Kill the Dead

"I guess the rich really are different. Most of us come from monkeys, but you're giving off a whiff of rattlesnake."

I read the first book in this series FOUR YEARS AGO. I meant to return to this series much sooner, but whoops, kind of forgot to. It's a shame, because this series really hits all my wants in a dark urban fantasy/paranormal book. Lots of humor, lots of mystery, lots of noir vibes, and a premise that sounds stereotypical but manages to not be.

In this go-around, Stark is back in LA, trying to make ends meet by working for the Golden Vigil. They don't much like working with him there, but he gets results, so they don't complain too much. When a job to take down a new vampire turns bloody fast, it launches Stark on a new path where he's trying to work both sides, heaven and hell, while not getting killed by either. Undead are the name of the game in this book, and Stark has to figure out who's behind a potential zombie disaster in the heart of LA before it's too late.

This book is basically more of the same of the first book, which was fine by me. There's still dark humor, still edge, still sarcasm aplenty, interspersed with Stark's musings on who the good guys really are when you're working for both angels and demons. The author is fantastic at infusing a lot of meaning, atmosphere, and edge into every line, despite the sentences being short and choppy. There's just flair everywhere, and I love it.

If you liked the first book, you'll like this one, I guess is what I'm trying to say.

Interesting take on zombies. I liked the first book in the series better, but this was still good.

3.5 stars. Not nearly as good as the first one, but still fast paced and well written.

Ok, now the story has more of a life of it's own. And doesn't feel so much of a ripeoff of Dresden Files.

“Hell is hilarious if you're the one in charge.” ~ Lucifer

I absolutely love this series thus far. It was one of the books I wanted to finish reading by the end of the year via this list. 10 Books I Want to Read This Year.. And Why

My blog post from earlier this year, “Kill the Dead” by Richard Kadrey -   I read the first “Sandman Slim” book, aptly named just “Sandman Slim” and dudddde, holy anti-hero batman. Yaas. Bring on the “I don't give a shit attitude.” I love that the language in Sandman Slim is punchy. Not overly wordy and detailed.  I want some concisely written words.”

I received everything I asked for and more after reading #2 in the series. Sandman Slim should be on more lists and garner more praise. It should be up there with the likes of Dresden, and October Daye because it is just that damn good. It is so refreshing when there seems to be so much unoriginal urban fantasy out there. Always the same sort of schtick. Not this book...

“Twenty percent? What am I, your waiter? I got you five vampires, not a BLT.”
― Richard Kadrey, Kill the Dead

This story picks up a while after the first Sandman Slim story left off. We have our resident anti-hero having a hell of a time mentally, and in some ways physically while trying to the bills by doing the odd killing or menacing here and there. I don't want to give too much away, but if you enjoyed the first book in this series, “Sandman Slim” you will probably enjoy this one. They are a little different in style and texture. But, the dark humor and great story come through. There is a bit of a love interest, and a new interesting character getting fleshed out in Lucifer. I am going to keep this short, as this book is a pause in a longer story. But read the series. It is so worth it.

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