enjoyable, and deliciously strange in a way that I've come to associate with Smitherd's writing.
March 6, 2019
I really tried but it was awful, so slow and not at all what I was expecting, couldn't finish it
March 26, 2017
An unusual read, very original, but it just did not work for me. The problem as i see it is twofold - firstly as all the characters are dead you don't really build any empathy for them. Whilst you are interested to see where the story takes them it doesn't grab you as much as it could, or should. Secondly the story jumps between current and past events often to build and expose new parts of the story which at times got confusing - especially if you are not reading this in one session (and i read it over several days) - you end up having to work out what the heck is going on each time.
Having said all this there is some really great writing here - such as when we discover what happend to Hart and Bowler before they died. In both cases the author completely sucked me into the scenes with his vivid writing which worked so well. Having said all this, I do highly rate the author and look forward to picking up and reading his other books - but if you have not read any of his books i would not start here.
Having said all this there is some really great writing here - such as when we discover what happend to Hart and Bowler before they died. In both cases the author completely sucked me into the scenes with his vivid writing which worked so well. Having said all this, I do highly rate the author and look forward to picking up and reading his other books - but if you have not read any of his books i would not start here.
March 29, 2021
I picked this on the strength of The Stone Man, which had pace and purpose. This novel is becalmed. It unfolds in three differently timed narratives. I found it vague and unfocussed, peopled by characters without much definition who elicit not much empathy. Describing the science of a postmortem world rather than its religious connotations is refreshing, full of promise, but in the end not enough to sustain interest. After two thirds I gave up, which I hate doing. But life is too short.
Hint: The story is told in at least three time periods. You can tell which one you're in by the use of plain typeface, italics or bold face. Bold face tells you about what happens to the characters before they die and if you want to see how well Luke Smitherd can write, just read the bold bits.
Hint: The story is told in at least three time periods. You can tell which one you're in by the use of plain typeface, italics or bold face. Bold face tells you about what happens to the characters before they die and if you want to see how well Luke Smitherd can write, just read the bold bits.
December 23, 2016
Another Awesome read. After TSM, this slowed to a different beat, and still engaged me from very early on. I have lived in Coventry over thirty years, so that helped a great deal. The author managed to make me really care about the two main characters, even though neither was all that likeable. As good as the first book I read of his, and sure not to be the last.
July 8, 2024
I grabbed this book because I needed an audiobook to listen to while I spent a few weeks without vision, and the irony of that is not lost on me.
This book is, on the face of it, a weird premise, but it really delivers by just being a book about people. It's about a bunch of people stuck in a weird where they can't interact with anything, can barely interact with each other, and have to rely on their wits to stick around long enough to try to get out - without getting too obsessed with getting out because its basically probably impossible and thinking about it too much might drive you mad (according to one resident). It's about conflict, differences of opinions, the importance of the self, and the fragile and sometimes self-serving nature of altruism. It's about motives and whether they matter, its about loss and how you cope with it, and its about fearing things worse than death.
But most of all, it's fun. I dropped one star because I found the ending unsatisfying, but I want to stress that that's just my opinion - others will definitely love it.
This book is, on the face of it, a weird premise, but it really delivers by just being a book about people. It's about a bunch of people stuck in a weird where they can't interact with anything, can barely interact with each other, and have to rely on their wits to stick around long enough to try to get out - without getting too obsessed with getting out because its basically probably impossible and thinking about it too much might drive you mad (according to one resident). It's about conflict, differences of opinions, the importance of the self, and the fragile and sometimes self-serving nature of altruism. It's about motives and whether they matter, its about loss and how you cope with it, and its about fearing things worse than death.
But most of all, it's fun. I dropped one star because I found the ending unsatisfying, but I want to stress that that's just my opinion - others will definitely love it.
December 8, 2020
Loved the book!
I loved this book, I’m sad it finished and I want to know what happened next! I’m sure I’ll be making up scenarios tonight when I’m supposed to be trying to fall asleep! I’ve read 2 books by this author so far and I’ve really loved them both. I like the writing style and I like the story line - he has such a great imagination and it just speaks to me. I think I’ve found my new favourite author (although i think I’m a bit late to the party but better late than never). It’s worth a read.
I loved this book, I’m sad it finished and I want to know what happened next! I’m sure I’ll be making up scenarios tonight when I’m supposed to be trying to fall asleep! I’ve read 2 books by this author so far and I’ve really loved them both. I like the writing style and I like the story line - he has such a great imagination and it just speaks to me. I think I’ve found my new favourite author (although i think I’m a bit late to the party but better late than never). It’s worth a read.
August 8, 2021
This is the 4th Luke Smitherd book I've listened to and I really enjoy his stories. This one hasn't disappointed, I've listened to it through Audible and the author narrated it. He also gives a little bit of info about where his ideas for stories come from. This story is built on the idea of what happens when you die and why, with really well-formed characters.
I am amazed by this authors imagination, the stories although sci-fi also feel close to possible in the same vein as Black Mirror or The Twilight zone.
I am amazed by this authors imagination, the stories although sci-fi also feel close to possible in the same vein as Black Mirror or The Twilight zone.
June 26, 2017
Some great terrifying scenes, but I wouldn't technically call this a horror book. There are also plenty of funny moments that remind me of Ghost and Beetlejuice in how their version of the afterlife. There are also average paragraphs where it beats down what it means to be a ghost and how it would suck. Definitely a fascinating read.
January 12, 2018
I’ve recently watched black mirror s4 which is some of the greatest tv I’ve ever seen. Smitherds books are every bit as good, never a let down. These are concepts that you could imagine pondering as a child and it’s the greatest compliment I can give that luke seems to take this and turn it into a great story. It’s like a child’s drawing in the hands of a great painter. Wonderful.
October 17, 2019
Not a huge fan of the pace of this story. I love the premise but not the characters. I kept getting confused on who was who and where things were happening. Maybe I am just dumb. I did enjoy the ending but it took a lot of my patience to get there.
I still love Smitherd’s writing though, I’ll forgive him for this ♥️
I still love Smitherd’s writing though, I’ll forgive him for this ♥️
March 23, 2020
Well written
A novel that keeps you guessing. Other reviewers have mentioned that the jumps in time are confusing. I found the plot straightforward to follow. Great if you're a fan of memento or inception. I honestly prefer this kind of writing as it forced me to focus. Great new writer, I will be recommending him to my friends.
A novel that keeps you guessing. Other reviewers have mentioned that the jumps in time are confusing. I found the plot straightforward to follow. Great if you're a fan of memento or inception. I honestly prefer this kind of writing as it forced me to focus. Great new writer, I will be recommending him to my friends.
December 4, 2023
Incredible
I believe this is my 10th book of this author that I've read. I have enjoyed all of his books. He did his own reading for this audiobook and boy did he do a terrific job! The story is very much an experience. The plot doesn't matter as much as a beautiful imagery in the movie that you see in your mind.
I believe this is my 10th book of this author that I've read. I have enjoyed all of his books. He did his own reading for this audiobook and boy did he do a terrific job! The story is very much an experience. The plot doesn't matter as much as a beautiful imagery in the movie that you see in your mind.
February 17, 2024
Read Luke Smitherd books!!
This one left me a little confused with a lot of time jumping, but if you hang in there with the author he’ll take you over, under, in and out until you finally reach the end. Then you’ll clutch your heart, breathe a big sigh of relief and say, “Holy cow, what a ride!!”
This one left me a little confused with a lot of time jumping, but if you hang in there with the author he’ll take you over, under, in and out until you finally reach the end. Then you’ll clutch your heart, breathe a big sigh of relief and say, “Holy cow, what a ride!!”
June 4, 2018
Interesting story and well performed, though usually when author reads his/her own book, I try to avoid such. In this case however it was well read also. I was quite a bit conflicted whether to give it a 4 or 5 star.
June 18, 2019
Great book. I was completely drawn in to the story and the concept. Loved learning the individual journeys of the key characters. I found it really emotive, especially Bowler. I read with tears in my eyes a few times. It is very thought provoking. Left me wanting more!
December 18, 2019
3.5 stars. Another good book by Luke Smitherd. I love the way his mind works and he again creates another unique, well developed world and scenario. The characters are great and the plot moves along well without being too predictable.
February 26, 2017
Please see my audible review: http://www.audible.co.uk/listener/A2T...
January 13, 2018
Refreshing new take on afterlife, really enjoyed this.
February 17, 2018
3.5 stars. Starts very slowly and it almost lost me but it really picked up after the half way point and I quite enjoyed this in the end
November 18, 2018
A quiet masterpiece and an immensely enjoyable read.
April 5, 2019
Took too long to get to a point, and Bowler was insufferable the entire book.
April 16, 2019
Another great read from Luke Smitherd, in this, his first novel. Exploring the physics of being dead in Coventry is surprisingly relaxing and intriguing.
August 29, 2019
It's got some major problems with characters and plot but overall I enjoyed reading it.
January 17, 2020
If you haven't read Luke Smitherd you are missing out. His writing style is so honest. His characters are so relatable in their flaws. This book draws you in and then locks you into this desperately bleak situation that feels so plausible. I strongly recommend reading his work.
January 29, 2021
It's not a book that is easily explained without spoilers. But it sucks you in like Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
It's a good read with a proper good plot twist.
It's a good read with a proper good plot twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews