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The Dead Man #4
The Dead Woman
Fourth book about Matt Cahill, a man who died in an avalanche, but didn't. Now he sees evil where other people can't and is plagued by a being called Mr. Dark.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2011
14 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 10, 2011
This was a fun ride episode in the The Dead Man series, better than episode 3. David McAfee provides some good paced writing that keeps you in the story. The main protagonist is a man back from the dead, he can see evil in people, which manifests itself as a rotting festering sore that spread across the person's skin like leprosy. The town Crawford has a serial killer on the loose, called The Blake County Killer. Matt the main protagonist finds himself admits The Dark Man again and the web of the serial killer.
http://more2read.com/?review=the-dead...
http://more2read.com/?review=the-dead...
May 19, 2011
THE DEAD MAN series is rapidly becoming a favorite. A combination of the old men's adventure series of the seventies, with a healthy dollop of horror mixed in.
Matt Cahill is the living dead man, a man caught in an avalanche and it was three months before his frozen body was discovered, only to have him come back to life when he thaws. As a result, he now sees the evil in people that no one else can, manifesting in rotting flesh, pus-filled sores, things that signal this person is about to do something horrible.
And there's also Mr. Dark, a giggling precursor to that horror, someone-thing that Matt is hunting.
Matt arrives in Crawford by bus to answer an ad he found in an old newspaper for work. Funds low, he meets Abbey who needs help moving the contents of an old antique store, owned by her late mother, to storage. Ten bucks an hour sounds good to Matt and Abbey was good looking to boot, an attraction between them obvious.
Things were going on in Crawford though.
A serial killer, the Blake County Killer, has killed a dozen young women in the last few years. There's a jealous cop, Abbey's ex-husband, with a mad-on against Matt, and Mr. Dark puts in an appearance.
The latest in the Dead Man series, it will be released on June 2nd.
Matt Cahill is the living dead man, a man caught in an avalanche and it was three months before his frozen body was discovered, only to have him come back to life when he thaws. As a result, he now sees the evil in people that no one else can, manifesting in rotting flesh, pus-filled sores, things that signal this person is about to do something horrible.
And there's also Mr. Dark, a giggling precursor to that horror, someone-thing that Matt is hunting.
Matt arrives in Crawford by bus to answer an ad he found in an old newspaper for work. Funds low, he meets Abbey who needs help moving the contents of an old antique store, owned by her late mother, to storage. Ten bucks an hour sounds good to Matt and Abbey was good looking to boot, an attraction between them obvious.
Things were going on in Crawford though.
A serial killer, the Blake County Killer, has killed a dozen young women in the last few years. There's a jealous cop, Abbey's ex-husband, with a mad-on against Matt, and Mr. Dark puts in an appearance.
The latest in the Dead Man series, it will be released on June 2nd.
June 23, 2011
This was one of my favorite installments. I found it to have an interesting storyline and for the first time there was a serial killer loose among all of the other supernatural forces at work in the book.
As usual this was a one session, couldn't put the Kindle down read and I'm eager to see what happens next. In this one Matt meets a hot woman, Abbey, who helps him along on his mission of discovering who he is and what his purpose is. After all, a man isn't brought back from the dead for no reason...as the serial killer is letting bodies pile up and Matt is searching for Mr. Dark, Abbey brings a sexy and unique aspect to the book. A must read!
As usual this was a one session, couldn't put the Kindle down read and I'm eager to see what happens next. In this one Matt meets a hot woman, Abbey, who helps him along on his mission of discovering who he is and what his purpose is. After all, a man isn't brought back from the dead for no reason...as the serial killer is letting bodies pile up and Matt is searching for Mr. Dark, Abbey brings a sexy and unique aspect to the book. A must read!
August 15, 2011
This fourth book in the Dead Man series feels more like suspense than horror, although there is a very clear supernatural element. While it reads perfectly well on its own, it also feels very much like a piece of the larger puzzle of the series. It's a more personal, character-oriented tale that introduces elements that show that Matt's circumstances--surviving death and being able to see the evil in others, pushed to the fore by the mysterious Mr Dark--may not be unique. The world may be a much larger, weirder place than he had suspected, and the weirdness in his own life may run much deeper than it already seems.
One of the hallmarks of the Dead Man series to date is the consistent tone of all the books, even as they are written by different authors. Four books in, this is very much still the case. This series continues to feel like a well-made television series, with each book telling a satisfying story while building on a greater whole.
Because of the greater revelations in this book, I don't recommend starting the series at this point. But if you've enjoyed the first three, this one will make you even more eager to read the next installment of this addictive series.
One of the hallmarks of the Dead Man series to date is the consistent tone of all the books, even as they are written by different authors. Four books in, this is very much still the case. This series continues to feel like a well-made television series, with each book telling a satisfying story while building on a greater whole.
Because of the greater revelations in this book, I don't recommend starting the series at this point. But if you've enjoyed the first three, this one will make you even more eager to read the next installment of this addictive series.
January 7, 2012
I really like the premise of the series and the main character. It is a much better book than the third one, which almost made me quit reading the series. This book sort of explains why sometimes Matt can't see the evil in a person, which was one of the flaws of the third book. The Dead Woman has Matt going to a small town in TN and meeting someone who has similar "powers". It is really well written and does not feel childish or corny (again, like the last one). There is a pretty graphic sex scene in the book which is not in any of the others. Aside from that, it is a really fun read that I would recommend to anyone.
August 23, 2011
One of the best of the series so far. Matt encounters a woman who may have the same abilities as himself, and gets a disturbing look at his possible future.
The only flaw here is that the "Matt can only see the rot when it's convenient to the plot" factor is REALLY apparent. There would be no story here, really, if his ability didn't shut off for unexplained arbitrary reasons.
The only flaw here is that the "Matt can only see the rot when it's convenient to the plot" factor is REALLY apparent. There would be no story here, really, if his ability didn't shut off for unexplained arbitrary reasons.
June 24, 2011
The fourth book in the monthly (more or less) series. Still entertaining as hell. Looking forward to reading the fifth, which was just released a couple days ago.
September 29, 2011
YAHOO! Dead Man is back on track! After a not-great episode #3, episode #4 The Dead Woman is amazing. Maybe the best yet...
May 3, 2018
"Another Confrontation With Evil"
In this next episode about Matt Cahill, the man with unique abilities, he is engaging in battles against evil people. The most evil person, a dark shadow, is called Mr. Dark. As Matt searches for Mr. Dark he comes upon a woman who can see the same dark world as he does. And Abby may also have dark secrets which Matt will eventually learn about. A thrilling, fast-paced story to enthrall you. Fascinating story for a night read.
In this next episode about Matt Cahill, the man with unique abilities, he is engaging in battles against evil people. The most evil person, a dark shadow, is called Mr. Dark. As Matt searches for Mr. Dark he comes upon a woman who can see the same dark world as he does. And Abby may also have dark secrets which Matt will eventually learn about. A thrilling, fast-paced story to enthrall you. Fascinating story for a night read.
August 24, 2021
This entry feels like it only exists to introduce a pair of characters and that it isn't all as Matt had assumed. Nothing much happens at all, but is a key read for the wider story.
August 24, 2021
This entry feels like it only exists to introduce a pair of characters and that it isn't all as Matt had assumed. Nothing much happens at all, but is a key read for the wider story.
June 12, 2011
Dead On!
I read this ebook because I’m a big David McAfee fan, and he does a wonderful job on this story.
I have to admit up front that I have not read the other books in this series by various writers, but I found McAfee’s story intriguing and want to know more about Matt Cahill, the main character who has come back to life after being buried under an avalanche with a newfound skill – the ability to see “evil” in people.
McAfee tells about the wandering Cahill as he stops in a small town in Tennessee to look for temporary work. I assume this is a basic theme in the series, and as Cahill meets a few of the townfolk, he learns that a serial killer is on the loose in this area. He soon stumbles upon some of the “evil” people – who are made evident to Cahill because he sees them as rotting corpses in various stages of decay. Of course only he sees them in this way, or so he thinks. He discovers that another person also has the ability to see the evil, and at first thinks he may have found an ally in his quest to stop the evil that surrounds him, and his quest to find the mysterious Mr. Dark.
The story unfolds, and McAfee does a great job building the suspense as the characters are introduced and the plotline is developed. Cahill does his best to stop the evil, while a few twists and turns await him. He is soon on the trail of the killer, and the action takes a quick turn.
The story is engaging, and has captured my interest enough to want to read the other books in this series. However, I found it rather strange for Cahill to see the evil people as rotting corpses, complete with the stench of decay and various bugs and worms that crawl about them. That aspect seemed a little over the top, but still, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to exploring this series a bit more.
Kudos to David McAfee for offering his readers another story that holds up well and showcases his talent for keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Donnie Light, author of Dark Justice, Ripper's Row and The Hotel California
I read this ebook because I’m a big David McAfee fan, and he does a wonderful job on this story.
I have to admit up front that I have not read the other books in this series by various writers, but I found McAfee’s story intriguing and want to know more about Matt Cahill, the main character who has come back to life after being buried under an avalanche with a newfound skill – the ability to see “evil” in people.
McAfee tells about the wandering Cahill as he stops in a small town in Tennessee to look for temporary work. I assume this is a basic theme in the series, and as Cahill meets a few of the townfolk, he learns that a serial killer is on the loose in this area. He soon stumbles upon some of the “evil” people – who are made evident to Cahill because he sees them as rotting corpses in various stages of decay. Of course only he sees them in this way, or so he thinks. He discovers that another person also has the ability to see the evil, and at first thinks he may have found an ally in his quest to stop the evil that surrounds him, and his quest to find the mysterious Mr. Dark.
The story unfolds, and McAfee does a great job building the suspense as the characters are introduced and the plotline is developed. Cahill does his best to stop the evil, while a few twists and turns await him. He is soon on the trail of the killer, and the action takes a quick turn.
The story is engaging, and has captured my interest enough to want to read the other books in this series. However, I found it rather strange for Cahill to see the evil people as rotting corpses, complete with the stench of decay and various bugs and worms that crawl about them. That aspect seemed a little over the top, but still, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to exploring this series a bit more.
Kudos to David McAfee for offering his readers another story that holds up well and showcases his talent for keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Donnie Light, author of Dark Justice, Ripper's Row and The Hotel California
March 2, 2012
There is a theme emerging here…the last two instalments (Hell in Heaven and The Dead Woman) see Matt travel from one small town to the next in search of the ever elusive Mr. Dark but finding little more than blood thirsty paranormal activity. While entertaining, the repetitiveness is starting to impact on the reader experience. That said, ‘The Dead Woman’ is pretty good – Matt’s story is progressed and the foundations of a larger cause are exposed during an exchange with Mr. Dark. The continuity feels more linked with ‘Face of Evil’ and ‘The Dead Woman’ than the interceding novellas – one could almost assume that this is the direct follow-up to the initial instalment.
The minor complaint I have is the change from grieving husband to overtly promiscuous single derails part of the core characterisation of the series protagonist, Matt Cahill. Initially (re: Face of Evil), after a lot of cajoling did Matt find himself in the arms of another – since then each instalment has him jumping into bed with the first woman caller. Perhaps I shouldn’t be fixated by this as it detracts from what’s shaping as a decent overarching story in the episodic paranormal series of novellas.
Overall, this is a fast paced novella brimming with action and hinting at much, much more. I can’t wait to see where Matt Cahill and Mr. Dark go to next – 3.5 stars.
The minor complaint I have is the change from grieving husband to overtly promiscuous single derails part of the core characterisation of the series protagonist, Matt Cahill. Initially (re: Face of Evil), after a lot of cajoling did Matt find himself in the arms of another – since then each instalment has him jumping into bed with the first woman caller. Perhaps I shouldn’t be fixated by this as it detracts from what’s shaping as a decent overarching story in the episodic paranormal series of novellas.
Overall, this is a fast paced novella brimming with action and hinting at much, much more. I can’t wait to see where Matt Cahill and Mr. Dark go to next – 3.5 stars.
February 16, 2013
Ahhh, yes. Now here is a worthy entry to The Dead Man series. Much better than the last book, "Hell in Heaven" which seemed to be just filler and not even good filler.
Matt's pursuit of Mr. Dark and the answers he may hold lead him to a small town in Tennessee. But if things weren't complicated enough for him, there's a serial killer on the loose and a law enforcement officer doesn't like the fact that Matt's taken a liking to a local girl. And before he's done, clues aren't the only thing Matt hopes he leaves town with. He'll be lucky to get out with his life.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT
Definitely one of my favorite "episodes" in the series. If you remember the show "Quantum Leap" then you may remember that a few seasons in, Sam gets an arch nemesis in the form of a female leaper. This happens to Matt in this story. Whether we see her again or not, I don't know since I'll be starting book 5 shortly after this review. But I hope so. So it appears that if Matt's working for another power, then Mr. Dark his agent as well.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT ENDS
An easy five stars for a strong entry in a series that has my attention.
Matt's pursuit of Mr. Dark and the answers he may hold lead him to a small town in Tennessee. But if things weren't complicated enough for him, there's a serial killer on the loose and a law enforcement officer doesn't like the fact that Matt's taken a liking to a local girl. And before he's done, clues aren't the only thing Matt hopes he leaves town with. He'll be lucky to get out with his life.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT
Definitely one of my favorite "episodes" in the series. If you remember the show "Quantum Leap" then you may remember that a few seasons in, Sam gets an arch nemesis in the form of a female leaper. This happens to Matt in this story. Whether we see her again or not, I don't know since I'll be starting book 5 shortly after this review. But I hope so. So it appears that if Matt's working for another power, then Mr. Dark his agent as well.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT ENDS
An easy five stars for a strong entry in a series that has my attention.
June 4, 2011
Yes, that's right. Matt Cahill is back, visiting another small town, looking for Mr Dark, axe at his side. Welcome to another great episode in The Dead Man series.
David McAfee is the latest author to throw evil at Matt Cahill. It is hard to say too much about the novelette without delving into spoiler territory. Matt is in Crawford, a small town with a big problem. There is a serial killer on the loose, could this be Mr Dark's handy work? Matt is barely in town a day before he spies the tell-tale-signs, but someone else can see them too, and she could tell Matt who Mr Dark is.
I think it is easiest to liken this series to a TV show. A bunch of writers are called together by Lee and Will and they sit down and come up with a series. While Lee and Will's original work is adhered to, each writer who pens an episode brings their own flavour and feel. David has brought a subtle mysterious feel to this book, which left me wanting more. Needless to say, this was another Dead Man that was read in one sitting.
http://thetysonadams.blogspot.com/201...
David McAfee is the latest author to throw evil at Matt Cahill. It is hard to say too much about the novelette without delving into spoiler territory. Matt is in Crawford, a small town with a big problem. There is a serial killer on the loose, could this be Mr Dark's handy work? Matt is barely in town a day before he spies the tell-tale-signs, but someone else can see them too, and she could tell Matt who Mr Dark is.
I think it is easiest to liken this series to a TV show. A bunch of writers are called together by Lee and Will and they sit down and come up with a series. While Lee and Will's original work is adhered to, each writer who pens an episode brings their own flavour and feel. David has brought a subtle mysterious feel to this book, which left me wanting more. Needless to say, this was another Dead Man that was read in one sitting.
http://thetysonadams.blogspot.com/201...
June 15, 2012
The fourth installment of the excellent action-horror-adventure series. This time out, drifter/hero Matt Cahill lands in a southern town where he discovers someone he may finally be able to share his secret with. Unfortunately, Mr. Dark is also in town so things might not be as they seem. Like most DEAD MAN installments you can read through this one in one or two sittings. Another fun installment in a terrific series. I look forward to each new book like some folks await the latest episode of their favorite TV show.
June 6, 2011
Had a blast reading David McAfee's installment of The Dead Man series. He takes a different tack, giving Matt Cahill reason to wonder whether he's one of a kind or whether there are others like him wandering the land. The series tackles the age old battle of good v. evil both on the external and internal battlefields. Very entertaining.
March 11, 2013
This volume involves Matt searching for a serial killer in a small town, but it's more about setting up someone who's clearly going to be a recurring character in the series. These books are really starting to resemble a television series, which isn't too surprising given the creators' backgrounds. I'm still entertained, but even for a fast-moving horror series this is getting pretty lightweight.
August 10, 2013
Yet another episodic book in this series that was initially designed to be a tv show at one point. New insights into Mr. Dark, a hint at the bigger picture yet again (could there be a Mr. Light?), and for this book, the specific villian and twists throughout, with a potential new nemesis for future reference, was quite enjoyable. Ready for the next one!
February 13, 2014
Another entry in The Dead Man series gives some insight into Matt's abilities as a "dead man" as well as expands upon the conflict between him and Mr Dark. The twist isn't too surprising considering the title, but like most of these entries it's such a fast read that it's hard to hold that against it.
October 18, 2012
Even though I found this one predictable, I really enjoyed it. I feel like this one really gave the series some momentum, moving it in an interesting and intriguing direction. Looking forward to the next one!
October 19, 2014
For quick, fun, nasty reads the Dead Man books are hard to beat. Rabkin and Goldberg have done a great job of creating a series with the pace and feel of a TV show (no surprise given their backgrounds) that works perfectly in the Kindle age.
January 12, 2012
Why does it always have to be the woman? Am I starting to see a pattern here? Can't he just get laid by one pleasant, un-evil chick?
Same review as Book 1...
Same review as Book 1...
June 3, 2013
Enjoyable pulp. I'm still not convinced this novella format gives the hero enough chance to prove his mettle.
June 3, 2013
Good story. I still like the Matt Cahill character a lot. Pacing is different from this author....a few logic mistakes were troublesome.
July 30, 2013
Fun, entertaining stuff, with a serial killer and a couple of surprises. Not so much gore, but that's ok.
August 9, 2016
Me likey this one! :)
Want to read
August 13, 2011Book 4 in Dead Man series.
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