Death in the Afternoon: A Psychopomp Novel

by Jet Garner

Brant Thompson came home from a meeting to a ruined life. To make matters worse, he is being visited by mysterious apparitions that blur the line between reality and hallucination. It might be easier to tell the difference if it wasn't for his other Brant is a severe alcoholic. Thrust into a crisis while being pursued by his past, Brant Thompson must conquer the consequences of his actions while not fully understanding the forces that guide him. What he does know is if he cannot stay ahead of his pursuer, he will join his wife in the grave.

Join indie author Jet Garner in his debut novel about survival, growth, nightmares, and betrayal. Death in the Afternoon will take readers on a horrific journey into the mind of a man on the run that comes face to face with the darkest side of himself. Will he survive the encounter, or will madness defeat him?

356 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2024

Reviews

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute BEST thing you can do for indie authors is to shout about their books! Jet Garner ~ Death in the afternoon ~ I read Jet Garner novel “Afterlife” When I received his book for the Holiday Giveaway in 12 days of Christmas. Death in the afternoon has been on my TBR since I finished that book. What a rollercoaster 🎢 ride. Dark and disturbing. I can’t get that image out of my head at the end with the backpack.

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading this author’s other novel “Afterlife”. Jet Garner has a unique voice in the writing world and has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With “Death in the Afternoon”, you get a supernatural crime thriller involving psychopomps. A psychopomp is a creature that delivers people from the land of the living to the land of the dead. In this story, it comes in the form of an owl. Mind you, this is NOT the cutesy, sweet kind of owl that comes to deliver your personal invitation to Hogwarts-NO! I won’t describe the owl in this story (spoilers!) but brace yourself, seriously. This book is an excellent blend of thriller, fantasy and horror. As a reader you wonder pretty quick: are these strange things real or something that’s in the main character’s head? After all, the guy does drink A LOT of absinthe. All questions are answered in the end. This isn’t just a book, it’s an experience. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death In The Afternoon: A Psychopomp Novel" by Jet Garner was nothing like I expected, and honestly, it’s not my usual type of book. But wow—what a ride! The story is haunting, beautifully disturbing, and profoundly moving. It’s unsettling at times, but in the best way. The novel explores deep themes of grief, guilt, and existence, pulling me into a world that felt both surreal and real. It’s a thought-provoking experience that’s hard to forget. Definitely a unique and intense read.

[Welz Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked to the main character straight away. I’m not a reader of psychopomp thrillers, but after reading this book I will be.
Following the main character Brant, leads you into the spiritual life in parts, making you feel like you are riding the wave with him.
Fighting against his addiction to alcohol, he wonders whether he is losing the ability to do the right things by his wife.
Without giving any spoilers away, his journey feels unrealistic to him and questions are often asked if he is heading in the right direction to finish what someone else has started.
The ending was definitely harrowing, but calming at the same moment.
Brilliant 🤩 book Jet. Well done 👏

[Darryl M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wild ride with twists you will not see coming!

The characters are well-written; and we learn their inner motivations as the story is unfolds in bite-sized chapters, alternating through their first-person perspectives.

The depth of detail in the settings and actions shows a level of research from the author reminiscent of Crichton or Palahniuk -- though the depravity of some characters definitely leans more toward the latter's work. (Major content warning for SA and gore, btw)

It's an exciting (and often disturbing) book that explores loss and regret in ways you won't soon forget. Very much recommended

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jet Garner’s Death in the Afternoon is an intense and atmospheric thriller that delves deep into guilt, betrayal, and the fight for survival. Brant’s harrowing journey, guided by haunting apparitions and shadowed by a relentless killer, offers a chilling exploration of the human psyche.

While the book wasn’t entirely my taste, Garner’s writing is undeniably strong, with vivid descriptions and well-crafted tension that keeps the story engaging. Fans of dark psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist will find this a compelling start to the Psychopomp Anthology Series.

[Karen Bunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat, I felt as if I was experiencing everything the characters were feeling. Character development is superb. The writer held my attention and kept me engaged throughout the entire book. A must read!!

[Crystal A. Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started fast and kept me guessing up until the end. I could have NEVER predicted the ending! The book is easy to follow yet complex in ways that is stays engrossing throughout. The characters are well developed. So much so that sometimes I felt bad for the antagonist. I loved that there are no real “good guys” among the main characters and their flaws are realistic and skin crawly at the same time! I highly recommend this fun read that made me think about the ending long after I finished it.

[sarah sonnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Good Story line, not saying anything negative. However, there is a lot of over descriptive areas that could have been minimized. I also found it distracting that some information was reported over and over again through out the book. I still give it a 5 star.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in the Afternoon by Jet Garner is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the depths of human darkness and the haunting consequences of past sins. The novel follows Brant, a man haunted by the murder of his wife, as he desperately tries to escape his past and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Garner skillfully crafts a suspenseful narrative, weaving together elements of mystery, horror, and psychological torment. The story is driven by Brant's internal struggles as he grapples with guilt, fear, and the visions that torment him. The author's vivid descriptions of Brant's psychological state and the eerie atmosphere of the story create a sense of unease and suspense.

The introduction of apparitions adds a supernatural element to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. These visions serve as both a guide and a tormentor for Brant, pushing him to confront his past and seek redemption. The author's exploration of the psychological impact of trauma and the power of the human mind is both thought-provoking and disturbing.

The novel's pacing is well-executed, with a gradual build-up of tension and suspense that culminates in a heart-pounding climax. The characters are well-developed, with Brant's inner turmoil and the enigmatic nature of the apparitions adding depth and complexity to the story.

Death in the Afternoon is a compelling and disturbing psychological thriller that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. Garner's exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of past actions is both haunting and thought-provoking. This novel is a must-read for fans of dark suspense and psychological thrillers.

[travel_thru_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking Amazing! Suspense, Secrets, and Seriously such a wonderful book!

This book? So good. I enjoyed every single minute of it! Jet Garner’s debut novel, Death in the Afternoon, grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The writing is so vivid, I felt like I was in the scenes—dodging danger, holding my breath, and whispering “what the heck is going on?” in the best way possible.

Yes, there’s gore—and it’s written so well—but it’s not just blood and guts for shock value. It’s part of a bigger, deeper story packed with suspense, mystery, and emotional weight. The real magic is in watching Brant’s story unfold. He’s not losing his mind—he’s surviving, unraveling secrets, and facing some seriously dark truths. And wow, does it keep you guessing.

Jet Garner knows how to build tension, twist the plot, and make you feel every moment. And this is his first novel?! Wild. I’m already impatient to read his other book!

If you’re into thrillers that mess with your head, tug at your heart, and make you say “just one more chapter” until 2 a.m… this one’s for you.

[Kim Zirges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This genre is not my usual style of reading. Every once in a while though, I like to expand my pallet. This novel delivers a punch of unexpected twists and turns leaving you questioning what's coming next. Trigger warning for those who have experienced childhood abuse/trauma and this also has its fair share of graphic gory details not for the weak stomach individual. That being said, the ability of this author to accurately describe surroundings and situations as though you are right in the middle of it is astounding. It made me uncomfortable as I had a hard time not feeling like I was there with these characters. Such depth to each character that you truly understood why, who, and how they are.
When you open the pages of an authors debut novel you don't expect the depth and content that this novel packs in. Looking forward to the sophomore release for this author for sure!

[Matthew Farmer]

Twisted revenge

If you like your revenge twisted, read this book! Follow Brant as he trys to figure out who's hunting him and why they're killing those close to him! Follow the killer as he unravels and becomes twisted

[Hendrik Brolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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