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The Infected Dead #4
Exist for Now
From the barrier islands of South Carolina to the scenic shores of Lake Norman in North Carolina and a hospital ship sailing alone in the Atlantic Ocean, the infected dead have destroyed most of the population of the world. Small groups of people band together, some with leaders who take their people down the road toward death and some with leaders who make the decisions that keep their followers alive. This is the continuing story of the Mud Island survivors who have a plan to save a small part of humanity. As they live on in a shelter that is the dream of every survivalist, they find they must venture out into the world once again to help a lost friend, braving not only the infection, but radioactive fallout from a nuclear reactor, and the groups of survivors who are ready to take from them everything they have, including their lives.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2017
158 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Bob Howard
15 books67 followersMeet the Charleston, South Carolina Author
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 6, 2025
I wasn't sure I'd like the introduction of new characters and new dilemmas....but again I was pleasantly surprised. The original cast definitely took a back seat here but it worked. I like the detail.
This is also not gratuitously violent, which is something I highly prize. It is also fairly clean when it comes to language and relationships. So still 4 stars.
This is also not gratuitously violent, which is something I highly prize. It is also fairly clean when it comes to language and relationships. So still 4 stars.
March 21, 2020
The epilogue got me good!
This had a lotta action and it was so entertaining.
This had a lotta action and it was so entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2017
More more more!!!!
The Infected Dead series just gets better and better! The characters struggle with morality and self preservation. And I will never eat blue crabs, LOL . I hope that the next book isn't too far in the future, I am craving it now.
The Infected Dead series just gets better and better! The characters struggle with morality and self preservation. And I will never eat blue crabs, LOL . I hope that the next book isn't too far in the future, I am craving it now.
April 18, 2022
Happy Ending!
This is a clean, tightly written adventure story. Overall, I enjoyed the books!
I wanted to give it a 5 star rating for the author. I, too, aspire to write. I was an Air Force brat. (I know “civilians in uniform”. Dad was a B-24 pilot when the Germans still had an Air Force. He helped found the Air Rescue Service, served in England during the war, Germany during the Cold War and Vietnam in 68. He was the real deal. And he taught me to love reading.)
That said, A lifetime of reading and the occasional find of a superbly written work demands I offer a 5th star rarely.
The plot line is tightly constructed. The main characters are well drawn. The conflicts mostly believable.
The survival lessons in a world of zombie face biters are well put forth and thought out.
The challenges are that the survivor characters are too nice. Too squeaky clean. Not real.
The tightness of the plot is also its main flaw. It feels forced. The survival bunkers are too perfect. The government involvement with them isn’t believable; it’s only a tool that helps define the perfection of the bunkers. The main characters act like people at a full time post mass donut party. Unsustainable niceness. The chief needs a love interest.
The rich uncle and cadre of organized survivalists is a great plot line! We could have met him and he could have left more clues to help Ed survive.
It was a bit ‘Hardy Boys’ .
Im following the author. Keep it up!
This is a clean, tightly written adventure story. Overall, I enjoyed the books!
I wanted to give it a 5 star rating for the author. I, too, aspire to write. I was an Air Force brat. (I know “civilians in uniform”. Dad was a B-24 pilot when the Germans still had an Air Force. He helped found the Air Rescue Service, served in England during the war, Germany during the Cold War and Vietnam in 68. He was the real deal. And he taught me to love reading.)
That said, A lifetime of reading and the occasional find of a superbly written work demands I offer a 5th star rarely.
The plot line is tightly constructed. The main characters are well drawn. The conflicts mostly believable.
The survival lessons in a world of zombie face biters are well put forth and thought out.
The challenges are that the survivor characters are too nice. Too squeaky clean. Not real.
The tightness of the plot is also its main flaw. It feels forced. The survival bunkers are too perfect. The government involvement with them isn’t believable; it’s only a tool that helps define the perfection of the bunkers. The main characters act like people at a full time post mass donut party. Unsustainable niceness. The chief needs a love interest.
The rich uncle and cadre of organized survivalists is a great plot line! We could have met him and he could have left more clues to help Ed survive.
It was a bit ‘Hardy Boys’ .
Im following the author. Keep it up!
May 7, 2017
NUCLEAR FALLOUT AND A SHIP ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH MUD ISLAND!!!!!
With nuclear fallout headed their way, Ed Jackson, Jean and the rest of their family & friends in the Mud Island and the Fort Sumpter shelters prepare for the worst hoping for the best. But as Ed & Jean also prepare for the birth of their child, the find a ship on a collision course with Mud Island. As they work against time to try to see if anyone is left alive on the ship and pray that if they can't get it stopped, it doesn't collapse their home and take away all they hold dear. Book #4 in a series that has been great from the first one, will leave you ready for a #5 and I'm hoping even a couple more after that, as I can see this series not ending anytime soon. Bob Howard, you have done such a great story with this series, please don't keep us waiting for more.
With nuclear fallout headed their way, Ed Jackson, Jean and the rest of their family & friends in the Mud Island and the Fort Sumpter shelters prepare for the worst hoping for the best. But as Ed & Jean also prepare for the birth of their child, the find a ship on a collision course with Mud Island. As they work against time to try to see if anyone is left alive on the ship and pray that if they can't get it stopped, it doesn't collapse their home and take away all they hold dear. Book #4 in a series that has been great from the first one, will leave you ready for a #5 and I'm hoping even a couple more after that, as I can see this series not ending anytime soon. Bob Howard, you have done such a great story with this series, please don't keep us waiting for more.
May 15, 2017
Much Anticipation for Book Four, Definitely Worth The Wait!!!
This has been such a pleasure reading the intense journey these characters have made!! They are so well defined I feel as though I know them and they come to life with each new chapter of this amazing story. There are few rivals in this genre, but it is by far in my top five favorites of the zombie-poc genre! Be sure to read them all, you'll experience the whole range of emotion-including laughter, which is such a rare gift from even a great author and Bob Howard delivers that in spades!!!! I shed quite a few tears and uttered screams that were loud and quite literal that my family came running more han a few times to make sure I was okay!!! I highly recommend this (and the three before this book)you will be so glad you did!!!
This has been such a pleasure reading the intense journey these characters have made!! They are so well defined I feel as though I know them and they come to life with each new chapter of this amazing story. There are few rivals in this genre, but it is by far in my top five favorites of the zombie-poc genre! Be sure to read them all, you'll experience the whole range of emotion-including laughter, which is such a rare gift from even a great author and Bob Howard delivers that in spades!!!! I shed quite a few tears and uttered screams that were loud and quite literal that my family came running more han a few times to make sure I was okay!!! I highly recommend this (and the three before this book)you will be so glad you did!!!
April 8, 2019
Why do writers do this?
Only on book four and the author is changing the past story line. In book three the army cut free nets aroünd the Island. Now he claims the russian boat blowing up did it. They claim only bus and chief know of the other shelters. Yet bus showed all of them the location after being confronted by chief. Not to mention several saw a schematic in the charleston shelter that showed the location of other shelters and had a light showing mud island was occupied.
Needs better proof reading and a consistent story line.
Only on book four and the author is changing the past story line. In book three the army cut free nets aroünd the Island. Now he claims the russian boat blowing up did it. They claim only bus and chief know of the other shelters. Yet bus showed all of them the location after being confronted by chief. Not to mention several saw a schematic in the charleston shelter that showed the location of other shelters and had a light showing mud island was occupied.
Needs better proof reading and a consistent story line.
January 11, 2020
very good book, love you edition of the new characters.
This is a very good book still not enough action for me. A little more action and I would’ve given it a five. Great character development still love the chief. Love the addition of the new characters-. Love the adjacent storylines which culminated at the end of the book. On my way to read the next in the series, you readers who are considering reading this book should join me start at book one in the series you won’t be disappointed
This is a very good book still not enough action for me. A little more action and I would’ve given it a five. Great character development still love the chief. Love the addition of the new characters-. Love the adjacent storylines which culminated at the end of the book. On my way to read the next in the series, you readers who are considering reading this book should join me start at book one in the series you won’t be disappointed
November 22, 2018
First book was ok this book is a waste of money.
I really hoped the story would come together in this book. Unfortunately it has not. The story was all over the place and made very little head way with any of the storylines.
Character personas did not match character personalities. A navy seal keep his team in the dark on 90% of what he is doing. I could go on but I will say, i will not be picking up the next book. Sorry just my opinion.
I really hoped the story would come together in this book. Unfortunately it has not. The story was all over the place and made very little head way with any of the storylines.
Character personas did not match character personalities. A navy seal keep his team in the dark on 90% of what he is doing. I could go on but I will say, i will not be picking up the next book. Sorry just my opinion.
February 8, 2022
just keep reading, just keep reading (I am the book Dory) lol
This is the fourth book in this series and that alone should say something about these books! If you are a zombie apocalypse fan, go to book one and begin. Set an alarm, then set another, and if you have a lot of self discipline, you might not be up with sand in the morning with your roadmap eyeballs saying to yourself, “just one more chapter”. Yes, it’s that good.
This is the fourth book in this series and that alone should say something about these books! If you are a zombie apocalypse fan, go to book one and begin. Set an alarm, then set another, and if you have a lot of self discipline, you might not be up with sand in the morning with your roadmap eyeballs saying to yourself, “just one more chapter”. Yes, it’s that good.
October 6, 2018
The End Is Near!
And I'm not too happy about that and you won't be either when you read this series then realize there's only one book left in the series! I had misgivings going in. I just didn't know if there could be an original story line left after reading countless other books of the same genre but I was dead wrong! Or would that be UN dead wrong?
And I'm not too happy about that and you won't be either when you read this series then realize there's only one book left in the series! I had misgivings going in. I just didn't know if there could be an original story line left after reading countless other books of the same genre but I was dead wrong! Or would that be UN dead wrong?
June 12, 2017
Nothing really new but a good read
Pretty formulaic... ex super soldier comes back to save everything. That said it's pleasantly diverting, paced and a decent read. It won't change your world but you won't be diappointed.
Pretty formulaic... ex super soldier comes back to save everything. That said it's pleasantly diverting, paced and a decent read. It won't change your world but you won't be diappointed.
March 18, 2018
I Love This Series!!!
I find this post apocalyptic zombie series to be fun and interesting to read. I would definitely recommend all the books in the series if this is your thing!!!
I find this post apocalyptic zombie series to be fun and interesting to read. I would definitely recommend all the books in the series if this is your thing!!!
September 9, 2019
Saving more people, but lots desperate people
More plot building, more stories tied together, and confirmation of how the infected likely started. I also liked the history of the shelters, enjoyed this book and ready for the next one in the series.
More plot building, more stories tied together, and confirmation of how the infected likely started. I also liked the history of the shelters, enjoyed this book and ready for the next one in the series.
May 19, 2022
Loved this series! Reading it again.
I found the characters l ok likeable and realistic, as well as the situation. I'm reading all books again because of the length of time when they originally came out. Still found them keeping my attention.
I found the characters l ok likeable and realistic, as well as the situation. I'm reading all books again because of the length of time when they originally came out. Still found them keeping my attention.
April 29, 2023
This installment had me riveted to the pages. Near lone survivor in the midst of the dead.
Questioning when good people with good intentions seems not soo good anymore.
When nature introduces new ways to kill humans and above all .... surviving
Questioning when good people with good intentions seems not soo good anymore.
When nature introduces new ways to kill humans and above all .... surviving
June 13, 2023
This series just gets better and better
I can’t this one may have been shorter but it was so actions and sweet it almost rotted my teeth I love this series and can’t wait to read what’s next
I can’t this one may have been shorter but it was so actions and sweet it almost rotted my teeth I love this series and can’t wait to read what’s next
May 24, 2017
Keep writing.
Would love to see this story continue!! I love this different aspect of survival. Very ingenious. Please continue this story.
Would love to see this story continue!! I love this different aspect of survival. Very ingenious. Please continue this story.
June 4, 2017
I hope there is more....
I read thru the first 3 in about 5 days, book 4 in 2. I can make myself wait for Book 5, it will give me time to read all his other books.
I read thru the first 3 in about 5 days, book 4 in 2. I can make myself wait for Book 5, it will give me time to read all his other books.
June 22, 2017
Infected Dead
Book four was a five, I have loved this whole series and sincerely hope that there are more books in the planning.
Book four was a five, I have loved this whole series and sincerely hope that there are more books in the planning.
July 9, 2017
Great book! Great characters! Interesting storyline!
Great book! Hate to see it end! Would love another book in this series! I all look for more books by Bob howard
Great book! Hate to see it end! Would love another book in this series! I all look for more books by Bob howard
August 25, 2017
Great series
Once again a great story. You must be writing book 5? Can't wait. Highly recommend this series. Great characters,great story
Once again a great story. You must be writing book 5? Can't wait. Highly recommend this series. Great characters,great story
September 23, 2017
Really like this series and the author. Well-written. Enjoyable characters and interactions. Look forward to reading more from Mr. Howard.
January 15, 2018
Good story
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more.
April 4, 2025
Really enjoy this series.
April 29, 2017
This series just gets better with each book. And the addition of new characters doesn't detract from the story line whatsoever. Book 5 has to hurry up and get here!
May 3, 2017
Super Reads
Great reads! This of course is the 4th in the series and I hope no end in sight. All Mr. Howard's books keep you absorbed from beginning to end. Well written and where needed researched. Keep them coming and keep them at least 350 to 450 pages so the reader can completely absorb themselves. Check these books out. Track the characters adventures BOTH in the book and with a map. Makes things more real. Have FUN!!!
Great reads! This of course is the 4th in the series and I hope no end in sight. All Mr. Howard's books keep you absorbed from beginning to end. Well written and where needed researched. Keep them coming and keep them at least 350 to 450 pages so the reader can completely absorb themselves. Check these books out. Track the characters adventures BOTH in the book and with a map. Makes things more real. Have FUN!!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews