Dead Man's Touch

by Thomas Volz

Werewolves. Vampires. And smartassery.After getting kidnapped out of Fort Leavenworth (where he’s awaiting his murder trial), James Laudon, perennial screw-up, finds himself under the thumb of an eclectic group of assassins. The above-top-secret agency works under the umbrella of both DARPA and the Department of Defense.Led by their double-amputee boss, cryptozoologist Zane Newton, the killers Alexander Anatoli (Xander) – a homosexual vampire who had his fangs removed, Charlie – a Hispanic werewolf with a temper, Tisby – a sexy black British vampire, and Earlham – a pure-blood werewolf who rarely speaks. How does Laudon fit in with this group? The only thing he knows is that the four eye him like kids salivating at the chocolate fountain at Golden Corral.Laudon is told that he’s here to assist the team in their effort to curtail the rapidly growing werewolf population. They know that Barstow, another pure-blood werewolf and former member of the unit, is responsible for the recent increase of lycanthropes. They must uncover Barstow’s plan while maintaining their responsibilities to the DOD.Already assumed dead from a staged suicide at the prison, Laudon has no choice but to join their ranks – his only other option is to get eaten. Laudon’s smart (and foul) mouth gets the group into more trouble than they imagined. He manages to get under the skin of friends and enemies alike. Along the way, he desperately tries to discover the truth behind his inclusion in this group.This novel will appeal to fans of Deadpool, An American Werewolf in London, Underworld, Rise of the Lycans, Dog Soldiers and John Wick.Check out thomasvolzbooks.com for current and upcoming novels, novellas and short stories.

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2021

Reviews

[TheBookishHobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend got my this book from a con she went to last week, so I read it within a few days so I could tell her how I liked it. I really did enjoy this story, it was much different than anything I have ever read. The writing had zest and personality which I found rather fun and charming. Another major note about the writing was it read polished, since there are some self published books out there that in my opinion could use extra love and care for it to read as completed. The story was also filled with action and kept me interested which is a huge plus.

My only few gripes I suppose were two things. The story switches from first to third person, however, I feel like it is unnecessary for the story. I think the novel would have been fine with just third person since most of the book we spend it in different viewpoints anyways. Another small gripe I had was Loudon and how much of his dialogue was swearing. I don't care if characters swear, God know I've got a mouth myself. I just personally felt like it was a little excessive for my reading tastes, but this is just a me thing and isn't why I gave the book four stars not five.

Overall, a fun read for October. :)

[Robert Ridgeway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Didn't want this book to end and will be disappointed if there is no sequel. Very well written with characters you can relate to, good or bad. Non stop action, suspense, graphic violence, gore, sex and lots of humor!

[Janelle Halstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I listened to the audiobook. I think if I would have read the physical book it would have been better. I didn’t like how it jumped around. I would have liked to read it in sequence. Lots of humor, violence, excitement and thrills.