The Dead Ringer: A Novel

by Dane Bahr

This haunting Western story features a man brought back from the dead to exact revenge upon those who have wronged him, only to discover that the world is capable of good—from the author of The Houseboat and Stag

Montana, 1935. Bludgeoned and buried alive by his bank-robbing partner and half brother, Benjamin Kilt should have been a corpse. But now very much on this side of heaven, Kilt’s quest for revenge will be unlike anything the West has ever seen.

Kilt is joined on his journey by Bonnie, a thirteen-year-old Indigenous girl he somewhat reluctantly rescues from her abusive “keeper.” It is through Bonnie’s recollections in old age of Kilt’s thorny quest for justice that Dane Bahr’s masterful tale unwinds, showcasing the tragic, complicated history of the two brothers and leading to a showdown at the very ranch where they were raised.

For listeners of Charles Portis, Elmore Leonard, and Annie Proulx, The Dead Ringer explores the slippery justification of questionable deeds done for honorable ends, a bold and haunting novel featuring a man brought back from the dead to exact revenge, only to discover that the world is capable of good no matter how tragic the end may be.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Suspense

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Dane Bahr was born in Minnesota. He lives in Washington state with his wife and sons. He is the author of The Houseboat.

Reviews

[Mrs. Bert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most exciting thrillers I’ve read lately. “The Dead Ringer” delivers suspense, shock, and powerful storytelling in perfect balance. The author creates a world full of danger and uncertainty, keeping the reader engaged from page one. The twists are smart and unexpected, and the characters are memorable and well-developed. I loved the pacing—it’s fast but steady, never overwhelming. The writing style is vivid, making it easy to picture every scene. This is more than just a mystery; it’s a compelling journey filled with tension and emotional stakes. A strong five-star recommendation.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dead Ringer is a suspenseful, beautifully but accessibly written, historical thriller. The storytelling was superb and Bahr's portrayal made the characters feel real, causing the reader to be fully invested in their lives. The book starts with bank robber Benjamin Kilt rising from a shallow grave after being put there by his brother, Sid Bosco. On his quest to get revenge on Bosco, Kilt encounters dangerous wildlife and a young girl in need of help. At the same time, the reader is treated to flashbacks of Kilt's early life and upbringing that help give understanding to his motivations and character.

The Dead Ringer was a quick read, as it was impossible to put down. The plot, scenery descriptions, and characters were cinematic and leapt off the page. A treat to experience!

[Dr. Obie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. The Dead Ringer delivers edge-of-your-seat tension, clever storytelling, and gripping emotional layers that elevate it above most thrillers. The protagonist’s struggles are compelling and relatable, making the stakes feel incredibly real. The locations are vividly described, adding richness and atmosphere to every scene. The twists are bold, unpredictable, and incredibly satisfying. I found myself thinking about the story even when I wasn’t reading. The pacing is perfect—every chapter moves the plot forward. It’s rare to find a thriller this polished and engaging. A definite five-star masterpiece that I’ll be recommending to everyone.

[German Gorczany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding thriller from start to finish. “The Dead Ringer” pulls you into its mysterious world with intense scenes, sharp writing, and unforgettable characters. The story unfolds in clever, unexpected ways that consistently surprised me. The atmosphere is rich and suspenseful, with a sense of danger lurking behind every chapter. The author clearly knows how to build tension and deliver a great twist. I loved the emotional elements woven through the plot—it adds depth without slowing the pace. By the time I reached the final pages, I felt completely satisfied. This is a five-star gem of a novel.

[Aidan Kshlerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dead Ringer is an absolute triumph in suspense fiction. The story is filled with gripping conflicts, dangerous secrets, and twists that land with incredible impact. The protagonist is relatable and compelling, making their journey all the more engaging. I was impressed by how well the author manages to keep the tension high without sacrificing character development. Every chapter moves with purpose, and the writing is cinematic and atmospheric. The mystery is layered and satisfying, leaving no loose ends. This is a standout thriller that kept me glued to the pages. A clear five-star read.

[Helmer Breitenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. The Dead Ringer is a gripping thriller with incredible atmosphere and tight storytelling. The author’s attention to detail creates vivid imagery and highly immersive scenes. The characters feel real, each with secrets that deepen the suspense. The plot twists are bold and unpredictable, and the tension builds steadily throughout. I was especially impressed by the emotional depth woven into the mystery—it adds weight to the action and makes the story unforgettable. By the end, I was completely satisfied and wanting more. This is a five-star novel through and through.

[Devonte Spinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, edge-of-your-seat thriller that delivers on every promise. “The Dead Ringer” combines emotional weight with a fast-paced plot full of shocks and reveals. The author creates a gripping sense of mystery from the start, and each chapter deepens the intrigue. The characters are believable and deeply engaging, and the twists are genuinely surprising. I loved how the story unfolds piece by piece, keeping you constantly guessing. The writing is strong and atmospheric, making the entire experience feel cinematic. This is a must-read for thriller fans. Five stars without hesitation.

[Drew McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hard to say but I think this is Dane's best book, and the reason it's hard to say is because all of Dane's books are great. I've loved every single one of them. He's one of the best writers doing it today. Propulsive stories. Well-rounded characters. And prose that are next level. Dane's sentences sing. Come for the stories, for the plot, for the colorful characters, but stay for the prose. Dane Bahr knows how to do it.