What do you think?
The Pandora Strain: Zombie Road #2
Three Weeks in Undead Shoes
Jane Finch is trapped in a bunker with a zombie. Grey saved her life, but she’s got no idea how to manage him in an enclosed space. Especially when he’s built like a superhero and very hungry…
The challenge of sharing close quarters with a zombie gets even more complicated when Jane tells her parents about her new arrangement—and they've got a surprise for her, too. Staying in the bunker isn't an option, because the Americans are threatening to nuke the entire area. Grey is regaining pieces of his humanity, but a rescue team won’t trust him. Or make space for her Great Dane, Schroddie. And Jane won't leave either of them behind.
Rescue or not, Jane, Schroddie and Grey have to get out of the blast radius.
A stolen car and an overprotective zombie get her and Schroddie all the way to the forward base—a base they find overrun with zombies. She grows closer with Grey and the lines of their relationship blur. She knows they'll survive as long as they're together—then Jane and Schroddie are kidnapped by power-hungry insurgents.
Grey will follow.
He will get Jane back.
Even if it means unleashing the monster inside him.
The challenge of sharing close quarters with a zombie gets even more complicated when Jane tells her parents about her new arrangement—and they've got a surprise for her, too. Staying in the bunker isn't an option, because the Americans are threatening to nuke the entire area. Grey is regaining pieces of his humanity, but a rescue team won’t trust him. Or make space for her Great Dane, Schroddie. And Jane won't leave either of them behind.
Rescue or not, Jane, Schroddie and Grey have to get out of the blast radius.
A stolen car and an overprotective zombie get her and Schroddie all the way to the forward base—a base they find overrun with zombies. She grows closer with Grey and the lines of their relationship blur. She knows they'll survive as long as they're together—then Jane and Schroddie are kidnapped by power-hungry insurgents.
Grey will follow.
He will get Jane back.
Even if it means unleashing the monster inside him.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
About the author
Dee J. Holmes
36 books104 followersThe characters I care about aren't content with the status quo. They don’t sit in some narrow, boilerplate box and do what they’re told—they break the laws of their worlds, defying everything for what's right and for true love. Whether battling fantastical odds, facing science fiction dilemmas or nursing a supernatural heartache, they challenge expectations and change their worlds.
I love complex worlds and even more complex characters. Fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance and geekery abound—and they're holding hands with opinions. Sometimes created while appreciating a fine rye. Probably NSFW.
I’m not only an author, I’m a visual artist. Decades of creating imagery in multiple mediums and the desire to see my characters brought to life led me to create book covers. I might have started with my own, but now I craft carefully branded, personalized covers for many authors.
Aside from authoring and drawing, I live with my husband and our Great Dane, Fable (aka Mistress of Menace, Duchess of Oof, the Terror Beast) in beautiful Vancouver. When I’m not creating, I’m enjoying a long walk with my giant doggo, or shooting some monsters in a co-op video game with my husband.
Above all, I love crafting exciting tales that pull at your heartstrings—and maybe your pant-strings—stories which excite and sweep readers into new worlds and leave them wanting more.
I love complex worlds and even more complex characters. Fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance and geekery abound—and they're holding hands with opinions. Sometimes created while appreciating a fine rye. Probably NSFW.
I’m not only an author, I’m a visual artist. Decades of creating imagery in multiple mediums and the desire to see my characters brought to life led me to create book covers. I might have started with my own, but now I craft carefully branded, personalized covers for many authors.
Aside from authoring and drawing, I live with my husband and our Great Dane, Fable (aka Mistress of Menace, Duchess of Oof, the Terror Beast) in beautiful Vancouver. When I’m not creating, I’m enjoying a long walk with my giant doggo, or shooting some monsters in a co-op video game with my husband.
Above all, I love crafting exciting tales that pull at your heartstrings—and maybe your pant-strings—stories which excite and sweep readers into new worlds and leave them wanting more.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 18, 2022
last part ruined the book for me
I don’t mind cliffhangers exactly, but when there is ow drama looming I rather know ahead of time before I invest time and money into a book. I wouldn’t have bought it if I knew it would have potential ow drama even if it is just a mention in this book. and easily resolved on next book. Probably won’t buy next bc of it.
I don’t mind cliffhangers exactly, but when there is ow drama looming I rather know ahead of time before I invest time and money into a book. I wouldn’t have bought it if I knew it would have potential ow drama even if it is just a mention in this book. and easily resolved on next book. Probably won’t buy next bc of it.
December 28, 2023
OH SHIT
Read
October 31, 2022It was a solid 4 star rating for me until I've read the... last sentence of the epilogue. Of course, a tiny part of me expected it could turn out this way buuuut it doesn't mean I have to like it. Therefore no rating for now, I'm too iritated :P
April 5, 2025
WHAT!
December 30, 2024
This was an ending I did not expect at all. Her stalker zombie has a wife? Like of all the damn things this is not what I expected especially after Jane kisses him to prove a point. After she finally makes it to her parents cabin and gets into contact she learns they've been evacuated and now she has a new destination to get to. With a few stops along the way Jane and her ginormous pet elephant make their way to her parents and hope she can find her BFF and baby along the way. Turns out as always the humans are the graver threat and Jane has to talk her way out of a lot, like when it comes to her personal zombie who of course freaks people out. But given he does not at all act like a zombie and is still in many ways himself, he may be the key to ending it all. If Jane doesn't kill him after finding out he's married first of course! Another super quick read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
To be honest I was going to give this a 3-3.5. But that ending bumped it up to a 4. I have to know what happens next. I also really appreciate the narrator’s commitment to make feral zombie noises. 🫡
August 13, 2026
4.5⭐️
I, like Jane, would die for Grey and Schroddie
I, like Jane, would die for Grey and Schroddie
September 28, 2023
Really liked this book, and listened to the first one on Audible, loved it and read this one also loved it. Can't wait for it out on Audible, the male voice is so amazing.
May 1, 2026
Rated 4 stars
═════ ♡ ═════
This woman might be everything he lived for, but she was also well on her way to being the death of him.
═════ ♡ ═════
I am so glad I stuck with this series, because this was a huge step up for me. The dual POV absolutely changed everything. The first book was fine, but this one actually got me invested.
Grey was amazing. Getting inside his head made such a difference, and now that we actually know more about him, I was way more locked in. Also that ending? Excuse me? I need answers immediately. He went from “interesting zombie guy” to the entire reason I want to keep reading.
Jane was also much less frustrating here. She still felt like Jane, but I wasn’t constantly rolling my eyes at her, which was a nice change. The setting, the tension of trying to survive, the weirdly sweet relationship growing between her and Grey, it all just worked so much better this time around.
Not a ton more to say, because this is still a pretty quick read, but I genuinely had a good time with it. I’m really glad I gave the series another shot, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one.
═════ ♡ ═════
This woman might be everything he lived for, but she was also well on her way to being the death of him.
═════ ♡ ═════
I am so glad I stuck with this series, because this was a huge step up for me. The dual POV absolutely changed everything. The first book was fine, but this one actually got me invested.
Grey was amazing. Getting inside his head made such a difference, and now that we actually know more about him, I was way more locked in. Also that ending? Excuse me? I need answers immediately. He went from “interesting zombie guy” to the entire reason I want to keep reading.
Jane was also much less frustrating here. She still felt like Jane, but I wasn’t constantly rolling my eyes at her, which was a nice change. The setting, the tension of trying to survive, the weirdly sweet relationship growing between her and Grey, it all just worked so much better this time around.
Not a ton more to say, because this is still a pretty quick read, but I genuinely had a good time with it. I’m really glad I gave the series another shot, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one.
November 1, 2022
Do you like Zombie stories that are a little different? This book is a little different take on Zombies. Jane and her rescued Great Dane Schroddie are in the Zombie Apocalypse and attempting to get to her parents. Grey is a Zombie who has somewhat overcome his Zombification and is helping save Jane from the other Zombies. This is an unusual relationship. I loved the book and the characters are great. It was entertaining and an easy read. It does have a zinger at the end that you will want to know what is going to happen next just like I do. I can't wait for the next story to come out. I would highly recommend this story. It was GREAT!
April 6, 2023
I DEVOURED this book, and I honestly don't know how I'm going to make it until book three is released. I loved the differences in the zombies that we see in this world.Jane is badass, funny, and loyal. Grey is hot, protective, and lethal. Watching their friendship/relationship develop and learning who Grey was versus who he is becoming was a delight. Book 1 focused mostly on Jane, her Great Dane Schroddie, and Grey, so it was also interesting for other characters to become a part of the story. The cliffhanger literally made me SCREECH like a banshee. The romance is slow-burn, but the story itself is action-packed and full of suspense.
January 17, 2024
AHHHHHHHHHH
SHIT! SHIT! SHIIIIIIT!!!!!!
Ahhh, the last sentence story-bomb GOT ME GOOD! Oooooooooo Lordy, I’m hooked.
The rest of the story was lovely as well. This still pretty cosy for a zombie book, and the chemistry between the MC’s is fun. Great to meet more of the friends/world, since the first books was so isolated. More context, more details about WHY and HOW and WHAT was going on from book one, but also raised stakes for this book- honestly, I couldn’t tell you how to apocalyptic pressure is going to grow or resolve, but the DRAMA WILL BE REAL IN BOOK 3! Excited!
SHIT! SHIT! SHIIIIIIT!!!!!!
Ahhh, the last sentence story-bomb GOT ME GOOD! Oooooooooo Lordy, I’m hooked.
The rest of the story was lovely as well. This still pretty cosy for a zombie book, and the chemistry between the MC’s is fun. Great to meet more of the friends/world, since the first books was so isolated. More context, more details about WHY and HOW and WHAT was going on from book one, but also raised stakes for this book- honestly, I couldn’t tell you how to apocalyptic pressure is going to grow or resolve, but the DRAMA WILL BE REAL IN BOOK 3! Excited!
February 14, 2024
After reading—and loving, the first book of this series, I immediately started on this one and straight up DEVOURED it until I fell asleep. About 17 chapters in one sitting at around 3am-ish.
That alone should tell you how much I loved reading this. Each page I turned was an absolute delight and had me in a mix of suspense, laughter and awe. But the Epilogue had me screaming at my kindle, a fit of ‘holy shit-no way is this how the book ends’ causing my grandfather to wonder about my sanity.
I will DEFINITELY be recommending this to the discord chats that I hang around in, because I know for damn sure that they’ll love this series as much as I currently am.
10/10
That alone should tell you how much I loved reading this. Each page I turned was an absolute delight and had me in a mix of suspense, laughter and awe. But the Epilogue had me screaming at my kindle, a fit of ‘holy shit-no way is this how the book ends’ causing my grandfather to wonder about my sanity.
I will DEFINITELY be recommending this to the discord chats that I hang around in, because I know for damn sure that they’ll love this series as much as I currently am.
10/10
February 15, 2024
4 Stars
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Jane and Grey
I don't read a lot of zombie books, but have been enjoying this series. (Thanks Mari!!) Jane and Grey are trying to make it to military hold outs but are finding the zombies are farther out from the university than expected. There is no rest for the weary. Along the way Jane falls hostage to a renegade bunch of humans. There's always that level of human that takes advantage of a tragedy. In the meantime Grey is slowly becoming more self aware. Which brings Jane and Grey closer together.
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Jane and Grey
I don't read a lot of zombie books, but have been enjoying this series. (Thanks Mari!!) Jane and Grey are trying to make it to military hold outs but are finding the zombies are farther out from the university than expected. There is no rest for the weary. Along the way Jane falls hostage to a renegade bunch of humans. There's always that level of human that takes advantage of a tragedy. In the meantime Grey is slowly becoming more self aware. Which brings Jane and Grey closer together.
April 28, 2026
Book #19 of 2026
3.75/5 rounded up to 4
Spice: The slow-burn is killing me, but it hurts so good.
I love me a title that straight up says what it is. First book takes place over three days, second book takes place over three weeks. Absolutely a fan.
The book takes place right after the first one left off with Grey becoming more aware. Jane is fantastic and if I were in her shoes, I’d have the same reaction. Grey is now family and that’s it. Where he goes, she goes and vice versa. So what if he’s a zombie? He’s HER zombie.
3.75/5 rounded up to 4
Spice: The slow-burn is killing me, but it hurts so good.
I love me a title that straight up says what it is. First book takes place over three days, second book takes place over three weeks. Absolutely a fan.
The book takes place right after the first one left off with Grey becoming more aware. Jane is fantastic and if I were in her shoes, I’d have the same reaction. Grey is now family and that’s it. Where he goes, she goes and vice versa. So what if he’s a zombie? He’s HER zombie.
November 4, 2022
Schroddie beats all.
This is a great zombie apocalypse and I think Schroddie makes that extra layer for me. And Grey. The action really is edge of your seat stuff. All of the characters are standout good or bad. Grey is kind of half zombie half man, and all heart. Schroddie, too, is a tough marshmallow. And I love that Jane is strong yet full of doubts at times. This is simply the best read.
This is a great zombie apocalypse and I think Schroddie makes that extra layer for me. And Grey. The action really is edge of your seat stuff. All of the characters are standout good or bad. Grey is kind of half zombie half man, and all heart. Schroddie, too, is a tough marshmallow. And I love that Jane is strong yet full of doubts at times. This is simply the best read.
August 13, 2024
BEST ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE SERIES EVER!!!!
That’s really all there is to say! Danger around every corner! Nonstop action! The destruction of humanity only to be reconstructed! A wonderful dog protector and an in-dead(kinda?) protector!
The last paragraph absolutely rocked me into shock! Good thing I already have book 3 purchased and in the queue!
5 stars because that’s all I can give but I’d give 50 or 100 if I could!
That’s really all there is to say! Danger around every corner! Nonstop action! The destruction of humanity only to be reconstructed! A wonderful dog protector and an in-dead(kinda?) protector!
The last paragraph absolutely rocked me into shock! Good thing I already have book 3 purchased and in the queue!
5 stars because that’s all I can give but I’d give 50 or 100 if I could!
March 13, 2025
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Editing ⭐️⭐️
Honestly, the only reason this didn’t get more stars is because the authors editor did them dirty. There were so many errors it felt like I was reading a wattpad story instead of a published book that I spent actual money on. I gave it a pass on the first book but expected more from the second. However, it’s not bad enough that it makes me not want to continue the story to figure out what’s happening in the world and characters.
Editing ⭐️⭐️
Honestly, the only reason this didn’t get more stars is because the authors editor did them dirty. There were so many errors it felt like I was reading a wattpad story instead of a published book that I spent actual money on. I gave it a pass on the first book but expected more from the second. However, it’s not bad enough that it makes me not want to continue the story to figure out what’s happening in the world and characters.
November 3, 2022
Oh my Goodness!
I LOVE this series thus far! I don't know if I can wait till the next book comes out... I love Grey, he is my favorite next to Shroddie the Great Dane. Jane, and her choice of expressions crack me up too, and the fact she's not a whiny cry baby; but a kick butt heroine! Plenty of action, ferals, and a-ha moments make this slow burn series pretty awesome!
I LOVE this series thus far! I don't know if I can wait till the next book comes out... I love Grey, he is my favorite next to Shroddie the Great Dane. Jane, and her choice of expressions crack me up too, and the fact she's not a whiny cry baby; but a kick butt heroine! Plenty of action, ferals, and a-ha moments make this slow burn series pretty awesome!
December 10, 2022
Oh my; I am enjoying this series so much. Fast paced. Action. A-hole humans. And good people you want to cheer on. Villains you want to see bitten.
I am happily reading Three Months through the newsletter releases- not coming fast enough L0L - I am impatient; and realize I shouldn’t have started reading when it wasn’t finished. I am NOT a serialized reader!
I am happily reading Three Months through the newsletter releases- not coming fast enough L0L - I am impatient; and realize I shouldn’t have started reading when it wasn’t finished. I am NOT a serialized reader!
December 20, 2022
YOOOO
This book made up for the first. Very fast paced, I really love how Grey is fixing into a person again. This cliffhanger was NUTS. I wish this book was longer and I wish I didn't have to wait for the sequel 😂 My only negative was when he was given the baby. Ain't NO way in hell he would be getting that close to a baby that fast.
This book made up for the first. Very fast paced, I really love how Grey is fixing into a person again. This cliffhanger was NUTS. I wish this book was longer and I wish I didn't have to wait for the sequel 😂 My only negative was when he was given the baby. Ain't NO way in hell he would be getting that close to a baby that fast.
March 20, 2023
I don't normally read books that have zombies in it, but for some reason I liked how the "blurps" for these books from this series sounded. So, I read the first one. Then as soon as the second one came out, I grabbed it. I like how the author has sit up the story, describes the different zombies, the setting. It seems well thought out and wrote out.
November 16, 2023
I really hated the idea of a zombie with motor skills.. but when that zombie is Gray, it might not be such a bad thing.
I kind of expected to see someone profiting from the apocalypse, that's how it always happens in the movies. And why is it ALWAYS the subjugation of women?! Are there no better ideas out there?
It will be interesting to see what happens when they make it to the base.
I kind of expected to see someone profiting from the apocalypse, that's how it always happens in the movies. And why is it ALWAYS the subjugation of women?! Are there no better ideas out there?
It will be interesting to see what happens when they make it to the base.
November 6, 2022
The Best
My goodness, I could hardly wait for this book to come out. The first book was surprising and fabulous. This one takes it up another notch…lots of suspense. Please Dee, don’t make us wait until next Fall for the last book!
My goodness, I could hardly wait for this book to come out. The first book was surprising and fabulous. This one takes it up another notch…lots of suspense. Please Dee, don’t make us wait until next Fall for the last book!
November 15, 2022
This is a great read! I pretty much loved everything about it! The characters, one being a great dame, are well thought out & well rounded! The ideas & storyline are good! The overall feel & style really pleases me & I loved it! Will be looking forward for sure to the next part! I do recommend!
January 25, 2023
Loved this book! Zombies, Ferals and a Great Dane! Loved this book.
This was an enjoyable book. I loved the first 2 and am now waiting for the next book. Love feisty heroines with tender hearts for furkids aka dogs/puppies.
This was an enjoyable book. I loved the first 2 and am now waiting for the next book. Love feisty heroines with tender hearts for furkids aka dogs/puppies.
January 28, 2024
solid 4***
Hoopla audio
Jane and Grey are becoming closer. Grey's able to concentrate ad focus more on what's happening to him and Jane. He's still over protective of Jane. It's one adventure after another for Jane and her 'not a zombie' protector.
Hoopla audio
Jane and Grey are becoming closer. Grey's able to concentrate ad focus more on what's happening to him and Jane. He's still over protective of Jane. It's one adventure after another for Jane and her 'not a zombie' protector.
January 29, 2024
That ending tho
This book was just as good as the first, if not better. And while I was expecting a cliff hanger from other reviews... that epilogue was insane, in the best way, annnnd I'm off to read the next.
This book was just as good as the first, if not better. And while I was expecting a cliff hanger from other reviews... that epilogue was insane, in the best way, annnnd I'm off to read the next.
March 31, 2024
Resurrection? Rebirth?
Love this series! Witnessing the rebirth of a mind, a person, has been thought provoking, and the characters just draw you in and root for them. Feel good zombie tale!
Love this series! Witnessing the rebirth of a mind, a person, has been thought provoking, and the characters just draw you in and root for them. Feel good zombie tale!
June 4, 2025
Well this one is very interesting and certain actions grabbed me by surprise. I didn’t want to do a spoiler so i will leave it at that. Maybe i’m over analyzing things. I didn’t enjoy this second installment. More characters to feel out and clues to what maybe happening next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews