What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grave Diggers #1
The Grave Diggers
The extinction of the human race balanced on a knife's edge. At the 11th hour humanity fought back, saving what little was left of the world.
The carnage and destruction left the county shattered and Sergeant Jack Tate a broken man who's given up on himself. But when he gets a cryptic offer to help his faltering country he ignores his suspicions and accepts the challenge.
His decision plunges Tate into a fight for his life and he will quickly discover the undead aren't the only ones out to kill him.
The carnage and destruction left the county shattered and Sergeant Jack Tate a broken man who's given up on himself. But when he gets a cryptic offer to help his faltering country he ignores his suspicions and accepts the challenge.
His decision plunges Tate into a fight for his life and he will quickly discover the undead aren't the only ones out to kill him.
168 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2020
428 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Chris Fritschi
23 books46 followersChris Fritschi is a best selling author with a passion for writing gripping stories, engaging characters and building worlds you can get lost in.
Whether fighting the undead with the Grave Diggers team or exploring an epic fantasy world of the Rift series readers are immersed in stories they can’t put down.
Chris and his wife live in their haunted house in Southern California.
Whether fighting the undead with the Grave Diggers team or exploring an epic fantasy world of the Rift series readers are immersed in stories they can’t put down.
Chris and his wife live in their haunted house in Southern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 21, 2020
I’m a Member of The Grave Digger’s Squad and....
..... the entire series is definitely worth your enlistment as well! If you can hold a gun .... errr ... book .... you too can be a Grave Digger!
It’s an all volunteer army situation. You can even make up a name, and create a fictional past (or say nothing at all about that). Be all you can be! Or not. You’ll go from learning how to shoot relatively straight and running fast, to training to become a more elite form of soldier. Both of which are shockingly in limited supply in these days of global zombie domination. You will need to know how to keep a secret, in the “regarding the lives of my bff’s” type’a way. Because you will be .... well. I can keep secrets, thus I’m not at liberty to disclose that information here. But you will be briefed, once becoming Grave Digger. —-
The series (to book 5 so far) is just plain fun! The world building by the author is rich and colorful, and encourages immersion. You feel as if you are there. The character development is exactly what you want it to be. Deep, wide reaching, and introspective for the right characters, then for others - almost nil. Leaving the reader to struggle to fill in the blanks. Figure out how someone ticks. Right along with his or her comrades.
The bad guys are just as complex. And there’s a bunch of interesting characters who fall into this category.
Then there’s the setting, and the conditions of the location(s), the characters find themselves in. The jungle for instance, almost seems to become another character itself; it instills such a presence. Only a master wordsmith can accomplish this, as part of his world building skill set.
I could go on, but I’ll stop here adding the one aspect of the story I wasn’t fond of, or rather - think could have been dialed up more. Zombies. Just not enough rotting, stinking, teeth nashing, skreeching, milky-eyed, whack’a’do’s for my particular tastes regarding a “zombie apoc book.” On scale from 1 to 10 zombie saturation, I’d give Grave Diggers a solid 7. On that high rating I’d absolutely give a book a go. I just always like mooorreee! ;)
So pack your ruck sack, sign on the dotted line, and enlist my friends! And run the Grave Diggers through their paces (heck, first part of book 1 they ARE in need of a competent leader)!
Me? I can’t wait for book #6! I always thought The Grave Diggers ended at #5. And this time around (reading a series), instead of being disappointed and annoyed I didn’t get to complete a series in one shot - I was actually thrilled that the story (and fun!) wasn’t over! —-
(... Oh! DO NOT forget your DEET #5000 strength bug repellent. And one of those tiny personal handheld fan thingies that spray water. Yes, yes, you be mercilessly teased. But soon enough, soldiers will trade you ANYTHING for it! Second thought, pack 10! Have a fabulous enlistment in the ......armpit of h e l l ! ;)
..... the entire series is definitely worth your enlistment as well! If you can hold a gun .... errr ... book .... you too can be a Grave Digger!
It’s an all volunteer army situation. You can even make up a name, and create a fictional past (or say nothing at all about that). Be all you can be! Or not. You’ll go from learning how to shoot relatively straight and running fast, to training to become a more elite form of soldier. Both of which are shockingly in limited supply in these days of global zombie domination. You will need to know how to keep a secret, in the “regarding the lives of my bff’s” type’a way. Because you will be .... well. I can keep secrets, thus I’m not at liberty to disclose that information here. But you will be briefed, once becoming Grave Digger. —-
The series (to book 5 so far) is just plain fun! The world building by the author is rich and colorful, and encourages immersion. You feel as if you are there. The character development is exactly what you want it to be. Deep, wide reaching, and introspective for the right characters, then for others - almost nil. Leaving the reader to struggle to fill in the blanks. Figure out how someone ticks. Right along with his or her comrades.
The bad guys are just as complex. And there’s a bunch of interesting characters who fall into this category.
Then there’s the setting, and the conditions of the location(s), the characters find themselves in. The jungle for instance, almost seems to become another character itself; it instills such a presence. Only a master wordsmith can accomplish this, as part of his world building skill set.
I could go on, but I’ll stop here adding the one aspect of the story I wasn’t fond of, or rather - think could have been dialed up more. Zombies. Just not enough rotting, stinking, teeth nashing, skreeching, milky-eyed, whack’a’do’s for my particular tastes regarding a “zombie apoc book.” On scale from 1 to 10 zombie saturation, I’d give Grave Diggers a solid 7. On that high rating I’d absolutely give a book a go. I just always like mooorreee! ;)
So pack your ruck sack, sign on the dotted line, and enlist my friends! And run the Grave Diggers through their paces (heck, first part of book 1 they ARE in need of a competent leader)!
Me? I can’t wait for book #6! I always thought The Grave Diggers ended at #5. And this time around (reading a series), instead of being disappointed and annoyed I didn’t get to complete a series in one shot - I was actually thrilled that the story (and fun!) wasn’t over! —-
(... Oh! DO NOT forget your DEET #5000 strength bug repellent. And one of those tiny personal handheld fan thingies that spray water. Yes, yes, you be mercilessly teased. But soon enough, soldiers will trade you ANYTHING for it! Second thought, pack 10! Have a fabulous enlistment in the ......armpit of h e l l ! ;)
May 29, 2021
I had received this book for free from the author (and likely the kind folks at Bookfunnel.com) in return for an honest review.
This novel reads like an action packed RIP from the headline (albeit with a touch of zombies thrown into the mix). This story takes place in the near future after there has been an outbreak of the undead across the globe and the geopolitical response is close to what one saw with the early years of World War 2, in that American isolationism has forced the varying levels of response. This story concentrates on the American response and characters.
The story begins with the the annexation of the former South American continent after it had previously been overrun by the zombie hordes. This appears to be where the majority of the combat takes place as the American armed forces attempt to "recivilize" the continent.
As this is just the first in the series, the extent of zombie interaction is kept to a minimum and this story shows the background of a few of the major characters, the interactions that they have with some of the secondary characters in the unit.
Overall, the combat action and the character development really make this story and as such as far as reviews go, I would give this book a solid four stars out of five.
As with all of my reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This novel reads like an action packed RIP from the headline (albeit with a touch of zombies thrown into the mix). This story takes place in the near future after there has been an outbreak of the undead across the globe and the geopolitical response is close to what one saw with the early years of World War 2, in that American isolationism has forced the varying levels of response. This story concentrates on the American response and characters.
The story begins with the the annexation of the former South American continent after it had previously been overrun by the zombie hordes. This appears to be where the majority of the combat takes place as the American armed forces attempt to "recivilize" the continent.
As this is just the first in the series, the extent of zombie interaction is kept to a minimum and this story shows the background of a few of the major characters, the interactions that they have with some of the secondary characters in the unit.
Overall, the combat action and the character development really make this story and as such as far as reviews go, I would give this book a solid four stars out of five.
As with all of my reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
February 2, 2026
No Oxymorons Here
Aside from the glaring “zombie apocalypse” angle because let’s face it if like me you enjoy the suspension of disbelief approach and imagine that all important question “in a zombie apocalypse, what would you do?” then everything else in the book comes across as reasoned and logical. Including the predictable fumbles of government agencies across the planet.
The book focuses on a former Spec Ops member who went “off the rails” left his unit (and his wife) and after coming most of the way back from his own meltdown, signed up elsewhere as an average military grunt. Then rinse and repeat the process as required. He’s been approached to lead a new unit turning them into Spec Ops whilst hiding in plain sight in the unenviable but now incredibly busy Mortuary Affairs.
With a team going through training they’re going on their first mission into the depths of infected South America. They have a clear goal, and lots of outstanding intelligence but things go so far off plan that they have to adapt fast.
Aside from the glaring “zombie apocalypse” angle because let’s face it if like me you enjoy the suspension of disbelief approach and imagine that all important question “in a zombie apocalypse, what would you do?” then everything else in the book comes across as reasoned and logical. Including the predictable fumbles of government agencies across the planet.
The book focuses on a former Spec Ops member who went “off the rails” left his unit (and his wife) and after coming most of the way back from his own meltdown, signed up elsewhere as an average military grunt. Then rinse and repeat the process as required. He’s been approached to lead a new unit turning them into Spec Ops whilst hiding in plain sight in the unenviable but now incredibly busy Mortuary Affairs.
With a team going through training they’re going on their first mission into the depths of infected South America. They have a clear goal, and lots of outstanding intelligence but things go so far off plan that they have to adapt fast.
June 7, 2021
So much more than just Zombies.
Zombie apocalypse novels are just on the very fringe of my usual reading habits, but this book caught my attention and I’m glad it did.
Sergeant Jack Tate is the focus of the story. His fall from grace/redemption arc is fantastic. His job is to form a special covert ops unit deep in zombie-infested South America. Zombies though aren’t his biggest threat as there are shadow elements in the US government that don’t wish to see his unit succeed.
What I loved about the book is that is was so much more than just a zombie killing extravaganza. If anything, the zombies play almost a secondary role to the deeper government conspiracy plotline. Between the zombies and the shady government elements, the tension in the story ramps up and never lets go.
My only complaint about the book is that it kept me up until four in the morning as I couldn’t put the thing down.
Do yourself a favor and read this book; you won’t be disappointed.
Zombie apocalypse novels are just on the very fringe of my usual reading habits, but this book caught my attention and I’m glad it did.
Sergeant Jack Tate is the focus of the story. His fall from grace/redemption arc is fantastic. His job is to form a special covert ops unit deep in zombie-infested South America. Zombies though aren’t his biggest threat as there are shadow elements in the US government that don’t wish to see his unit succeed.
What I loved about the book is that is was so much more than just a zombie killing extravaganza. If anything, the zombies play almost a secondary role to the deeper government conspiracy plotline. Between the zombies and the shady government elements, the tension in the story ramps up and never lets go.
My only complaint about the book is that it kept me up until four in the morning as I couldn’t put the thing down.
Do yourself a favor and read this book; you won’t be disappointed.
January 21, 2023
Interesting take on the zombie genre. The MC is a bit troubled and I am not sure what to make of him yet. OK cast of side characters with some character development. Plenty of action read the next book to see how the story progresses.
Interesting MC somewhat trouble because of PTSD. Not sure what I think of him. Also, this book has a different take on a zombie genre. The author calls them vics have to learn more about them as well. interesting cast of characters need to learn more about them and their motivations. The story. Has promise, short, and sweet, will go on and read the next book.
Interesting MC somewhat trouble because of PTSD. Not sure what I think of him. Also, this book has a different take on a zombie genre. The author calls them vics have to learn more about them as well. interesting cast of characters need to learn more about them and their motivations. The story. Has promise, short, and sweet, will go on and read the next book.
July 18, 2023
When soldiers take on zombies... It's the reader who wins!
It's been a long time since I've had a proper 'can't put this book down' read.
The Gravediggers is definitely one!
Chris Fritschi creates a tense and action packed story. The best of Black Hawk Down meets Dawn of the Dead.
The characters are engaging and the battle scenes played out well.
What's more it's clear the author has taken the time to do proper research, which isn't something I normally pick up on. It made it all the more believable.
A great read and an easy 5 star review.
Can't wait to get book 2!
It's been a long time since I've had a proper 'can't put this book down' read.
The Gravediggers is definitely one!
Chris Fritschi creates a tense and action packed story. The best of Black Hawk Down meets Dawn of the Dead.
The characters are engaging and the battle scenes played out well.
What's more it's clear the author has taken the time to do proper research, which isn't something I normally pick up on. It made it all the more believable.
A great read and an easy 5 star review.
Can't wait to get book 2!
February 3, 2021
This is a pretty fresh take on the zombi apoc apocalypse, which has seen basically every possible story told.
Basically, it's post POST apocalypse, the zombie threat is understood, mostly controlled and life is moving on. A group of the lowest of the low are formed to be slightly more elite, and run into the problems that go along with trying to retake a massive amount of territory.
Worth a read.
Basically, it's post POST apocalypse, the zombie threat is understood, mostly controlled and life is moving on. A group of the lowest of the low are formed to be slightly more elite, and run into the problems that go along with trying to retake a massive amount of territory.
Worth a read.
August 14, 2021
Check intel
This is the start of a great series and I think one that might make you worry! Though, please have someone check on facts before going to print. FEWS, "FAST EMERSON IN WEAPONS AND SURVIVAL.". EMERSON IS A NAME AS IN " RALPH WALDO" IMMERSION IS THE WORD YOU WANT. IMMERSION MEANS TO IMMERSE ONESELF IN SOMETHING SUCH AS WEAPONS AND SURVIVAL. THE BOOK IS GREAT THOUGH!
This is the start of a great series and I think one that might make you worry! Though, please have someone check on facts before going to print. FEWS, "FAST EMERSON IN WEAPONS AND SURVIVAL.". EMERSON IS A NAME AS IN " RALPH WALDO" IMMERSION IS THE WORD YOU WANT. IMMERSION MEANS TO IMMERSE ONESELF IN SOMETHING SUCH AS WEAPONS AND SURVIVAL. THE BOOK IS GREAT THOUGH!
April 14, 2022
More Zombies
This is a well written story about a special forces soldier who lost his baby daughter to zombies while out fighting. The guilt almost cripples him where nothing else can. But he had to join the fight and train a team of soldiers to fight to save his country. So zombies and espionage and jungle battle with drug dealers and some romance and good guys winning in the end makes for a fun read.
This is a well written story about a special forces soldier who lost his baby daughter to zombies while out fighting. The guilt almost cripples him where nothing else can. But he had to join the fight and train a team of soldiers to fight to save his country. So zombies and espionage and jungle battle with drug dealers and some romance and good guys winning in the end makes for a fun read.
April 21, 2025
Brilliant narration from Matthew Crow, who brings the action, suspense and thrills to your ears
We find ourselves in the future. A deadly outbreak has spread across the world. America finds its self in isolation.
Sergeant Jack Tate job is to form a special unit to do covert ops deep in zombie-infested South America. Zombies are not his only threat. With shadow elements in the US government wanting him and his team to fail.
Tension and suspense all the way.
We find ourselves in the future. A deadly outbreak has spread across the world. America finds its self in isolation.
Sergeant Jack Tate job is to form a special unit to do covert ops deep in zombie-infested South America. Zombies are not his only threat. With shadow elements in the US government wanting him and his team to fail.
Tension and suspense all the way.
March 8, 2020
This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this book. The author has done a great job with his world building. The characters are awesome, and the book lived up to it’s cover picture and blurb. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
The best book I have read this year, brilliant quality and interesting characters
The best book I have read this year ,brilliant quality and interesting characters with a twist on the classic zombies plot that makes sense and the story then unfolds and becomes a series I am looking forward to reading. Book 2 starts now for me. Great reading and writing by a good quality author
The best book I have read this year ,brilliant quality and interesting characters with a twist on the classic zombies plot that makes sense and the story then unfolds and becomes a series I am looking forward to reading. Book 2 starts now for me. Great reading and writing by a good quality author
August 7, 2021
Interesting first book of a series
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book. There were a few typos or incorrect use of some words but I muddled through and found out I enjoyed the story and the characters are getting interesting so I will read the second book in the series.
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book. There were a few typos or incorrect use of some words but I muddled through and found out I enjoyed the story and the characters are getting interesting so I will read the second book in the series.
August 22, 2021
Hardly a zombie novel
Ok I read the first book very little zombie action and a whole lot of flashbacks that do nothing to further the storyline but I pushed on thinking that the author was just setting up for the second book but I was wrong the second book is pretty much the same as the first book very little zombie action and more flashbacks
Ok I read the first book very little zombie action and a whole lot of flashbacks that do nothing to further the storyline but I pushed on thinking that the author was just setting up for the second book but I was wrong the second book is pretty much the same as the first book very little zombie action and more flashbacks
October 7, 2021
Loving this book!
The Grave diggers as a team are perfectly created from the chaos if this world. Tate and company are an awesome group of well developed characters. That is what I like most about what I read, the development of the characters and the world around them. Cudos to Chris Fritschi.
The Grave diggers as a team are perfectly created from the chaos if this world. Tate and company are an awesome group of well developed characters. That is what I like most about what I read, the development of the characters and the world around them. Cudos to Chris Fritschi.
October 1, 2022
Well done series starter
Interesting concept for a worn genre. More subterfuge thriller than zombie apocalypse, excellent character creation for moving forward. While the undead definitely play a part, they're not the main focus of the story. Well at least not yet. The first book isn't that long, but is a definite excellent step-off point.
Interesting concept for a worn genre. More subterfuge thriller than zombie apocalypse, excellent character creation for moving forward. While the undead definitely play a part, they're not the main focus of the story. Well at least not yet. The first book isn't that long, but is a definite excellent step-off point.
March 19, 2023
Book 1
Book 1 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The MC is hiding in a contracted type of army and fights zombies. He is put in charge of a group to root out all the zombies and stumbles across a conspiracy to take the USA. The story has a few good twists, but is a bit slower and less fighting zombies than what I prefer. I might read book 2.
Book 1 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The MC is hiding in a contracted type of army and fights zombies. He is put in charge of a group to root out all the zombies and stumbles across a conspiracy to take the USA. The story has a few good twists, but is a bit slower and less fighting zombies than what I prefer. I might read book 2.
September 25, 2020
Very good book
The story has a great plot to it. The action is non-stop and Jack Tate is the main character. I loved all the other characters too. A very different story line. You have to read this series to find out what you are missing. Loved it.
The story has a great plot to it. The action is non-stop and Jack Tate is the main character. I loved all the other characters too. A very different story line. You have to read this series to find out what you are missing. Loved it.
November 15, 2020
Woohoo ! What a great story. I'm hooked on this series. Very exciting and I didn't want to put it down. Jack is great as our main character and leader of his team. Really recommend you give this book ago and when you do you'll definitely be onto the next.
January 10, 2021
Both the book and plot is paper thin, but entertaining enough to warrant a read of the sequels, especially if you like military/zombie action mash-ups. I do like the idea that the zombie apocalypse is just a backdrop to a more Machiavellian plot though.
March 15, 2021
Well done
This is a well written, easy to follow and entertaining book; I’m not sure if this is the author’s first book, but I enjoyed it immensely, and I’m looking forward to future books from Chris.
This is a well written, easy to follow and entertaining book; I’m not sure if this is the author’s first book, but I enjoyed it immensely, and I’m looking forward to future books from Chris.
July 4, 2022
Fantastic reading
At first I wasn't sure whether I was going to like the book but after the first chapter I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Can't wait to start next book.
At first I wasn't sure whether I was going to like the book but after the first chapter I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Can't wait to start next book.
August 17, 2022
Not a bad start! I really liked the main character. He is flawed, has a temper, but is fierce and loyal. The story could use some tweaks here and there but it kept my interest and I did enjoy it. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
October 7, 2022
pulled in and consumed (by the story!)
Amazing! I’ve been rereading some of my military-zombie apocalypse books and took a chance on a Facebook ad book, and loved it! Really love the story and it’s setting, and can’t wait to ready more about the grave diggers and the Vix!!
Amazing! I’ve been rereading some of my military-zombie apocalypse books and took a chance on a Facebook ad book, and loved it! Really love the story and it’s setting, and can’t wait to ready more about the grave diggers and the Vix!!
December 28, 2022
Exciting!!!
That's one of the words that best describes this novel. Read it start to finish in two days and just bought volume 2 the series. I usually don't read zombie novels but took a chance on this one and was not disappointed. Highly recommend!!
That's one of the words that best describes this novel. Read it start to finish in two days and just bought volume 2 the series. I usually don't read zombie novels but took a chance on this one and was not disappointed. Highly recommend!!
June 15, 2023
Not a fan of zombie books but this is different.
I'm not a fan of zombie books but I took a chance on this one. I'm glad I did as the main character had some serious issues. I couldn't put it down until I was done.
I'm not a fan of zombie books but I took a chance on this one. I'm glad I did as the main character had some serious issues. I couldn't put it down until I was done.
November 12, 2024
A solid first installment to this zombie series. The writing is easy to read, and the world building has allowed for interesting characters each with their own nuances and 'demons'. There is strong element of originality to the storyline - which is a must have for me in a series in this genre.
September 1, 2025
Very enjoyable and engrossing story line
Excellent story and related adventures. The characters are relatable and as new characters are added it will broaden the world the story operates in. I love the ending and the potential it brings.
Excellent story and related adventures. The characters are relatable and as new characters are added it will broaden the world the story operates in. I love the ending and the potential it brings.
December 17, 2020
Not bad at all
Wasn't expecting much so was pleasantly surprised by a well written zombie novel which takes a slightly different tack than most.
Wasn't expecting much so was pleasantly surprised by a well written zombie novel which takes a slightly different tack than most.
February 1, 2021
Decent
Not a new take on the undead story but an enjoyable one. Has a nice prologue and plenty of drama and mystery. A few typos but nothing too serious . A quick enjoyable read!
Not a new take on the undead story but an enjoyable one. Has a nice prologue and plenty of drama and mystery. A few typos but nothing too serious . A quick enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews