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The Corpse-Eater Saga #1
Awfully Appetizing
Meet Walter, the ghoul next door. He could be the most boring man alive…except for one small detail: Walter isn't human. Though he was raised by humans, Walter is, in fact, a ghoul, a mystical flesh-eating monster of myth. And now, for some reason, some one – or some thing is trying to kill him. Suddenly the monster who wanted to be human finds himself pursued by murderous hunters, hounded by werewolves, and embroiled in the absurdly complicated world of vampire politics.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
34 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Leod D. Fitz
6 books22 followersLeod has lived in the United States his whole life, moving about the country irregularly. He has few skills outside of writing, and most of his interests involve sitting in front of his computer for hours on end. For this reason he is often mistaken for a plant, or even more often, as some form of mildew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2021
Last year (2020) one of my book challenge s was to read a book told from the perspective of a monster. I found it hard to pick one I would enjoy.. This one would have fit the bill perfectly.
Simply said this book is humorous and fun. I learned a bit about ghouls since a ghoul was a main character.
That ghoul gets caught up in some dangerous vampire drama. Even during the action sequence s, humor was splashed in and held my interests. Even the supporting characters are fun.
If you want to explore a fictional monster world and laugh a bit, you would enjoy this book
Simply said this book is humorous and fun. I learned a bit about ghouls since a ghoul was a main character.
That ghoul gets caught up in some dangerous vampire drama. Even during the action sequence s, humor was splashed in and held my interests. Even the supporting characters are fun.
If you want to explore a fictional monster world and laugh a bit, you would enjoy this book
March 16, 2019
Ghouls. Not likeable. Carrion eaters. Not as sexy or dangerous as vampires, or romantic as werewolves who try to tame their inner beast. If they appear in urban-fantasy at all, they do so as secondary characters supposed to make the lore richer.
Leod D. Fitz picked a ghoul as his POV character. Walter, raised by humans, and mostly socialized owns a morgue where he has access to decomposing bodies and where he can have a nice snack, an excised tumor for example. He likes his meat tenderized. The nastier it smells, the better it tastes.
His love life sucks, partly because of his bad looks, partly because Ghouls sexual behavior would devastate most willing human partners. Having little choice and even less money to pay for it, Walter finds some release in autoerotic asphyxiation.
Not your usual urban-fantasy hero, right?
Despite his off-putting behavior (by human measures), Walter is actually a decent guy and a caring son to his human adoptive mother. He wants to lead a quiet, solitary life and have regular meals. Instead, he finds himself pursued by murderous hunters, hounded by werewolves, and embroiled in the absurdly complicated world of vampire politics.
I felt tempted to DNF this book because of detailed (but not overly graphic) descriptions of Walter’s culinary tastes and sexual activities I can’t relate to. Obviously, I didn’t. Something in the prose and Walter’s wry and dark humor kept me engaged. I finished enjoying the story.
Parts of it are gross and I could do with less of realism, but I praise the author for exploring his character and his "ghoulness” fully. Leod created a repulsive character that’s hard to dislike and easy to root for despite his otherness.
Walter doesn’t predominantly examine the world through sight, and many scenes reflect it when he first “sees” things through smell and sound. I appreciate his dry wit, and resourcefulness. Contrary to other supernatural beings or human hunters, Walter doesn’t act as a predator and he tries to avoid violence.
The writing tends toward the humorous but I wouldn’t call the humor proper, especially when things do get gross and off-putting. That said, some passages are hilarious and nicely written. As for the characters, apart from Walter, all of them feel one-dimensional and I suspect many readers will dislike representation of females. The only important female character, a freshly turned vampire, is a sexy and sex-obsessed gal who spends a lot of other people’s money on clothes.
If Family Guy doesn’t offend you and makes you laugh, and you don’t look for a proper representation of both sexes in your fiction, chances are you’ll enjoy Awfully Appetizing. I did. Despite its flaws and shortcomings. I find Walter’s voice engaging and entertaining.
Leod D. Fitz picked a ghoul as his POV character. Walter, raised by humans, and mostly socialized owns a morgue where he has access to decomposing bodies and where he can have a nice snack, an excised tumor for example. He likes his meat tenderized. The nastier it smells, the better it tastes.
His love life sucks, partly because of his bad looks, partly because Ghouls sexual behavior would devastate most willing human partners. Having little choice and even less money to pay for it, Walter finds some release in autoerotic asphyxiation.
Not your usual urban-fantasy hero, right?
Despite his off-putting behavior (by human measures), Walter is actually a decent guy and a caring son to his human adoptive mother. He wants to lead a quiet, solitary life and have regular meals. Instead, he finds himself pursued by murderous hunters, hounded by werewolves, and embroiled in the absurdly complicated world of vampire politics.
I felt tempted to DNF this book because of detailed (but not overly graphic) descriptions of Walter’s culinary tastes and sexual activities I can’t relate to. Obviously, I didn’t. Something in the prose and Walter’s wry and dark humor kept me engaged. I finished enjoying the story.
Parts of it are gross and I could do with less of realism, but I praise the author for exploring his character and his "ghoulness” fully. Leod created a repulsive character that’s hard to dislike and easy to root for despite his otherness.
Walter doesn’t predominantly examine the world through sight, and many scenes reflect it when he first “sees” things through smell and sound. I appreciate his dry wit, and resourcefulness. Contrary to other supernatural beings or human hunters, Walter doesn’t act as a predator and he tries to avoid violence.
The writing tends toward the humorous but I wouldn’t call the humor proper, especially when things do get gross and off-putting. That said, some passages are hilarious and nicely written. As for the characters, apart from Walter, all of them feel one-dimensional and I suspect many readers will dislike representation of females. The only important female character, a freshly turned vampire, is a sexy and sex-obsessed gal who spends a lot of other people’s money on clothes.
If Family Guy doesn’t offend you and makes you laugh, and you don’t look for a proper representation of both sexes in your fiction, chances are you’ll enjoy Awfully Appetizing. I did. Despite its flaws and shortcomings. I find Walter’s voice engaging and entertaining.
January 29, 2019
This book was quite interesting. A totally different perspective on the usual supernatural stuff that everyone keeps trying to write. It was funny, disgusting, and entertaining. I would definitely be interested in reading more stories about the main character.
January 22, 2020
A book with a unique idea that drew me in immediately with the main protagonist. We find out that Walter is a Colorado ghoul trying to get by in life as a mortician. He was raised by human parent's so he has more in common with humans than other supernatural creatures. After a series of uncontrollable events Walter finds himself smack dab on a hit list. Hijinks, hunters, and hillbillies ensue as Walter fights for his life.
The reader spends a lot of time in Walter's brain. He explains himself and the world around him. This first person narrative provides the perfect backdrop for understanding the supernatural premise that the book is based on. I was enthralled to get any tidbits the author provided that supported the world building and enriched the unique take on having a ghoul for a main character. This book managed to toe the line of being both familiar and fresh. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel and you feel right at home reading about vampires, werewolves, trolls, and other supernatural creatures. At the same time, Walter's own interesting backstory really made me want to know more about ghouls in the paranormal community.
Sherry was my least favorite character. She reminded me of what a man would think a college girl turned vampire would act like. Sherry's only motivation was to find and have fun. Sherry went from unwilling captive to ride or die f-buddy very quickly and without much convincing. It was especially eye roll worthy to read about her wanting clothes from Walter and he giving in for sexual favors. Had her character had more depth other than sex, fashion, and blood she would have been a more interesting paranormal person.
I also think a lot of the humor in this book would have came across better in a audiobook. While reading I felt that a lot of the jokes fell flat and then over time it became very cheesy. With the main mystery of the book being heavily vampire based. Over time I personally got tired of hearing about vampires. Since the original draw for me was the book's ghoul concept. So I lost interest the more Sherry, Ilkings, and Aldred were linked together. Overall, I found this to be a different take on the paranormal genre but not compelling enough for me to revisit.
The reader spends a lot of time in Walter's brain. He explains himself and the world around him. This first person narrative provides the perfect backdrop for understanding the supernatural premise that the book is based on. I was enthralled to get any tidbits the author provided that supported the world building and enriched the unique take on having a ghoul for a main character. This book managed to toe the line of being both familiar and fresh. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel and you feel right at home reading about vampires, werewolves, trolls, and other supernatural creatures. At the same time, Walter's own interesting backstory really made me want to know more about ghouls in the paranormal community.
Sherry was my least favorite character. She reminded me of what a man would think a college girl turned vampire would act like. Sherry's only motivation was to find and have fun. Sherry went from unwilling captive to ride or die f-buddy very quickly and without much convincing. It was especially eye roll worthy to read about her wanting clothes from Walter and he giving in for sexual favors. Had her character had more depth other than sex, fashion, and blood she would have been a more interesting paranormal person.
I also think a lot of the humor in this book would have came across better in a audiobook. While reading I felt that a lot of the jokes fell flat and then over time it became very cheesy. With the main mystery of the book being heavily vampire based. Over time I personally got tired of hearing about vampires. Since the original draw for me was the book's ghoul concept. So I lost interest the more Sherry, Ilkings, and Aldred were linked together. Overall, I found this to be a different take on the paranormal genre but not compelling enough for me to revisit.
February 23, 2021
3.5 stars
August 27, 2015
I received a ARC in exchange for my Honest review. Awfully Appetizing is a pleasant surprise of a book. I was not sure what Ghouls were and wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book. I am pleased to say that this is a book filled with great characters and just the right amount of humor. There is also plenty of mysteries the main character has to solve. There is plenty of action as the character has to try to survive. The characters are well built and the dialogue felt natural and realistic. The pace was steady and didn't drag at any point. There is a good mix of Vampires and Werewolves as well as human hunters. Overall this was a joy to read and I didn't want it to end. Leod Fitz is a great author and I can't wait until the next book comes out!
April 15, 2017
I loved this novel, simple as that. It has a mixture of the old Hammer Films horror creatures, sarcastic humor, mystery and excitement. Walter is a ghoul who owns a mortuary; besides having to deal with annoying humans, there are the vampires (neckbiters) and werewolves (crotchsniffers); and he happens to be a very good son to his human adoptive mother while having a basic sibling rivalry, of sorts, with his human brother (mom's natural born son). Then there's Sherry, the recently turned vampire; the relationship between them develops into a sort of bantering, but somewhat respectful, example of what an old married couple would be like. Oh, and someone's put a bounty on Walter's head, so, with redneck bounty hunters, and a 16 year old wannabe bounty huntress on his butt at the most inconvenient times; Walter's life is one big roller coaster of annoyance...and he still has to find mom a birthday gift!
This is #1 of the Corpse Eater Saga....and #2 better be coming out soon! I won this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway contest, and am so happy I did!
This is #1 of the Corpse Eater Saga....and #2 better be coming out soon! I won this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway contest, and am so happy I did!
December 29, 2017
Great book! Could not put it down. A must read for anyone who likes books about supernatural creatures. Can't wait to read the second installment in the series
October 21, 2015
I didn't have any idea of what a ghoul really was except for the name. Well after reading this book, now I do. I really enjoyed this book. It has action, gore, murders, werewolves, vampires and humour. I found myself laughing while being grossed out on the diet of a ghoul. You really start caring about poor Walter and the outcome of his troubles. I recommend that you don't read this just before dinner because Walter's diet is a little out there and Leod's description is very good....lol....I do recommend this book for fans of horror, mysteries, crime stories and humour because it has a element of them all in there. A big thumbs up to Leod Fitz on this book and I really look forward to reading more of his books.
June 3, 2016
I received the book for free through Goodreads. It was very refreshing to read a supernatural book that was not about vampires and werewolves (although they make an appearance). The story is about a Ghoul who owns a mortuary and ends up on a hit list. There is action and comedy in it. Some of the descriptions of what Walter, the ghoul eats could be a little disturbing for some readers. But, it is true for the story. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading further adventures of Walters.
July 23, 2015
Walter isn’t your typical hero or even an anti-hero. Nope. He’s a ghoul. Fleshy breath smelling ghoul, who you just can’t help but to root for. Leod Fitz is one sick minded author, as he weaves a tale that is both harrowing and entertaining. This is your momma’s horror tale. I promise, give it a chance, and you will keep reading until the sunrise.
February 26, 2019
If you read one book this year, make it this one. I don't usually praise books as 'amazing' but this was probably one of the best books I have ever read. It's witty, the characters are fantastic, the plot is absorbing. The only downside of the book was that the second one isn't out yet.
Basically what I'm saying is, read it. You can thank me later.
Basically what I'm saying is, read it. You can thank me later.
May 16, 2016
Wow! Walter ... My kind of guy ... or ghoul anyway. This character ... This story ... This author ... sheer amusement! Like many books I read, this one was recommended to me. I guarantee it was not (at all) what I expected. It was far better! Pick up a copy only if you can appreciate a horrific sense of humor. Pure entertainment from beginning to end!
February 27, 2019
Read in one sitting, in about 3-4 hours. Seriously good. Quite funny and horrific. Highly recommended.
There aren't many ghouls. Colorado has the highest density of ghouls in the world, with 7 in the state. That's because ghouls are loners, and also their reproduction method is extremely odd and very gross.
Ghouls are not human and are really alien. The protagonist, Walter Keppler, may be the most socialized ghoul in the world, and he may be the only ghoul who was raised by humans and who has a real job. He still finds it difficult to consort with humans much, because his physiognomy and his instincts run counter to pretending to be human.
As a ghoul, Walter is despised by the other supernaturals, a bottom-feeder. He doesn't admire the other supernaturals, either. He calls the vampires 'neckbiters' and the werewolves 'crotchsniffers'. His low status also means that his sole human employee is a complete asshole and criminal named Percy, who doesn't really work for him, because he doesn't really work.
One day, Walter finds a sleeping vampire in his funeral parlor. That's when the story begins.
There aren't many ghouls. Colorado has the highest density of ghouls in the world, with 7 in the state. That's because ghouls are loners, and also their reproduction method is extremely odd and very gross.
Ghouls are not human and are really alien. The protagonist, Walter Keppler, may be the most socialized ghoul in the world, and he may be the only ghoul who was raised by humans and who has a real job. He still finds it difficult to consort with humans much, because his physiognomy and his instincts run counter to pretending to be human.
As a ghoul, Walter is despised by the other supernaturals, a bottom-feeder. He doesn't admire the other supernaturals, either. He calls the vampires 'neckbiters' and the werewolves 'crotchsniffers'. His low status also means that his sole human employee is a complete asshole and criminal named Percy, who doesn't really work for him, because he doesn't really work.
One day, Walter finds a sleeping vampire in his funeral parlor. That's when the story begins.
July 28, 2022
One of a kind must-read story.
Walter is a ghoul and loves to eat dead things; the older and rottener, the better. He keeps to himself but manages to live among humans and hides his true self, and how better than as a funeral owner? Walter is a good guy and a monster, and still very relatable. Throw in a sassy, newly-made female vampire, an under-aged monster killer, some hillbilly hunters with hygiene issues, and you've got yourself a hilarious read. Onto the next book in the series.
Walter is a ghoul and loves to eat dead things; the older and rottener, the better. He keeps to himself but manages to live among humans and hides his true self, and how better than as a funeral owner? Walter is a good guy and a monster, and still very relatable. Throw in a sassy, newly-made female vampire, an under-aged monster killer, some hillbilly hunters with hygiene issues, and you've got yourself a hilarious read. Onto the next book in the series.
May 13, 2023
Fun story for some light reading. Private investigator (style-wise) + monster protagonist + multi-species supernatural world. Characterization is pretty inconsistent - supposedly a loner but is out talking to others proficiently for the whole book, unclear personal motivation to draw the line at a certain crime but not the others, says he's unimportant or doesn't get involved but has plenty of useful contacts, etc. Climax of the story could have been more impactful.
Gross-out factor and various fights executed well though.
Gross-out factor and various fights executed well though.
August 3, 2020
The Refinement of Argentum
A shockingly, and sometimes sickeningly, committed story about inhuman characters dealing with their own day to day humdrum, wrapped up tightly with characters that are just the right twist of tropes. This book doesn’t sacrifice its story or entertainment to subvert anything, in fact it delights in its ghoulish characters and the blatantly inhuman ways they look at life. Good book, really pushes the point of the fantasy genre.
A shockingly, and sometimes sickeningly, committed story about inhuman characters dealing with their own day to day humdrum, wrapped up tightly with characters that are just the right twist of tropes. This book doesn’t sacrifice its story or entertainment to subvert anything, in fact it delights in its ghoulish characters and the blatantly inhuman ways they look at life. Good book, really pushes the point of the fantasy genre.
February 6, 2025
Surprisingly good
Who would have thought a ghoul would make such an appealing character. The writer has done a masterful job in creating a protagonist that is relatable. Walter is a ghoul who is just trying to get through this life while remaining under the radar of supernaturals higher up the food chain. This book was so good I immediately started the next in the series. Strongly recommend.
Who would have thought a ghoul would make such an appealing character. The writer has done a masterful job in creating a protagonist that is relatable. Walter is a ghoul who is just trying to get through this life while remaining under the radar of supernaturals higher up the food chain. This book was so good I immediately started the next in the series. Strongly recommend.
October 24, 2020
Bought this on Kindle on a whim and have been pleasantly surprised at how it grew on me.
After a slow start, Walter the ghoul really developed as a character and the author manages to humanise him while still keeping the gross-factor high, which I appreciated.
I look forward to reading the next installments.
After a slow start, Walter the ghoul really developed as a character and the author manages to humanise him while still keeping the gross-factor high, which I appreciated.
I look forward to reading the next installments.
December 8, 2021
Ghoul book of delights
Honestly I never read a book about ghouls before. In most supernatural books it's just were's and vamps. So this came as a great change to that routine. This was actually very much full of action, grossness and humor. It made me think there needs to be more ghoul supernatural books written like this. Full of mystery, action and great written characters.
Honestly I never read a book about ghouls before. In most supernatural books it's just were's and vamps. So this came as a great change to that routine. This was actually very much full of action, grossness and humor. It made me think there needs to be more ghoul supernatural books written like this. Full of mystery, action and great written characters.
July 19, 2022
gifts to buy.
I like this book because it was different and I like the way the ghouls appetites all of them were described. It was a very different detective story. Some definitely interesting surprises and a lot of humor
I like this book because it was different and I like the way the ghouls appetites all of them were described. It was a very different detective story. Some definitely interesting surprises and a lot of humor
August 22, 2024
I suppose you need a sense of humour to like Leod Fritz's Corpse Eater Series. Walter is someone that is written so well that I fell for him. I'm glad I bought the rest of the books to keep up with his adventures!
August 19, 2020
Fast paced story that keeps you engaged and wanting more. I was rooting for Walter the whole time.
October 23, 2020
Such a great book! Probably the best urban fantasy I've read this year. The protagonist is so unique and fresh. Despite being a mortician, Walter is a great detective and an overall fun character.
April 20, 2022
This was a surprisingly good book. Very underrated. I loved the perspective, I’m a sucker for a good underdog. I really enjoyed this book.
July 21, 2019
For someone who reads and breathes urban fantasy, this book is one to put on your shelf.
It is pleasantly entertaining, and doesn't waste time teasing its way into the supernatural world. It starts off so fast - I would say if you're not into it by the first two chapters - put it down.
The only real downside I could really come up with was that at points it can be corny. But the author rolls with this, and it is still so much fun to read.
It is pleasantly entertaining, and doesn't waste time teasing its way into the supernatural world. It starts off so fast - I would say if you're not into it by the first two chapters - put it down.
The only real downside I could really come up with was that at points it can be corny. But the author rolls with this, and it is still so much fun to read.
August 4, 2015
This is my first time reading anything by this author and all I can say is WOW! It starts off slow by giving all the basics about the supernatural world that will later be so pertinent as the plot progresses.
Walter is a lowly ghoul, different even among his own kind because he was found by a cemetery groundskeeper as an infant and raised as a regular child despite his obvious differences by a truly unique couple. Considered the lowest of the low amongst those of the supernatural world, Walter actually serves a purpose at the behest of the local head of the vampires in his area.
Life is fairly simple for Walter who has adapted to living as a human as closely as possible by running a local mortuary, where he occasionally assists in the disposal of certain situations for his more ‘unique’ clients. That is until he returns from a camping trip to find a freshly turned vampire in his fridge and after that, nothing seems to get any better for poor Walter. He is pulled into a cleverly spun web of deceit and treachery as he rushes to figure out what exactly is going on before it has a chance to upset the already sensitive balance of power in the supernatural world, which has the potential to create an unholy mess. This book is extremely entertaining, offering up not just thrills but also a few laughs along the way. I highly recommend it.
Walter is a lowly ghoul, different even among his own kind because he was found by a cemetery groundskeeper as an infant and raised as a regular child despite his obvious differences by a truly unique couple. Considered the lowest of the low amongst those of the supernatural world, Walter actually serves a purpose at the behest of the local head of the vampires in his area.
Life is fairly simple for Walter who has adapted to living as a human as closely as possible by running a local mortuary, where he occasionally assists in the disposal of certain situations for his more ‘unique’ clients. That is until he returns from a camping trip to find a freshly turned vampire in his fridge and after that, nothing seems to get any better for poor Walter. He is pulled into a cleverly spun web of deceit and treachery as he rushes to figure out what exactly is going on before it has a chance to upset the already sensitive balance of power in the supernatural world, which has the potential to create an unholy mess. This book is extremely entertaining, offering up not just thrills but also a few laughs along the way. I highly recommend it.
December 11, 2016
Excellent book! You feel the pressure the main character Walter feels, and that makes you want to rush reading it all. It has good humor, nice pacing and a bit of gore, the only thing I can do is recommend it. The only thing missing at the moment is a next volume!
June 10, 2019
Really enjoyed this - refreshing to read some urban fantasy that's not paranormal romance or YA which seems to be the trend nowadays. A unique protagonist, and plenty of action.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews