Duncan Ralston is Dead

by Lisa Breanne

A Rumor has fractured humanity...




Violence is on the rise...




The police have stopped answering calls...




Hospitals are overrun...




Cities are burning...




Matt Shaw cannot be reached for comment...




Duncan Ralston is Dead.




This is how it happened.

Genres: Horror, Comedy

166 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2024

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love the Indie Horror community. The people in it are some of my best friends and acquaintances whom I greatly admire. However, this year I am proud in a personal way. Some of my friends that are readers, reviewers, and all-around cheerleaders for Indie authors, have taken the next step and become writers themselves. A significant number of the best stories I've read this year have been debuts from these new authors, and I have been consistently impressed.

Lisa Breanne is well-known in our community for her wit, charm, and love of Nick Roberts. After reading her debut novel, I am positive she will be joining the ranks of some of our favorite Indie Horror writers. With an eye-catching title and cover, I know this book will make its way into many hands. However, the true success will be once people read this tale and recognize Lisa's immense talent.

I initially thought this book would be purely satire. I mean, clearly Duncan is alive and well (last time I checked), so this tale could have easily become pure comedy. That's the direction I assumed this book would take. While it does have funny, witty moments and excellent banter, it is far more complex than I anticipated. This was a true, dystopian, horror story. I enjoyed Lisa's writing style and absolutely adored what she did with the characters. Recognizing some names and personalities from within the inner circle of authors and reviewers well known in the community was a real treat.

All in all, I am so impressed with this debut, and extremely proud of my friend. I am so excited to see what she comes up with next.

[Shannon M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book. Unfortunately, I don't have the greatest review and it's actually not how I thought this would go. I was truly hoping to love this.

The concept is super interesting and I really enjoyed that aspect of it, however it was littered with inside jokes that most people, if they haven't been on the scene for a long time, wouldn't get. I have been around for years, and there is still a ton of stuff that I didn't get. Other reviews claimed this book was hilarious, and I didn't crack a smile once -- I literally just assume it's because there is stuff I didn't get, and that's not the author's fault, by any means, but maybe adding context might have been better, at least for me.

About halfway through, I was actually incredibly irritated. Not even because of the inside jokes though; that I could get over, no problem. It was the fact that the FMC's drinking problem was more the plot than the actual plot was. Remember, this book is only 121 pages (but that includes all the front and back matter, including a really good foreword by Duncan himself), and drinking/alcohol was mentioned 60 times. The word "wine" showed up 21 times, "bottle(s)" showed up 14, and "drink" showed up 6 times in reference to a character drinking (it showed up 4 more times in reference to a book title). Now, why is this a problem? I'm a recovering alcoholic, and while I pride myself in having my sobriety (3.5 years) under control and not need trigger warnings for alcohol content in books, this was entirely too much. It was only a short novelette and the FMC spent over half the book drinking, drunk, or hungover. It kept pulling me from the story. I still don't require trigger warnings or the like, but it was definitely TOO MUCH and entirely UNNECESSARY.

That being said, I really enjoyed Lisa's writing style and I think the concept of the story is important. As I mentioned above, I have been around for quite some time, and I have seen a lot of the cancel culture talked about in the book. Some of it warranted, some of it not. Either way, I appreciate this story for that purpose -- bringing light to the issue.

The last thing I want to touch on is the genre of this story. It's quite tame, and definitely isn't "gross" and the gore is minimal. I wouldn't call this scary in any way. In fact, I would probably classify this more as a thriller. I enjoyed that though, to be honest. I am unsure how it's being marketed though, so I cannot speak to that.

Overall (TLDR), the story was decent and the writing was done well, but some of the content was over my head and pulled me from the book. This was a great debut and I think she is very talented -- I will gladly read more works by her, as long as the main character isn't a drunken mess lol. This hardly reads like a debut story, which just shows exactly how talented she is. Again, thank you for the ARC, and I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.

[Jim Ody · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be a really tricky transition going from an incredibly passionate cheerleader to being an author. Often those on the sidelines see the money, the glamour and readers throwing themselves at authors for sex, and obviously want a slice of that pie. The result is often a quick, and mediocre novel and a poor reading experience for the reader, which results instead to no money, no glamour and quick and mediocre lonely solo sessions by their own hand…

Lisa’s debut book does not read like it’s her virgin outing. It suggests an untapped talent from experienced fingers that glide professionally over the keyboard like it’s second nature to her. The story is great and the fact it’s filled with references to people I know really gives this a personal touch that had me speeding through this.

There is a skill in being able to keep up a quick tempo whilst painting scenes just enough for our minds to conjure up pictures, but without overcomplicating things. The structure, and creativity can not be denied and it’s a really unique way of telling a story surrounding Mr Ralston. But let’s not forget that surrounding the humour, and well-crafted scenes is actually a serious story about how horror authors are perceived by those outside of our little world. That’s not fiction but a real truth.

I love that Lisa, who works tirelessly for so many authors, has produced something that we don’t feel like we have to get behind, but a book that I’m proud of for her, and one that is a wonderful example of working on your craft before unleashing it to the world.

The scenes with Matt Lutton (rhymes with button) were great and had me chuckling… I only wish you’d put Rayner in here with one of his BDSM dungeon trips at my mum’s, that he favours spending his royalties on. Maybe next time. I have a list of potential deaths.

I really can’t wait to see what Lisa writes next, but I know it will be a bloody good read!!

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across a book that just slaps you in the face and you love it.
Duncan Ralston is Dead is one of those books: you can dwell on the in-jokes that really will make you laugh until you hurt, but the thing that really hits with this book is the sheer talent with which it is written. The humour is non-stop, but so is the heartache when you think how close to the bone the subject is, and how real some of these events can seem.
There are some genuinely harrowing moments in this book expertly mixed in to the narrative, and some really shocking moments. You may well choke on your pancakes!

As a debut, this is everything I was hoping it would be and more, I was genuinely gutted when I finished it. It is one of those rare books that I wish I could read for the first time all over again because it is a real ride and I was hooked every second.

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen the hype for this book and was very excited to read it.

It was a fun read for the most part, but it was not entirely what I expected. It doesn't mean it was bad. Actually, quite the opposite. While there were some moments where I chuckled with the inside jokes, there were other moments that were actually pretty dark. These dark moments show the reality of cancel culture and how extreme it can get.

It's the kind of book that will make you feel all kinds of emotions ranging from laughing all the way to scared, to angry. I can't spoil it for you but overall for a debut book, this was pretty good!

I give this a 4.5/5 stars, which gets rounded to a 5.
Overall, a great debut effort by Lisa.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.I.P. Duncan Ralston🪦🥀lol 😆

I have been seeing a lot about this one, but I had no idea what it was about before I read it. I really enjoyed it. It was a different and fun read. The way the world is now, I can definitely see the situations in this book happening in real life, which is a little scary. The way it ended was great. It was fun reading about so many authors I know in this book. Lisa Breanne did an amazing job, and I absolutely can not wait to read more awesome stories from her in the future.

[Alexandra Nisneru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to hear about the idea of this book even before the first words were written. I loved it then and now after reading it, I love it even more.
If you're a fan of indie horror, you will feel the events described in the book deep and with passion. And other than that, you'll find yourself experience a wide load of emotions from amusement to anger, hurting and shock.
Duncan Ralston is dead is a wild ride you don't want to miss.

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…sometimes it hurts, it hurts so much you feel like your chest is caving in. And the only thing stopping it are the gasps of air you take in between the tears. ”

It hurts cuz it feels a bit like this could actually happen, and it pulls at your heartstrings because all the fear and anger pummeling the horror world is greatly portrayed in this book. It was absolutely suffocating … and I swear my ears were ringing while I was hoping and praying that people would be okay. This was fun but it was scary in a holy shit… this feels too real kinda way… this book is a conversation starter, a tough conversation starter. And I fucking loved it. I gasped. I grumbled. I giggled. I teared up. Multiple times. This book has all the feels, and written so well you’ll feel like you’re right there with the narrator, at the best of times and at the worst of times. The losses are many and it is tragic. It is compelling and you will not want to put it down, you will have to know what happens next. A beautiful message lies in this one, folks.

[Shaun Filion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of both the author and the namesake of this book. Along with so many names mentioned within. The story was a lot of fun but also frustrating at times just to think that there are people out there who actually despise the horror community the way these fictitious characters did. But that didn't take away from the enjoyment. I'll definitely be picking up more of Ms. Breanne's work!
( On a side note, I'm sure that Mr. Ralston himself would appreciate knowing that I am the 69th person to rate this book!) Noice !

[Dawn Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start this off by saying that I am personal friends with both the author, Lisa, and the book’s namesake, Duncan Ralston. This is meant to be a horror comedy and it pulls it off. It is very graphic at times. I enjoyed this read and seeing so many familiar names, as I personally know most of them. It’s only fitting that Duncan dying will start the indie horror apocalypse.

[Elizabeth Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun premise for a novel. I love the references to the Facebook Books of Horror group as well as seeing some of my favorite indie horror writers in, including, but not limited to, Mike Salt and Angel Van Atta. I will definitely be reading more from Lisa Breanne.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This book will hit every emotion. Beautifully written and strikes at current society in an exciting storyline.

You'll cry, laugh, be scared and angry. Highly recommend!!

Excellent debut from a new author, I can't wait for her next book.

[Ben Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could say many things about this book (all of them complimentary). I have had many reactions to this book (all of them welcome). But still I struggle with what to tell about it. Here’s an attempt.

Duncan Ralston is Dead uses a cast of familiar characters pulled from the ranks of this very community, though most are distorted, some to a gleefully absurd degree (ahem) to accomplish several goals. First to tell a compelling tale of mystery, suspense, intrigue and of course horror. Second to lob a hand grenade at those who fail to understand that authors are not their characters.

It’s insightful, it’s well-written, it’s poignant, it’s scary. It’s fun as hell and I think you should read it when it comes out in August. A tip of my ballcap to Lisa Breanne 🖤🧢

[Bree Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start off by saying knowing the author on a very personal level made this book all the more enjoyable for me. I laughed at the ability to read it in her voice, and knowing someone she mentions in the book. I'm newer to the indie horror community reading wise and I really enjoyed the introduction via this book.

The story progressed well and at a pace suitable for the length of the book. The ending felt abrupt though, it left me wanting to read more and thats good :) Overall I liked the bits of story from each character/author she was referencing. It was dark, violent but also had it's bits of comedy. I really enjoyed it. I want to read more :)

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining!!! This was such a quirky, kind of frightening, and twisted book! There were moments I chuckled, and then there were moments that got crazy...especially the ending!

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear I did this review..

This was insane and fun and lovely and I need more

[Jennifer Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was/is Lisa’s debut, and what a fantastic one at that. Duncan Ralston himself writes the forward… tempting fate? Maybe.

First I want to note that this might be one of the few books I’ve read where we aren’t given the main characters name? Right? I didn’t miss it? And the first person POV on top of it really makes it feel like this could be any one of us.

The story opens when the main character sees a post on social media declaring that DUNCAN RALSTON IS DEAD 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💔💔💔 after a recent social media hiatus… and on top of that Matt Shaw can’t be reached to comment.

This book takes a deep dive into the ugly side of social media, the stigma surrounding horror, cancel culture, and how dangerous it can be when hate is fueled by mob mentality.

Maybe it’s because I’m friends with almost every author mentioned in this book, but reading this was a bit like watching the movie THIS IS THE END, and I loved it. So many of my favorites met their demise in the weeks that followed… and each time Lisa nailed it, managing to find the perfect way for each of them to go.

There were a few holy shit moments… 😯

A few times when I was truly impressed with her writing, the way she so elegantly and unabashedly articulated her thoughts…

Also loved the pacing and how she managed to wrap up each chapter in a way that gives you closure while leaving you ready to dive right into the next.

And the ending… *chef’s kiss*

Highly recommend checking this one out! 🪦

[Derek Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only one complaint about this book. It was too short. The story literally covers months in time, but it jumps a lot from chapter to chapter. I feel the author could have developed the entire story more by going into more detail, thereby allowing the chapters to flow into the next one more smoothly. I would have liked more development as to why Duncan was in hiding and what was going on with he and Matt Shaw emotionally.
That said, what a fun read! The statement being made about cancel culture is obvious and brutal. And sadly, the over-the-top behavior of the anti-horror group is totally plausible in our current society. Having numerous current indie horror authors as characters adds to the feel of the story. The story pulled me in right away and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next at the end of each chapter. Overall, it is a strong debut from Lisa Breanne and I look forward to what she has in store for us in her next release.
I feel really bad for E.L. Giles, the shame he and his family must feel right now.
I also am craving lasagna.

[David Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Duncan Ralston is Dead’ is nothing more than a thoughtful caricature of the indie horror community. With a carefully curated pen Lisa Breanna manages to rend this very niche corner of the internet into a satirically exaggerated world where big fish/small pond horror authors are handled like celebrities.

This book is written from the perspective of someone in this world so I can see this story not landing well with any random folks who pick this up, but for those who are tuned in (if only a little) it works. Some of the authors mentioned in the story are portrayed in ways nothing like their real selves but it’s very evident if you know.

The plot to this book works well and it’s written well. The pacing is great and was overall a solid short read. I didn’t know what this book was going to offer but I kind of want more stories that are this niche. Everyone likes a good inside joke and this book felt like that to me.

[MandeeFoFandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when cancel culture takes over the literary world? When readers can't separate fact from fiction and think that authors of a certain genre are promoting the reality of their content? How would the horror genre react when they find out one of their own is thought to be unalived?

Well, not only do your favorite authors find themselves in danger in Duncan Ralston is Dead, but you'll also stumble across some brilliantly planted inside jokes/nuances that will having you laughing out loud.

For example, we all know Nick only as perfect posture to seem taller than he is, and Angel's sweet demeanor will carry her throughout a riot if need be. Ben Young cannot go a day without explaining a joke and Matt Lutton's well known superhero alter ego comes to light.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Lisa Breanne's debut, and didn't put it down once I picked it up. You'll find a lot of familiar friends within... but will they survive the consequences of being canceled?

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally read it! What a fun time. I love Lisa's humor throughout the book. There were a lot of name-drops and inside jokes that I think most Books of Horror members will enjoy (and I'm sure a lot more that went over my head). But I feel like most people in the group already know and read it, I'm just sloooooowly getting caught up on books I purchased throughout the Indie Author Brawl reading period and I'm way behind. Anyways, I am looking forward to whatever Lisa does next. There was a lot of humor here but I'm hoping for a lot of scares in her next work... but I also hope it's damn funny. If you like hybrid horror and humor like a great Grady Hendrix book, and you're a fan of many of the Books of Horror favorites (think authors who got into the two Brawls so far), I think you'll find a lot to love here.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe this is Lisa's first novel, absolutely brilliant. I am a fan of Duncan Ralston and Woom was the first Splatterpunk book I ever read, I can recall my husband's face as I explained the book to him. It was the look of "What have I married" 😂. So I was intrigued when I saw Duncan's name in the title. And he wrote the foreword for this and it was so fun.

Anyway let's get to my review....

Cancel Culture, The Horror Community, Explosions, Deaths and all sorts of violence against authors. People who can't separate the art from the artist, and one woman caught up in it all and losing so much.

Absolutely brilliant. I also loved the little "cameos" from the indie horror world too 😂. And having seen the banter between all the authors on social media made it even funnier! Well done.

[Kate Reedwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of satire, so when I received an ARC of this story, I was extremely excited to read it. This is one hell of a debut book. Not only is it well-written, it's an engaging commentary about the influence of social media on the global consciousness. Having lived through the Satanic Panic of the 80s, I found this story to be believable, even in its obvious exaggeration. I was intrigued to read on and find out who was going to meet an untimely end and how. This is a great story, and I loved it.

[Paul Tindol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious, chaotic, horrific ride with lots of heart for the indie horror community!

I had a lot of fun reading this book. The writing is so fantastic that it's hard to believe this is a debut.

Although I loved all the indie horror references and cameos, I suspect many will be lost on readers who are not as familiar with the current indie horror scene, but there's still plenty here for those readers to enjoy!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

No! NOT DUNCAN! He's the whole damn reason I'm in Books of Horror! Why, Lisa, why?

All jokes aside, I adore Lisa's debut. A comedy like no other, it pulls from the annals of Books of Horror itself, to create hilarious caricatures of popular people. It's equally parts fun and compelling, while staying true to its horror-loving heart. Lisa has created a real gem here. If this is her debut, she has a long career ahead of her.

[Chris Hookway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire book is absolutely bloody brilliant. I literally was laughing out loud throughout. This was a fantastic read, and an absolute must for anyone in the indie horror community. For those not, it still would be a fun, tongue in cheek, finger on the pulse of current political trajectory, read. A lot of it wouldn’t be so far fetched in today’s America.
Overall this was a joy to read, one I would VERY highly recommend, and one I see myself revisiting again for sure.

[Michal Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this short novel! I'm familiar with most of the authors who were mentioned in it, which absolutely adds a layer of fun. It had moments that had me laughing out loud and moments that broke my heart. Definitely worth supporting this debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from Lisa Breanne!

[John Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished listening to Duncan Ralston is Dead by Lisa Breanne!

I went into this completely blind and it was such a fun story! It was great hearing so many familiar indie horror names! Beware of the Cancel Cult!

It felt sort of like the movie, “This is the End” but with indie horror authors! All around, a fun, short read!

4/5 ⭐️’s and worth a read!

[Brittani Button · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully fun read! If you're a fan of indie horror, this needs to be in your TBR pile!

If you are in the Books of Horror Facebook group, this feels like you're reading about friends! And NO author is safe from Lisa's writing.

Enjoy!!

[Brandon MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good debut. I don't know if I just expected more out of it but it was a fun read, fun subject matter and could see bits and pieces actually happening. The ending was my favorite, because I can definitely see that happening.

Overall worth a read for sure