What do you think?
Rate this book
#DEAD: A Crime Thriller with Psychological Suspense
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2026
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Powers
27 books104 followersMichelle Powers writes the kind of thrillers that keep you up way past bedtime—just one more chapter, right? What started with her breakout novella, The First Murder, quickly snowballed into a full-blown obsession with killers, clues, and crime scenes (the fictional kind, of course). She’s the internationally recognized indie author behind the addictive Detective Willoughby series, the fan-favorite Detective Kate Brown series, and a growing stack of standalone thrillers that will make you second-guess everyone you know. In 2024, she proudly earned the coveted KDP All-Star title—a gold star for authors who live on coffee, plot twists, and sheer grit. When she’s not working her day job in logistics or plotting her next murder (on paper, we swear), Michelle can be found writing at her desk with her Rottweiler sidekick, Ozzy, snoring nearby. Follow her on Facebook for new releases, giveaways, and all things murdery and mysterious. Just maybe leave the lights on.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 28, 2026
Michelle Powers is an auto-buy author for me; I’ll read anything she writes.
#DE@D has easily become another one of my favorites.
This story got under my skin in the best way. It taps into the reality of everyday life on social media, where trolls—what I like to call “keyboard warriors”—hide behind screens and tear others down. Michelle Powers captures that toxicity perfectly, making it feel unsettlingly real. What makes it even more compelling is the dark twist: someone deciding those people should pay for the harm they cause.
The concept feels fresh and unique, which is something I always appreciate as a reader. It’s not just a story; it’s a reflection of a world we’re all too familiar with, taken to a chilling extreme.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
#DE@D has easily become another one of my favorites.
This story got under my skin in the best way. It taps into the reality of everyday life on social media, where trolls—what I like to call “keyboard warriors”—hide behind screens and tear others down. Michelle Powers captures that toxicity perfectly, making it feel unsettlingly real. What makes it even more compelling is the dark twist: someone deciding those people should pay for the harm they cause.
The concept feels fresh and unique, which is something I always appreciate as a reader. It’s not just a story; it’s a reflection of a world we’re all too familiar with, taken to a chilling extreme.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michelle nails another insanely suspenseful thriller. Are you a read the comments kind of person when doomscrolling social media? If so we've all seen the keyboard warriors who say the absolutely most unhinged things to people they don't know. Michelle said it best- "For those who think words don’t matter. They do. And they leave marks." "you’re going to learn that consequences are not optional.” Actions and words have consequences and someone is always watching. This time someone took action, buckle up for the ride.
Check your triggers this does have some intense triggers.
Check your triggers this does have some intense triggers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
#DEAD
~Michelle Powers
In police work, some cases don’t just get under your skin - they crawl right into your soul and refuse to leave. That's exactly what you get with D3AD by Michelle Powers. It’s sharp, chilling, and relentless - a psychological dance between justice and chaos that leaves you breathless by the final page. This isn’t a whodunit - it’s a who’s-gonna-be-next, and the tension builds like thunder before a storm.
When three bodies turn up brutally murdered with no clear connection besides a cryptic message left behind on their phones, Detectives Easton Fox and Jesse Ramirez are thrown into a case with a twisted killer. What starts as a routine investigation quickly spins into something far darker. The killer isn’t just taunting them – they are manipulating the entire city. And when Fox accidentally gives the murderer a moniker that catches fire in the media, the tension in the streets turns combustible. Half the public glorifies the killer, the other half condemns the entire police force. With every lead turning being a red herring, Fox and Ramirez find themselves racing not only against time, but against a community that’s losing faith in the law itself.
Powers shines through her characters, giving them dimension, grit, and heartbreak. Fox is a standout - a woman battling her own history while trying to bring peace to others. Her trauma feels lived-in, her drive to do the right thing palpable even when weighed down by guilt and exhaustion. Ramirez balances her out with equal parts loyalty and pragmatism. Together, they feel like real partners - not the polished, quippy kind, but the kind that’s been through he!! and still shows up when it counts. The supporting cast adds depth without crowding the plot, but it’s the killer’s looming shadow that keeps you on edge. Powers crafts every reveal like she’s pulling thread from a frayed knot - slow, deliberate, then suddenly sharp.
The pacing is deliberate at first - a simmering start that lulls you into procedural rhythm before everything ignites. Once the tension hits, it doesn’t let go. Each chapter peels back another layer of danger, the atmosphere thick. Powers doesn’t rely on shock alone; she builds dread through silence, detail, and timing. By the end, your pulse is hammering, your mind racing, and you’re second-guessing everything you thought you knew. The transitions are smooth, the suspense downright surgical, and the final twist - jaw on the floor. I accused everyone, including the wrong people on Fox’s own team, and still didn’t see it coming.
If you crave a detective thriller that bites hard and doesn’t let go, D3AD is the one to grab. It’s gritty, emotionally charged, and written with the kind of precision that turns a good mystery into an unforgettable one. Pre-order D3AD now on Amazon - you’re not ready for how this story ends.
I would like to thank Michelle Powers for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for D3AD. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Michelle Powers
In police work, some cases don’t just get under your skin - they crawl right into your soul and refuse to leave. That's exactly what you get with D3AD by Michelle Powers. It’s sharp, chilling, and relentless - a psychological dance between justice and chaos that leaves you breathless by the final page. This isn’t a whodunit - it’s a who’s-gonna-be-next, and the tension builds like thunder before a storm.
When three bodies turn up brutally murdered with no clear connection besides a cryptic message left behind on their phones, Detectives Easton Fox and Jesse Ramirez are thrown into a case with a twisted killer. What starts as a routine investigation quickly spins into something far darker. The killer isn’t just taunting them – they are manipulating the entire city. And when Fox accidentally gives the murderer a moniker that catches fire in the media, the tension in the streets turns combustible. Half the public glorifies the killer, the other half condemns the entire police force. With every lead turning being a red herring, Fox and Ramirez find themselves racing not only against time, but against a community that’s losing faith in the law itself.
Powers shines through her characters, giving them dimension, grit, and heartbreak. Fox is a standout - a woman battling her own history while trying to bring peace to others. Her trauma feels lived-in, her drive to do the right thing palpable even when weighed down by guilt and exhaustion. Ramirez balances her out with equal parts loyalty and pragmatism. Together, they feel like real partners - not the polished, quippy kind, but the kind that’s been through he!! and still shows up when it counts. The supporting cast adds depth without crowding the plot, but it’s the killer’s looming shadow that keeps you on edge. Powers crafts every reveal like she’s pulling thread from a frayed knot - slow, deliberate, then suddenly sharp.
The pacing is deliberate at first - a simmering start that lulls you into procedural rhythm before everything ignites. Once the tension hits, it doesn’t let go. Each chapter peels back another layer of danger, the atmosphere thick. Powers doesn’t rely on shock alone; she builds dread through silence, detail, and timing. By the end, your pulse is hammering, your mind racing, and you’re second-guessing everything you thought you knew. The transitions are smooth, the suspense downright surgical, and the final twist - jaw on the floor. I accused everyone, including the wrong people on Fox’s own team, and still didn’t see it coming.
If you crave a detective thriller that bites hard and doesn’t let go, D3AD is the one to grab. It’s gritty, emotionally charged, and written with the kind of precision that turns a good mystery into an unforgettable one. Pre-order D3AD now on Amazon - you’re not ready for how this story ends.
I would like to thank Michelle Powers for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for D3AD. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Summary:
"#DEAD" is a thriller about a serial killer known as “The Moderator” who targets internet trolls. The victims are people who frequently harass others online. Before they disappear, anonymous accounts begin following them and repeatedly posting #DEAD on their profiles.
Detective Easton Fox and her partner Jesse Ramirez investigate the murders and discover that the killer stalks victims through social media before kidnapping and killing them.
One of the trolls, begins receiving the same warning signs and eventually becomes the killer’s next victim, turning the case into a race against time to stop the murderer.
Review:
"#DEAD" is a modern crime thriller that explores the darker side of the internet and the real-life consequences of online harassment. The story follows Detective Easton Fox and her partner as they investigate a series of murders connected to people known for bullying and trolling others online. The killer, known as “The Moderator,” believes he is delivering justice to those who hide behind screens to hurt others.
One of the strengths of the book is its very relevant theme. Cyberbullying, anonymity on the internet, and the emotional damage caused by online cruelty are central to the story. The novel raises uncomfortable questions about responsibility, justice, and whether harmful words should have real-world consequences.
The pacing is fast and suspenseful, with short chapters that keep the tension high. The investigation mixes traditional detective work with digital forensics, which adds an interesting modern element to the crime-solving process.
Overall, "#DEAD" is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that combines suspense with social commentary about the internet and human behavior.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy.
"#DEAD" is a thriller about a serial killer known as “The Moderator” who targets internet trolls. The victims are people who frequently harass others online. Before they disappear, anonymous accounts begin following them and repeatedly posting #DEAD on their profiles.
Detective Easton Fox and her partner Jesse Ramirez investigate the murders and discover that the killer stalks victims through social media before kidnapping and killing them.
One of the trolls, begins receiving the same warning signs and eventually becomes the killer’s next victim, turning the case into a race against time to stop the murderer.
Review:
"#DEAD" is a modern crime thriller that explores the darker side of the internet and the real-life consequences of online harassment. The story follows Detective Easton Fox and her partner as they investigate a series of murders connected to people known for bullying and trolling others online. The killer, known as “The Moderator,” believes he is delivering justice to those who hide behind screens to hurt others.
One of the strengths of the book is its very relevant theme. Cyberbullying, anonymity on the internet, and the emotional damage caused by online cruelty are central to the story. The novel raises uncomfortable questions about responsibility, justice, and whether harmful words should have real-world consequences.
The pacing is fast and suspenseful, with short chapters that keep the tension high. The investigation mixes traditional detective work with digital forensics, which adds an interesting modern element to the crime-solving process.
Overall, "#DEAD" is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that combines suspense with social commentary about the internet and human behavior.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michelle delivers another chilling thriller that grabs your attention immediately and refuses to let go.
Think about the last time you were scrolling through social media. Did you open the comments? Most of us do. And once you start reading, it’s hard to look away from the chaos that unfolds there. People hiding behind screens often feel free to say the cruelest, most outrageous things to complete strangers—things they would likely never say face-to-face.
This story taps into that reality in a way that feels unsettlingly real. Michelle makes a powerful point when she writes, “For those who think words don’t matter… they do. And they leave marks.” It’s a reminder that words carry weight. They can wound, linger, and sometimes ignite consequences no one saw coming.
Because while people online may think their comments disappear into the void, this book explores what happens when they don’t—when someone sees, remembers, and decides to respond.
What follows is a tense, unsettling ride that keeps you on edge as the story unfolds. With each chapter, the suspense builds, and the realization grows that every action—and every word—can come back in ways no one expects.
Dark, gripping, and incredibly thought-provoking, this thriller will make you think twice the next time you scroll through the comment section. Buckle up—because once this story starts, it doesn’t slow down.
Think about the last time you were scrolling through social media. Did you open the comments? Most of us do. And once you start reading, it’s hard to look away from the chaos that unfolds there. People hiding behind screens often feel free to say the cruelest, most outrageous things to complete strangers—things they would likely never say face-to-face.
This story taps into that reality in a way that feels unsettlingly real. Michelle makes a powerful point when she writes, “For those who think words don’t matter… they do. And they leave marks.” It’s a reminder that words carry weight. They can wound, linger, and sometimes ignite consequences no one saw coming.
Because while people online may think their comments disappear into the void, this book explores what happens when they don’t—when someone sees, remembers, and decides to respond.
What follows is a tense, unsettling ride that keeps you on edge as the story unfolds. With each chapter, the suspense builds, and the realization grows that every action—and every word—can come back in ways no one expects.
Dark, gripping, and incredibly thought-provoking, this thriller will make you think twice the next time you scroll through the comment section. Buckle up—because once this story starts, it doesn’t slow down.
March 30, 2026
#Dead By Michelle Powers
“#DEAD" is a thriller about a serial killer known as “The Moderator” who targets internet trolls. The victims are people who frequently harass others online. Before they disappear, anonymous accounts begin following them and repeatedly posting #DEAD on their profiles.
Michelle delivers another chilling thriller that grabs your attention immediately and refuses to let go.
Dark, gripping, and incredibly thought-provoking, this thriller will make you think twice the next time you scroll through the comment section. once this story starts, it doesn’t slow down.
The vigilante justice element adds another layer of moral complexity, forcing you to question right and wrong at every turn. I couldn’t put it down. This one stays with you long after you finish.
I highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you've been a victim or no someone who has been a victim to online bullying.
Thank you Michelle Powers for the Advanced Reader Copy. I absolutely loved this book!!
“#DEAD" is a thriller about a serial killer known as “The Moderator” who targets internet trolls. The victims are people who frequently harass others online. Before they disappear, anonymous accounts begin following them and repeatedly posting #DEAD on their profiles.
Michelle delivers another chilling thriller that grabs your attention immediately and refuses to let go.
Dark, gripping, and incredibly thought-provoking, this thriller will make you think twice the next time you scroll through the comment section. once this story starts, it doesn’t slow down.
The vigilante justice element adds another layer of moral complexity, forcing you to question right and wrong at every turn. I couldn’t put it down. This one stays with you long after you finish.
I highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you've been a victim or no someone who has been a victim to online bullying.
Thank you Michelle Powers for the Advanced Reader Copy. I absolutely loved this book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#DEAD by Michelle Powers
Another 5-star read for me. I absolutely love Michelle Powers’ writing style, and this book was no exception.
#DEAD takes a sharp and chilling look at the world of anonymous internet bullies who hide behind their screens. It explores what happens when someone decides they’ve had enough and takes justice into their own hands.
One by one, the online tough guys begin to disappear… and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next. The suspense keeps building, and the story pulls you deeper the further you go.
What really stuck with me is the message behind it: cruelty shouldn’t be entertainment. This book makes you think about the real impact of the things people say online… and what might happen if the wrong person decides to respond.
Dark, thought-provoking, and completely gripping. If you enjoy thrillers that make you think while keeping you hooked, this one is definitely worth the read.
#DEAD by Michelle Powers
Another 5-star read for me. I absolutely love Michelle Powers’ writing style, and this book was no exception.
#DEAD takes a sharp and chilling look at the world of anonymous internet bullies who hide behind their screens. It explores what happens when someone decides they’ve had enough and takes justice into their own hands.
One by one, the online tough guys begin to disappear… and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next. The suspense keeps building, and the story pulls you deeper the further you go.
What really stuck with me is the message behind it: cruelty shouldn’t be entertainment. This book makes you think about the real impact of the things people say online… and what might happen if the wrong person decides to respond.
Dark, thought-provoking, and completely gripping. If you enjoy thrillers that make you think while keeping you hooked, this one is definitely worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts a bit slow but it picks up as the case unfolds. Someone is taking trolls from the internet and torturing them and then killing them. Because they were mean and didn’t think about the other people on the other side. Which then cause them to take their own life.
Easton Fox is a detective that is trying to catch this person who she named as the moderator. They see there is a pattern and need to find the next victim before it’s too late. When they get a clue to where it could be, they missed them but a few minutes.
Travis was a bully online and liked to make fun of people and get them very angry. The moderator notices that and kidnaps him. They make him suffer and plan to kill him. However. Things don’t go the way they should and the police get to him before that happens. He then sees how much he was doing and knows he was wrong.
Easton is glad they get the person in the end and that Travis is alive
Easton Fox is a detective that is trying to catch this person who she named as the moderator. They see there is a pattern and need to find the next victim before it’s too late. When they get a clue to where it could be, they missed them but a few minutes.
Travis was a bully online and liked to make fun of people and get them very angry. The moderator notices that and kidnaps him. They make him suffer and plan to kill him. However. Things don’t go the way they should and the police get to him before that happens. He then sees how much he was doing and knows he was wrong.
Easton is glad they get the person in the end and that Travis is alive
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story felt like someone finally said, “What if the internet’s worst bullies had to face actual consequences?” And then Michelle just…went for it. The můrders are brutąl, yes, but the intent behind them? That’s what hooked me. It’s not random. It’s not messy. It’s someone with a list, a purpose, and zero hesitation. It’s gritty and fast, in all the right ways. The pacing never lets you breathe—because the killer isn’t just striking, they’re curating their victims. That’s what makes it so unsettling.
Michelle leans into that uncomfortable question:
If someone is hunting down online bulliés, abuserș, and digital predatòrs… are they truly a monster?
It’s dark, propulsive, and just unhinged enough to feel dangerous.
The big question I leave you with: When justice fails, and the internet becomes a weapon—is a vigilante still a villain?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever thought about what might happen if consequences have actions?
Imagine, this day in age, you are bullying people online. Someone takes it upon themselves to punish those who are using words to hurt people. These people are taking their own lives because of words that were said to them. Can you imagine a situation like this? If it was your child or loved one? Would you be upset because karma took care of them?
That’s sort of how this story went about. You will have to read it to find out how it plays out though. 5 stars 🌟 for me!
Imagine, this day in age, you are bullying people online. Someone takes it upon themselves to punish those who are using words to hurt people. These people are taking their own lives because of words that were said to them. Can you imagine a situation like this? If it was your child or loved one? Would you be upset because karma took care of them?
That’s sort of how this story went about. You will have to read it to find out how it plays out though. 5 stars 🌟 for me!
March 3, 2026
“#DEAD” by Michelle Powers is an intense, dark, and completely gripping read. From the very first page, the story pulls you into a fast paced whirlwind that refuses to let go. It tackles uncomfortable, heavy topics with a raw edge that makes it both disturbing and impossible to look away from. The vigilante justice element adds another layer of moral complexity, forcing you to question right and wrong at every turn. I couldn’t put it down. This one stays with you long after you finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has a couple of great twists and is absolutely full of suspense.
Detectives Fox and Ramirez land a case where someone known as the Moderator is tracking down and killing internet trolls.
When the trolls are chosen, the message #Dead is repeatedly left for them. Who is hunting down these trolls? Why are they doing it? Can they be stopped before they kill again?
This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a lot of suspense.
Detectives Fox and Ramirez land a case where someone known as the Moderator is tracking down and killing internet trolls.
When the trolls are chosen, the message #Dead is repeatedly left for them. Who is hunting down these trolls? Why are they doing it? Can they be stopped before they kill again?
This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a lot of suspense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Is it really a bad thing if the killer is going after bad people? We all hate bullies. And those keyboard warriors that we all have need to be knocked down a peg or two.
It was a great ride. The time hop fits. The tension on whether you're next, is palpable. The different ways it could have gone. And it keeps you guessing. A definite thriller read to add to your list.
It was a great ride. The time hop fits. The tension on whether you're next, is palpable. The different ways it could have gone. And it keeps you guessing. A definite thriller read to add to your list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this story and how it brought the online bullying to light. This story really hit home with me seeing as I have been a victim to some of these situations but this story was so twisted and the twist at the end really surprised me on the suspect. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you've been a victim or no someone who has been a victim to online bullying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A must read if you scroll social media! This is a taut, tense and well written book about the dangers of saying whatever you want to! Free speech runs rampant on the internet and there are no checks and balances. This book has it all, a great story, Charecters that are awesome, some that are just plain awful but all are well written. I really enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoy a morally gray character, this is your kind of book! The main antagonist knows that words hurt and they are out to stop the keyboard warriors of the world from causing more harm. I really liked how the police served justice even when it went against their own feelings. This was my first read from Michelle Powers. I can't wait to try another one of her books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a pulse-pounding thriller that weaponizes modern connectivity in the most unnerving way. Michelle Powers masterfully layers tension and emotion, creating a relentless unraveling that feels intimate, sharp, and impossible to look away from.
March 9, 2026
Way to take a real world problem and turn it into a page turning psychological thriller. Didn’t see that villain coming, and I liked it. My suspect list was way different.
Excellent book idea Michelle as always.
Excellent book idea Michelle as always.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness! This was definitely a journey! I loved how you get to see the timeline and even things that happened in the past that brought us to where they are now. But that was not who I had in my mind for who did it but oh my I loved that ending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved #DEAD! Online Trolls have been turning up dead. Detective Easton and her team work practically around the clock, trying to catch the killer before another troll ends up dead. #Dead will have you asking yourself, do they deserve to die?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great ARC from Michelle!
I feel like this one is extremely relevant to today's use of social media and people being 'trolls' on the internet. They feel safe behind the keyboard, but when someone has had enough...real life consequences come into play!
I feel like this one is extremely relevant to today's use of social media and people being 'trolls' on the internet. They feel safe behind the keyboard, but when someone has had enough...real life consequences come into play!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This is what happens when a book is written about real world issues. I felt like I was reading an episode of The First 48 or some true crime documentary. I loved it and I can't wait to read more books by Michelle Powers! I'm so glad she sent me this advanced copy!
March 28, 2026
Another good read by Michelle. The twist was one I didn’t see coming. I’d love to know more about Easton but overall she was a good character to be the FMC. The supporting characters mixed well and gave the story movement and depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wonderfully written roller coaster by Michelle Powers.
April 11, 2026
I be really enjoyed this - great thriller !
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
So many hidden gems and lessons written inside this story. Starting out the story didn’t come off as fast paced as I’m use to with her books but it definitely did pick up and took me on a ride without the brakes. Very descriptive, plot was on point, the characters well crafted that they got under my skin at times. As the story went on you can sense the tension with each page turn. This is one rollercoaster ride that’ll have you speechless with your jaw on the ground by the end.
Thank you Michelle Powers and BookFunnel for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
So many hidden gems and lessons written inside this story. Starting out the story didn’t come off as fast paced as I’m use to with her books but it definitely did pick up and took me on a ride without the brakes. Very descriptive, plot was on point, the characters well crafted that they got under my skin at times. As the story went on you can sense the tension with each page turn. This is one rollercoaster ride that’ll have you speechless with your jaw on the ground by the end.
Thank you Michelle Powers and BookFunnel for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michelle gives us a hero or villain, depending on how you look at it, who has had enough with the trolls. We have all seen the type and wished for them to be stopped. The vigilante is done allowing the trolls actions not to have consequences. The whole book you are trying to guess who the mystery person is. When it's revealed it's shocking. Whether you cheer on the vigilante or hope for them to be caught, this book has you deeply hooked and turning pages.
March 28, 2026
Travis is an online menace; he’s a troll. He lives his life attacking people from behind a screen on social media. Words are just words to him and he doesn’t see that what he’s doing isn’t okay. He gets away with it for a while until one night he’s targeted.
Can Detectives Fox and Ramirez put all the clues together to ultimately save a bully’s life? Time’s almost out.
Can Detectives Fox and Ramirez put all the clues together to ultimately save a bully’s life? Time’s almost out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
#DEAD is a fantastic read and I couldn't put it down. This book has all the elements you want. I am newer to Michelle's books and this one has made me a fan for life. This book will make you think twice about social media and it's impacts. Wonderful characters and amazing storyline.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews