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The Plumbers

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Liam and Pierce live in a country ravaged by a strange sickness. It’s called the CRUD and it turns its victims into rabid killing machines known as the Plaguers. The authorities wage constant war to keep the plaguers from overrunning the towns, boroughs, and cities. Liam and Pierce are plumbers sent to the infected zones to keep the taps and sewers flowing. They preserve the dwindling resources of their homeland. Come along in the van and spend a typical day with Liam and Pierce. A day of digging holes, twisting pipe, soldering joints, measuring twice, cutting once, plunging the bog, battling the plaguers in gruesome fashion, and telling crude jokes. No matter how dangerous or dirty the task, it’s just another day on the job for the Plumbers! The Plumbers is a horror/dark comedy novella from the author of Transfer, the Honger series, Night Things, and the highly acclaimed old school horror collection, What Price Gory.

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2020

28 people want to read

About the author

Terry M. West

198 books134 followers
Terry M. West is an American horror author. His best known works: What Price Gory, Car Nex, Dreg and his Night Things series. He was a finalist for 2 International Horror Guild Awards and he was featured on the TV Guide Sci-Fi hot list for his YA graphic novel series, Confessions of a Teenage Vampire. Terry was born in Texas, lived in New York for two decades and he currently hangs his hat in California.
www.terrymwest.com

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Hunter Shea.
Author 67 books1,009 followers
August 20, 2020
A new zombie book that works! If you loved Shaun of the Dead so much that you want me, this is a perfect addition to that world. A post-zombie infection world, a pair of plumber mates, and another day on the job that may cost them their lives. I loved the relationship between Liam and Pierce. Terry M West absolutely nailed it. A great zombie tale with heart (and possible eating of hearts).
Author 26 books18 followers
August 16, 2020
I was sent an advanced reading copy of "The Plumbers" by Terry M. West. What follows is my honest review.

Terry M. West brings his "A" game in this smart horror/comedy that's equal parts funny and unsettling. In this latest work, West invites us to tag along for another day on the job with the titular plumbers: The quieter, more reserved Liam and his outspoken, witty friend and long time colleague Pierce. Of course, a day of the job for these two is anything but normal. The setting is England an unspecified time in the future after a plague has stricken mankind, turning humans into violent swarms of the living dead. Liam and Pierce are called to on take a job in one of the more dangerous areas of their city and it is this assignment which comprises the bulk of the narrative.

West skillfully manages to merge humor and horror ( a combination which, in my experience, is usually a mixed bag on the printed page). The dialogue between the two plumbers crackles, but between the more comedic beats West infuses the tale with some legitimately chilling moments, exploring the terrifying impact of grief and madness on the characters in this dark world the author has conjured up.

Simultaneously, West offers up what is hands down my favorite of his characters to date in the form of Pierce. I can't overstate how much I loved this guy, who provides the comic soul of the story.

An entertaining read from start to finish. I highly recommend this to genre fans.

Profile Image for Bandit.
4,958 reviews578 followers
May 3, 2022
When your toilet's stuck and the world's gone mad,
Who you gonna call? The Plumbers.

A zombie-esque apocalypse straight out of Shawn of the Dead playbook, featuring, as you might have guessed, plumbers.
The end of the word might be nigh, but toilets still need plunging and all that, and so the plumbers are your basic essential workers. Good thing the apocalypse hasn’t really come to the parts of the country where these plumbers live and work, and so they just go on about their daily life, more or less, as per usual. Just your normal everyday plumbers…with a license to kill.
This is a story of one crazy day in their lives. One plumbing request to a mansion and sure enough, all safety presets are thrown to the wind. Fight, plumbers, fight for your life.
An over-the-top sort of comedy of the horrific with guts and gore and oodles of action and an occasional joke or two. This one also is over-the-top British in a way that screams pastiche and, sure enough, turns out it is, with the author being American (of the uberAmerican New York to Texas to California persuasion).
This novella was a quick fun read. Just the right length to entertain without overdoing it and overstaying its welcome. Nice find, especially for a freebie. And a solid introduction to a new author for me. Recommended.

This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Profile Image for Keely.
96 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2021
Pierce and Liam are plumbers living in a country that has been infected with a sickness known as the CRUD. Let's just call it what it is, the CRUD turns it's victims into zombies, referred to in this story as "plaguers". Pierce and Liam are often dispatched to infected zones to make sure that citizens that are still in fact human and not plaguers, have running water and all of their pipes are cleared.

I wasn't sure that I would be a fan of comedic horror, especially with the zombie trope. However, even if that previous sentence does not interest you, the witty banter between Pierce and Liam makes this entire story what it is. Yes, the scenes with plaguer confrontation gives you that dose of horror that you are craving however, it's these two men driving from job to job in their van conversing and cracking jokes that make this story fun to read and hard to put down. There is plenty of plaguer action but the "a day in the life" bit is what makes this work so well. Reminiscent of Shaun of the Dead, consider picking up The Plumbers if you need some laughs thrown into your regularly scheduled mix of horror.

Thank you to the author for the copy for review.
Profile Image for Crookedhouseofbooks.
380 reviews43 followers
September 2, 2020
I seriously loved this book!

The Plumbers is a dangerously funny tale of two plumbers, Liam and Pierce, who live in hard times. Surrounded by zombie-like victims of a virus called "the crud", these two have a hilarious back and forth banter whilst doing their job and staying clear of the infected.

This novella is a nice, refreshing take on the dystopian/zombie apocalypse genre and I only wish to read about these two wise-guys all the more. It kinda reminded me of Sean Of The Dead, if I were to try to draw a comparison. After reading it, I immediately contacted Terry and asked if there would be more books like this in the future. To my utter excitement, he said yes!! I see Liam and Pierce becoming a really great duo and I'll definitely be investing in all of "The Plumbers" books in the future.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I highly HIGHLY recommend this one to everyone and, as for myself, I'll be over here patiently waiting for the next installment.
Profile Image for Rosemary Standeven.
1,035 reviews59 followers
January 28, 2021
I had high hopes for this book. I really liked the premise – plumbers fighting zombie as they do their day job – and there were lots of things I did like about the book. But, overall, it didn’t live up to my (admittedly) high expectations.
First, the positives. I liked the dead-pan way the two plumbers dealt with the ‘fact’ that their world was overrun with zombies (or plaguers, as they are known in this book) – their new ‘normal’ – even though their own neighbourhood was (so far) clean. The kids are home-schooled because of the plague (as are so many kids today, due to COVID). They still fix people’s plumbing, but make sure they are prepared for dispatching any zombies that might happen to appear while sorting out a blocked toilet.
The brain was the only way to put them down for good. It was the science of horror movies, but it did the trick.

When their favourite pizzeria is trashed and the owner has become a plaguer, their reaction is at first sadness (as they cave the owner’s head in), and then the realisation that they will need to find somewhere else to get pizza.
I loved the Health and Safety questions they need to ask before undertaking any new job, and the way that several of the minor characters surprise them. However, the big twist will not really surprise anyone who has watched “The Walking Dead” – it still works even if you are not surprised.
I did like Liam – a devoted husband, who cares about everyone with whom he interacts. He is also quite vulnerable, due to his inability to read, because of dyslexia. His partner, Pierce, is an avid reader – and as such, I should have warmed to him. I did like that he could switch off and read – even when sheltering from zombies – and checks out the bookshelves in houses visited on the job. However, his banter I found a bit too crass, and it knocked my rating down.
So, overall a fun read, but not as good as it could have been.
Profile Image for Kerry.
Author 60 books172 followers
Read
August 5, 2020
The Plumbers by Terry M. West finds two capable and profane plumbers whose jobs involve more than wrenches and fittings. In their post-virus world, zombie-like people complicate matters. In typical Terry M. West fashion, humor mixes with horror as the heroes use the tools of their trade while facing the yellow-eyed ghouls in this novella.

So much gruesome fun that I read my ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) in a few hours.
Profile Image for Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks).
925 reviews105 followers
July 28, 2020
3.5 stars.

Darkly funny, unique and a lot of fun!

This is a really fun read and a unique take on virus horror stories. Perfect timing too with COVID-19 still rampant! (Also, I swear it’s a coincidence I’ve read two virus horror stories in the past week 😂). I loved the unexpected incorporation of plumbers in the story and found their crude and vulgar interactions entertaining. I personally found a particular plunger scene hilarious!

Those who love dark comedy and zombie or virus horror stories will likely enjoy this novella. It’s definitely worth a read!

This is my second time experiencing Terry’s work and I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading more.

Thank you so much Terry for providing me with an ARC of the Plumbers.
Profile Image for Bill.
1,890 reviews132 followers
October 31, 2020
I really liked this one. A quick and well done read.

When the CRUD hits the fan, it's time to call...well, not the plumbers, but if your toilet is clogged or sink backing up, then call them, sure. And if the CRUD hits while they are there then they will take care of that too.
Profile Image for Amanda (spooky.octopus.reads) Turner.
372 reviews76 followers
September 14, 2020
Liam and Pierce gave me some serious Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil vibes, and I was totally digging it. The first time I saw that movie, I loved everything about the characters. They are goofy and real. They are relatable and the type of people you could run across just about anywhere. That is exactly how Liam and Pierce were portrayed in this story- totally likable "real" characters. I think one thing that West did very well in this novella was the well thought out characterization which really created a sense of immersion in the story. You could feel yourself riding in the plumbers' van right along with them to their next job. The humorous banter between the two sometimes had me giggling to myself, and Pierce especially had some awesome lines that helped to keep the light mood of this horror/comedy.

As the story plays out, we learn that Liam and Pierce are two normal guys who lead relatively mundane lives as plumbers, except this particular day turns out to be far from mundane. The men take on a job in one of the parts of town that has been overridden with "the crud." In other words, there are zombies crawling around this part of town. The job starts off easy enough, until the men hear some strange sounds like the husband of the house may be distressed in a room adjoining the upstairs bath. Then....all hell breaks loose and the story goes from 50 to 100 in a matter of pages.

It's rare that you get a zombie apocalypse story quite like this one. I love a good zombie story, and when you throw in some humor and witty banter, it just seals the deal. The only downfall for me was that I actually wanted more zombies! Through much of the book, we get a lot of build up and background building for the relationship between Liam and Pierce. I feel that this background building may have been done in hopes of providing more installments of this unlikely zombie fighting duo? Well, at least those are my hopes. :) I recommend that you pick this one up if you're down for a fast paced zom-com, and let's be real, who wouldn't be down for a zom-com?

**Thanks to Terry M. West for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for DarkBetweenPages.
256 reviews66 followers
October 22, 2020
Genre: Adult | Fiction | Horror | Apocalyptic | Zombie | Novella | Humour

5 out of 5 stars!

YES! So much yes!

The Plumbers! A zombie read I will go back to time and time again!

Liam and Pierce have officially become some of my all time favourite characters. Two best friends, extremely snarky but they just understand each other, you know? Honestly they may have the best friendship around!

Liam’s wife also fits into this friendship perfectly. I hate saying this….it’s so cliché…but….they are relationship goals! Irene is so cheeky and knows exactly how to put that smile on Liam’s face and you can just tell how much they adore each other. Irene and Pierce also get along so well, they have so much in common, making the perfect character trio!

The world they are living is so bizarre! Liam and Pierce head out each day as if its a normal work day, helping their clients with all their plumbing needs, while becoming these freaking awesome zombie killing machines.

I am amazed on how much fun, gore and hilarious moments Terry was able to pack into this B-rated Horror flick in book form! I most definitely need to get my hands on a physical copy of this and so much more of his work!

Highly recommend this read! Unless vulgar suggestions, etc bother you. Than I would not suggest this read. The humour in this novella may not be for everyone.

Thank you so much to Terry for sending me an e-copy to read a review. Oh and PS the audio book was also done SO well. The narrator did such a phenomenal job!

Can’t wait to dive into more of Terry’s work!

Publisher: Pleasant Storm Entertainment Inc.

Release Date: October 16, 2020

And of course thank you all for reading

Your CRUD Book Worm

-Nichole

You can check out my video review here:
https://youtu.be/2hLEGjA30kA
Profile Image for destiny ♡ howling libraries.
1,995 reviews6,207 followers
on-hold
February 9, 2022
I don't think this one is quite for me, but it's not because there's anything wrong with the book — I think I'm just not in the mood for the jokes right now. That said, I can see The Plumbers appealing to a LOT of readers (especially anyone looking for a similar feel to Shaun of the Dead or something along those lines), and I could see myself giving it another go some time when I'm more in the mood for a comedy/horror cross-over!

———
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Profile Image for Mel Blumen.
11 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2024
This was so much fun!
Usually zombie stories are about a group of survivors (the male strong meh protagonist, some computer geek that does all the real work, the sexy love interest, the rebel, etc.) but having two plumbers, doing their regular job plus fighting zombies added something fresh and different!
Profile Image for laura8759.
150 reviews18 followers
August 15, 2020
thank you so much to Terry m. west for the pdf download of the plumbers it was a good book the writing was good the plot was good it was about plaguers people who get this red rash called the crud the story follows 2 guys named Liam and pierce who are plumbers who have to work in the infected areas there is some comedy in this story a good horror story it's kind of like zombies so if you love a zombie story this book is for you it was 106 pages short but good my grandpa died while i was reading this story and i decided to finish reading the last 40 pages so yes this book helped with my grief it was a good distraction it was not a very scary book since it was a horror book a good book to read before or on Halloween usually these type of books are more scary i would recommend this book to my friends and family LAURA8759.
Profile Image for John Lynch.
Author 14 books182 followers
October 4, 2020
Terry M West returns with a new novella, his twist on a zombie novel. The CRUD is making everyone sick, meanwhile Liam and Pierce must still go on about their lives while avoiding CRUD.

Through and Through, this is a dark comedy/horror. The relationship between Liam and Pierce is believable. The dynamic between the two of them is a crude joke telling nature and I think Terry nailed that part. It’s not all jokes here, west brings some gruesomeness here, and from what I’ve heard, there’s more to come. Give this one a try, it’s the best kind of bananas.
Profile Image for S.B. (Beauty in Ruins).
2,669 reviews244 followers
September 3, 2022
As my eyes lingered over the first pages of The Plumbers, I wondered whether I really wanted to read about a plague right now. I mean, it’s really hard not to see the COVID-19 parallels in Terry M. West’s latest offering. As those same eyes raced over the final pages, however, I realized this is precisely the kind of story I wanted to read.

I wanted to laugh at a virus. I wanted to scoff at society. I wanted to cheer on ordinary heroes. I wanted to face the horror and the dread and the sorrow and come out the other side.

I wanted . . . I daresay I needed . . . The Plumbers.

There’s a lot going on in this slender novella, and it all works. There’s horror in the fast-moving ravenous zombies, comedy in the friendship between Liam and Pierce, thrills aplenty in the fight against the zombies, satire in the breakdown of a wealthy community, and sorrow in the loss of friends and family.

The surrealism of the two men careening through mobs of zombies in their van, telling dirty jokes as they casually toss pipe bombs out the window, is utterly brilliant . . . just as the shocking horror of a woman who’s had enough, who chooses to face mortality on her terms, is devastatingly poignant. Yeah, it’s a cliché, but this is a book to make you laugh and cry, and that emotional catharsis is something we need, especially in how its shared with Liam.

The world’s always had teeth. All it did finally was knock down the cardboard fort we were hidden behind. It showed us how ridiculous, tiny, and vulnerable we really are.


I expected something lighter from Terry, something more consistently comedic, but the dark turn to soul-searching horror and the emotional weight of the ending is what makes The Plumbers such a solid read. Definitely recommended.


https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2020/...
Profile Image for Godzillareads .
27 reviews
October 6, 2020
This is the first book I've read from Terry M West and I really enjoyed it. I devoured this novella in one go.

Liam and Pierce, mates and co-workers must go on with their lives amidst an outbreak called the CRUD. The CRUD turns its victims into blood crazy killing machines called the Plaguers. We get a close look at these Plaguers during what should have been a routine work day.

Terry nails the perfect blend of horror and comedy. I look forward to reading more about Liam and Pierce's adventures. Anyone who likes a laugh with their horror will want to read The Plumbers!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for A.C. Whitt.
Author 1 book10 followers
September 30, 2020
This book is like a comical apocalyptic book. With the CRUD (which reminds me of covid) taking over. I marked a few pages that were just too funny and had a nice time asking hubby about all the plumbing parts (he is a former licensed plumber) I always say men invented plumbing because they named parts after female parts!
509 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2020
A fun and entertaining zombie short story
Pauls narration was perfect for bringing these entertaining characters to life
If you enjoy zombies and witty banter definitely pick this one up
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Profile Image for Serenity.
742 reviews31 followers
February 10, 2022
good read

Good read. Reminded me of Shaun of the dead kind of. The two main characters are very loveable. Definite recommend!
Profile Image for Jack.
43 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2021
Even in a zombie outbreak, you need someone to come fix the pipes. Check out THE PLUMBERS by TerryM West, a quick & extremely fun read about two essential workers with extremely bad working conditions. Great characters, witty banter & plenty of action. You’ll love these guys.
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