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Dead Matters: A Forensic Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 12 Jan 27Ella Penrose takes the cases science can't solve—and works to separate myths from monsters—in this gripping thriller from CSI writer/producer Josh Berman.
At 3:02 a.m. in Savannah's historic district, a hideous, shuffling figure crosses the town square under the eye of a bank security camera. The next morning, FBI agent Ella Penrose is summoned to a nearby house where a man lies dead and partially devoured. Her partner reminds her that zombies aren't real, but as head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, tasked with cases that seemingly defy scientific explanation, Ella knows to keep her mind as open as the victim's chest cavity.
With the security footage already leaked online and racking up views, the pressure to explain the inexplicable is mounting. But each new piece of evidence only deepens the mystery: beetles found on the victim belonging to a species long-thought extinct, the decaying arm recovered near the victim's home from an entirely different body, and a scrap of fabric at the murder scene linking back to the Civil War. As the contradictions pile up, Ella is forced to confront the possibility that the case may lie beyond the limits of conventional investigation.
Zombie lore stretches back centuries, but in an age of deepfakes and drug-induced psychosis, separating myth from reality has never been more difficult. If something real is hiding beneath the noise, Ella will uncover it. She came to the FBI for justice. She stayed for cases like this . . .
Taut, character-driven, and steeped in atmosphere, Dead Matters delivers the intensity of CSI with the psychological edge of Mindhunter and southern tension of True Detective.
At 3:02 a.m. in Savannah's historic district, a hideous, shuffling figure crosses the town square under the eye of a bank security camera. The next morning, FBI agent Ella Penrose is summoned to a nearby house where a man lies dead and partially devoured. Her partner reminds her that zombies aren't real, but as head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, tasked with cases that seemingly defy scientific explanation, Ella knows to keep her mind as open as the victim's chest cavity.
With the security footage already leaked online and racking up views, the pressure to explain the inexplicable is mounting. But each new piece of evidence only deepens the mystery: beetles found on the victim belonging to a species long-thought extinct, the decaying arm recovered near the victim's home from an entirely different body, and a scrap of fabric at the murder scene linking back to the Civil War. As the contradictions pile up, Ella is forced to confront the possibility that the case may lie beyond the limits of conventional investigation.
Zombie lore stretches back centuries, but in an age of deepfakes and drug-induced psychosis, separating myth from reality has never been more difficult. If something real is hiding beneath the noise, Ella will uncover it. She came to the FBI for justice. She stayed for cases like this . . .
Taut, character-driven, and steeped in atmosphere, Dead Matters delivers the intensity of CSI with the psychological edge of Mindhunter and southern tension of True Detective.
272 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 12, 2027
About the author
Josh Berman
1 book2 followersJosh Berman is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author whose work has spanned some of television’s most successful and acclaimed dramas. An Emmy-nominated writer on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, he also served as a writer and producer on Bones and The Blacklist. He created the hit Drop Dead Diva and developed multiple projects across broadcast and streaming platforms. While working on CSI and Bones, Berman discovered a deep fascination with forensic science, an interest that would later inspire his fiction writing.
In addition to his Emmy-nom, Berman’s work has earned industry recognition including a Golden Globe Award. He previously served on the Board of the Producers Guild of America, representing leading producers in film and television.
He holds a B.A. from Princeton University as well as law and business graduate degrees from Stanford University. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Sydney where he earned a master’s degree in history. An avid animal lover, he spends much of his free time spoiling his rescue dog, Luna.
He credits his mother, a former nurse and school teacher, for teaching him how to write.
Dead Matters is his debut novel.
In addition to his Emmy-nom, Berman’s work has earned industry recognition including a Golden Globe Award. He previously served on the Board of the Producers Guild of America, representing leading producers in film and television.
He holds a B.A. from Princeton University as well as law and business graduate degrees from Stanford University. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Sydney where he earned a master’s degree in history. An avid animal lover, he spends much of his free time spoiling his rescue dog, Luna.
He credits his mother, a former nurse and school teacher, for teaching him how to write.
Dead Matters is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The thought of an X-File type book thrilled me. I love the concept of a forensic exploration of paranormal phenomena. However, I have to say this book fell short of my expectations.
In my opinion, this may have been better as a novella because it was far too heavy on backstory and multiple character personal drama. At times, I almost forgot I was reading a forensic thriller. If it had been a novella most of this personal drama could have been cut out and what remains would have been a very interesting forensic investigation. I did enjoy the discoveries and truth behind the phenomena. Unfortunately, the large sections of personal issues just pulled me out of the story that I wanted to read.
I think this could be a great series however, it needs to have more meat to the thriller/investigation than this first novel has.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In my opinion, this may have been better as a novella because it was far too heavy on backstory and multiple character personal drama. At times, I almost forgot I was reading a forensic thriller. If it had been a novella most of this personal drama could have been cut out and what remains would have been a very interesting forensic investigation. I did enjoy the discoveries and truth behind the phenomena. Unfortunately, the large sections of personal issues just pulled me out of the story that I wanted to read.
I think this could be a great series however, it needs to have more meat to the thriller/investigation than this first novel has.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When my book bestie, @upstatebookbitch, reached out to see if I wanted to read a book by Josh Berman, an Emmy-nominated writer for CSI and one of my all-time favorite shows, Drop Dead Diva, I couldn’t say no! Shoutout to all the CSI fans and X-Files devotees out there: this read will haunt you like Mulder on a truth quest, except this time you’ll actually find answers!
The story primarily follows Ella Perose, who heads the FBI's Paranormal Crimes Unit. When a murder occurs in Savannah's historic district, she urges everyone to keep an open mind about the possibilities. The crime scene suggests something straight out of a horror movie, like a zombie has attacked the victim, and bizarre extinct beetles seem to be trying to reveal what really happened! Zombie sighting? A dead body and creepy beetles? Count me in! Because nothing makes my skin do the cha-cha like this interesting trifecta!
Ella is easy to like, intelligent, and has a witty side that I really enjoyed. I appreciated how she integrates her scientific background into the investigation. Unlike me, she doesn’t jump to conclusions but instead relies on the evidence with an open mind. Her partner is quite the skeptic, and his touching backstory made him all the more interesting. Of course, I can't leave out Beaker, the adorable four-legged member of the forensic team!
The author did a fantastic job of keeping me on edge while immersing me in the Southern atmosphere. You might be surprised by how much you discover or feel the need to Google things as you go along. Just when the science seems to explain everything, the supernatural elements throw another curveball, keeping me guessing. I loved the concept and how it was executed! I'm looking forward to what happens next, especially after that excellent cliffhanger. The pace was generally good, the only real dip being the flashbacks, which gave us a bit of detailed insight into Ella. That did, however, cause my mind to wander a bit. Fortunately, the pace picked up again at the end.
If you're into forensic thrillers or supernatural mysteries with a bit of the paranormal thrown in, then this dark, compelling read is absolutely right up your street for any CSI fan. If you’re at all interested in the science vs. the sceptic argument, the razor-thin line between the rational and the inexplicable, the point at which terror, belief and reality all merge, then buckle up. This book perfectly fits your lane!
Thank you, Josh Berman, Podium Entertainment, and NetGalley, for the gifted DRC copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The story primarily follows Ella Perose, who heads the FBI's Paranormal Crimes Unit. When a murder occurs in Savannah's historic district, she urges everyone to keep an open mind about the possibilities. The crime scene suggests something straight out of a horror movie, like a zombie has attacked the victim, and bizarre extinct beetles seem to be trying to reveal what really happened! Zombie sighting? A dead body and creepy beetles? Count me in! Because nothing makes my skin do the cha-cha like this interesting trifecta!
Ella is easy to like, intelligent, and has a witty side that I really enjoyed. I appreciated how she integrates her scientific background into the investigation. Unlike me, she doesn’t jump to conclusions but instead relies on the evidence with an open mind. Her partner is quite the skeptic, and his touching backstory made him all the more interesting. Of course, I can't leave out Beaker, the adorable four-legged member of the forensic team!
The author did a fantastic job of keeping me on edge while immersing me in the Southern atmosphere. You might be surprised by how much you discover or feel the need to Google things as you go along. Just when the science seems to explain everything, the supernatural elements throw another curveball, keeping me guessing. I loved the concept and how it was executed! I'm looking forward to what happens next, especially after that excellent cliffhanger. The pace was generally good, the only real dip being the flashbacks, which gave us a bit of detailed insight into Ella. That did, however, cause my mind to wander a bit. Fortunately, the pace picked up again at the end.
If you're into forensic thrillers or supernatural mysteries with a bit of the paranormal thrown in, then this dark, compelling read is absolutely right up your street for any CSI fan. If you’re at all interested in the science vs. the sceptic argument, the razor-thin line between the rational and the inexplicable, the point at which terror, belief and reality all merge, then buckle up. This book perfectly fits your lane!
Thank you, Josh Berman, Podium Entertainment, and NetGalley, for the gifted DRC copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When the paranormal crosses with procedural crime, sign me up. When said story is crafted by someone who has a vast knowledge of crime stories for television, sign me up even more. In
Dead Matters
, Josh Berman, television writer and producer on shows such as
CSI
and
Bones
, takes this vast history of storytelling and delivers a gripping thriller where things may not be what they seem.
At 3:02 a.m. in Savannah’s historic district, a hideous, shuffling figure crosses the town square under the eye of a bank security camera. The next morning, FBI agent Ella Penrose is summoned to a nearby house where a man lies dead and partially devoured. Her partner reminds her that zombies aren’t real, but as head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, tasked with cases that seemingly defy scientific explanation, Ella knows to keep her mind as open as the victim’s chest cavity.
With the security footage already leaked online and racking up views, the pressure to explain the inexplicable is mounting. But each new piece of evidence only deepens the mystery: beetles found on the victim belonging to a species long-thought extinct, the decaying arm recovered near the victim’s home from an entirely different body, and a scrap of fabric at the murder scene linking back to the Civil War. As the contradictions pile up, Ella is forced to confront the possibility that the case may lie beyond the limits of conventional investigation.
Zombie lore stretches back centuries, but in an age of deepfakes and drug-induced psychosis, separating myth from reality has never been more difficult. If something real is hiding beneath the noise, Ella will uncover it. She came to the FBI for justice. She stayed for cases like this...
As a fan of CSI, Bones, True Detective , Mindhunter , The X-Files , and even The Walking Dead , how could I not immediately read this story by Berman? Again, then add to the mix that the person behind the story has worked on television shows like CSI and Bones. Zombies? Paranormal? FBI? Crime scenes? Like seriously. No brainer. Okay, I think you get it.
But in all seriousness, when you dive into a book, even an author debut's novel, you tend to have a bit more faith in how this story will turn out when they have credentials like Berman's. It's just common sense, and boy was I correct. Dead Matters is a slow burning procedural crime story that deals with the paranormal or does it? The mystery is in front of us, but what can we believe or what should we believe, even if you see it with your own eyes.
Now, over the first few pages I started having the feeling that Berman was telling a newer version of one of the best television shows to deal with the paranormal, The X-Files. This wouldn't be awful, in my opinion, but was also hoping for something a bit different and fresh. Then, in the actual story, Ella Penrose mentions The X-Files and how the Paranormal Crimes Unit was created after unexplained things were happening in the vein of the show. This is when I knew Berman was taking the Mulder and Scully of it all and crafting a new story, that almost pays homage to what has come before it.
The paranormal investigations are only a part of Dead Matters is truly about. Ella deals with a lot of emotional baggage and family drama that she has to overcome and attend to while also searching for something that most people won't and likely shouldn't believe. Berman brings depth to these characters while trying to solve the mystery that isn't easy to explain.
From every sign I can see, including the way this book progresses, the Paranormal Crimes Unit will continue and with plenty of places and ways to go. Dead Matters is definitely a great start to the series and hope to read more from the PCU, but also Berman.
Dead Matters is an intriguing paranormal mystery and thrilling procedural crime story. Josh Berman takes his long history of crafting stories for television shows such as CSI and brings it to the pages of this forensic thriller. Dead Matters is a smart and eerie paranormal crime thriller that left me eager for the next case for the FBI's Paranormal Crime Unit.
Dead Matters hits bookstores everywhere on January 12, 2027 from Podium Publishing.
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Dead Matters from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
At 3:02 a.m. in Savannah’s historic district, a hideous, shuffling figure crosses the town square under the eye of a bank security camera. The next morning, FBI agent Ella Penrose is summoned to a nearby house where a man lies dead and partially devoured. Her partner reminds her that zombies aren’t real, but as head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, tasked with cases that seemingly defy scientific explanation, Ella knows to keep her mind as open as the victim’s chest cavity.
With the security footage already leaked online and racking up views, the pressure to explain the inexplicable is mounting. But each new piece of evidence only deepens the mystery: beetles found on the victim belonging to a species long-thought extinct, the decaying arm recovered near the victim’s home from an entirely different body, and a scrap of fabric at the murder scene linking back to the Civil War. As the contradictions pile up, Ella is forced to confront the possibility that the case may lie beyond the limits of conventional investigation.
Zombie lore stretches back centuries, but in an age of deepfakes and drug-induced psychosis, separating myth from reality has never been more difficult. If something real is hiding beneath the noise, Ella will uncover it. She came to the FBI for justice. She stayed for cases like this...
As a fan of CSI, Bones, True Detective , Mindhunter , The X-Files , and even The Walking Dead , how could I not immediately read this story by Berman? Again, then add to the mix that the person behind the story has worked on television shows like CSI and Bones. Zombies? Paranormal? FBI? Crime scenes? Like seriously. No brainer. Okay, I think you get it.
But in all seriousness, when you dive into a book, even an author debut's novel, you tend to have a bit more faith in how this story will turn out when they have credentials like Berman's. It's just common sense, and boy was I correct. Dead Matters is a slow burning procedural crime story that deals with the paranormal or does it? The mystery is in front of us, but what can we believe or what should we believe, even if you see it with your own eyes.
Now, over the first few pages I started having the feeling that Berman was telling a newer version of one of the best television shows to deal with the paranormal, The X-Files. This wouldn't be awful, in my opinion, but was also hoping for something a bit different and fresh. Then, in the actual story, Ella Penrose mentions The X-Files and how the Paranormal Crimes Unit was created after unexplained things were happening in the vein of the show. This is when I knew Berman was taking the Mulder and Scully of it all and crafting a new story, that almost pays homage to what has come before it.
The paranormal investigations are only a part of Dead Matters is truly about. Ella deals with a lot of emotional baggage and family drama that she has to overcome and attend to while also searching for something that most people won't and likely shouldn't believe. Berman brings depth to these characters while trying to solve the mystery that isn't easy to explain.
From every sign I can see, including the way this book progresses, the Paranormal Crimes Unit will continue and with plenty of places and ways to go. Dead Matters is definitely a great start to the series and hope to read more from the PCU, but also Berman.
Dead Matters is an intriguing paranormal mystery and thrilling procedural crime story. Josh Berman takes his long history of crafting stories for television shows such as CSI and brings it to the pages of this forensic thriller. Dead Matters is a smart and eerie paranormal crime thriller that left me eager for the next case for the FBI's Paranormal Crime Unit.
Dead Matters hits bookstores everywhere on January 12, 2027 from Podium Publishing.
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Dead Matters from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A partially eaten body, security footage of what appears to be a walking corpse, and forensic evidence that defies conventional explanation? Welcome to Savannah, Georgia, where FBI Special Agent Ella Penrose and her Paranormal Crimes Unit have one heck of an investigation on their hands! Ella is brilliant, gritty, fiercely guarded, and determined to follow the science, regardless of how bizarre the findings become. From flesh eating dermestid beetles and mysterious fabric dyes to bite marks, bone fragments, and microscopic evidence, every discovery raises another question. For Ella, the more impossible a case appears, the more determined she becomes to explain it.
Josh Berman's television background is unmistakable in this wonderfully cinematic forensic thriller. The investigative details are fascinating, the dialogue is sharp, and the imagery is so vivid that I cannot guarantee you won’t be seeing beetles! Yet the real strength of Dead Matters is how much Berman gives us beyond the central investigation. Ella's haunting nightmares, her complicated history with fellow agent Grant, and the unexplained disappearance of her brilliant mother gradually reveal the vulnerability beneath her carefully maintained exterior. Her mother's background and research in cryptozoology introduces another intriguing mystery, one that may hold answers Ella has spent years searching for. Equally compelling is the story of Ella's foster sister Celeste, whose decade behind bars following the death of an abusive man raises difficult questions about race, justice, and the consequences of a system that does not treat everyone equally. Add Celeste's son Holden, a newly minted FBI agent with a talent for testing boundaries, a terrific investigative team, and Lilly's dog Beaker (seriously, how perfect is that name?), and there is an entire cast worth getting invested in.
Berman balances meticulous forensic investigation with complicated family relationships, personal trauma, unsettling possibilities, and just enough unanswered questions to make the future of these characters every bit as intriguing as the crime itself. The multiple storylines give the novel substance without sacrificing its investigative momentum, and the developing relationships make this feel like the beginning of something much bigger. That final breadcrumb concerning Ella's mother? Oh, there had better be more where that came from! For readers who love intelligent crime procedurals, fascinating forensic science, unconventional mysteries, and characters with plenty left to uncover, Dead Matters is an excellent introduction to a world worth revisiting.
Josh Berman's television background is unmistakable in this wonderfully cinematic forensic thriller. The investigative details are fascinating, the dialogue is sharp, and the imagery is so vivid that I cannot guarantee you won’t be seeing beetles! Yet the real strength of Dead Matters is how much Berman gives us beyond the central investigation. Ella's haunting nightmares, her complicated history with fellow agent Grant, and the unexplained disappearance of her brilliant mother gradually reveal the vulnerability beneath her carefully maintained exterior. Her mother's background and research in cryptozoology introduces another intriguing mystery, one that may hold answers Ella has spent years searching for. Equally compelling is the story of Ella's foster sister Celeste, whose decade behind bars following the death of an abusive man raises difficult questions about race, justice, and the consequences of a system that does not treat everyone equally. Add Celeste's son Holden, a newly minted FBI agent with a talent for testing boundaries, a terrific investigative team, and Lilly's dog Beaker (seriously, how perfect is that name?), and there is an entire cast worth getting invested in.
Berman balances meticulous forensic investigation with complicated family relationships, personal trauma, unsettling possibilities, and just enough unanswered questions to make the future of these characters every bit as intriguing as the crime itself. The multiple storylines give the novel substance without sacrificing its investigative momentum, and the developing relationships make this feel like the beginning of something much bigger. That final breadcrumb concerning Ella's mother? Oh, there had better be more where that came from! For readers who love intelligent crime procedurals, fascinating forensic science, unconventional mysteries, and characters with plenty left to uncover, Dead Matters is an excellent introduction to a world worth revisiting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
CSI meets The X-Files! And you can absolutely tell that Josh Berman previously worked on CSI, a show I have always loved.
FBI agent Ella Penrose leads the Paranormal Crimes Unit, investigating cases that seem to defy scientific explanation. When a gruesome murder in Savannah involves a seemingly zombie like killer, Ella and her team are called in to investigate. But as the evidence gets stranger, including extinct insects and clues dating back to the Civil War, the team must determine whether they're dealing with something that can be explained by science or something far more mysterious.
I really enjoyed the character development throughout this book, especially that of FBI agent Ella Penrose. Much like CSI, there is a central mystery to solve involving the zombie killer, but there's also a larger, overarching mystery surrounding the disappearance of Ella's mother. This definitely feels like the beginning of a series, and I am already impatiently waiting for more!
The zombie killer investigation was so interesting to follow. There is plenty of fascinating science woven throughout the story, but it's presented in a way that is accessible and easy to understand without ever feeling overly complicated. I especially loved the idea that the line between science and the paranormal can be incredibly thin, and we're constantly teetering between the two, wondering which side the evidence will fall on.
The pacing is excellent, the writing is engaging, and the mystery kept me invested from beginning to end. This was such a fun and unique read, and I cannot wait to see what Josh Berman writes next!
FBI agent Ella Penrose leads the Paranormal Crimes Unit, investigating cases that seem to defy scientific explanation. When a gruesome murder in Savannah involves a seemingly zombie like killer, Ella and her team are called in to investigate. But as the evidence gets stranger, including extinct insects and clues dating back to the Civil War, the team must determine whether they're dealing with something that can be explained by science or something far more mysterious.
I really enjoyed the character development throughout this book, especially that of FBI agent Ella Penrose. Much like CSI, there is a central mystery to solve involving the zombie killer, but there's also a larger, overarching mystery surrounding the disappearance of Ella's mother. This definitely feels like the beginning of a series, and I am already impatiently waiting for more!
The zombie killer investigation was so interesting to follow. There is plenty of fascinating science woven throughout the story, but it's presented in a way that is accessible and easy to understand without ever feeling overly complicated. I especially loved the idea that the line between science and the paranormal can be incredibly thin, and we're constantly teetering between the two, wondering which side the evidence will fall on.
The pacing is excellent, the writing is engaging, and the mystery kept me invested from beginning to end. This was such a fun and unique read, and I cannot wait to see what Josh Berman writes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A pulse pounding, intense, thriller that captures on the first page. Ella Penrose has been called to a scene as she is in charge of Paranormal Crime Unit. The video footage leaked looks like a zombie is out attacking people. She must follow the evidence and provide the science to support her thoughts. This was riveting as you get sucked into a paranormal rabbit hole of clues that suspend belief.
I loved how you weren't sure where this story was headed. Ella is someone who was brought up to believe in monsters and now is afraid to sleep as what haunts her in her dreams. This one gives off X-file vibes with forensic exploration. I enjoyed the discoveries and the truth behind the scenes.
I'm hoping this will be a series and next one a bit longer.
I loved how you weren't sure where this story was headed. Ella is someone who was brought up to believe in monsters and now is afraid to sleep as what haunts her in her dreams. This one gives off X-file vibes with forensic exploration. I enjoyed the discoveries and the truth behind the scenes.
I'm hoping this will be a series and next one a bit longer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For those of us who were raised on Scooby Doo and graduated to X-Files....this will be a well received read and a promising start to what I hope becomes a continuing series. The writing style does feel like a novelization of a movie or T.V. script and has that type of pacing. I found the characters to be well developed with little glimpses of back story that kept me interested and invested and along with the ending left plenty of room for further adventures with the paranormal crime unit! A fun read that I will be recommending!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me access to this title free of charge. I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me access to this title free of charge. I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dead Matters is an entertaining, refreshing entry in modern dark urban fantasy and horror comedy. Josh Berman delivers a funny, morbidly inventive ride that is perfect for readers who like their scares served with a generous side of dark wit.
September 17, 2026
Dead Matters by Josh Berman
I had quite high hopes going into Dead Matters, but unfortunately it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story felt quite rigid in places and I struggled with the flow at times, some parts felt a little rough around the edges. The characters were okay, but I felt like they were missing that something extra that would have made me really connect with them.
That said, there were aspects I enjoyed, and the overall idea behind the story was interesting. I just expected it to be a little better and found myself wanting more from it.
Overall, it was an okay read with some enjoyable moments, but it was a bit hit and miss for me. There was potential there, but the execution felt a little lacking in places.
Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I had quite high hopes going into Dead Matters, but unfortunately it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story felt quite rigid in places and I struggled with the flow at times, some parts felt a little rough around the edges. The characters were okay, but I felt like they were missing that something extra that would have made me really connect with them.
That said, there were aspects I enjoyed, and the overall idea behind the story was interesting. I just expected it to be a little better and found myself wanting more from it.
Overall, it was an okay read with some enjoyable moments, but it was a bit hit and miss for me. There was potential there, but the execution felt a little lacking in places.
Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dead Matters was such a unique combination of forensic thriller, FBI investigation, and paranormal mystery—and honestly, I had a blast trying to figure out what the hell was actually going on. 😂
The premise immediately hooked me. A seemingly impossible murder, evidence that contradicts everything investigators know, and an FBI unit specifically created to handle cases that science can’t quite explain? YES. The further Ella digs, the stranger everything becomes, and I loved that the story constantly kept me questioning whether there was a rational explanation or something genuinely supernatural happening.
Ella was definitely a highlight for me. I enjoyed following her investigation and watching her piece together the seemingly impossible clues. The forensic elements were particularly fun, and you can absolutely feel Josh Berman’s experience with crime and procedural storytelling coming through.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a creepy Southern Gothic quality running underneath the investigation that gave the story an extra layer of tension, and the combination of science, folklore, and paranormal possibilities made this feel refreshingly different from the typical procedural thriller.
My biggest hesitation was that some parts didn’t hit quite as strongly for me as others, and I occasionally wanted the pacing to move a little faster. But the overall concept was so original that I was completely willing to follow the story wherever it wanted to go.
If you love CSI-style forensic investigations, FBI procedurals, supernatural mysteries, creepy atmosphere, and cases that make you question what is actually possible, Dead Matters is definitely worth picking up.
A very solid 4 stars from me—and I’m absolutely curious to see where the Paranormal Crimes Unit goes next.
The premise immediately hooked me. A seemingly impossible murder, evidence that contradicts everything investigators know, and an FBI unit specifically created to handle cases that science can’t quite explain? YES. The further Ella digs, the stranger everything becomes, and I loved that the story constantly kept me questioning whether there was a rational explanation or something genuinely supernatural happening.
Ella was definitely a highlight for me. I enjoyed following her investigation and watching her piece together the seemingly impossible clues. The forensic elements were particularly fun, and you can absolutely feel Josh Berman’s experience with crime and procedural storytelling coming through.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a creepy Southern Gothic quality running underneath the investigation that gave the story an extra layer of tension, and the combination of science, folklore, and paranormal possibilities made this feel refreshingly different from the typical procedural thriller.
My biggest hesitation was that some parts didn’t hit quite as strongly for me as others, and I occasionally wanted the pacing to move a little faster. But the overall concept was so original that I was completely willing to follow the story wherever it wanted to go.
If you love CSI-style forensic investigations, FBI procedurals, supernatural mysteries, creepy atmosphere, and cases that make you question what is actually possible, Dead Matters is definitely worth picking up.
A very solid 4 stars from me—and I’m absolutely curious to see where the Paranormal Crimes Unit goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this creative, fast-paced thriller and read it entirely in a single sitting. The narrative itself flows like a high-budget movie—a true credit to the author, Josh Berman, who has successfully transitioned his Hollywood storytelling skills into writing novels. The story is set in Savannah, Georgia, a city steeped in deep history and the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of mysteries—even things once thought to be entirely extinct. The plot opens with a unique subset of the FBI that investigates the paranormal, which immediately made me nostalgic for The X-Files; this book could easily have been adapted into a classic episode.
The world-building, pacing, and sharp wit throughout the book made me smile. The protagonist, Ella, is a force to be reckoned with, possessing a very serious, minimal sense of humor. She and the character Lilly combined form a dynamic duo that would make even Agent Scully crack a smile. One quote in particular made me laugh out loud: “You sounded like a forensic fortune cookie," Lilly says. " 'Let the evidence judge itself!' ” The narrative beautifully balances heavy real-world subjects like abuse and racism with immense grace—they are addressed compassionately within the plot structure, but never to a degree that feels triggering for the reader. This is a beautifully crafted, logic-tight thriller that I am already actively recommending to a friend for her local book club. It concludes on a brilliant note trailing a potential sequel—and my fingers are firmly crossed that the author will write it!
The world-building, pacing, and sharp wit throughout the book made me smile. The protagonist, Ella, is a force to be reckoned with, possessing a very serious, minimal sense of humor. She and the character Lilly combined form a dynamic duo that would make even Agent Scully crack a smile. One quote in particular made me laugh out loud: “You sounded like a forensic fortune cookie," Lilly says. " 'Let the evidence judge itself!' ” The narrative beautifully balances heavy real-world subjects like abuse and racism with immense grace—they are addressed compassionately within the plot structure, but never to a degree that feels triggering for the reader. This is a beautifully crafted, logic-tight thriller that I am already actively recommending to a friend for her local book club. It concludes on a brilliant note trailing a potential sequel—and my fingers are firmly crossed that the author will write it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to pick up this book, given that the author wrote for CSI before. As a big fan of procedurals, the idea of one with a possible hint of supernatural sounded perfect. This is not quite in the X-Files territory, but it still sounded exciting.
Unfortunately, I did not connect with the story for multiple reasons. The biggest one was the writing style. It often felt stilted and unnatural, with too many adjectives and similes used. That made even the most normal conversation about evidence sound insufferable at times. I found it incredibly distracting.
My other gripe is that for a procedural, there was very little investigation happening in this book. This felt like an episode from season five of a detective show, where there is more personal drama between characters than actual crime investigation happening. In this case, we only had one or two clues uncovered by 50%, and the characters were more preoccupied running around each other than solving the crime. I was kind of disappointed; I anticipated more red herrings, more evidence-chasing, etc. There was some lab work and some diversions, but it felt like too little too late.
Aside from the writing style and uneven pacing, I thought it was an interesting concept. If this were a show, I definitely would watch it. If you don’t mind the main focus being on interpersonal relationships and some flowery writing, this might be a fun read for one night. I wasn’t blown away, though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, I did not connect with the story for multiple reasons. The biggest one was the writing style. It often felt stilted and unnatural, with too many adjectives and similes used. That made even the most normal conversation about evidence sound insufferable at times. I found it incredibly distracting.
My other gripe is that for a procedural, there was very little investigation happening in this book. This felt like an episode from season five of a detective show, where there is more personal drama between characters than actual crime investigation happening. In this case, we only had one or two clues uncovered by 50%, and the characters were more preoccupied running around each other than solving the crime. I was kind of disappointed; I anticipated more red herrings, more evidence-chasing, etc. There was some lab work and some diversions, but it felt like too little too late.
Aside from the writing style and uneven pacing, I thought it was an interesting concept. If this were a show, I definitely would watch it. If you don’t mind the main focus being on interpersonal relationships and some flowery writing, this might be a fun read for one night. I wasn’t blown away, though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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November 12, 2026Horror, fantasy, or paranormal are not my usual reading genres, but I am a fan of forensic thrillers. Also, the setting is in my back yard, Savannah, Georgia, a town famous for Southern Gothic ghost stories, local Gullah-Geechee root work, and Hoodoo.
Just a few pages in, the narrative speaks of some security footage of what looks like a walking corpse. I can picture the creature ambling through one of the many historic cemeteries. Welcome to Savannah, Georgia.
FBI Special Agent Ella Penrose, head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, is a tough cookie—smart, deeply cautious, and emotionally reserved, but she is a dedicated scientist and never gives up on following the trail of clues, no matter how bizarre the findings become. She has a sense of humor and a dry wit:
“’This office still smells like shoe polish and second chances,’ she says quietly.”
The text is a little graphic. I could have done without the flesh-eating beetles, thank you, but passionate horror readers with just eat this up! 😊
Just a few pages in, the narrative speaks of some security footage of what looks like a walking corpse. I can picture the creature ambling through one of the many historic cemeteries. Welcome to Savannah, Georgia.
FBI Special Agent Ella Penrose, head of the Paranormal Crimes Unit, is a tough cookie—smart, deeply cautious, and emotionally reserved, but she is a dedicated scientist and never gives up on following the trail of clues, no matter how bizarre the findings become. She has a sense of humor and a dry wit:
“’This office still smells like shoe polish and second chances,’ she says quietly.”
The text is a little graphic. I could have done without the flesh-eating beetles, thank you, but passionate horror readers with just eat this up! 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the characters with complicated relationships and secrets in their pasts, the intriguing mystery, the consideration of zombie lore, and the exploration of scientific fact. There's a wealth of material here for a series--I hope this book is the first of many!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Masterpiece.
September 17, 2026
Kept me guesses every step of the way. Ella is a badass. I'm excited to see where her story goes from here.
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