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A smart-talking supernatural noir, full of twists and turns, delivered at a whipalong pace about a dead investigative-journalist-turned-soul-collector on the trail of his nemesis – and murderer. Perfect for fans of Ben Aaranovitch and Richard Kadrey.
“Secret Dead Men is the most inventive, uplifting, hilarious, moving novel since Catcher in the Rye” – Ken Bruen
Del Farmer isn’t your ordinary hardboiled private eye. Instead of collecting fingerprints or clues, he collects souls of the recently dead. His latest dead guy, Brad Larsen, might just be the key to destroying Farmer’s long-time nemesis, The Association.
Of course, Farmer is sadly mistaken. An FBI agent unstuck in time is toying with him. A mysterious couple keeps trying to kill him. Another job―a mundane babysitting gig that pays the bills―is threatening to steer him way off course into a violent hell of sexual deceit, fractured identities, and cheap apartment toilets.
With only a head packed full of nagging ghosts, Farmer realises this case might just drive him out of his mind, literally.
“Secret Dead Men is the most inventive, uplifting, hilarious, moving novel since Catcher in the Rye” – Ken Bruen
Del Farmer isn’t your ordinary hardboiled private eye. Instead of collecting fingerprints or clues, he collects souls of the recently dead. His latest dead guy, Brad Larsen, might just be the key to destroying Farmer’s long-time nemesis, The Association.
Of course, Farmer is sadly mistaken. An FBI agent unstuck in time is toying with him. A mysterious couple keeps trying to kill him. Another job―a mundane babysitting gig that pays the bills―is threatening to steer him way off course into a violent hell of sexual deceit, fractured identities, and cheap apartment toilets.
With only a head packed full of nagging ghosts, Farmer realises this case might just drive him out of his mind, literally.
2 Reviews
3.0

Julianna
Created 4 months agoShare
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“Thank you to Titan Books for a copy of Secret Dead Men.
This is a republished & reedited version of Secret Dead Men, Duane Swierczynski’s first novel, and it takes place inside the head of Del Farmer…mostly. Del Farmer is a type of detective, but he collects souls in his so-called ‘Brain Hotel.’ He’s been trying to take down his nemesis, The Association, and he believes his most recent soul-collection is the key to destruction.
This was entertaining! Del being able to jump around living peoples’ heads was very interesting, and this story was simply unique. I think my favorite part about this whole reading experience was Duane’s writing style. This book doesn’t take itself too seriously, y’know? Del was written to have this dry, witty humor, and it really worked for this story!
Agreeing with other reviews, the plot definitely gets a little crazy at the end of book, but that makes it a bit more fun.
This is a good read for anyone who’s into crime-solving and paranormal activities.”
About Duane Swierczynski
DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI IS THE TWO-TIME EDGAR-NOMINATED AUTHOR OF 15 NOVELS INCLUDING REVOLVER, CANARY, THE WHEELMAN, THE BLONDE AND SEVERANCE PACKAGE.
Duane’s short story “Lush” was included in The Best American Mystery Stories 2019, and is currently being adapting into a feature by director Chad Stahelski (John Wick) for Lionsgate.
Duane also has written various bestselling comics for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Archie and Valiant, including Cable, Deadpool, The Immortal Iron Fist, Punisher MAX, Birds of Prey, Star Wars: Rogue One, Godzilla, Bloodshot as well as his creator-owned Breakneck and John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction Presents: Redhead.
Duane has also collaborated with bestselling novelist James Patterson on three Audible Original radio dramas. The first, The Guilty, starred John Lithgow, Bryce Dallas-Howard and Aldis Hodge. He also co-wrote a series of bestselling “digi-novels” with CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker.
Duane is also the author of six nonfiction books about vice and crime, including The Perfect Drink for Every Occasion, The Big Book of Beer (Quirk), and This Here’s A Stick-Up: The Big Bad Book of American Bank Robbery (Alpha/Penguin). Earlier in his career, Duane worked as an editor at Details, Men’s Health and Philadelphia magazines, and served as the editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia City Paper.
A native Philadelphian, Duane now lives in Southern California with his family.
Twitter/X: @swierczy; Instagram: @swierczy; Facebook: facebook.com/swierczy; website: gleefulmayhem.com
Duane’s short story “Lush” was included in The Best American Mystery Stories 2019, and is currently being adapting into a feature by director Chad Stahelski (John Wick) for Lionsgate.
Duane also has written various bestselling comics for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Archie and Valiant, including Cable, Deadpool, The Immortal Iron Fist, Punisher MAX, Birds of Prey, Star Wars: Rogue One, Godzilla, Bloodshot as well as his creator-owned Breakneck and John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction Presents: Redhead.
Duane has also collaborated with bestselling novelist James Patterson on three Audible Original radio dramas. The first, The Guilty, starred John Lithgow, Bryce Dallas-Howard and Aldis Hodge. He also co-wrote a series of bestselling “digi-novels” with CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker.
Duane is also the author of six nonfiction books about vice and crime, including The Perfect Drink for Every Occasion, The Big Book of Beer (Quirk), and This Here’s A Stick-Up: The Big Bad Book of American Bank Robbery (Alpha/Penguin). Earlier in his career, Duane worked as an editor at Details, Men’s Health and Philadelphia magazines, and served as the editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia City Paper.
A native Philadelphian, Duane now lives in Southern California with his family.
Twitter/X: @swierczy; Instagram: @swierczy; Facebook: facebook.com/swierczy; website: gleefulmayhem.com
Other books by Duane Swierczynski
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