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Charlie & Rose Investigate #1
Dead Is Better
Charles Stone is pretty sure he's dead. He has bullet holes in his chest, and there's a ghostly dog that seems to be his new companion. Unable to interact with the world of the living other than watching and listening, he and the dog-whom he names Rose-have nothing to do and all the time in the world to do it. When Charles and Rose try to unravel the circumstances of Charles's death, they uncover a criminal who is raking in millions of dollars by cruelly exploiting, and sometimes killing, his victims. But what difference can a ghost make? And what does the dog have to do with all of this?
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
About the author
Jo Perry
18 books34 followers"...wickedly entertaining, hardboiled supernatural deftness."--Gary Phillips
"Wonderful, original, hilarious and brilliant..."
--Eric Idle
Jo Perry is the author of THE WORLD ENTIRE, PURE (June, 2021) chosen as one of Independent Fiction Alliance's BEST TRULY INDEPENDENT BOOKS OF 2022; EVERYTHING HAPPENS (novella) and DEAD IS BETTER, DEAD IS BEST, DEAD IS GOOD, and DEAD IS BEAUTIFUL, dark comic mysteries published by Fahrenheit Press. Perry's short stories have appeared in Pulp Modern, Retreats from Oblivion, anthologies and Fahrenheit Press's Fahrenzine series. Her short story, "The Kick the Bucket Tour," was a distinguished story in Best Mystery Stories of 2019 (Lethem/Penzler)/
Perry earned a Ph.D. in English, taught college literature and writing, produced and wrote episodic television, and has published articles, book reviews, and poetry.
Perry was the first woman invited to speak at the venerable Men of Mystery event in southern California. Her short story, "The Kick The Bucket Tour," made the 2018 Distinguished Mystery Stories list in Best American Mystery Stories.
She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, novelist Thomas Perry and two rescue dogs.
website: www.authorjoperry.com Twitter: @JoPerryAuthor
Listen to the podcast of Nancie Claire's interview on SPEAKING OF MYSTERIES: http://www.speakingofmysteries.com/po...
"Wonderful, original, hilarious and brilliant..."
--Eric Idle
Jo Perry is the author of THE WORLD ENTIRE, PURE (June, 2021) chosen as one of Independent Fiction Alliance's BEST TRULY INDEPENDENT BOOKS OF 2022; EVERYTHING HAPPENS (novella) and DEAD IS BETTER, DEAD IS BEST, DEAD IS GOOD, and DEAD IS BEAUTIFUL, dark comic mysteries published by Fahrenheit Press. Perry's short stories have appeared in Pulp Modern, Retreats from Oblivion, anthologies and Fahrenheit Press's Fahrenzine series. Her short story, "The Kick the Bucket Tour," was a distinguished story in Best Mystery Stories of 2019 (Lethem/Penzler)/
Perry earned a Ph.D. in English, taught college literature and writing, produced and wrote episodic television, and has published articles, book reviews, and poetry.
Perry was the first woman invited to speak at the venerable Men of Mystery event in southern California. Her short story, "The Kick The Bucket Tour," made the 2018 Distinguished Mystery Stories list in Best American Mystery Stories.
She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, novelist Thomas Perry and two rescue dogs.
website: www.authorjoperry.com Twitter: @JoPerryAuthor
Listen to the podcast of Nancie Claire's interview on SPEAKING OF MYSTERIES: http://www.speakingofmysteries.com/po...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 21, 2021
“I was a failure as a living man. And so far I’m one massive f➿k up at being dead”.
If you could see Charlie Stone, the first thing you’d probably notice are the bullet holes. Six of them. That’s how he ended up dead. One minute he was getting CPR, the next he woke up in a quiet, featureless place with a dog. What the hell….
But no one can see Charlie or Rose (as he’s named the dog). He has no recollection of why or where he was shot which quite frankly is ticking him off. He was just your typical middle aged businessman with 4 ex-wives. Right. He decides the best way to start his investigation is to attend his own funeral & see who shows up. Rose graciously agrees to be his plus-one.
It’s the beginning of one of the more off-the-wall, quirky crime novels you’ll read. As we hear Charlie’s story it’s soon apparent he was not the most dependable or likeable guy. His search heads off in directions he could never have imagined as he haunts police stations, hospitals & homeless shelters looking for answers. When he stumbles across some alarming information, Charlie has to wrestle with the possibility that it might not be all about him. That maybe he’s supposed to be helping someone else find their answers. Huh…what a concept.
Short chapters & economical prose keep the story moving. And just a heads-up…Charlie has a bit of a potty mouth. As for Rose, no worries. She doesn’t curse once. Silent & supportive, she accompanies Charlie on his journey & periodically nudges him in a different direction. There are plenty of surprises in store especially as we learn Rose’s history. The ending may be a bit out there but hey this is fiction…fiction with ghosts! And by that time, there was one character I so badly wanted to see get what he karmically deserved that I didn’t care how it happened. Just as long as he went DOWN. And I’m confident all dog lovers will agree with me.
This is the beginning of a trilogy (so far). Although initially published elsewhere, it’s found a home with Fahrenheit Press which makes complete sense to me. By the end Charlie gets some answers & more importantly, is a slightly better man no doubt due to Rose’s influence.
It’s an offbeat, different take on the genre I enjoyed & I’ll be picking up book #2 to see what Charlie & Rose get up to next.
If you could see Charlie Stone, the first thing you’d probably notice are the bullet holes. Six of them. That’s how he ended up dead. One minute he was getting CPR, the next he woke up in a quiet, featureless place with a dog. What the hell….
But no one can see Charlie or Rose (as he’s named the dog). He has no recollection of why or where he was shot which quite frankly is ticking him off. He was just your typical middle aged businessman with 4 ex-wives. Right. He decides the best way to start his investigation is to attend his own funeral & see who shows up. Rose graciously agrees to be his plus-one.
It’s the beginning of one of the more off-the-wall, quirky crime novels you’ll read. As we hear Charlie’s story it’s soon apparent he was not the most dependable or likeable guy. His search heads off in directions he could never have imagined as he haunts police stations, hospitals & homeless shelters looking for answers. When he stumbles across some alarming information, Charlie has to wrestle with the possibility that it might not be all about him. That maybe he’s supposed to be helping someone else find their answers. Huh…what a concept.
Short chapters & economical prose keep the story moving. And just a heads-up…Charlie has a bit of a potty mouth. As for Rose, no worries. She doesn’t curse once. Silent & supportive, she accompanies Charlie on his journey & periodically nudges him in a different direction. There are plenty of surprises in store especially as we learn Rose’s history. The ending may be a bit out there but hey this is fiction…fiction with ghosts! And by that time, there was one character I so badly wanted to see get what he karmically deserved that I didn’t care how it happened. Just as long as he went DOWN. And I’m confident all dog lovers will agree with me.
This is the beginning of a trilogy (so far). Although initially published elsewhere, it’s found a home with Fahrenheit Press which makes complete sense to me. By the end Charlie gets some answers & more importantly, is a slightly better man no doubt due to Rose’s influence.
It’s an offbeat, different take on the genre I enjoyed & I’ll be picking up book #2 to see what Charlie & Rose get up to next.
March 17, 2016
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
In its young life, Fahrenheit Press has put out some great looking titles, not your typical mystery fare. I've only read 2 (bought 1 other), so far -- but they've shared the off-kilter flavor that the Press' twitter feed/publicity displays (and descriptions for the other books indicate). I don't typically talk about publishers when I'm talking about books, but there's something about Fahrenheit's project -- and the books they put out -- that draws your attention. Dead is Better is typical of FP -- a mix of darkness and light, unlikely protagonists, unlikely crime-solvers, and atypical crimes (at least as far as crime fiction goes).
Charles Stone is our protagonist, but he's not really the character that will grab your imagination. That'd be Rose -- but we'll get to her in a moment. Charles is dead -- very dead, shot several times. His ghost carries the wounds, as well as the clothing, even the hospital ID bracelet, from the time he died. He can't remember the shooting however, and can't think of a reason why he'd be shot. He's (to his reckoning) no one important, and it doesn't seem anyone around him even cares enough to kill him/arrange for his killing. After a little bit, he starts to come up with a possible motive or two. But his murder doesn't seem to be the thing he's most curious about. What he'd really like to know is, why does he have a constant companion?
Rose is a dog. Well, technically, she was a dog, now she's the ghost of one. We don't know why she's alongside Charles, but she's been with him the entire time he's been a ghost. It seems that she had a really unpleasant life; and at last, in Charles, has someone caring for her. Rose is not going to challenge Crais' Maggie, Quinn's Chet, or Hearne's Oberon anytime soon as the greatest dog in fiction -- which is not a dig. Rose is great, she's just not legendary. Rose does have one thing going for her that the other's don't -- she's pretty realistic (not that the others don't have their moments -- but even Maggie gets Point-of-View chapters), she can only communicate through suggestion -- and even then, the people around her have to guess. Sometimes, they guess wrong.
The two begin investigating Charles' murder -- with the occasional glance at his family and former life. But before long, Charles becomes convinced he's not around to look into his death, but something else. Rose, somehow, seems to know more about what's going on than Charles, but he's the one who needs to do the work. The pair do uncover some answers -- and others uncover some others (I'm not convinced that all the answers the readers/Charles are given about anything beyond the main crime are correct, but . . . ).
More importantly, Charles finds a measure of redemption -- sure, it might be too late, but nevertheless, there is some. You get the idea that if he maybe had a dog while living, he might've turned out to be a better person. Sure, that describes most of humanity to me, so I responded to that, but I think Perry sells it well enough that just about anyone would.
I've often thought of trying to do an Urban Fantasy for NaNoWriMo featuring a ghost, but I've never figured how to bridge the communication gap between the living and the dead without it feeling like a cheat. I liked Perry's solution to this (I worry about the sequel repeating it -- but that's not my problem, is it?). I'm not convinced that the police could've/would've used the information that Charles got to them, but in the moment -- you don't care, you're just glad that someone did something.
This is a fast and lean read -- Perry doesn't waste a word (actually leaves a couple of them out, but nothing too distracting). You'll grow to like Charles, you'll want to adopt Rose, and you'll want to finds out what happens to them next. Thankfully, their story will continue in Dead is Best.
---
In its young life, Fahrenheit Press has put out some great looking titles, not your typical mystery fare. I've only read 2 (bought 1 other), so far -- but they've shared the off-kilter flavor that the Press' twitter feed/publicity displays (and descriptions for the other books indicate). I don't typically talk about publishers when I'm talking about books, but there's something about Fahrenheit's project -- and the books they put out -- that draws your attention. Dead is Better is typical of FP -- a mix of darkness and light, unlikely protagonists, unlikely crime-solvers, and atypical crimes (at least as far as crime fiction goes).
Charles Stone is our protagonist, but he's not really the character that will grab your imagination. That'd be Rose -- but we'll get to her in a moment. Charles is dead -- very dead, shot several times. His ghost carries the wounds, as well as the clothing, even the hospital ID bracelet, from the time he died. He can't remember the shooting however, and can't think of a reason why he'd be shot. He's (to his reckoning) no one important, and it doesn't seem anyone around him even cares enough to kill him/arrange for his killing. After a little bit, he starts to come up with a possible motive or two. But his murder doesn't seem to be the thing he's most curious about. What he'd really like to know is, why does he have a constant companion?
Rose is a dog. Well, technically, she was a dog, now she's the ghost of one. We don't know why she's alongside Charles, but she's been with him the entire time he's been a ghost. It seems that she had a really unpleasant life; and at last, in Charles, has someone caring for her. Rose is not going to challenge Crais' Maggie, Quinn's Chet, or Hearne's Oberon anytime soon as the greatest dog in fiction -- which is not a dig. Rose is great, she's just not legendary. Rose does have one thing going for her that the other's don't -- she's pretty realistic (not that the others don't have their moments -- but even Maggie gets Point-of-View chapters), she can only communicate through suggestion -- and even then, the people around her have to guess. Sometimes, they guess wrong.
The two begin investigating Charles' murder -- with the occasional glance at his family and former life. But before long, Charles becomes convinced he's not around to look into his death, but something else. Rose, somehow, seems to know more about what's going on than Charles, but he's the one who needs to do the work. The pair do uncover some answers -- and others uncover some others (I'm not convinced that all the answers the readers/Charles are given about anything beyond the main crime are correct, but . . . ).
More importantly, Charles finds a measure of redemption -- sure, it might be too late, but nevertheless, there is some. You get the idea that if he maybe had a dog while living, he might've turned out to be a better person. Sure, that describes most of humanity to me, so I responded to that, but I think Perry sells it well enough that just about anyone would.
I've often thought of trying to do an Urban Fantasy for NaNoWriMo featuring a ghost, but I've never figured how to bridge the communication gap between the living and the dead without it feeling like a cheat. I liked Perry's solution to this (I worry about the sequel repeating it -- but that's not my problem, is it?). I'm not convinced that the police could've/would've used the information that Charles got to them, but in the moment -- you don't care, you're just glad that someone did something.
This is a fast and lean read -- Perry doesn't waste a word (actually leaves a couple of them out, but nothing too distracting). You'll grow to like Charles, you'll want to adopt Rose, and you'll want to finds out what happens to them next. Thankfully, their story will continue in Dead is Best.
February 8, 2022
As we say round da way: JO PERRY kan write her ass off. Picked this joint up and did not put it down til I was finished. The shawt chapters hit like the bullets dat took CHARLIE'S life: Bang/Bang/Bang!!!! Perry has a command n ear for dialogue few kan match. And the way she describes thangs is uncanny. The entire koncept is next level: a DEAD MAN and his DEAD DOG wind up being Private Investigators into his OWN Death. And in so doing Perry turns all the tropes on their head. Its noirish n hard-boiled mixxed 2getha. I wont spoil it 4 U. You MUST read this!! I doubt anyone knows how to END a chapter on a better cliffhanger. In other werds, its a page-turner. I was diggin this book so much I immediately copped the entire 4 series including: DEAD IS BEST/DEAD IS GOOD & DEAD IS BEAUTIFUL. Now, THIS is how U do this shit. Then too, the novels are full of pop cultural philosophy n insiteful social commentary. Butt its built into the recipe and doesnt hit u over the head. Just makes U think. And the quotes at the beginning of each chapter re: DEATH add to the story. I rarely find writers whose werk moves me to wanna tell EVERYBODY about them. Butt JO PERRY is one. This woman is hands down one of mah favorite writers. U will never see DEATH handled n explained quite like this elegant stile. A true original.
February 12, 2016
I really enjoyed Dead Is Better. It is yet another unique choice from Fahrenheit Press! I read this book in one sitting, it was that engaging for me.
Short chapters make it super easy to read, and there is a quote about death at the beginning of each one which, personally, I thought was a great addition to the book!
Full review on www.bibliophilebookclub.com
Short chapters make it super easy to read, and there is a quote about death at the beginning of each one which, personally, I thought was a great addition to the book!
Full review on www.bibliophilebookclub.com
May 18, 2018
There is so much to love about Dead is Better. Jo Perry is not simply a phenomenal writer with a phenomenal story. She’s all that, to be sure, but she is also a master of the conversation, the rare kind of storyteller who pulls up to the bar, orders a drink, and tells you a yarn as if she’s an old friend with something to confess.
I found myself reading pages over and over again just to savor the words. There’s longing, regret, humor and humanity. There’s something sinister brewing, as well. All of this is hard, hard to pull off, particularly when your two protagonists are (All right, I’m just going to say that Rose, the dog, is as much a protagonist as Charles Stone) dead. Yup, dead. The afterlife, in Perry’s capable hands, is perhaps the most ironic place in the universe; she deftly mixes snark and pathos, never once tripping over sentimentality to get there. And she channels the voice of Charles Stone with great agility. It’s a voice that resonates on every page.
Charles is on a quest to find out who killed him, how he died. Whatever happened, the reader gets the sense that this is not the first death for Charles; he sees and articulates his life as a virtual graveyard of buried estrangements. Some things are beyond reconciliation. Perhaps that’s why Perry gives him (and Rose) another mission in the afterlife. Dead man and dead dog, together, expose a criminal scheme that is as deadly as it is immoral.
The mirror of Dead is Better has no filters. When we look, the reflection is raw and true. We live in a world where people and animals face abuse every day. Sometimes by people who profess to love them. It makes me wonder how we cope with that, or what we do about it, before it’s too late . Thanks for making me think, Jo Perry. This story has been a gift. I, of course, will read the rest of the Charles and Rose series. Bravo.
I found myself reading pages over and over again just to savor the words. There’s longing, regret, humor and humanity. There’s something sinister brewing, as well. All of this is hard, hard to pull off, particularly when your two protagonists are (All right, I’m just going to say that Rose, the dog, is as much a protagonist as Charles Stone) dead. Yup, dead. The afterlife, in Perry’s capable hands, is perhaps the most ironic place in the universe; she deftly mixes snark and pathos, never once tripping over sentimentality to get there. And she channels the voice of Charles Stone with great agility. It’s a voice that resonates on every page.
Charles is on a quest to find out who killed him, how he died. Whatever happened, the reader gets the sense that this is not the first death for Charles; he sees and articulates his life as a virtual graveyard of buried estrangements. Some things are beyond reconciliation. Perhaps that’s why Perry gives him (and Rose) another mission in the afterlife. Dead man and dead dog, together, expose a criminal scheme that is as deadly as it is immoral.
The mirror of Dead is Better has no filters. When we look, the reflection is raw and true. We live in a world where people and animals face abuse every day. Sometimes by people who profess to love them. It makes me wonder how we cope with that, or what we do about it, before it’s too late . Thanks for making me think, Jo Perry. This story has been a gift. I, of course, will read the rest of the Charles and Rose series. Bravo.
July 2, 2018
Charles Stone is dead. Full of bullet holes and questions about how and why he died, who killed him, and why the afterlife is just him and a dead dog, which he names Rose, in an empty void of a place. With little else to do, he sets about trying to find out the details of his murder and the story of the dog and finds himself in a race against time to change events for those left living and become the type of man he had failed to be in his own lifetime.
Initially, I found the short chapter length (often just a single page) hard to get into and although the quotes at the beginning of each chapter is a nice touch, with so many at such short intervals, they interrupted the plot and made it more difficult for me to immerse myself into Charles and Rose’s world. After a while, though, I adapted to the different style and it stopped bothering me, though sometimes I would skip the quotes to avoid getting thrown out of the story too much.
Although I wasn’t sure what to expect (I thought the description on the book blurb was a bit cheesy) I loved this book. It’s quirky, humorous yet dry, with enough tension to meet a crime-fiction addict’s need for adrenalin. Well-paced, well-written and a great plot.
Initially, I found the short chapter length (often just a single page) hard to get into and although the quotes at the beginning of each chapter is a nice touch, with so many at such short intervals, they interrupted the plot and made it more difficult for me to immerse myself into Charles and Rose’s world. After a while, though, I adapted to the different style and it stopped bothering me, though sometimes I would skip the quotes to avoid getting thrown out of the story too much.
Although I wasn’t sure what to expect (I thought the description on the book blurb was a bit cheesy) I loved this book. It’s quirky, humorous yet dry, with enough tension to meet a crime-fiction addict’s need for adrenalin. Well-paced, well-written and a great plot.
January 5, 2018
Great literature? No. The book made me laugh. I did not think the description of the book was very appealing, but it was available through Kindle Unlimited subscription, so I gave it a try. Yes, I decided that this lady's husband would not marry a dummy...so not much of a gamble. I have been enjoying his writing lately.
Each chapter starts with a quote about death from the famous, e.g. : "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
We meet Charlie and the dog Rose as they fly over the proceedings of Charlie's funeral and then try to figure out just who shot Charlie to death and why. Along the way they uncover a crime that Rose has her own reasons for pointing Charlie toward.
Quick, entertaining read!
Each chapter starts with a quote about death from the famous, e.g. : "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
We meet Charlie and the dog Rose as they fly over the proceedings of Charlie's funeral and then try to figure out just who shot Charlie to death and why. Along the way they uncover a crime that Rose has her own reasons for pointing Charlie toward.
Quick, entertaining read!
December 31, 2014
This was another book I read for work, and, personal involvement aside, it is freakin' spectacular! I loved the quirky and dark storyline, which had just enough wry humor to make it sing rather than become sappy. While I dislike overt comparisons, in this case I feel it is respectful and proper to say it reminded me, in spirit, of the Dead Like Me TV series, which I loved. Personally, I can't wait for future additions to this series, and you should too. Read it and join me. Your attention will be rewarded.
November 14, 2022
That was different...
There is a lot of good things going in this book, but I didn't care for the ending which of course I can't tell you about.
The chapters were short, often one page. I think I liked that. Each chapter also started with a quote on death. I really like quotes, but death is not a favorite topic of mine. The quotes around death were interesting though. Really helped the mood as the main character and the dog are both dead. The book is very quirky in an interesting way.
The setting is the Los Angeles area where I lived for 20 years or so. I don't miss California at all, but as I am familiar with the locations they mention, it still feels nice in that I can recognize and remember the places they talk about. Then be happier knowing I am no longer there.
If you don't like cussing, I would suggest picking another book as this book has a lot of it.
the dog has a part to play, and I found this bit in the start of the book to be noteworthy:
In life I'd heard of dogs like her, cheap burglar alarms. Solitary, lonely, they bark at passerby and garbage trucks from behind high fences in exchange for water and kibble when the people remember to feed and water them.
They bark out of fear.
And to remind themselves that they in fact exist.
I don't think I would recommend the book.
There is a lot of good things going in this book, but I didn't care for the ending which of course I can't tell you about.
The chapters were short, often one page. I think I liked that. Each chapter also started with a quote on death. I really like quotes, but death is not a favorite topic of mine. The quotes around death were interesting though. Really helped the mood as the main character and the dog are both dead. The book is very quirky in an interesting way.
The setting is the Los Angeles area where I lived for 20 years or so. I don't miss California at all, but as I am familiar with the locations they mention, it still feels nice in that I can recognize and remember the places they talk about. Then be happier knowing I am no longer there.
If you don't like cussing, I would suggest picking another book as this book has a lot of it.
the dog has a part to play, and I found this bit in the start of the book to be noteworthy:
In life I'd heard of dogs like her, cheap burglar alarms. Solitary, lonely, they bark at passerby and garbage trucks from behind high fences in exchange for water and kibble when the people remember to feed and water them.
They bark out of fear.
And to remind themselves that they in fact exist.
I don't think I would recommend the book.
April 28, 2018
A dynamic, but very dead, duo!
I had no idea what to expect when I first downloaded this book onto my trusty Kindle. I'd read that it was about a dead guy and a dead dog, but I had no clue how they'd intertwine. I won't delve into the plot because that takes away your fun from reading the book, but little did I know that this duo would pan out to be most unique crime-solving duo I've ever come across! It's a highly original plot, and the storyline is interspersed with moments of sadness, fun, and cynicism.
Whenever I read a book, I like to find something in it that takes it beyond being "an enjoyable read" for me. Now, the things that do this for me will obviously differ from those that do it for you, but I'll share some of the things that struck me as I read Dead is Better. Something I found important, was that Ms. Perry uses a lot of humor in her writing, which cleverly & thankfully balances the dark side of human nature which is central to the story. Another thing of note for me is that it's the first book I've ever read in which I found references to Star Wars, Monty Python, James Bond, Hamlet, George Bernard Shaw, and Frida Kahlo!
A couple of other random things that also appealed to me: The short chapters -- these made it easy for me to concentrate on a small chunk of the book, even when I had only 5 minutes to read). And the fact that every chapter began with a quote about death! I like quirky things like that, & the quotes were a random mixture of poignant, funny, thought-provoking, morbid, & fascinating.
A few things that left my head spinning, too: I'm a veterinarian, so the dog & her plight were really meaningful to me; Rose is one of my nicknames; and 42 is "my number", and chapter 42 was kind of a boiling point in the book for me.
Add this book to your bookshelf or Kindle! If you're looking for a new crime story, I would highly recommend Dead is Better, especially if you're looking for something unexpected & quirky.
"Is everyone who dies assigned a companion?", Charlie asks, early in the book.
By the end of the book, I thought, "I hope so, Charlie."
And I hope I get one like Rose.
(Bonus mention: Although I'm an Amazon Prime member, I bought the book via the Fahrenheit Press website. Fahrenheit Press is an independent publisher specializing in crime fiction, and Jo Perry is one of their authors. You'll find a heap of other great authors and books there, too. While you're there, check out the "Support Fahrenheit" page and consider becoming a patron, it's a ridiculous bargain. For instance, pledge just $1 per month and you'll receive one book download each month. And they now have a "frequent flier" club, so you collect rewards points for everything you buy, and these turn into gift cards. And, just so you know, I have no affiliation with Fahrenheit Press. I'm just a regular member of their monthly subscription club, and I want to share the love. It's 2018, folks. I'm not aware of anywhere else that'll bring me hours of fun and entertainment for just $1 per month.)
I had no idea what to expect when I first downloaded this book onto my trusty Kindle. I'd read that it was about a dead guy and a dead dog, but I had no clue how they'd intertwine. I won't delve into the plot because that takes away your fun from reading the book, but little did I know that this duo would pan out to be most unique crime-solving duo I've ever come across! It's a highly original plot, and the storyline is interspersed with moments of sadness, fun, and cynicism.
Whenever I read a book, I like to find something in it that takes it beyond being "an enjoyable read" for me. Now, the things that do this for me will obviously differ from those that do it for you, but I'll share some of the things that struck me as I read Dead is Better. Something I found important, was that Ms. Perry uses a lot of humor in her writing, which cleverly & thankfully balances the dark side of human nature which is central to the story. Another thing of note for me is that it's the first book I've ever read in which I found references to Star Wars, Monty Python, James Bond, Hamlet, George Bernard Shaw, and Frida Kahlo!
A couple of other random things that also appealed to me: The short chapters -- these made it easy for me to concentrate on a small chunk of the book, even when I had only 5 minutes to read). And the fact that every chapter began with a quote about death! I like quirky things like that, & the quotes were a random mixture of poignant, funny, thought-provoking, morbid, & fascinating.
A few things that left my head spinning, too: I'm a veterinarian, so the dog & her plight were really meaningful to me; Rose is one of my nicknames; and 42 is "my number", and chapter 42 was kind of a boiling point in the book for me.
Add this book to your bookshelf or Kindle! If you're looking for a new crime story, I would highly recommend Dead is Better, especially if you're looking for something unexpected & quirky.
"Is everyone who dies assigned a companion?", Charlie asks, early in the book.
By the end of the book, I thought, "I hope so, Charlie."
And I hope I get one like Rose.
(Bonus mention: Although I'm an Amazon Prime member, I bought the book via the Fahrenheit Press website. Fahrenheit Press is an independent publisher specializing in crime fiction, and Jo Perry is one of their authors. You'll find a heap of other great authors and books there, too. While you're there, check out the "Support Fahrenheit" page and consider becoming a patron, it's a ridiculous bargain. For instance, pledge just $1 per month and you'll receive one book download each month. And they now have a "frequent flier" club, so you collect rewards points for everything you buy, and these turn into gift cards. And, just so you know, I have no affiliation with Fahrenheit Press. I'm just a regular member of their monthly subscription club, and I want to share the love. It's 2018, folks. I'm not aware of anywhere else that'll bring me hours of fun and entertainment for just $1 per month.)
July 18, 2016
I love dogs, there are too many cats on the internet…dogs are 100 times better (at least). Look at the cover of Dead Is Better – see that paw print? That’s a love heart with toes – gimme dogs every time.
But in Dead is Better the dog (Rose) is dead. Not the best way to win me over Jo Perry! However, all is not lost as even in death Rose the dog has become one of my favourite characters this year.
Rose is keeping recently deceased Charles Stone company in the afterlife. Well I say afterlife, they are still hanging around Charles’s old haunts (terrible pun) and it seems Charles has some unfinished business to attend to. But how can he put things to right when he is dead? Well not very easily is the simple answer and frequently during Dead is Better we will see Charles getting massively frustrated that he has no way to interact with those that are left behind.
Charles leaves an odious brother, several ex-wives and with hindsight he starts to question how he chose to live his life. Rose, meanwhile, seems hell bent on getting Charles to visit a hospital. Something or someone in the hospital means a lot to Rose, enough that she will guide/lead/bully Charles back to the same places over and over again – unfortunately for Rose, Charles is not the quickest at understanding what she is hoping to achieve.
Dead is Better is a buddy story, two strangers thrust together in death seeking justice. Yes it sounds a bit odd but I loved this story and as soon as I finished it I had bought Dead is Best (Charlie and Rose book 2). Jo Perry has crafted a very clever story here and I cannot wait to see where it may lead. Chapters are short enough to make it a nice one for the commute – the story trips along with several laugh out loud scenes. Equally there are some upsetting moments (the book is about a dead guy and a dead dog – some sadness must happen) those scenes were less fun to read but wonderfully evocative. One of the trips that Rose takes Charles on was particularly upsetting…nuff said there.
In short – this is memorable, fun and one that you absolutely should consider if you are looking for something new to try.
But in Dead is Better the dog (Rose) is dead. Not the best way to win me over Jo Perry! However, all is not lost as even in death Rose the dog has become one of my favourite characters this year.
Rose is keeping recently deceased Charles Stone company in the afterlife. Well I say afterlife, they are still hanging around Charles’s old haunts (terrible pun) and it seems Charles has some unfinished business to attend to. But how can he put things to right when he is dead? Well not very easily is the simple answer and frequently during Dead is Better we will see Charles getting massively frustrated that he has no way to interact with those that are left behind.
Charles leaves an odious brother, several ex-wives and with hindsight he starts to question how he chose to live his life. Rose, meanwhile, seems hell bent on getting Charles to visit a hospital. Something or someone in the hospital means a lot to Rose, enough that she will guide/lead/bully Charles back to the same places over and over again – unfortunately for Rose, Charles is not the quickest at understanding what she is hoping to achieve.
Dead is Better is a buddy story, two strangers thrust together in death seeking justice. Yes it sounds a bit odd but I loved this story and as soon as I finished it I had bought Dead is Best (Charlie and Rose book 2). Jo Perry has crafted a very clever story here and I cannot wait to see where it may lead. Chapters are short enough to make it a nice one for the commute – the story trips along with several laugh out loud scenes. Equally there are some upsetting moments (the book is about a dead guy and a dead dog – some sadness must happen) those scenes were less fun to read but wonderfully evocative. One of the trips that Rose takes Charles on was particularly upsetting…nuff said there.
In short – this is memorable, fun and one that you absolutely should consider if you are looking for something new to try.
June 16, 2019
When somebody unexpectedly wakes up dead, it's understandable that they will want to know how they died. Charles - Charlie - Stone was murdered and his post-death appearance is a constant reminder of that fact,
'Bullet holes still interrupt my flesh. My sternum is cracked, my chest bruised black and purple from their efforts.
One thing about this place - it's come as you were.'
He has to adjust to his death but also wants to find out who killed him and why. Fortunately, he has gained a companion in the afterlife, an emaciated dog he names Rose. If the circumstances of Charlie's murder are a mystery, the cause of Rose's death is much more upsetting and despite this being a humorous book, there is real anger here at the cruel neglect of animals who do nothing wrong except trust worthless humans.
Charlie lived a privileged lifestyle although he was obviously the less-favoured second son and a result has a jaded, cynical perspective on proceedings. He comes across as a bit of a misandrist but as the novel progresses, I couldn't help but warm to him, particularly when there are clear signs that despite his cantankerous manner, he actually has a more generous, compassionate side to him too.
This sharply witty and clever book has an intriguing plot which despite the many laughs, never shies away from exposing the shocking, darker side of life and the way in which the most vulnerable in society are exploited by those with power.
I loved Rose, of course, despite her horrendous life, she is wise and trusting and thanks to Charlie, regains her doggy sense of humour. I liked Charlie too and Jo Perry's insightful, empathetic writing ensured there were times when I really felt for him, especially when he discovers the truth about his death. Dead is Better is an excellent start to this series and did what all first books should do - left me wanting more!
'Bullet holes still interrupt my flesh. My sternum is cracked, my chest bruised black and purple from their efforts.
One thing about this place - it's come as you were.'
He has to adjust to his death but also wants to find out who killed him and why. Fortunately, he has gained a companion in the afterlife, an emaciated dog he names Rose. If the circumstances of Charlie's murder are a mystery, the cause of Rose's death is much more upsetting and despite this being a humorous book, there is real anger here at the cruel neglect of animals who do nothing wrong except trust worthless humans.
Charlie lived a privileged lifestyle although he was obviously the less-favoured second son and a result has a jaded, cynical perspective on proceedings. He comes across as a bit of a misandrist but as the novel progresses, I couldn't help but warm to him, particularly when there are clear signs that despite his cantankerous manner, he actually has a more generous, compassionate side to him too.
This sharply witty and clever book has an intriguing plot which despite the many laughs, never shies away from exposing the shocking, darker side of life and the way in which the most vulnerable in society are exploited by those with power.
I loved Rose, of course, despite her horrendous life, she is wise and trusting and thanks to Charlie, regains her doggy sense of humour. I liked Charlie too and Jo Perry's insightful, empathetic writing ensured there were times when I really felt for him, especially when he discovers the truth about his death. Dead is Better is an excellent start to this series and did what all first books should do - left me wanting more!
April 19, 2016
I have to say I am quite speechless after reading this novel. I honestly don't know what I was expecting before reading the book but whatever I was expecting, this story went above and beyond.
To wake up to find out your dead must be a massive shock but having to deal with it all on your own, well I would find it more than daunting. The only other being that seems to be in the same position as Charles is a dog.
Don't get me wrong, I think any company would be more than welcome but Charles has so many unanswered questions that I think at first he finds it more than frustrating. He ends up feeling quite lost and the roles are reversed and it is as if he is on a lead instead of the dog, who he names Rose, as he ends up following the dog around.
Dead Is Better is such a gentle story that takes us on a journey unlike any that I certainly have ever been on. We follow Charles and Rose as Charles tries to come to terms with his new way of life as well as trying to find out who killed him.
The star of the story without a doubt has to be Rose. As a dog lover, she had me won over as soon as we meet her. The companionship between Charles and Rose at times has to be one of the most endearing and emotional that I have ever read in an actual novel. Some parts (which there isn't many) to do with the mistreating of animals, I did find quite upsetting but obviously plays a big part to how Rose ends up where she is.
Dead Is Better reminds me very much of programmes like X Factor where a contestant comes on and you dismiss them before they even begin but once started and the further they go on they just totally blow you away.
Absolutely loved it and what's even better is that this is just the first book in the Charlie & Rose Investigate series.
To wake up to find out your dead must be a massive shock but having to deal with it all on your own, well I would find it more than daunting. The only other being that seems to be in the same position as Charles is a dog.
Don't get me wrong, I think any company would be more than welcome but Charles has so many unanswered questions that I think at first he finds it more than frustrating. He ends up feeling quite lost and the roles are reversed and it is as if he is on a lead instead of the dog, who he names Rose, as he ends up following the dog around.
Dead Is Better is such a gentle story that takes us on a journey unlike any that I certainly have ever been on. We follow Charles and Rose as Charles tries to come to terms with his new way of life as well as trying to find out who killed him.
The star of the story without a doubt has to be Rose. As a dog lover, she had me won over as soon as we meet her. The companionship between Charles and Rose at times has to be one of the most endearing and emotional that I have ever read in an actual novel. Some parts (which there isn't many) to do with the mistreating of animals, I did find quite upsetting but obviously plays a big part to how Rose ends up where she is.
Dead Is Better reminds me very much of programmes like X Factor where a contestant comes on and you dismiss them before they even begin but once started and the further they go on they just totally blow you away.
Absolutely loved it and what's even better is that this is just the first book in the Charlie & Rose Investigate series.
March 17, 2016
Jo Perry's novel got under my skin and just wouldn't turn me loose. Dead Is Better (the title is a partial quote from Stephen King's Pet Sematary) unfolds in short bursts, like someone who's found an old-fashioned projector, screen, and a carousel of slides and is clicking his way through them. It's a pace that takes a few chapters before it becomes comfortable, but it does.
Charlie continually describes himself as unlikable, but readers soon learn that his actions prove that to be a lie. It's this unveiling of Charlie's true character that makes us want to find out why someone would want to kill him. And Rose? Just as we learn about Charlie, we can see that she's more than just a dog-- but neither is she a canine angel nor Lassie.
Something I seldom mention but feel I have to do so here is the appalling lack of proofreading in this Kindle version of what is an imaginative and well-written book. Many misspelled words and grammatical errors kept jerking me back to reality when I wanted to stay immersed in Perry's story.
The paranormal angle was interesting and well-done. Do Charlie and Rose bring the killer to justice? I will spill the beans and admit that they do, but what I won't tell you is how they do it. Very nice-- and I'm looking forward to reading another book featuring these two characters (even if one of them cannot speak)!
Charlie continually describes himself as unlikable, but readers soon learn that his actions prove that to be a lie. It's this unveiling of Charlie's true character that makes us want to find out why someone would want to kill him. And Rose? Just as we learn about Charlie, we can see that she's more than just a dog-- but neither is she a canine angel nor Lassie.
Something I seldom mention but feel I have to do so here is the appalling lack of proofreading in this Kindle version of what is an imaginative and well-written book. Many misspelled words and grammatical errors kept jerking me back to reality when I wanted to stay immersed in Perry's story.
The paranormal angle was interesting and well-done. Do Charlie and Rose bring the killer to justice? I will spill the beans and admit that they do, but what I won't tell you is how they do it. Very nice-- and I'm looking forward to reading another book featuring these two characters (even if one of them cannot speak)!
May 9, 2018
This is a fab book, I really enjoyed it.
This book comes in very short chapters, bite-sized episodes, which compelled me to push on with just one more. However, the story itself is compelling. Like all good mysteries, we are drip fed small amounts of information which come together to resolve the case. I’ve read hundreds of crime novels and written a few plus I’ve watched countless crime films and dramas and most times I know who did it and why very early on. I stopped watching the T.V. series Midsomer Murders as I could work out who did it before the opening credits (they kept to a pretty fixed formula). So for most mysteries it isn’t the mystery as such which holds me but how good the writing is and how the author is going to achieve the reveal – so long as it’s not a perfectly sane person secretly being completely insane then I’m usually satisfied. With this book virtually nothing I predicted happened, which made for a pleasant change. The writing was good and the characters intriguing.
This book comes in very short chapters, bite-sized episodes, which compelled me to push on with just one more. However, the story itself is compelling. Like all good mysteries, we are drip fed small amounts of information which come together to resolve the case. I’ve read hundreds of crime novels and written a few plus I’ve watched countless crime films and dramas and most times I know who did it and why very early on. I stopped watching the T.V. series Midsomer Murders as I could work out who did it before the opening credits (they kept to a pretty fixed formula). So for most mysteries it isn’t the mystery as such which holds me but how good the writing is and how the author is going to achieve the reveal – so long as it’s not a perfectly sane person secretly being completely insane then I’m usually satisfied. With this book virtually nothing I predicted happened, which made for a pleasant change. The writing was good and the characters intriguing.
October 10, 2020
Dead is Better is a thriller with a difference. Charlie comes to in a place of nothingness with bullet holes in his gut and a dog by his side. He can't remember what happened, but the one thing he does know is that he is dead. Starting with his funeral, Charlie and Rose (as he names the dog) float about into the world of the living and soon start to uncover the mystery of how they died.
Charlie is a great character - charmingly self-deprecating, he feels he didn't achieve much while he was alive and now he's screwing up being dead too. The plot is cleverly constructed with a satisfying conclusion, and the whole thing has a noir-ish vibe without becoming too bleak.
Every chapter is preceded by a quote about death from a wide variety of sources from J D Salinger to Monty Python via The Venerable Bede which add beautifully to the atmosphere.
A great start to a promising series.
Charlie is a great character - charmingly self-deprecating, he feels he didn't achieve much while he was alive and now he's screwing up being dead too. The plot is cleverly constructed with a satisfying conclusion, and the whole thing has a noir-ish vibe without becoming too bleak.
Every chapter is preceded by a quote about death from a wide variety of sources from J D Salinger to Monty Python via The Venerable Bede which add beautifully to the atmosphere.
A great start to a promising series.
February 5, 2017
This was quite entertaining and certainly kept me wondering how ghost detectives Charlie and his dog Rose would solve the case when they are not able to interact with the world of the living. The solution was cleverly done.
Unfortunately the book is marred by the number of typos and the sense that it is padded by adding an epigraph to every single chapter (most of which don't seem to relate to the chapter specifically). Without those epigraphs the book is probably only of novella length.
The most embarrassing instance is the epigraph for Chapter 22: "Know one knows whether death, which people fear to be the greatest evil, may not be the greatest good."-Plato. How do you copy/paste a quote of Plato's and add a typo in the process?
Unfortunately the book is marred by the number of typos and the sense that it is padded by adding an epigraph to every single chapter (most of which don't seem to relate to the chapter specifically). Without those epigraphs the book is probably only of novella length.
The most embarrassing instance is the epigraph for Chapter 22: "Know one knows whether death, which people fear to be the greatest evil, may not be the greatest good."-Plato. How do you copy/paste a quote of Plato's and add a typo in the process?
June 23, 2015
Dead is Better by Jo Perry was a really good novel. I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed every minute of it. First off I love that there are two quotes from The Book Thief, my all time favorite novel. The book itself is about a man named Charles. Charles was murdered. 6 bullet holes to be exact. When he wakes up in the afterlife there is a dog there. Rose and Charles team up to find out about how and why he was murdered. How much help can a ghost be to his own murder or to anyone else's life? A lot. Reader's will want to know what happens and will continue to read till the very end. I can't wait to read more books from Jo Perry.
December 22, 2016
It’s lovely when something fresh and unique comes along to breathe new life into the crime genre. Dead is Better offers a new take on the murder mystery with a dead protagonist, Charlie, who has to solve his own untimely murder and the death of his new companion and friend, Rose, the dog. With a distinctive, no-nonsense voice and dry, sardonic humour, Jo Perry delivers a different and entertaining story.
After a while, I stopped reading the quotes about death that preceded each chapter as they took me out of the story, quite frequently as many of the chapters are very short. This is my only quibble in an otherwise refreshing change from police procedurals and serial killers.
After a while, I stopped reading the quotes about death that preceded each chapter as they took me out of the story, quite frequently as many of the chapters are very short. This is my only quibble in an otherwise refreshing change from police procedurals and serial killers.
February 18, 2015
A Brilliant and Heartfelt Mystery! Charlie and Rose captivate from page one in this pedal to the metal plot. Though Charlie was a loser in life, he is just so darn likable. And Rose will quietly steal your heart. These two ghosts walk through the land of the living, trying to untangle mysteries and right terrible wrongs. The way Perry works out the story, without breaking her own rules or inserting any ridiculous miracles, is brilliant, well-grounded within the story, and divine. A wonderful book! I look forward to more!
November 23, 2019
I loved this book and will be starting on book 2 as soon as I can get my hands on it. It's a murder mystery with the most unique take on the who done it? More that that though, it is a philosophical hypothesis on what makes for a good life, or a good death for that matter. Does what we do in this life determine where we end up after we die? Where do we end up after we die? Rose the dog is the best sidekick since Dr. Watson.
September 15, 2020
DEAD IS BETTER involves two spirit-world partners roaming earthly Los Angeles, investigating their own concurrent murders. The succinct and elegant writing makes the abusive demise of Rose, ghost-dog companion of narrator Charlie, bearable to ingest. The pair glide through hard surfaces, eavesdrop, and intuit injustices during their restless, often frustrating journey. Beautiful, suspenseful story. Will be reading the whole series.
November 23, 2020
Rose and Charlie. Charlie and Rose. Each has their own story and each are better off for finding each other in what I'll refer to as Jo Perry's afterlife. Not spoilers either, as the book IS called Dead Is Better. Anyway, there is mystery, there is a canine, and there is a voice that entertained me throughout. You know what that means? It means go forth, seek out, purchase and enjoy. Tell 'em another lover of crime fiction sent you. Fun was had!
August 27, 2015
Let's say you've just finished reading the entire Harry Potter series and you're about to start Stephen King's Dark Tower series. Before you do, cleanse your palate with Dead Is Better. A breezy little page-turner that will give you a chance to breathe, re-think death, and give you a laugh at the same time. Thank you, Jo.
January 16, 2015
Anyone can become a hero when the situation arises...dead or alive as Charles Stone is about to discover..Jo Perry's debut release Dead is Better!
August 2, 2015
This is a wonderful book! Thoughtful and thought provoking but also a page turner. I can't wait for more from this author!
May 9, 2016
Interesting premise - not exactly what I expected, but a good book. I rate it 4 stars.
November 2, 2017
I liked it! Not too heavy but just what I needed after druging through a 750 pg novel which I didn't care for. Will go on to read others by Jo Peery.
March 25, 2020
Brilliant meditation on death and the power of dogs to heal and pull us out of ourselves. I loved this book. And I’ve ordered the rest in the series
November 8, 2019
This is the first book in a paranormal mystery series, taking place mainly in modern-day L.A. and Hollywood. The main character, Charlie, the fat, rich son of a late movie star, is dead. He doesn't know why he's dead, but he is, with six bullet holes in him. And then there's the dog. He doesn't know why the dog is there dead with him, but she is, and he doesn't mind the company because there doesn't seem to be anybody else around. Her name, he decides, is Rose. Together they wander around California, trying to find the meanings behind both of their senseless deaths. In the process, they uncover some shady goings on at the local hospital, and need to find a way to help those still living before it's too late. Which is hard to do when nobody can see, hear, or feel you.
This short book is divided into 81 chapters, some of which are less than a page long, and all of which are headed by interesting quotes by famous people on the subject of death. The book was written in a descriptively blunt manner, and takes a sardonic look at both life and the lack thereof. The characters are simple and in some ways relatible through their flaws. The blunt logic of Charlie, the narrator, provides a dry touch of humor to an otherwise heavy story, and the playfulness of Rose adds a touch of sunshine to the dark undertones. I like very much the unique, dry writing style Perry chose to use. These are two of my favorite examples:
"The dog and I are back inside this smooth, blurry kingdom of quietness like fetuses adrift in amniotic fluid or crystals inside a geode’s darkness."
"Huge bougainvilleas vomit their pink against both sides of the peach-colored three-story faux French castle on a little manicured green hill above Sunset Boulevard from which I hear the traffic’s whisper and the angry buzz of nectar-drunk hummingbirds. I hover like a fat puff of steam above the dog."
There were two negative comments I have about the book, however. I felt that that foul language was a little overwhelming, to the point that it distracted from the story, with at least 80 F-words and more than 50 other uses of vulgarities. Secondly, the book was poorly edited and had many typos and errors that slipped through. This, however, can be easily remedied.
Still, the story was entertaining, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. Actual rating: 3.5
This short book is divided into 81 chapters, some of which are less than a page long, and all of which are headed by interesting quotes by famous people on the subject of death. The book was written in a descriptively blunt manner, and takes a sardonic look at both life and the lack thereof. The characters are simple and in some ways relatible through their flaws. The blunt logic of Charlie, the narrator, provides a dry touch of humor to an otherwise heavy story, and the playfulness of Rose adds a touch of sunshine to the dark undertones. I like very much the unique, dry writing style Perry chose to use. These are two of my favorite examples:
"The dog and I are back inside this smooth, blurry kingdom of quietness like fetuses adrift in amniotic fluid or crystals inside a geode’s darkness."
"Huge bougainvilleas vomit their pink against both sides of the peach-colored three-story faux French castle on a little manicured green hill above Sunset Boulevard from which I hear the traffic’s whisper and the angry buzz of nectar-drunk hummingbirds. I hover like a fat puff of steam above the dog."
There were two negative comments I have about the book, however. I felt that that foul language was a little overwhelming, to the point that it distracted from the story, with at least 80 F-words and more than 50 other uses of vulgarities. Secondly, the book was poorly edited and had many typos and errors that slipped through. This, however, can be easily remedied.
Still, the story was entertaining, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. Actual rating: 3.5
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