Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger

Deadbeat #1

by Guy Adams

Humdrumming 2006 Trade edition paperback, fine In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Horror, Humor, Detective, Urban Fantasy

125 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to a 3.5.

Having read a good number of books from Titan Books for a website I write for lately (along with a good number on my own), I've found that Titan does one type of book exceptionally well, and that's the classic-style pulp novel, whether it be a fantasy title or even the crime novels they've been putting out over the last decade. Deadbeat is a new series by screenplay writer and author Guy Adams, and fits that mold perfectly, with a sharp story and interesting premise, while not taking itself too seriously.

The premise on this is a simple one: two guys own a jazz nightclub, and they witness someone stealing a coffin from a nearby churchyard, and they learn that the person in the coffin is still breathing. Even though the two men, Max and Tom, aren't really qualified, they decide to go and investigate anyway. As you can imagine, this doesn't go entirely as planned.

The book works on a few levels: the two main characters are both pretty likable, and the book itself is pretty funny as a result. As an urban fantasy of sorts, it works, but it almost works as a crime novel with fantasy elements even better (right down Titan's alley). There are also a few unexpected curveballs throughout the book that I didn't see coming and don't want to spoil here. It definitely makes the book very different than what I had initially expected.

This isn't to say the book is without flaws, however. The timeline/chronology of the book does get muddled from time to time, especially when it comes down to some of the bigger reveals. It got a little confusing at that point. Also, with the book being a bit of a mashup between genres, it doesn't quite commit to one or the other, which is often okay for a debut novel, but, knowing a follow-up is imminent, might be a little problematic going forward given what's been established.

Overall, a solid read and an interesting start for a new series.

[Monique Snyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guy Adams wrote one of my favourite books to date (Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Doctor Moreau), he’s got a distinct voice when it comes to his writing, there’s a helluva lot of talent present, and yet I’m a bit in two about Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger. Yes, it’s a lot different to what I expected, but Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger does have its charm. It’s a mystery that will keep you guessing, there’s a wee bit of horror that will give you a good chill and there’s a good twist in the plot too.

The characters are likeable, albeit Max and Tom sometimes are indistinguishable from one another. These main characters are alike in so many ways, yet they are so different in others, it’s easy to get them mixed up. That being said, I have to admit that I kind of liked these two characters. Anyway, as for the pace of the book… At some points the reading of the novel was fast and without any hiccups, at other points I had to put down the book and do something else, especially where the backstory of the characters come into play. In my opinion, that’s just a bit of lazy editing from the editor’s side, because he/she was supposed to see that there are hindrances in the flow of the actual plot. Nevertheless, it’s not the end of the world. Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger is still a wonderfully written book and Guy Adams is going to become a household name in the not too distant future (though I so wish he’d try a sci-fi/horror novel that’s 900 pages long).

All in all, I liked the book. Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger definitely had its charm, but will probably not appeal to all readers. If you like mystery novels with quirky dialogue and sarcastic characters, you’re going to love this book. For folks who aren’t keen on mysteries though, I’ll have to warn you to rather not pick this one up. It’s good, but it’s got too many flaws to go unnoticed by someone who isn’t partial on the genre.

(review originally posted on www.killeraphrodite.com)

[Nina (Death, Books, and Tea) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 undecided.

[Linda Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Loved the sarcasm, the original premise, adored Tom, ditto Max, all their friends (especially water color artist Tony....it was a grand romp.

This will stay forever in my memory, "He was as camp as poodle backstroking in a pool of glitter and gin"! Love it.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to summarise this book would do it considerable disservice, since that would basically mean giving the plot and the protagonists away. Rather, let me put it this way: -

1. This is another 'Guy Adams' special book, full of dry humour, wit, punch-lines etc. punctuating a tight story-line involving multiple narrators and P.O.V-s.
2. It is a very dark book, with dark themes, perfectly villainous antagonists, and even the lovable protagonists getting into several dark acts.
3. It is also a surprisingly poignant book, drawing the protagonists and the unfortunate victims with love, affection and genuine warmth, and discussing some seriously weighty issues through their narratives.

Overall, a very good novel that is much more than the generic description 'dark fantasy', despite being utterly fantastic and grimly dark. Recommended.

[Keith Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to say too much about this one without giving too much of a reveal, although there is a pretty big clue in the ‘in-joke’ mentioned above, but I’ll say no more than that, for fear of spoiling your fun.

Like a noir-jazz rift on a updated and twisted version of Burke and Hare, ‘Deadbeat-Makes you stronger’ is a cleverly constructed tale with a constantly changing viewpoint between its two main characters and narrators. With several nicely handled reveals along the way, using flashbacks and a twist at around 100 pages in that will make you see both the leads in a very different light.

Humorous, entertaining and genre-busting, it’s dark, it’s funny, it’s a great read.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel hooked me with the first sentence. It kind of suckered me in, because I normally don't like to read zombie books, or watch zombie movies that use the perspective of the zombie. But I enjoyed his writing so much that I just had to continue reading. It has a dry wit about it, still I found myself on the train laughing out loud at some of the scenes. It was like watching a movie. Very well orchestrated. I'm sure I'll read it again.

I would definitely recommend this book to any zombie fan, or just any fan of entertaining books. If it's made into a movie, they don't need to change a thing.

(Unay Umaphia thoroughly enjoyed this book as well:))

[Janet]

Great fun! Two (very drunk) friends stumble onto something odd, and take it on themselves to investigate. Great detectives they are not, but they do their best, and the going gets weird. A sample: Like the noble hero of literature, Bertram Wooster, we Harrises have a code: you never let a pal down. If they hurt him they would find that I was not altogether the affable chap I see fit to present to the world.

[Brian Leclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read... some very amusing character segments. But the mystery itself got a little bit creepy -- not necessarily a bad thing, because it certainly surprised me. But it definitely was a bit unsettling.

[Selina Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it if you like darkly humorous supernatural detective shenanigans.

I've been a fan of Guy's writing since reading the original Deadbeat novella & this is an expanded re-written version of that original idea.

[Joanne Hurley]

This was not what I expected it to be. But I was pleasantly surprised! I did not read any reviews prior to reading, and I had no idea of the story line. It was a lot of fun - and the punch line did not arise until well into the narrative. Check it out.

[Edward Grigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, it reminds me of a English Joe R Lansdale.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering it was about Zombies eventually, it was actually ok, though it had it's amateur spot in it which I think anyone reading it will figure out.

[palu]

The book starts off well enough with the enjoyably ridiculous machismo, smarm, and noir feel of a "detective novel" but completely abandons that tack after the first chapter.

[Paul Comeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good read.. I liked the character pov shift each chapter, plus how it reinterprets a horror trope.

[Indy Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Fantastic narrative style and an unusual slant to the story. Worth reading!

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow start, worth staying with.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun. An unusual take on the "undead".