Punks Versus Zombies: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Survival Novel

by Jon Cronshaw

The gig was supposed to change their lives…

…instead, it ended the world.

Tommy, Laila, and Micky never wanted to be heroes. They just wanted to play their music.

One night they’re on stage. The next, they’re running for their lives through a zombie apocalypse tearing across America.

Every mile home is a fight against the dead—and the living who are worse.

Tommy swore he’d never spill blood, but to save his bandmates—and reach the family waiting in Philadelphia—he’ll have to break every principle he’s ever lived by.

What happens when the mosh pit becomes a feeding frenzy?

How do you keep your morals when killing is the only way to survive?

And how far would you go to save the people you love?

Punks Versus Zombies is raw, brutal, unforgettable.

Click Buy Now and join the fight—because the end of the world doesn’t care if you’re ready.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

About the author

Jon Cronshaw is a British science fiction and fantasy author based in the north of England, just south of the wall.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.

Reviews

[Becca]

Waste and ruin

We all have watched zombie moves for years. So I ask.... Are we learning valuable lessons on. The correct way to survive it, or are we being studied by higher authorities that watch our every move and reaction

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tensions are high after the Zombies interrupt the bands playing at the Gilman. With no other choice but to flee California and try to get back to the east coast where their home is. There bands decided to stick together and get out of town. So many different personalities trying to make it through the hell that has fallen upon their world is very challenging at times. But sticking together is what is going to keep them as safe as possible.
This story is very well written and all the characters are well developed. Lots of twists that kept me guessing. Very suspenseful, action packed with nail biting events testing them to their fullest. Very emotional with the law of survival changing daily into unknown territory. I found myself holding my breath at times and other times a few tears shed. I highly recommend this story.
This is my first book by Jon and I will definitely be reading more of his books. This is a must read. I'm ready to dive into book 2 and see what is in store for these Punk Rockers.
Enjoy everyone.

[Ann Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so much respect for an author who can write a series, and you feel like you are in it. These zombie books are fantastic. They had my heart beating like I had been running from the zombies. The characters seem so real that you will either love or hate them. They made me feel like the world went to hell and I had to fight for my life and my families while I was reading the series. Don't walk Runnn and buy this series!!

[Michael Mulloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an apocalyptic zombie story, the character development here is surprisingly good. In Cronshaw's hands, what could have been a one-dimensional joke becomes something with actual depth and a real plot. The characters feel real, the story has heart, and everything moves along at a brisk pace. I received an advance reading copy of this book and agreed to give an honest review; it's good enough though that I intend to buy a physical copy.

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has such a great concept for a zombie novel. Three punk bands are at a gig in Berkeley when the zombie apocalypse starts, and they want to get back home to Philadelphia.

The best thing about this book are the characters. Tommy's drive to get home to his girlfriend and infant son is a strong motivation to travel across country. He cares for his band mates deeply. Withdrawn bassist, Laila, and drug addict drummer, Micky. He also has a strong friendship with the two other bands accompanying them, which grows as they travel.

My favorite character is Zero. He's quick to blame the zombies on a globalist agenda, which causes his friends to roll their eyes and groan.

The writing is straightforward and easy to read. The book is fast paced. The cross country journey central to the plot reminds me of the TV series, "Z Nation".

Unfortunately, the zombie action is disappointing. Despite starting their journey on day zero, the punks travel along empty roads and through empty towns. It is like everyone disappeared. Zombie action is similarly sparse. The action scenes hold little tension, and there seems to be no deeper meaning to the zombies.

If you are looking for an apocalyptic road journey with interesting character dynamics, then this is the book for you.

I'm grateful to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punks Versus Zombies - a review by Rosemary Kenny.


Punks Versus Zombies is the first of a trilogy by Jon Cronshaw, that reminded me greatly of Shaun Of The Dead, (with added musical accompaniments) mixed with Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, as the end of the world begins with a similar zombie apocalypse,  as Tommy and his band are mid-gig, before exploring his struggle to get home to his family.
A great tongue-in-cheek romp that will leave you gasping and laughing in equal measure.

Try Punks Versus Zombies today - and get ready for the ride of your life!

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a pre-publication ARC directly from the author. 503 pages (complete edition)

Book One: August 28- 28
Book Two: Undead Anarchy August 30 - 31
Book Three: Punk's Not Dead August 31 - September 1


Three punk groups are performing at a club in Berkeley, California, when the zombie outbreak begins. Together they resolve to make their way home - across the continent to Pittsbugh and Philadelphia. On the way they are challenged every day - roving hordes and zombie individuals, uninfected road 'pirates', seemingly protected sheltered communities - as they scavenge supplies and weapons on the way.

Not everyone survives - inevitably - but as they make progress they form bonds that help to sustain their determination.

Do they reach their goal? Are Tommy's wife and son safe and surviving? And how did the outbreak occur seemingly simultaneously worldwide? To find the answers to some of these questions you'll have to read the book(s). I suggest reading the three as one continuous narrative.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good zombie survival trilogy with a well written storyline and a unique cast of realistic characters. A punk band crosses zombie America facing a variety of human and nonhuman obstacles along the way. Contains plenty of tension and suspense along the way. Plenty of killing with all the zombies they encounter. An enjoyable read that I would highly recommend.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently written series starter. Unlikely heroes battling their way home in the hope their relatives continue to thrive despite the apocalyptic situation. Well recommended read for any apocalypse or zombie fans.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to the series of a Zombie Apocalypse. Plenty of action and light hearted humour throughout as the bands stick together, supporting each other to make it home. I received an ARC copy I'm giving an honest review voluntarily.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, short zombie read. Some mad ideas & adventure, a motely crew of characters, some fun action & generally high energy, I really enjoyed it, a nice change! A real fun read!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely intriguing book for those that love zombies and those that are new to them. Impossible to not love everything about these characters.