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Actually, I'm A Corpse
Not yet published
Expected 11 Jun 26The new wickedly funny murder mystery in the Actually Murders series from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author.
______________
1973. Hours after a mysterious phone call is made to the police, a train pulls into Sunderland station with a dead body on board.
Cause of strangulation. unknown. none.
Undeterred by this baffling set of circumstances, newly promoted Police Sergeant Aline James vows to crack the case and prove her critics wrong. But when her famously ruthless investigation tactics yield no results, she is forced to seek help from two unlikely unassuming assassin John Brown and calamitous actor Tony Davies.
As bodies pile up, can this unusual trio thwart a devilishly complex plot, before one of them, actually, becomes a corpse?
______________
1973. Hours after a mysterious phone call is made to the police, a train pulls into Sunderland station with a dead body on board.
Cause of strangulation. unknown. none.
Undeterred by this baffling set of circumstances, newly promoted Police Sergeant Aline James vows to crack the case and prove her critics wrong. But when her famously ruthless investigation tactics yield no results, she is forced to seek help from two unlikely unassuming assassin John Brown and calamitous actor Tony Davies.
As bodies pile up, can this unusual trio thwart a devilishly complex plot, before one of them, actually, becomes a corpse?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 11, 2026
About the author
Terry Deary
782 books851 followersA former actor, theatre-director and drama teacher, Deary says he began writing when he was 29. Most famously, he is one of the authors of the Horrible Histories series of books popular among children for their disgusting details, gory information and humorous pictures and among adults for getting children interested in history. Books in the series have been widely translated into other languages and imitated.
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story is about the Northern Liberation Army, which wants to liberate the north east of England from the rest of the country… or is it? This alone should tell you that the book doesn’t take itself seriously, even as the bodies pile up.
I enjoyed meeting up with the three characters from the previous book, and felt that, even the annoying Tony, they will be the reason I want to read more of this series. Sometimes the police misogyny and incompetence portrayed here gets me a bit cross, though I realise it’s been exaggerated for comic effect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I enjoyed meeting up with the three characters from the previous book, and felt that, even the annoying Tony, they will be the reason I want to read more of this series. Sometimes the police misogyny and incompetence portrayed here gets me a bit cross, though I realise it’s been exaggerated for comic effect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know Terry Deary made his name with his Horrible Histories series but I must confess I haven’t read any of them. However, his murder mysteries for adults demonstrate that he is a first-class writer. Actually, I'm a Corpse is the second, following on from Actually, I'm a Murderer, with the same three main characters reprising their roles: Tony Davies (second-rate actor with an unfortunate knack of being associated with murder victims); John Brown (assassin); and Aline James (police officer).
I was so sad when I finished Actually, I'm a Murderer because I thought there was no chance of a sequel. When I saw Actually, I'm a Corpse, I confess to squealing with delight – and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is so good in so many ways: the characters are highly believable, with John Brown touchingly showing a very human aspect. Tony is his usual clumsy self; and Aline is driven by her sense of justice. Deary is like one of those skilled people who set several plates spinning; keep them spinning for a while; then swiftly grab them, one after the other. He is a master at retaining our interest in all the plot strands: Tony’s new acting company; Aline’s new role as a sergeant; John’s mother fading in a care home; a body on a train; a bomb killing three people. Then, quickly, all the strands are brought together and it’s over, leaving the audience impressed and applauding.
The dialogue is crisp and tight, without a single wasted word; and so perfectly 1970s, with the casual but endemic sexism in the police force. The plot moves forward at a cracking pace. There is humour, with one nod to the Horrible Histories series. The book was one long orgy of delight for me – I do hope there will be another book in the series.
#ActuallyImACorpse #NetGalley
I was so sad when I finished Actually, I'm a Murderer because I thought there was no chance of a sequel. When I saw Actually, I'm a Corpse, I confess to squealing with delight – and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is so good in so many ways: the characters are highly believable, with John Brown touchingly showing a very human aspect. Tony is his usual clumsy self; and Aline is driven by her sense of justice. Deary is like one of those skilled people who set several plates spinning; keep them spinning for a while; then swiftly grab them, one after the other. He is a master at retaining our interest in all the plot strands: Tony’s new acting company; Aline’s new role as a sergeant; John’s mother fading in a care home; a body on a train; a bomb killing three people. Then, quickly, all the strands are brought together and it’s over, leaving the audience impressed and applauding.
The dialogue is crisp and tight, without a single wasted word; and so perfectly 1970s, with the casual but endemic sexism in the police force. The plot moves forward at a cracking pace. There is humour, with one nod to the Horrible Histories series. The book was one long orgy of delight for me – I do hope there will be another book in the series.
#ActuallyImACorpse #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book from NetGalley.
Terry Deary is best known for his Horrible Histories books & is a very talented author. As a history lover, I've recently read his adult nonfiction books, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies & Revolting so when I saw Actually, I'm a Corpse on NetGalley I knew I had to request it. Unfortunately I do have a habit of not realising when books aren't the 1st in the series..... It didn't spoil it for me but it took me a little longer to get the relationship dynamics of the three main characters.
The story follows our three reluctant main characters as they try to find a bomber. John Brown, a professional assassin who was approached to plant a bomb in York but refused the job offer. Actor Tony Davies who seems to have the worst luck ever as not only is he one of the last few people on a train where a dead woman is found, he's also the 1st person to find another dead body. Newly promoted Sergeant Aline James, as a woman trying to compete in a man's world (or the police force of the 70s) she needs to work twice as hard to try & get ahead. If she can solve both murders before Scotland Yard, she hopes she can progress onto CID.
I really enjoyed this book, it is very well written & the alternating POVs keep you wanting more. I will be adding the 1st book, Actually, I'm a Murderer to my tbr.
Terry Deary is best known for his Horrible Histories books & is a very talented author. As a history lover, I've recently read his adult nonfiction books, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies & Revolting so when I saw Actually, I'm a Corpse on NetGalley I knew I had to request it. Unfortunately I do have a habit of not realising when books aren't the 1st in the series..... It didn't spoil it for me but it took me a little longer to get the relationship dynamics of the three main characters.
The story follows our three reluctant main characters as they try to find a bomber. John Brown, a professional assassin who was approached to plant a bomb in York but refused the job offer. Actor Tony Davies who seems to have the worst luck ever as not only is he one of the last few people on a train where a dead woman is found, he's also the 1st person to find another dead body. Newly promoted Sergeant Aline James, as a woman trying to compete in a man's world (or the police force of the 70s) she needs to work twice as hard to try & get ahead. If she can solve both murders before Scotland Yard, she hopes she can progress onto CID.
I really enjoyed this book, it is very well written & the alternating POVs keep you wanting more. I will be adding the 1st book, Actually, I'm a Murderer to my tbr.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Actually I'm A Corpse by Terry Dreary
Rating : 4.5 ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Released : 11th June 2026
Pages : 352
Duration : 5 days
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Returning to the world of a unlikely group of 'friends' an Assassin, a Police Sargent and a failing Actor as they investigate a train bombing as well as a new touring production in 1970's Sunderland.
Hapless Tony Davies has taken a role in touring production, Newly promoted Sargent Aline James is looking to make a name for herself and John Brown is, well, he's still assassinating those he is paid to do so.
As with the previous book this is a great fast moving romp of a investigation, full of great characters, lovelorn pairings and awkward humour. It does a great job of fleshing out Aline, Tony and Mr Brown and making them fuller characters.
I love these books and hope there is a 3rd (and 4th, 5th and maybe a 6th) book in this world yet to be released and Terry Dreary needs to be immortalised as a literary legend
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This is due to be released 11th of June, if this interests you then add it to you want to read list
----------------
Thank you to Netgalley & The Publisher for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
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You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
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Rating : 4.5 ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Released : 11th June 2026
Pages : 352
Duration : 5 days
----------------
Returning to the world of a unlikely group of 'friends' an Assassin, a Police Sargent and a failing Actor as they investigate a train bombing as well as a new touring production in 1970's Sunderland.
Hapless Tony Davies has taken a role in touring production, Newly promoted Sargent Aline James is looking to make a name for herself and John Brown is, well, he's still assassinating those he is paid to do so.
As with the previous book this is a great fast moving romp of a investigation, full of great characters, lovelorn pairings and awkward humour. It does a great job of fleshing out Aline, Tony and Mr Brown and making them fuller characters.
I love these books and hope there is a 3rd (and 4th, 5th and maybe a 6th) book in this world yet to be released and Terry Dreary needs to be immortalised as a literary legend
----------------
This is due to be released 11th of June, if this interests you then add it to you want to read list
----------------
Thank you to Netgalley & The Publisher for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is such a clever mix of dark mystery and sly humor. Set in 1973, it opens with a wonderfully eerie scene—a train pulling into Sunderland station carrying a strangled body, with no witnesses and no clear identity. It’s the kind of hook that instantly makes you lean in.
At the center is Police Sergeant Aline James, newly promoted and determined to prove herself. She’s sharp, stubborn, and not afraid to ruffle feathers, which makes her a fascinating lead. But what really makes the story sparkle is the unlikely team she forms with John Brown, an assassin who’s far more unassuming than you’d expect, and Tony Davies, a hapless actor who brings comic relief to the tension. Their dynamic is quirky, funny, and surprisingly endearing.
Terry Deary’s writing has a wicked wit to it. The mystery is layered and keeps you guessing, but it’s the blend of eccentric characters and sharp dialogue that makes the book feel so alive. Even as the bodies pile up, there’s a playful energy that keeps the story from ever feeling too heavy.
It’s a murder mystery with personality—dark enough to intrigue, funny enough to entertain, and full of characters you’ll remember long after the last page.
With thanks to Terry Deary, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
At the center is Police Sergeant Aline James, newly promoted and determined to prove herself. She’s sharp, stubborn, and not afraid to ruffle feathers, which makes her a fascinating lead. But what really makes the story sparkle is the unlikely team she forms with John Brown, an assassin who’s far more unassuming than you’d expect, and Tony Davies, a hapless actor who brings comic relief to the tension. Their dynamic is quirky, funny, and surprisingly endearing.
Terry Deary’s writing has a wicked wit to it. The mystery is layered and keeps you guessing, but it’s the blend of eccentric characters and sharp dialogue that makes the book feel so alive. Even as the bodies pile up, there’s a playful energy that keeps the story from ever feeling too heavy.
It’s a murder mystery with personality—dark enough to intrigue, funny enough to entertain, and full of characters you’ll remember long after the last page.
With thanks to Terry Deary, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sequel to Actually I'm a Murderer which I enjoyed reading so delighted to receive an ARC of the follow up novel. It was great to catch up with the lead characters. Tony Davies is still trying to make a living as an actor and has taken a part in a local community production alongside fellow actors who are soon to become suspects in two murders, However, this time professional assassin John Brown is an 'innocent' bystander and we are forced to feel sympathy for the situation we find him in.. Their sometime collaborator, sometimes adversary, Aline James is now a sergeant. With the story set at a time when women police officers were discriminated against and treated differently to their male counterparts, Deary manages to make the reader feel sympathy and admiration for her ability to pursue the truth despite her male colleagues attempts to side line her. The whole story is extremely well plotted and moves at fast pace a with humour and suspense in equal measure. I am eagerly awaiting the next episode!
December 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Actually I’m a Corpse by Terry Deary.
This was an original and offbeat crime novel that had an unusual storyline. Set in 1973, the story opens with an unidentified body arriving by train at Sunderland station, immediately setting up a mystery that is deliberately unpredictable . Newly promoted Sergeant Aline James is tasked with unpicking the case, aided by a cast of unlikely helpers, as the body count begins to rise.
I enjoyed how different this felt from a traditional police procedural. The tone is playful and sharply observed, with moments of genuine humour alongside the mystery.
At times the plot wanders and the eccentricity may not be for everyone, but the originality and humour kept me invested. An inventive and entertaining read that stands out for doing something a little different. A solid four star read for me.
This was an original and offbeat crime novel that had an unusual storyline. Set in 1973, the story opens with an unidentified body arriving by train at Sunderland station, immediately setting up a mystery that is deliberately unpredictable . Newly promoted Sergeant Aline James is tasked with unpicking the case, aided by a cast of unlikely helpers, as the body count begins to rise.
I enjoyed how different this felt from a traditional police procedural. The tone is playful and sharply observed, with moments of genuine humour alongside the mystery.
At times the plot wanders and the eccentricity may not be for everyone, but the originality and humour kept me invested. An inventive and entertaining read that stands out for doing something a little different. A solid four star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Second in the series - you don't need to have read the first as the author catches you up quite quickly. This time, actor Tony Davies is the main suspect when a woman's body is found on the train he's just left - and his tour in a new company could be scuppered. DS Aline James is investigating, and assassin John Brown is also involved. As well as the murder, there's a terrorist plot involving bombs - but how is it connected to the murder?
Really gives a feel of the 1970s, with all the sexism and misogyny (actually, the character I like most - by a long way - is the assassin, particularly as we get a view of what drives him and his personal life; Aline is a bit whiny and Tony's ego is irritating). Lots of good twists, and a rattling pace. Enjoyed this one.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Really gives a feel of the 1970s, with all the sexism and misogyny (actually, the character I like most - by a long way - is the assassin, particularly as we get a view of what drives him and his personal life; Aline is a bit whiny and Tony's ego is irritating). Lots of good twists, and a rattling pace. Enjoyed this one.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 19, 2026
Fantastic! A bit cosy crime and more than a little bit twee but with a great sense of humour and a biting wit. I loved the main characters, quirks and all. The astute observations of human character and nature was sublime and made me smile quite a lot! I’d love to run into them in true life and was fully invested and believed them to be real.
The storyline was pacy and ingenious and kept me on my toes, without my having to concentrate too much. The setting was both slightly historical (just before my time to be fair) and in a backdrop very familiar to me, Sunderland, so I appreciated and enjoyed all the local references.
I hadn’t read the previous book in the series but didn’t suffer for this, I’m definitely going to go back and read it now, however, as I can’t wait to read more. A definite recommend from me.
The storyline was pacy and ingenious and kept me on my toes, without my having to concentrate too much. The setting was both slightly historical (just before my time to be fair) and in a backdrop very familiar to me, Sunderland, so I appreciated and enjoyed all the local references.
I hadn’t read the previous book in the series but didn’t suffer for this, I’m definitely going to go back and read it now, however, as I can’t wait to read more. A definite recommend from me.
December 30, 2025
The first book in this series was great and I was so glad to see there was a second! ‘Actually, I’m a corpse’ not only drew me in but thoroughly entertained along the way.
Sometimes I can struggle a bit to engage with split perspectives but not so with this one - I got used to it and enjoyed the building of the story as we flitted from our 3 POV’s. The assassin, the cop and the actor - three all very different personalities and characters.
I really enjoy these kind of books and I’m an auto-read anything Terry Deary so I know I’ll never be disappointed! Can’t wait for more.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for a copy of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Sometimes I can struggle a bit to engage with split perspectives but not so with this one - I got used to it and enjoyed the building of the story as we flitted from our 3 POV’s. The assassin, the cop and the actor - three all very different personalities and characters.
I really enjoy these kind of books and I’m an auto-read anything Terry Deary so I know I’ll never be disappointed! Can’t wait for more.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for a copy of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
January 4, 2026
Another solid four-star read and a very satisfying sequel.
Actually, I’m a Corpse brings back Tony the actor, Mr Brown the assassin, and Sergeant Aline James, dropping them into another clever and fast-moving mystery. I really enjoyed returning to these characters and seeing how their dynamic continues to develop.
The 1973 setting works beautifully and allows for plot twists that feel both believable and refreshing. There are multiple murders, plenty of intrigue, and just the right balance of dark humour and mystery. Mr Brown’s involvement once again adds an extra edge.
A strong follow-up to the first book and a great start to my reading year. I’m very much hoping this series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley & little, brown book group UK for the ARC
Actually, I’m a Corpse brings back Tony the actor, Mr Brown the assassin, and Sergeant Aline James, dropping them into another clever and fast-moving mystery. I really enjoyed returning to these characters and seeing how their dynamic continues to develop.
The 1973 setting works beautifully and allows for plot twists that feel both believable and refreshing. There are multiple murders, plenty of intrigue, and just the right balance of dark humour and mystery. Mr Brown’s involvement once again adds an extra edge.
A strong follow-up to the first book and a great start to my reading year. I’m very much hoping this series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley & little, brown book group UK for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not having read the first book to feature aspiring actor Tony Davies, and Police Sergeant Aline James, I was concerned that this would impact my understanding and enjoyment of this sequel. Not a bit of it. This was a very well written thriller set in 1973, investigating a couple of murders as well as a failed attempt against the Royal Family, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. It narrated the tale through different character's perspectives which done well, is a great way to explore the development of the story, and these different perspectives give a fresh flavour to the story. Whilst it initially felt a little slow in pace as the story and characters were established, this soon turned into a pacey story which kept me glued to the page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve previously said that I’m not a fan of books where the storyline is divided up into chapters from the point of view of different characters. However, this book has certainly gone someway to change my mind. Set in 1973; a dead woman on a train an apparent lack of witnesses and you’ve got yourself a “whodunit”. Definitely not a “police procedural” and the character of the woman police sergeant did grate on me. I enjoyed the dark humour, and all the different plotlines came together with a conclusion which hopefully promises this won’t be the last we hear of these characters. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC.
February 9, 2026
Thank you to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I want to start by saying that I grew up reading Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories series, so jumped at the chance to read his work aimed at adults. I wasn’t disappointed! Actually, I’m A Corpse offers multiple perspectives from interesting characters, a mystery that was deeply layered and a very satisfying ending. I did find the pacing in the middle section of the book to be quite slow but the beginning and end made up for it, in my opinion.
This is the second book in the series but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this book.
I want to start by saying that I grew up reading Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories series, so jumped at the chance to read his work aimed at adults. I wasn’t disappointed! Actually, I’m A Corpse offers multiple perspectives from interesting characters, a mystery that was deeply layered and a very satisfying ending. I did find the pacing in the middle section of the book to be quite slow but the beginning and end made up for it, in my opinion.
This is the second book in the series but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Actually, I’m a Corpse by Terry Deary is the second entry in the Actually series, though it’s not necessary to have read the first instalment to follow what’s going on.
Set in 1973, the novel centres on an unlikely trio of an actor, an assassin, and a policewoman as they hunt for a bomber, with a few murders thrown in for good measure.
Told through alternating points of view, each with a distinct voice, the plot moves quickly and the black humour is darkly entertaining. While an easy read, the mystery is compelling and layered enough to keep you guessing.
Worth a look.
With thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC.
Set in 1973, the novel centres on an unlikely trio of an actor, an assassin, and a policewoman as they hunt for a bomber, with a few murders thrown in for good measure.
Told through alternating points of view, each with a distinct voice, the plot moves quickly and the black humour is darkly entertaining. While an easy read, the mystery is compelling and layered enough to keep you guessing.
Worth a look.
With thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hadn’t read the first in the series, but it didn’t hinder my reading experience and I quickly caught up with past relationships.
Actually, I'm A Corpse by Terry Deary is a murder mystery which moves along at a good pace, from the different POVs of the main characters. It has great humour and is quite a fun read. I can't wait to more books in the series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Little, Brown Book Group UK, for the e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Actually, I'm A Corpse by Terry Deary is a murder mystery which moves along at a good pace, from the different POVs of the main characters. It has great humour and is quite a fun read. I can't wait to more books in the series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Little, Brown Book Group UK, for the e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The second book in the series, but the first one I have read. In fact, this is the first Terry Deary novel I have read and I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was. The book is well written and has a lovely pace that makes it so easy to read. The characters, the mystery and the humour make this a very fun read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
February 6, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down. Not quite the interesting hook of the first book for me, and the characters haven’t really improved enough to offset that. There’s also still that slightly smug tone to the book which didn’t particularly help. If you like ‘humorous’ crime mysteries, then this will be right up your alley I think, and I’m sure it will be popular enough with readers.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews