Death Needs a Holiday

by Shawn Inmon

Death used to be simple.

For centuries, Slate has done his job—gently collecting souls and guiding them to whatever comes next. But in a future where the wealthy can upload their consciousness into synthetic bodies, souls no longer come whole. What’s left behind are frightened fragments—echoes of humanity trapped between worlds.

Now Death himself is running out of time.

As the number of true deaths dwindles, Slate and his eager apprentice Flicker struggle to survive in a universe where even Death has quotas. When they cross paths with Demetrius Helveti—the brilliant scientist who made immortality possible—they uncover a truth more terrifying than the technology that promised eternal life has shattered the human soul.

To restore balance, Death may have to break every rule he’s sworn to uphold… even if it means ending immortality itself.

Death Needs a Holiday is a darkly emotional, thought-provoking novella that explores what it means to be human, what it means to die—and what happens when we forget how.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Short Stories, Adult, Fantasy

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Kelsi Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected more of a comedy, but this short story did not disappoint! I would have loved for it to be longer so I could get more backstory on Slate and Flicker.

[Krys (spicy.spine.breaker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fav of Shawn Inmon 100% and surprisingly heartfelt for a scifi novella.

Humans, no matter how many cautionary tales we read or tell, despite knowing it’s not natural and the only certainty in this life, is death - will always be chasing that dream of immortality - and I loved this spin on it.

Death as a character(s) is always for me and this did NOT disappoint.


4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

[Roy DeRousse · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf

[tysephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover caught my eye, but it was the synopsis that really made me want to read it. What a fascinating look into Death and reapers and immortality. I think the idea of uploading your consciousness into a synthetic body and what that could do to a person's soul is such an interesting thing to explore. What makes a person a person? Is it the memories alone that give you your personality or is there something else that brings that spark that makes you you? What happens if the process of uploading yourself into another body fragments your soul? What do you become then?

This was such a thought-provoking book.

[Xeoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

in the zone 🤘🏻

Shawn is clearly in his comfort zone with this novel, delivering a story in a language that feels incredibly natural and effortless. The writing is easy to read, which makes the whole experience smooth and engaging. The fast-paced plot keeps the momentum going from start to finish, holding the reader’s attention throughout without any dull moments. Overall, it’s a good novel with an interesting story that captivates and entertains — a true testament to the author’s confident and comfortable storytelling style.

[Cas · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5

Very repetitive for such a short book, and lacking attention to detail.

In one paragraph a MC doesn't know if a task is possible, in the next paragraph or two he describes what will happen during that task and how to complete it.

If such a thing were possible. Is that even possible? This shouldn't be possible. Impossible.

"We have to try"

Welp, turns out it's possible.

It would be better for middle grade/young adult.

[Terri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another imaginative, thought provoking offering from Shawn Inmon. I have read every book in his Middle Falls collection and even though this book is not a part of the collection, it caught my eye.

Inmon asks some important questions in this book. What effect is technology having on humanity? And what is the worth of a soul? Beyond these questions though, is a short and entertaining read.

[Edward J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, but Shawn's optimism shines through

Shawn always finds the good in the universe and amplifies it. Thank goodness because it scares me to think of the terror his imagination could bring if he amplified the evil.

[Deborah Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

Well thought out without being predictable. I loved how Death had a conscience and couldn't hurt souls like the Reapers were doing. Such a great read I was sorry it ended!

[Laura Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and thought provoking "what-if" story on artificial and natural immortality, what comes next, and what meddling with processes may entail - a weighty topic - told in easy, natural voice that Shawn Inmon has become so well known for. Does not disappoint!

[Rachel Hazlewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book was so thought provoking . Does technology override the natural order. Should we consider the impacts of technology on our souls? Enjoy the life you lead and accept what is to be

[Sam Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful colorful represention of death

Wonderful representation of dying with purpose. Let us not be fragments wandering around flat and unwhole, but with dignity and a sense of self-fullfillment. This was an excellent read!! 1

[Melissa Horrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written and really cool concept and story from the perspective of Death. But for a short story it did take me longer than normal to read and finish. I was not compelled to keep going back and pick it up, but still a very good book just not my absolute favorite.

[Famousmre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful side adventure takes us back to the future!

This book was a great read! I really flew through it and didn’t want it to end. Cool view behind the curtains of the afterlife in the future!

[Laure J Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

I enjoyed this short book. The story line kept me interested. The subject was very interesting about the different types of “ Deaths” good spin on the afterlife and how we get there. After all who really would want to live forever.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

How About That!

This very short story moves along easily. It's not what I thought it would be. Protagonist or good guys, Death has emotions. Having watched "Dead Like Me", I wasn't sure I would like it. But I did. Let Shawn tell you about it. He is much better than I.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting short read. I think I was going into it expecting/wanting it to be about something else, but overall, I see why the author did what he did. The whole “life versus living” idea. It was middle of the road.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was heading toward rating this 3 stars because it was just too quick, not enough background, more telling than showing. But as I got closer to the end, it just really resonated with me. This concept is worth a longer story, but I’ll take what the author has given, I guess 😅

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

[deborah trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read.

I have never read a bad book from this author
. Every work has been quite worthwhile. Please keep writing, Mr Inmon

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Needs a Holiday

I just love the way Shawn Inmon's mind works. This is a very intriguing take on death. The grim reaper, literally. I finished it in one sitting.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked this more than expected omg! i would have loved a longer story. i’m was glad to have the time skip but wish some of the story could have been fleshed out more

[Cynthia McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally unexpected storyline, absolutely loved it!

[Jkane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, different type of Inmon novella. It was not as good as his Middle Falls Time Travel novels, but I was still into the story by the author.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and thoughtful story.

[Jessica Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun

The subject is Universal. If we all gotta go we all are interested. I found this book to be interesting and enjoyed it. I do not ask for more.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking, speculative short story on technology and humanity and how they impact each other. It was a fun short story.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel tries to get a bit more under the hood to the Shawn Inmon universe, and why a little out there, it was truly thought provoking. Anyone trying to get at spirits at the moment of a death with technology is piquing my interest!