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On Death and Flying
Chip Crandle has given the folks in his North Idaho town plenty to gossip about. Most agree that John and Scarlett Bradley got what they deserved. Others argue that, no matter how you slice it, what Chip did was wrong. They’ll never suspect that Chip’s startling act of justice wasn’t only to save the Bradley’s three daughters; it was the one way he could hope to redeem himself for failing to save his loved ones … and to bring back his uncanny ability to fly.
But the universe has bigger plans for Chip.
As he flees across the lonely roads of the Great Plains, fate nudges Chip toward a stream of unlikely strangers: A sympathetic cop with secrets of her own, a teen with a singing dog who desperately needs Chip’s forgotten magic, and a braided mystic with the power to guide Chip to a secret canyon where the ghosts of his past wait ... with a message that can change everything. To see the wisdom each offers, Chip will have to let go of his old fears and open his eyes to the impossible.
On Death and Flying shines a light on the fears, doubts, and discoveries we all experience as our parents pass, children leave, careers end, and life moves on in unpredictable and often unjust ways toward the inevitable unknown.
But the universe has bigger plans for Chip.
As he flees across the lonely roads of the Great Plains, fate nudges Chip toward a stream of unlikely strangers: A sympathetic cop with secrets of her own, a teen with a singing dog who desperately needs Chip’s forgotten magic, and a braided mystic with the power to guide Chip to a secret canyon where the ghosts of his past wait ... with a message that can change everything. To see the wisdom each offers, Chip will have to let go of his old fears and open his eyes to the impossible.
On Death and Flying shines a light on the fears, doubts, and discoveries we all experience as our parents pass, children leave, careers end, and life moves on in unpredictable and often unjust ways toward the inevitable unknown.
- GenresFiction
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Tim Martin
1 book18 followersTim Martin lives in the Monarch Mountains outside Sandpoint, Idaho —about an hour’s drive from Washington, or Montana, or Canada, and a long way from the Iowa farm where he grew up.
Tim relates well to dogs and cats, fly-fishermen, cold beer, hot coffee, dead spots in cell coverage, and people who care enough to listen after they ask a question.
His first novel, On Death and Flying, was inspired by real-life friends, who adopted two abused children. Tim continues to have a deep-seated belief that life is unexplainable magic and everything works pretty well when you don’t try too hard. He is at work on his next novel.
Tim relates well to dogs and cats, fly-fishermen, cold beer, hot coffee, dead spots in cell coverage, and people who care enough to listen after they ask a question.
His first novel, On Death and Flying, was inspired by real-life friends, who adopted two abused children. Tim continues to have a deep-seated belief that life is unexplainable magic and everything works pretty well when you don’t try too hard. He is at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 16, 2017
Knowing Tim on a creative, "It'll be nice to see you when I see you.", sort of basis, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this book. It's always a unique opportunity to be able to take a look at the latest endeavor of a guy you know, and a human that after being around him for just five seconds, you know could likely spin a pretty good yarn.
This effort does not disappoint. I read the damn thing in two nights. I could not put it down.
"On Death and Flying" captures so much about the character of this place Tim and I call home and the style and comfort Tim expresses in the nuances of day to day life here. Add to that, a story so powerful in weaving realities and circumstances. In lessons from the past affecting the present. In perception and spirituality. In utter filth and degradation to redemption and some sort of quasi-acceptance.
The layers to the story Tim tells here are deep and meaningful. And important.
I think the purest thing I can say about this book is that the entire time, I felt like I was riding shotgun right along with Chip. That, to me, is the essence of great writing.
Read this book/
This effort does not disappoint. I read the damn thing in two nights. I could not put it down.
"On Death and Flying" captures so much about the character of this place Tim and I call home and the style and comfort Tim expresses in the nuances of day to day life here. Add to that, a story so powerful in weaving realities and circumstances. In lessons from the past affecting the present. In perception and spirituality. In utter filth and degradation to redemption and some sort of quasi-acceptance.
The layers to the story Tim tells here are deep and meaningful. And important.
I think the purest thing I can say about this book is that the entire time, I felt like I was riding shotgun right along with Chip. That, to me, is the essence of great writing.
Read this book/
June 8, 2017
Justice, redemption and magic meld in an utterly captivating novel.
On Death and Flying is an emotional whiplash about going toe-to-toe with the unjust, remembering how to soar and believing in the impossible.
I didn’t realize how profoundly I was affected by On Death and Flying until weeks after finishing it, when I found myself contemplating the authors’ views on loss, regrets, self-blame and the inevitable unknown.
I treasure Tim Martin’s belief that failures are second chances and death, just like life, is exactly what we make it. “I choose my post-life to be flying through the clouds with my cape streaming out straight behind me … until the next better thing comes along.” Chip Crandle from On Death and Flying.
A remarkably moving, brilliantly crafted story of one man’s heartbreaks and triumphs, and the characters and magic that come into his life on the path to a meaningful existence.
On Death and Flying is an emotional whiplash about going toe-to-toe with the unjust, remembering how to soar and believing in the impossible.
I didn’t realize how profoundly I was affected by On Death and Flying until weeks after finishing it, when I found myself contemplating the authors’ views on loss, regrets, self-blame and the inevitable unknown.
I treasure Tim Martin’s belief that failures are second chances and death, just like life, is exactly what we make it. “I choose my post-life to be flying through the clouds with my cape streaming out straight behind me … until the next better thing comes along.” Chip Crandle from On Death and Flying.
A remarkably moving, brilliantly crafted story of one man’s heartbreaks and triumphs, and the characters and magic that come into his life on the path to a meaningful existence.
March 18, 2022
A fascinating tale that embodies regret, guilt, and injustice all the while weaving a story of one man's journey of reflection leading towards truth, purpose, and hope. Centered around a horrible crime, we follow the lead character, Chip as he sets out to right an injustice knowing and embracing the personal cost and path it may take him on.
With such a dark and disturbing underlying story, I found myself completely caught up and inspired - at times chuckling, laughing, choked up and even tearing up as I followed this unconventional tale into it's strange and surprising conclusion.
What a wonderful first effort, I look forward to Tim's next book!
With such a dark and disturbing underlying story, I found myself completely caught up and inspired - at times chuckling, laughing, choked up and even tearing up as I followed this unconventional tale into it's strange and surprising conclusion.
What a wonderful first effort, I look forward to Tim's next book!
January 28, 2017
this was a great book, really enjoyed reading it
February 9, 2017
Grabbed me from the beginning. Thought provoking. Exciting. Looking forward to what Tim Martin has in store with his next literary work!
January 5, 2017
Loved "On Death and Flying"!
This is a great read! The surprises just keep coming! Full of interesting characters! It's one I recommend! Hope to see more from this author!
This is a great read! The surprises just keep coming! Full of interesting characters! It's one I recommend! Hope to see more from this author!
January 26, 2017
Creative
A book off the beaten path. A creative mind brings us an unusual story with a little touch of wonderland.
A book off the beaten path. A creative mind brings us an unusual story with a little touch of wonderland.
August 25, 2017
As the solar eclipse was ending, I finished reading Tim Martin’s first book "On Death and Flying." It was an intriguing novel I couldn't readily put down. In fact, I'm sad my time with Chip is over! However, I plan to re-read it because after reaching the end, I’m compelled to retrace Chip’s steps because I’ll be more alert to clues to help me figure out what’s reality and what’s magic in his life. I enjoyed the biographical similarities of the character and the author plus there are a lot of other deep thoughts and impulses. With Tim’s descriptive writing style, I could readily picture the people and places in the story. If you like suspenseful stories, you’ll enjoy it. If you appreciate some mysticism, you’ll enjoy it. I don’t easily recommend books to friends; however, this one is a must-read. Can't wait until Mr. Martin writes and releases his next book.
July 7, 2017
Fanciful,satisfying page turner
A very good blend of conventional story and ultimately more..will make you smile,despite its dark passages....You will root for the hero,despite his illegal goals
A very good blend of conventional story and ultimately more..will make you smile,despite its dark passages....You will root for the hero,despite his illegal goals
December 23, 2017
This North Idaho writer knows how to create tension and even a bit of fear. Character development really focuses on the main character and his obsession re a neighbor family out in the country around Sandpoint. Martin really gets you into his brain and the flashbacks get you into his motives.
February 21, 2017
I won't be returning this one!
I just turned sixty and, like Chip, yearn to do one real thing-make one real difference. Beautifully written. Awesome read!
I just turned sixty and, like Chip, yearn to do one real thing-make one real difference. Beautifully written. Awesome read!
April 9, 2017
Loved it!
Strange entertainment. This book took a different turn every few pages. I never knew what would happen next. It was great!
Strange entertainment. This book took a different turn every few pages. I never knew what would happen next. It was great!
June 10, 2018
Strange story. Lots of focus on death and slow moving parts of the book. The writing is good and tight and does keep you reading on.
July 3, 2025
All I can say is WOW!
I rarely write reviews, but this story cries out to be read. It almost lost me in the beginning. Stick with it, and you won't be able to put it down.
I rarely write reviews, but this story cries out to be read. It almost lost me in the beginning. Stick with it, and you won't be able to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews