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Dead Reckoning And Other Stories
Dead Reckoning And Other Stories is a collection of ten short stories featuring a cast of characters all in need of some serious therapy.
In "Dead Reckoning", Hector discovers that life after death ain't easy when your shorts itch and your ass belongs to a whip-wielding giant. And pity poor Murphy, struggling to keep the peace between his team of geeky scientists and a gung-ho Lieutenant as they investigate a mysterious alien space ship.
"First Contact" is always complicated, especially when you have to call in cranky old relic, Casteneda, to bail you out. While fresh off the battlefield, Matt Holbrook finds himself grappling with a perplexing new species but all he wants is to make it home.
Earl Duarte is in for some interesting pet therapy in "How much is that doggy?" And Elvis definitely needs therapy. In "One for the money" he's re-entered the building, but is kinda confused. Meanwhile lovesick Dan wonders if Mel will ever notice him in the technology-obsessed world of "Version Control" .
"Dead Reckoning and other stories:" science fiction with character.
Includes:
Dead Reckoning
How Much Is That doggy?
Dust To Dust
Murphy's Law
Reboot
Version Control
A Slight Imperfection
First Contact
He Who Controls
One For The Money
In "Dead Reckoning", Hector discovers that life after death ain't easy when your shorts itch and your ass belongs to a whip-wielding giant. And pity poor Murphy, struggling to keep the peace between his team of geeky scientists and a gung-ho Lieutenant as they investigate a mysterious alien space ship.
"First Contact" is always complicated, especially when you have to call in cranky old relic, Casteneda, to bail you out. While fresh off the battlefield, Matt Holbrook finds himself grappling with a perplexing new species but all he wants is to make it home.
Earl Duarte is in for some interesting pet therapy in "How much is that doggy?" And Elvis definitely needs therapy. In "One for the money" he's re-entered the building, but is kinda confused. Meanwhile lovesick Dan wonders if Mel will ever notice him in the technology-obsessed world of "Version Control" .
"Dead Reckoning and other stories:" science fiction with character.
Includes:
Dead Reckoning
How Much Is That doggy?
Dust To Dust
Murphy's Law
Reboot
Version Control
A Slight Imperfection
First Contact
He Who Controls
One For The Money
- GenresScience Fiction
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
9 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
David M. Kelly
21 books53 followersDavid M. Kelly writes fast-paced, near-future sci-fi thrillers with engaging characters, cynical humor, and (mostly!) plausible science. He is the author of the Joe Ballen series, Logan's World series, and the Hyperia Jones sci-fi humor series. Along with historical suspense and fantasy author Christie Stratos, he also co-hosts the Fun Classic Reads videocast on YouTube, featuring entertaining live reads and very quick costume changes!
David’s interest in science and technology began early. At the age of six his parents allowed him to stay up late into the night to watch the television broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping on to the surface of the moon. From that day he was hooked on everything related to science and space.
An avid reader, he worked his way through the contents of the mobile library that visited his street, progressing through YA titles (or ‘juveniles’ as they were known back then) on to the classics of Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Harry Harrison.
David worked for many years in project management and software development. Along the way his interests have included IPSC combat (target) pistol shooting, crew chief on a drag racing team, and several years as bass player/vocalist in a heavy rock band. He also managed to fit in some real work in manual jobs from digging ditches and work on production lines to loading trucks in a haulage company.
Originally from the wild and woolly region of Yorkshire, England, David emigrated to Canada in 2005 and settled in Northern Ontario with his patient and supportive wife, Hilary. Foot surgery in 2014 temporarily curtailed many of his favourite activities – hiking, camping, piloting his own personal starfighter (otherwise known as a Corvette ZR-1). But on the plus side, it meant a transition from the world of IT into life as a full-time writer—an opportunity he grasped enthusiastically.
David is passionate about science, especially astronomy and physics, and is a rabid science news follower. Never short of an opinion, David writes about science and technology on his blog davidmkelly.com. He has supported various charity projects such as the Smithsonian’s Reboot The Suit and the Lowell Observatory Pluto Telescope Restoration. He also contributes to citizen science projects such as SETI@home.
David’s interest in science and technology began early. At the age of six his parents allowed him to stay up late into the night to watch the television broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping on to the surface of the moon. From that day he was hooked on everything related to science and space.
An avid reader, he worked his way through the contents of the mobile library that visited his street, progressing through YA titles (or ‘juveniles’ as they were known back then) on to the classics of Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Harry Harrison.
David worked for many years in project management and software development. Along the way his interests have included IPSC combat (target) pistol shooting, crew chief on a drag racing team, and several years as bass player/vocalist in a heavy rock band. He also managed to fit in some real work in manual jobs from digging ditches and work on production lines to loading trucks in a haulage company.
Originally from the wild and woolly region of Yorkshire, England, David emigrated to Canada in 2005 and settled in Northern Ontario with his patient and supportive wife, Hilary. Foot surgery in 2014 temporarily curtailed many of his favourite activities – hiking, camping, piloting his own personal starfighter (otherwise known as a Corvette ZR-1). But on the plus side, it meant a transition from the world of IT into life as a full-time writer—an opportunity he grasped enthusiastically.
David is passionate about science, especially astronomy and physics, and is a rabid science news follower. Never short of an opinion, David writes about science and technology on his blog davidmkelly.com. He has supported various charity projects such as the Smithsonian’s Reboot The Suit and the Lowell Observatory Pluto Telescope Restoration. He also contributes to citizen science projects such as SETI@home.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 8, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy for the purpose of an honest review.
Dead Reckoning is a collection of short sci-fi and speculative stories, some of which I have already read, but there were plenty of new stories to hold my interest. Reviewing a short story collection is not easy and I'm afraid I am not one of those people who will do a full critique of each offering, so it is fortuitous that with this collection, I do not have to.
Of all the stories, I did have a few favorites. One favorite was called Murphy's Law and had all the classic elements of a classic space thriller. What I loved about this was that it took me back to my childhood and the spooked feeling that would stick with me after watching one of the more chilling episodes of The Twilight Zone. Another favorite, He Who Controls, was more reminiscent of the metaphysical sci-fi stories I devoured in college.
There is some slight overlap, but it's more like little inside jokes than information required to read from one tale to the next. Each story is a complete standalone on its own. I do like that at the end of each, the author added a brief explanation of how the story originated. These little insights were an unexpected bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed each work individually and found the writing to be consistent from story to story. As I mentioned, I did have favorites, but there were no weak links. I enjoyed each immensely.
Dead Reckoning is a collection of short sci-fi and speculative stories, some of which I have already read, but there were plenty of new stories to hold my interest. Reviewing a short story collection is not easy and I'm afraid I am not one of those people who will do a full critique of each offering, so it is fortuitous that with this collection, I do not have to.
Of all the stories, I did have a few favorites. One favorite was called Murphy's Law and had all the classic elements of a classic space thriller. What I loved about this was that it took me back to my childhood and the spooked feeling that would stick with me after watching one of the more chilling episodes of The Twilight Zone. Another favorite, He Who Controls, was more reminiscent of the metaphysical sci-fi stories I devoured in college.
There is some slight overlap, but it's more like little inside jokes than information required to read from one tale to the next. Each story is a complete standalone on its own. I do like that at the end of each, the author added a brief explanation of how the story originated. These little insights were an unexpected bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed each work individually and found the writing to be consistent from story to story. As I mentioned, I did have favorites, but there were no weak links. I enjoyed each immensely.
July 9, 2018
The title story is excellent! A rich and arrogant man thinks he can buy his comfortable place in the afterlife. Other stories included the mutual effect of an old man and the puppy he adopts, a scientist named Murphy (Murphy’s Law) and his first contact experience, a time machine failure, another first contact story (which made me groan!) and a couple of flash fiction offerings. All were very good, totally different and made for an outstanding collection of short stories.
August 14, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
It’s been a while since I’ve read any straight up sci-fi, and I thoroughly enjoyed the collection of short stories in Dead Reckoning. My interest was caught on the first page. I found the characters all entertaining and, in some cases, (poor swindled Hector and Elvis in particular) larger than life. Well written and imaginative, each story is complete unto itself, yet still managed to leave me wanting more. I loved how they overlapped and the occasional bits and pieces of one could be found in another. After a while, I found myself looking for these neat little instances and smiling when I found one. Time travel and shifting time always catches my eye, so He Who Controls was one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the author’s notes after each story. They added some interesting insight into the world and characters he created.
Dead Reckoning definitely gets my recommendation. I’m curious to check out more of this author’s work.
It’s been a while since I’ve read any straight up sci-fi, and I thoroughly enjoyed the collection of short stories in Dead Reckoning. My interest was caught on the first page. I found the characters all entertaining and, in some cases, (poor swindled Hector and Elvis in particular) larger than life. Well written and imaginative, each story is complete unto itself, yet still managed to leave me wanting more. I loved how they overlapped and the occasional bits and pieces of one could be found in another. After a while, I found myself looking for these neat little instances and smiling when I found one. Time travel and shifting time always catches my eye, so He Who Controls was one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the author’s notes after each story. They added some interesting insight into the world and characters he created.
Dead Reckoning definitely gets my recommendation. I’m curious to check out more of this author’s work.
April 16, 2018
A collection of short stories each one unique and totally wonderful by this author. He has a way with words and makes each one special in it's own way. Of course I have favorites but to be honest this author has reminded me just how good science fiction can be. After reading a lot of the genre it seems to all be the same so finding this author brought it back to life.
May 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Humourous, entertaining, creatively different, thought provoking. Treat yourselves - you won't be able to put it down.
October 4, 2023
Even if SF is not normally your thing, give these stories a try for some great writing and memorable characters. I can't wait for the return of Hector!
October 10, 2015
If I could I would give this omnibus of short stories four and a half stars. The author is very talented and doesn't shun writing about douchebag protagonists or touching on potentially controversial subjects.
The writing style is pleasantly provocative, like the one pepper dishes at the tai restaurant are pleasantly spicy. One very interesting twist in the structure of this omnibus is the fact that David takes a little paragraph after each short story to discuss what made him come up with the story. I feel these short paragraphs are a very good addition as it really gives you a glimpse into the mind of the author.
There wasn't a single story that by itself wouldn't be four star material, the overall quality of the omnibus is very good. Two stories stood out particularly and I feel it's very fitting that one of these stories featured as the title of the omnibus. Both "Dead Reckoning" and "A slight imperfection" show David's ability to depict a douchebag protagonist that feels real and that you can love and hate at the same time. If each story was a separate book, these two stories may not be in my top 10, they both definitely would end up in my top 20. Both definitely 5 start material as were some others like the Murphy story.
Its amazingly difficult to give a good rating for an omnibus like this. Half the stories were 5 star material, the other half were pretty good but not the 'amazing' implied by 5 starts. So while I rated it at 'only' four starts, there is quite some 'amazing' in this omnibus. Not quite enough to rate the whole omnibus as five, but enough for me to feel I somewhat need to apologize for rating it at four. I hope David will choose to focus further on the douchebag oriented fiction stuff, as that is absolutely the part about this omnibus I love most.
The writing style is pleasantly provocative, like the one pepper dishes at the tai restaurant are pleasantly spicy. One very interesting twist in the structure of this omnibus is the fact that David takes a little paragraph after each short story to discuss what made him come up with the story. I feel these short paragraphs are a very good addition as it really gives you a glimpse into the mind of the author.
There wasn't a single story that by itself wouldn't be four star material, the overall quality of the omnibus is very good. Two stories stood out particularly and I feel it's very fitting that one of these stories featured as the title of the omnibus. Both "Dead Reckoning" and "A slight imperfection" show David's ability to depict a douchebag protagonist that feels real and that you can love and hate at the same time. If each story was a separate book, these two stories may not be in my top 10, they both definitely would end up in my top 20. Both definitely 5 start material as were some others like the Murphy story.
Its amazingly difficult to give a good rating for an omnibus like this. Half the stories were 5 star material, the other half were pretty good but not the 'amazing' implied by 5 starts. So while I rated it at 'only' four starts, there is quite some 'amazing' in this omnibus. Not quite enough to rate the whole omnibus as five, but enough for me to feel I somewhat need to apologize for rating it at four. I hope David will choose to focus further on the douchebag oriented fiction stuff, as that is absolutely the part about this omnibus I love most.
August 10, 2015
This book is a diverse collection of stories from the tale of a man who buys an afterlife only to learn it isn't what he expected, to a astronaut named Murphy. A couple of stories feature Castaneda, a woman reminiscent of Asimov's Susan Calvin. The collection reads much like an Asimov collection with bit of this and that with no apparent theme.
The title story is my favorite and the best developed of the bunch. All of them are fun, but I'd like to see some of them fleshed out and deepened. Still, this is a nice collection to give a few minutes of reading time here or there.
The title story is my favorite and the best developed of the bunch. All of them are fun, but I'd like to see some of them fleshed out and deepened. Still, this is a nice collection to give a few minutes of reading time here or there.
October 27, 2017
I enjoyed this collection. It had several solid stories, and is great for anyone who likes science fiction with a touch of light horror thrown in. You can read my full review over on MySF Reviews.
July 31, 2015
Entertaining book. A touch of humour in many (not all) of them. I particularly liked the explanation at the end of each story about how it came to be written. Science fiction is not my favourite genre but I did enjoy these short stories. Would read more.
August 9, 2015
A collection of science fiction stories about technology in the future. Most are short and sweet. I really enjoyed the short essay at the end of each story that explained the author's inspiration for that story.
January 21, 2016
If you enjoy short stories then you will love the collection of science fiction stories in Dead Reckoning (my favourite is by far the second one). Each story presents a different dilemma, and has themes/settings to suit all tastes. I would highly recommend it.
February 18, 2016
Sci-fi stories with a different twist. The title story, Dead Reckoning, is very good. The Elvis story, while beginning in a promising manner, was a bit of a disappointment. All in all the book was enjoyable, however.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews