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The 'How To Be Dead' Grim Reaper Comedy Horror Series #5
Serious Moonlight
It’s the weekend!
After stopping the destruction of London, Dave and Melanie have earned a romantic getaway in the country. Even though they’ve left the stresses of the city behind, they’re soon up to their necks with paranormal researchers, witches and the ghosts of star-crossed lovers. Not to mention the lack of broadband and the unspeakable horror lurking in the woods.
They’re getting closer to nature, but nature is getting far too close for comfort.
Serious Moonlight is the fifth part in a series of best-selling funny urban fantasy novellas that tells the story of Death and his friends protecting humanity from ghosts, zombies, vampires and medium-sized apocalypses.
What Amazon readers are saying about the How To Be Dead series:
★★★★★ “Dave Turner is a funny man and ‘How To Be Dead’ is a brilliant read.”
★★★★★ “If Neil Gaiman and Simon Pegg sat down to write a story together they might come up with something like this.”
★★★★★ “Hilarious and unexpectedly moving.”
★★★★★ “Laugh out loud funny… It’s been a while since an author has made me laugh more than Pratchett does.”
★★★★★ "If you like Tom Holt, Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, Dave Turner's books will fit perfectly into your collection."
139 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2021
218 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Dave Turner
7 books154 followersDave Turner is an award winning writer whose work has featured on the websites of BBC News, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Huffington Post and FHM.
In 2011 he won the Best Screenplay Award at London Screenwriters' Festival with his short film script 'Everything You Need'. After selling various screenplays which you will note you have not seen as films at your local multiplex, he created Aim For The Head books to publish his work. He has written two novellas, How To Be Dead and Paper Cuts, which are available from Amazon now.
In 2011 he won the Best Screenplay Award at London Screenwriters' Festival with his short film script 'Everything You Need'. After selling various screenplays which you will note you have not seen as films at your local multiplex, he created Aim For The Head books to publish his work. He has written two novellas, How To Be Dead and Paper Cuts, which are available from Amazon now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 5, 2019
As with his other books, Dave's quick wit and humor shines through. I have enjoyed every installment of the How To Be Dead series and look forward to more. In this book, Dave and Melanie are further developed and their relationship is tested. One of the things I love about this book is that the author can explore deep feelings and concepts with humor, without being preachy, or taking himself too seriously. I only wish it could have been longer, allowing for more character development and world building. I'm hoping the next installment will come along soon.
March 23, 2024
So, a 3.5, but...
This was a weird one, as it is a book about Death (the Horseman), without Death. But with werewolves.
It took a while to get into the groove of things, which is strange and not entirely hoped for in a short novella (less than 90 pages). It worked as expected after that, but it felt hurried, like Turner didn't want to spend any more time and just finish the damn thing. The relationship with Dave and Melanie is at full speed, and it's great, funny and felt real.
Dunno. Least liked of the series, so far.
This was a weird one, as it is a book about Death (the Horseman), without Death. But with werewolves.
It took a while to get into the groove of things, which is strange and not entirely hoped for in a short novella (less than 90 pages). It worked as expected after that, but it felt hurried, like Turner didn't want to spend any more time and just finish the damn thing. The relationship with Dave and Melanie is at full speed, and it's great, funny and felt real.
Dunno. Least liked of the series, so far.
January 16, 2024
Why, wherever we go, do people try to kill us?
Right, I'm really going to give it to Dave Turner this time! No branding 5 stars across the top of my review this time, no sirree! No, instead for "Serious Moonlight" - aka the 'How To Be Dead' Grim Reaper Comedy Horror Series Book 5 - I shall ONLY be committing myself to a round up from 4 3/4s stars! That will certainly teach the young man not to so flippantly disregard my comments in the future, of this I am sure! Hm, now to see if I can do all this without a flood of spoilers spilling down and trying to destroy the small scenic village of future readerdom… you know, beyond what the cover does to that plan…
Death couldn't make it. He's having personal issues at the moment.
Why, you ask with disgruntled impatience and more than a bit of annoyance (you don't hide your expressions very well, sorry) am I doing this? Did I not find this latest chapter read just as enjoyable as those that have come before, even including the wee short story "War" - received by signing up for the newsletter he gloated - or the quartet of classics read in the past days? No, that's not really it. You see, this story - which has us back in the saddle so to speak with Death, Dave, and Melanie but mostly away from London - is really quite wonderful. It contains as many thrills, chills and lovey smoochy bits that a fan could want and/or pine for like a Victorian girl of 16 realizing her best years are behind her! Oh right, we're back in modern times again, too!
Adulthood. Confusing. Awkward. Too much admin. Wouldn't recommend to a friend. 3/10.
No, while picking for only the most succulent nits, the one thing that I would raise in the case of "Serious Moonlight" - aside from the desire to sing David Bowie without stop - is that the foreshadowing was… oh how to put this? Let's just say it was a bit heavy-handed. Like "who couldn't see what was coming?" heavy-handed. Call it more like fiveshadowing and wait for the groaning to stop! I mean, English countryside, no bars on the phones, and a dismembered sheep all in the span of a few paragraphs? Please, we had the whole things sussed by the time the coitus was well underway! Um, not with the dead sheep, I mean… oh nevermind, you'll see!
We won't be coming back here though… What with the attempted murder and everything.
All kidding aside (I'm no longer paid by the hour so no worries), this was again an extremely well-written and tremendously witty and emotional ride with our friends. Heck, for those of us of a given age, even the salute to "Young Frankenstein" was an absolute treasure! Sure, this whole mopey Death thing is going to be a downer - and why wouldn't he be with War, Famine, and Conrad West, erm, I mean, Conquest, are all gone? - until we get going. But I'm fairly certain the next book - again, owing to the subtle-as-a-hammerblow-hinting delivered by Turner at the end of this tome - will see to that. Bottom-line is that it was a real hoot to see Dave and Melanie in action together again and I really can't wait to continue. I mean, I've done nothing else for a week, why should I suddenly come up with anything new to do in life?
ADDITIONAL: no date added to this read as it was a bit short and I don't want to overstate things on my yearly reading totals (essentially combining books 5 & 6 as 1!).
Right, I'm really going to give it to Dave Turner this time! No branding 5 stars across the top of my review this time, no sirree! No, instead for "Serious Moonlight" - aka the 'How To Be Dead' Grim Reaper Comedy Horror Series Book 5 - I shall ONLY be committing myself to a round up from 4 3/4s stars! That will certainly teach the young man not to so flippantly disregard my comments in the future, of this I am sure! Hm, now to see if I can do all this without a flood of spoilers spilling down and trying to destroy the small scenic village of future readerdom… you know, beyond what the cover does to that plan…
Death couldn't make it. He's having personal issues at the moment.
Why, you ask with disgruntled impatience and more than a bit of annoyance (you don't hide your expressions very well, sorry) am I doing this? Did I not find this latest chapter read just as enjoyable as those that have come before, even including the wee short story "War" - received by signing up for the newsletter he gloated - or the quartet of classics read in the past days? No, that's not really it. You see, this story - which has us back in the saddle so to speak with Death, Dave, and Melanie but mostly away from London - is really quite wonderful. It contains as many thrills, chills and lovey smoochy bits that a fan could want and/or pine for like a Victorian girl of 16 realizing her best years are behind her! Oh right, we're back in modern times again, too!
Adulthood. Confusing. Awkward. Too much admin. Wouldn't recommend to a friend. 3/10.
No, while picking for only the most succulent nits, the one thing that I would raise in the case of "Serious Moonlight" - aside from the desire to sing David Bowie without stop - is that the foreshadowing was… oh how to put this? Let's just say it was a bit heavy-handed. Like "who couldn't see what was coming?" heavy-handed. Call it more like fiveshadowing and wait for the groaning to stop! I mean, English countryside, no bars on the phones, and a dismembered sheep all in the span of a few paragraphs? Please, we had the whole things sussed by the time the coitus was well underway! Um, not with the dead sheep, I mean… oh nevermind, you'll see!
We won't be coming back here though… What with the attempted murder and everything.
All kidding aside (I'm no longer paid by the hour so no worries), this was again an extremely well-written and tremendously witty and emotional ride with our friends. Heck, for those of us of a given age, even the salute to "Young Frankenstein" was an absolute treasure! Sure, this whole mopey Death thing is going to be a downer - and why wouldn't he be with War, Famine, and Conrad West, erm, I mean, Conquest, are all gone? - until we get going. But I'm fairly certain the next book - again, owing to the subtle-as-a-hammerblow-hinting delivered by Turner at the end of this tome - will see to that. Bottom-line is that it was a real hoot to see Dave and Melanie in action together again and I really can't wait to continue. I mean, I've done nothing else for a week, why should I suddenly come up with anything new to do in life?
ADDITIONAL: no date added to this read as it was a bit short and I don't want to overstate things on my yearly reading totals (essentially combining books 5 & 6 as 1!).
January 9, 2025
Dave and Mel take a small weekend holiday, which is totally deserved, especially after what they've been through recently since Dave started working for Death. It isn't a total holiday though as Mel discovers, with Dave having some ulterior motivation to go to the village they are heading too. It's not that Dave goes looking for trouble though, but he always manages to find himself in the middle of it. This holiday is no different.
Another book in the How to be Dead/Grim Reaper series. This one hardly features Death at all, he tops and tails the book. Dave and Mel are the main focus here. I didn't mind that but out of the series so far I've enjoyed the last book the most which mainly focused on Death himself. This one was OK, but it didn't grip me as much as the others. That's not to say it wasn't written well, it is, it's just I wasn't as gripped. If you've read the other books in the series it would be rude to skip this one. Go on.
Another book in the How to be Dead/Grim Reaper series. This one hardly features Death at all, he tops and tails the book. Dave and Mel are the main focus here. I didn't mind that but out of the series so far I've enjoyed the last book the most which mainly focused on Death himself. This one was OK, but it didn't grip me as much as the others. That's not to say it wasn't written well, it is, it's just I wasn't as gripped. If you've read the other books in the series it would be rude to skip this one. Go on.
January 1, 2019
Serious goings on.
Dave needs a break from doing Death's job for him so he surprises Melanie with a nice quiet weekend away in the countryside, as if that's going to be the end of it for these two.
I must say this is a fantastic story, there are so many little villages about where I could just imagine this really happening. Love all the strange characters too.
Dave needs a break from doing Death's job for him so he surprises Melanie with a nice quiet weekend away in the countryside, as if that's going to be the end of it for these two.
I must say this is a fantastic story, there are so many little villages about where I could just imagine this really happening. Love all the strange characters too.
May 20, 2019
Entertaining series!
I found these books randomly on Amazon and proceeded to binge-read all of them. They are a very entertaining read! I really like the characters and the concept of the Four Horsemen. I am eagerly awaiting the next story in the series, especially since this one had a cliffhanger.
I found these books randomly on Amazon and proceeded to binge-read all of them. They are a very entertaining read! I really like the characters and the concept of the Four Horsemen. I am eagerly awaiting the next story in the series, especially since this one had a cliffhanger.
June 17, 2019
Great series of books
Really loved the style and tone of yearbooks some great fan bit jokes and really nice story arcs. Dave the main character is great a real root forever man.
These are easy read enjoyable tales and lots of fun. Looking forward to the next chapter in the story
Really loved the style and tone of yearbooks some great fan bit jokes and really nice story arcs. Dave the main character is great a real root forever man.
These are easy read enjoyable tales and lots of fun. Looking forward to the next chapter in the story
November 10, 2019
Devastating...
... to get to the end of this book and realise there isn’t another book to move on to. Yet.
This series has had me totally captivated. I love the characters and the humour, bringing normality to the most unreal scenarios.
Mr Turner, keep at it. Can’t wait for your next story. x
... to get to the end of this book and realise there isn’t another book to move on to. Yet.
This series has had me totally captivated. I love the characters and the humour, bringing normality to the most unreal scenarios.
Mr Turner, keep at it. Can’t wait for your next story. x
May 4, 2020
Spoiler-ish.. . . .
Nice little jaunt back into the present-day world of Dave & Melanie after a book of the Horsemen.
Now werewolves & witches added to this universe, I like what Dave (the author) is doing with Dave (the character) &, especially Melanie (the ass-kicker).
Gonna read the “War” story whilst I wait for book #6.
Nice little jaunt back into the present-day world of Dave & Melanie after a book of the Horsemen.
Now werewolves & witches added to this universe, I like what Dave (the author) is doing with Dave (the character) &, especially Melanie (the ass-kicker).
Gonna read the “War” story whilst I wait for book #6.
January 11, 2019
Reading the final novella.. I want more
I found these by chance and it definitely occupied my mind enough I pretty much read each in one sitting . I'm looking forward to the next work from Dave , I also recommended this to a friend and from what I gathered he enjoyed them too .
I found these by chance and it definitely occupied my mind enough I pretty much read each in one sitting . I'm looking forward to the next work from Dave , I also recommended this to a friend and from what I gathered he enjoyed them too .
February 24, 2019
Love, love, love these novella's
These are very funny books, a must read. Dave is a funny guy & I like the one liners he has. Death & the four horsemen are great characters. I will miss them all until the next book.
These are very funny books, a must read. Dave is a funny guy & I like the one liners he has. Death & the four horsemen are great characters. I will miss them all until the next book.
April 11, 2019
A fun read
I have just finished the last in this series an I have to say I really enjoyed them all an interesting twist on the four horsemen with loveable characters (even Death) witty and compulsive left me wanting more!
I have just finished the last in this series an I have to say I really enjoyed them all an interesting twist on the four horsemen with loveable characters (even Death) witty and compulsive left me wanting more!
May 2, 2019
Now I'm waiting to see what comes next!
Again, a very good story. I'm not sure if it'll keep City Folk away from those Country Types, but it's good to be reminded to always lock your doors at a full moon.
Again, a very good story. I'm not sure if it'll keep City Folk away from those Country Types, but it's good to be reminded to always lock your doors at a full moon.
May 7, 2019
The story of Dave and Melanie continues! They've had a wild ride so far, and deserve a quiet vacation. One where they can really let their wild sides run free in the fields. Easily my favorite book in the series so far!
June 28, 2019
Grrrrrreat!
Another entertaining adventure from Mr Turner. In doing his death duties, Dave and Melanie discover a legend that proves to be true, a monster in the forest, and Death having an identity crisis. Can't wait for the next one.
Another entertaining adventure from Mr Turner. In doing his death duties, Dave and Melanie discover a legend that proves to be true, a monster in the forest, and Death having an identity crisis. Can't wait for the next one.
January 30, 2020
Excellent
I've really enjoyed this series. Mr Turner has a real gift for creating loveable, believable characters. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to read the next one.
I've really enjoyed this series. Mr Turner has a real gift for creating loveable, believable characters. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to read the next one.
February 9, 2021
Such a brilliant series, Dave Turner has a wicked imagination and crafts a tale of supernatural events and ordinary life so well. All Dave and Melanie wanted was a quiet weekend away, of course life just doesn't happen like that.
February 19, 2021
This is a bit lighter of a story, and I think it's for the better. A little mayhem is needed for plot development, but I like the stories that focus on the humor more. A good return to the tone of book one.
May 15, 2023
After a stressful few weeks, Dave and Melanie get away for a weekend break. Unfortunately, they end up in a haunted guest house and a village with a secret. Good story, as Dave's life gets more complicated, as he tackles; ghosts, witches and werewolves, were is Death when you need him.
November 20, 2023
Another impressive addition to the How to be Dead series
Dave and Melanie are back for a quiet weekend, only to enjoy the exact opposite of that.
The series hasn't failed to deliver so far and there's a nice twist at the end, that sets the next instalment up.
Now onto book 6.
Dave and Melanie are back for a quiet weekend, only to enjoy the exact opposite of that.
The series hasn't failed to deliver so far and there's a nice twist at the end, that sets the next instalment up.
Now onto book 6.
February 4, 2025
Again, a fantastic follow up book in the series but where the previous instalment wasn’t a laugh a minute and felt it was missing Dave and Melanie, this one is missing Death and the rest of the horsemen. Still really enjoy the story but it just doesn’t reach the same heights as the first 3 books.
January 2, 2019
Loved it. This man has an amazing imagination Made me laugh out loud.
January 2, 2019
Brilliant BUT I WANT MORE!!!
Another brilliant book in the HTBD series..... but what a cliffhanger. Come on.... get those fingers on the keyboard and get typing
Another brilliant book in the HTBD series..... but what a cliffhanger. Come on.... get those fingers on the keyboard and get typing
January 3, 2019
I adore this series and I am delighted Dave Turner will be venturing into novel length stories going forward.
Comedy can be a hard thing to get right in books but Turner gets it just right.
Comedy can be a hard thing to get right in books but Turner gets it just right.
January 11, 2019
Fun little read
Really enjoyed this one. This series has been funny and horrific, just right. This one is 100 pages so it’s a quick read.
Really enjoyed this one. This series has been funny and horrific, just right. This one is 100 pages so it’s a quick read.
March 1, 2019
Made me smile
The whole series is well worth a read :-). Like the characters, the dialogue and whole concept. Keep up the good work, more please.
The whole series is well worth a read :-). Like the characters, the dialogue and whole concept. Keep up the good work, more please.
May 12, 2019
Oh no!
I have enjoyed all five of these books and I am SHOCKED to find a cliff hanger at the end of this book, AND NO MORE! Please please put us out of our misery!
I have enjoyed all five of these books and I am SHOCKED to find a cliff hanger at the end of this book, AND NO MORE! Please please put us out of our misery!
May 29, 2019
Another book by Dave Turner featuring the awesome Dave Marwood and Melanie.
A fun read that only stopped when I put down the book. An easy read and a little bit silly but totally worth it.
A fun read that only stopped when I put down the book. An easy read and a little bit silly but totally worth it.
June 28, 2019
Big fan
I really don't want these books to end happy to read more.
The whole story is fun with no unexpected twists it flows
I really don't want these books to end happy to read more.
The whole story is fun with no unexpected twists it flows
July 8, 2019
A riveting read
I am thoroughly enjoying this series and love the irreverence weaved into each page. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series and love the irreverence weaved into each page. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews