(What's the Story) Dead & Gory: A Gallagher Brothers Mystery

The Gallagher Brothers Mysteries #2

by Phillip Mottaz

"If you wish cozy mysteries had more f-bombs, this series is for you. I definitely recommend it-no maybe about it."

Andrew Shaffer, New York Times bestselling author of HOPE NEVER AN OBAMA BIDEN MYSTERY



Today is gonna be the day that they'll solve another mysteryyyyy. All your dreams are made when you're chained to another Gallagher Brothers Mystery. Noel and Liam return in '(WHAT'S THE STORY) DEAD & GORY.' 



Acclaimed stunt performer 'Union Jack' Holly dies on the set of his latest film production, leaving experts baffled. Studio security struggles with heaps of suspects, including the gossipy costume designer, the abrasive head of sound, the aloof lighting director, and the shifty producer. Fortunately, superstar songwriter Noel Gallagher was on set at the time of Jack's death. 



Unfortunately, he doesn't remember a thing. 



Fighting a terrible cold and zonked on experimental medicine, Noel's memories of that night have transformed into a trippy, undecipherable haze. The only way to solve the crime is to team up with the one person capable of understanding those drug-addled Noel's brother, the one and only Liam f@#$-ing Gallagher. 



Told from Noel's trademarked* point of view, '(WHAT'S THE STORY) DEAD & GORY' sees Manchester's favorite fighting brothers shake down suspects, tie up clues, and try to keep their reunion tour afloat. With a case put in the hands of a rock n' roll band who could throw it all away, the Gallaghers uncover chilling secrets and dirty lies, demanding each suspect answer the eternal question, "Where were you while he was getting high?"



*Point of view not legally trademarked.

196 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2025

About the author

Phillip Mottaz wrote his first novel when he was only 39. After growing up in Illinois’ smallest city, he studied improv and sketch comedy in Chicago. Since moving to Los Angeles, he has written every kind of script imaginable, produced multiple podcasts and — to date — has developed no psychic abilities. He is known for funny, quirky, weird mystery novels, and for adding strange details to his author bio.

Reviews

[Rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you see Oasis in concert this year and now don't know what to do with yourself? Once you've listened to their setlist on Spotify 2x, it's time to immerse yourself in the world of The Gallagher Brothers mysteries.

I recommend you start with book one - Deadly Maybe - then you can move on to this one, the second book in the series. The banter between the brothers. the zany characters, the fun setting - it's deliciously madcap. I love when two inexperienced oafs have to team up to solve a crime - and Noel and Liam in this world? Epic.

This one pubs October 25 - preorder now!

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Gallagher brothers mysteries. It is based on the album What’s the Story morning glory by Oasis. The cover mimics the cover art of the album. The song lyrics are worked into dialogue. The whole thing is narrated by Noel Gallagher and the author does a great job capturing his voice along with Liam’s mannerisms…so I was super excited to find these existed. I wish they were better. The schtick ran thin..it was too drug out..and sometimes borderline obnoxious. I liked the first book a little better than this one. It was what it was..a fun read meant to make you feel nostalgic for a time. There are two others coming out so will I be reading them despite the lower rating…yes..yes I am…definitely…maybe.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that Liam and Noel are back for another charming and silly adventure to find a killer. So many absolutely necessary f-bombs to ensure the true Macunian voice of Noel Gallagher. Chef’s kiss if you ask me!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment of a storyline I thought would only have enough substance to be a funny conversation at a dinner party, Mottaz's craftiness with exploring characters, motivations, and relationships is on full display in Dead and Gory. I'll read anything he writes.

[Shanelle Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, cozy (albeit f**king profane) mystery that only requires a minimal amount of Oasis knowledge.