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Killing the Dead #1
Killing the Dead
Ryan has always lived quietly. He barely knows his neighbours, keeps apart from co-workers and is happy to be left alone. No one knows that he is a serial killer in the north of England. When Lily knocks at his door, pursued by the undead he soon realizes that everything has changed. With the zombies growing in number, Ryan is more than happy to put his skills to the test by killing the dead. Anything to avoid that much greater challenge of learning to live and work with other people to survive. Please note this series contains adult themes, violence and some swearing.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2014
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609 people want to read
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Richard Murray
39 books62 followersReader, Writer, Father, Pet Owner... pretty much it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 25, 2024
Killer vs Zombies
In the vein of The Walking Dead but doing it's on thing you see how a serial killer might handle a zombie apocalypse.
Some interesting characters and ideas. A fun read for fans of zombie horror.
In the vein of The Walking Dead but doing it's on thing you see how a serial killer might handle a zombie apocalypse.
Some interesting characters and ideas. A fun read for fans of zombie horror.
October 18, 2021
Killing the Dead is a zombie apocalypse novella with a bit of a twist - Our main character Ryan happens to already be pretty good at killing people, in fact he's a serial killer and now must help his band of survivors make it through the rough times. But will his strang eurges be satisfied with killing those already dead?
This wasn't bad and I think I had set my expectations pretty low after reading other reviews but I actually ended up quite enjoying this. I like that this story is set in the UK for starters, as I find a majority of ZA stories are set in the US and while that's fine, not every country has such easy access to guns and automatic weapons, so it's refreshing to see people just have to use any old weapon they can grab to help the survive.
It took me a while to accept Ryan's narration. I think he could have been written a little bit better - he's odd for starters, and everything about his tone of voice is overly formal which is suppose to fit in with his serial killer role - but isn't one of the scariest things about serial killers the fact that they can blend into normal society so it would have been better if Ryan had actually being ultra charming and suave instead. There were also some cases where words were used a few too many times (Ryan finds things 'irksome' a lot or is 'irked') which is just a case of editing a bit more.
I liked the latter half of this book the most. It felt like things went from zero to 100, and I do think it ends at a point where you really want to continue on. I'm not sure I would read all 20 books (!!) in this series, but I'm certainly tempted to read the first season at least and see what happens.
This wasn't bad and I think I had set my expectations pretty low after reading other reviews but I actually ended up quite enjoying this. I like that this story is set in the UK for starters, as I find a majority of ZA stories are set in the US and while that's fine, not every country has such easy access to guns and automatic weapons, so it's refreshing to see people just have to use any old weapon they can grab to help the survive.
It took me a while to accept Ryan's narration. I think he could have been written a little bit better - he's odd for starters, and everything about his tone of voice is overly formal which is suppose to fit in with his serial killer role - but isn't one of the scariest things about serial killers the fact that they can blend into normal society so it would have been better if Ryan had actually being ultra charming and suave instead. There were also some cases where words were used a few too many times (Ryan finds things 'irksome' a lot or is 'irked') which is just a case of editing a bit more.
I liked the latter half of this book the most. It felt like things went from zero to 100, and I do think it ends at a point where you really want to continue on. I'm not sure I would read all 20 books (!!) in this series, but I'm certainly tempted to read the first season at least and see what happens.
November 8, 2014
This novella is just a very poor episode of The Walking Dead. Hell, they even end up in an old farm house, just like The Walking Dead.
Of course, in this story, we have a serial killer named Ryan as our narrator. Oh, nifty! It's like totally original, right? Well, considering he's actually compared to Dexter in this story, because of Ryan's so-called code of killing, it's really not so original. Because, Ryan doesn't kill just anybody. He only kills people who deserve it. Oh, and zombies, of course. Just like Dexter!
The problem is, this story doesn't have any of the depth of character as even the worst of The Walking Dead episodes. I spent the entire time reading this story, hoping they would all die a horrible death. I kept thinking, maybe they will die while getting burned alive, while being eaten by zombies, while being raped by hung black guys.
One can only hope, right? Oh, and don't get me started on this guy's use of the word 'whilst', as in "Cover me, whilst I chop at these zombies with my cleaver." Or, Whilst I gathered canned goods, the girls were busy cooking upstairs. Or, whilst I jack off in this girl's face, make sure to take a selfie, at just the right moment, whilst I ejaculate.
Okay, sure, I know this story is set in London, or somewhere in Britain, but come on man. The word has its uses, I'm sure, but not in every goddamn paragraph, for fuck's sake.
Please excuse me, whilst I wipe me bum with this stupid story.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Visit My Book Review Blog and Follow me on Twitter
Of course, in this story, we have a serial killer named Ryan as our narrator. Oh, nifty! It's like totally original, right? Well, considering he's actually compared to Dexter in this story, because of Ryan's so-called code of killing, it's really not so original. Because, Ryan doesn't kill just anybody. He only kills people who deserve it. Oh, and zombies, of course. Just like Dexter!
The problem is, this story doesn't have any of the depth of character as even the worst of The Walking Dead episodes. I spent the entire time reading this story, hoping they would all die a horrible death. I kept thinking, maybe they will die while getting burned alive, while being eaten by zombies, while being raped by hung black guys.
One can only hope, right? Oh, and don't get me started on this guy's use of the word 'whilst', as in "Cover me, whilst I chop at these zombies with my cleaver." Or, Whilst I gathered canned goods, the girls were busy cooking upstairs. Or, whilst I jack off in this girl's face, make sure to take a selfie, at just the right moment, whilst I ejaculate.
Okay, sure, I know this story is set in London, or somewhere in Britain, but come on man. The word has its uses, I'm sure, but not in every goddamn paragraph, for fuck's sake.
Please excuse me, whilst I wipe me bum with this stupid story.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Visit My Book Review Blog and Follow me on Twitter
June 1, 2017
This book is a fun fast paced page turner, never a dull moment. Never thought I'd find myself laughing at the sick things a serial killer thinks, but I did. Well done !!
April 25, 2017
So I got the first and second books for free and read them back to back. This one had an interesting start with Ryan, a serial killer, and Lily, a woman who happens to find him while running from a pack of zombies.
First, I'm not sure I buy Ryan as a serial killer. His characterization is hit or miss for me. Sometimes, the writer nails his alienation from others, and his need to kill. Other times... I feel like Ryan's thoughts don't really ring true. For the most part, the book was okay.
The thing that bothered me the most, though, is that I kept getting the nagging feeling that I'd read this book before. A couple of scenes felt very familiar. On the other hand, there were a few unexpected developments, so I think I've just read way too many zombie novels, and I already know a lot of the beats.
The ending was abrupt, and the second book starts immediately after. If I had paid for this one, and didn't have the second book, I would have been mad, but I was able to keep reading.
First, I'm not sure I buy Ryan as a serial killer. His characterization is hit or miss for me. Sometimes, the writer nails his alienation from others, and his need to kill. Other times... I feel like Ryan's thoughts don't really ring true. For the most part, the book was okay.
The thing that bothered me the most, though, is that I kept getting the nagging feeling that I'd read this book before. A couple of scenes felt very familiar. On the other hand, there were a few unexpected developments, so I think I've just read way too many zombie novels, and I already know a lot of the beats.
The ending was abrupt, and the second book starts immediately after. If I had paid for this one, and didn't have the second book, I would have been mad, but I was able to keep reading.
September 6, 2017
I'm sorry to say that this was bad. The writing was awful. The characters weren't believable at all. The main character was pathetic. "Serial killer", right. Lily was stupid and pathetic too, giggling and being completely okay with a murderer. And the so called murderer blushing and following her rules.
Simply terrible.
Simply terrible.
August 7, 2014
I was given Killing the Dead by Richard Murray in exchange for an honest review.
While this book is very similar to most other zombie books, I have never read one with a lead character quite like this one.
Usually keeping to himself and never doing anything to attract attention to himself because of his love of killing and not wanting to get caught. After hearing a frantic knocking Ryan finds himself letting Lily into his house after realising she is being pursued by zombies. Lily soon discovers she is in the presence of a serial killer but instead of leaving she sets some ground rules. Has she just made a huge mistake or will Ryan surprise even himself?
While only being a short book there is plenty of action packed between it's pages. Ryan makes an unusual lead character but I find myself liking him.I am looking forward to reading book two Search For Safety and finding out more about Ryan and Lily. I give this book 4 stars would have liked it to be longer I finished it much to quickly. You can find it at amazon for a very low price.
While this book is very similar to most other zombie books, I have never read one with a lead character quite like this one.
Usually keeping to himself and never doing anything to attract attention to himself because of his love of killing and not wanting to get caught. After hearing a frantic knocking Ryan finds himself letting Lily into his house after realising she is being pursued by zombies. Lily soon discovers she is in the presence of a serial killer but instead of leaving she sets some ground rules. Has she just made a huge mistake or will Ryan surprise even himself?
While only being a short book there is plenty of action packed between it's pages. Ryan makes an unusual lead character but I find myself liking him.I am looking forward to reading book two Search For Safety and finding out more about Ryan and Lily. I give this book 4 stars would have liked it to be longer I finished it much to quickly. You can find it at amazon for a very low price.
September 16, 2014
Killing the Dead by Richard Murray was an unusual read for me. I'm generally not a zombie fan unless the story has something different to offer. This book did.
The main character, Ryan, is a sociopathic serial killer. He's sort of a likable sociopath, as sociopaths go. The apocalypse is typical: dead bodies rise to become zombies due to an infection and start chewing on the living.
But the story isn't really about that. It is about Ryan using his "special abilities" to cope with the situation, and the relations that develop between him and the other characters. Ryan is well-acquainted with killing, and now he can kill the dead without fear of retribution. His talents can finally come out into the light of day instead of being hidden away in his basement. His new acquaintances learn this about him, but decide his sociopathic tendencies can be an asset.
Overall, the writing was good and the story kept my interest. I would recommend Killing the Dead if you enjoy zombies and character based stories. It is a quick, entertaining read.
The main character, Ryan, is a sociopathic serial killer. He's sort of a likable sociopath, as sociopaths go. The apocalypse is typical: dead bodies rise to become zombies due to an infection and start chewing on the living.
But the story isn't really about that. It is about Ryan using his "special abilities" to cope with the situation, and the relations that develop between him and the other characters. Ryan is well-acquainted with killing, and now he can kill the dead without fear of retribution. His talents can finally come out into the light of day instead of being hidden away in his basement. His new acquaintances learn this about him, but decide his sociopathic tendencies can be an asset.
Overall, the writing was good and the story kept my interest. I would recommend Killing the Dead if you enjoy zombies and character based stories. It is a quick, entertaining read.
September 25, 2015
I only got 76% of the way through the book before I finally gave up. Here's the short version as to why: "Status update" Besides the lack of needed commas and apostrophes, the plot has become a drag. The narrator has a habit of rambling about nonsense when he's supposed to be concentrated on running from these fucking zombies. And he goes over every detail of the new characters' appearances and *spontaneously combusts*
Seriously. It's sad because this book had sooo much potential, but it squandered it big time. I wanted to love this book, hence why I read over half the book. But I just can't.
Seriously. It's sad because this book had sooo much potential, but it squandered it big time. I wanted to love this book, hence why I read over half the book. But I just can't.
February 25, 2018
Good British zombie fiction with an adorable, psychopathic anti-hero.
A cross between Dexter and The Walking Dead. Well written, good character development. Part one of six. Very highly recommended.
A cross between Dexter and The Walking Dead. Well written, good character development. Part one of six. Very highly recommended.
February 23, 2021
It’s an intriguing notion, of the kind one might debate after a few too many pints down the local, amongst equally inebriated pals: how would a serial killer react to a zombie apocalypse (in the UK)?
The author has a good go at presenting the story from the serial killer’s point of view, with narration that tries to show an unemotional and highly literal approach to everything, a cold robotic logic more appropriate to lieutenant Data from Star Trek rather than a properly researched neurodiverse or psychotic individual. It’s quite different from other zombie novels in that respect.
But we have too little time to appreciate the serial killer as serial killer before the usual zombie story action kicks in, just a few pages. That’s the problem. Zombie story tropes rarely allow time for character analysis, and the standard action scenes preclude it here despite the premise. The standard battles between the living don’t seem any different because we have a serial killer as narrator. It’s no different from other zombie stories where your Everyman narrator gains a taste for violence and killing as the story progresses.
So as a novelty, the story fails its premise somewhat. It’s nevertheless an entertaining run of the mill zombie apocalypse set in the Midlands or Yorkshire, in need of an edit. It makes for a short decent read and I’ll probably read the rest of the series if I come across it, e.g. on Kindle Unlimited.
The author has a good go at presenting the story from the serial killer’s point of view, with narration that tries to show an unemotional and highly literal approach to everything, a cold robotic logic more appropriate to lieutenant Data from Star Trek rather than a properly researched neurodiverse or psychotic individual. It’s quite different from other zombie novels in that respect.
But we have too little time to appreciate the serial killer as serial killer before the usual zombie story action kicks in, just a few pages. That’s the problem. Zombie story tropes rarely allow time for character analysis, and the standard action scenes preclude it here despite the premise. The standard battles between the living don’t seem any different because we have a serial killer as narrator. It’s no different from other zombie stories where your Everyman narrator gains a taste for violence and killing as the story progresses.
So as a novelty, the story fails its premise somewhat. It’s nevertheless an entertaining run of the mill zombie apocalypse set in the Midlands or Yorkshire, in need of an edit. It makes for a short decent read and I’ll probably read the rest of the series if I come across it, e.g. on Kindle Unlimited.
September 24, 2017
Oh so tedious! We're meant to be impressed by the "psychopath" as a hero, not to see that this is a glorified televised "cool" version of a psychopath that a desperately horny teenager might write about, with the helpless pretty bossy girl just falling in love with him? The whole concept was grating and badly thought out and the author should have done some research first.
And the story was so predictable, of the many free apocalypse based books I've read (that then hope you'll pay several pounds for every bloody boom after that) this went pretty much the way I expected. Including the man deciding to be hero and hunter gatherer whilst the girls do proper girl work like the laundry and the cooking and generally huddle together helplessly to boost the author/heroes ego..
And the story was so predictable, of the many free apocalypse based books I've read (that then hope you'll pay several pounds for every bloody boom after that) this went pretty much the way I expected. Including the man deciding to be hero and hunter gatherer whilst the girls do proper girl work like the laundry and the cooking and generally huddle together helplessly to boost the author/heroes ego..
May 13, 2025
Killing the Dead
Killing the Dead #1
Sci-fi
Richard Murray
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ • ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ •
I liked that this book was set in the UK. Not many zombie/post-apocalyptic books are set in countries outside of the US so it was nice to read familiar slang and locations.
The pacing for the first half was quite slow. I found the MMC a little frustrating at times because of his internal monologue. It felt way too formal and stiff, and he would often ramble on about insignificant things.
I liked that the zombies themselves weren't the slow, meandering type. They were fast and vicious which made for good fighting scenes and tense getaways.
The ending was ok and I think I might continue the series at some point.
Killing the Dead #1
Sci-fi
Richard Murray
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ • ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ •
I liked that this book was set in the UK. Not many zombie/post-apocalyptic books are set in countries outside of the US so it was nice to read familiar slang and locations.
The pacing for the first half was quite slow. I found the MMC a little frustrating at times because of his internal monologue. It felt way too formal and stiff, and he would often ramble on about insignificant things.
I liked that the zombies themselves weren't the slow, meandering type. They were fast and vicious which made for good fighting scenes and tense getaways.
The ending was ok and I think I might continue the series at some point.
December 30, 2016
A quick review: the story is interesting enough, with the whole premise of the psychopath serial killer being the sort-of hero, but the lack of punctuation was driving me mad - commas exist for a reason, and should be used where appropriate! The apostrophe also seems not to be a favourite, and the author seems to struggle between writing in British English ("colour," "whilst,") and American English ("cell phone," "ton").
As much as I'd love to keep reading and find out how things progress, I'm sure the other books will be as lacking in correct punctuation as this one, so I'm giving this saga a pass. Sorry, but time's too short to have to keep reporting mistakes on my Kindle...
As much as I'd love to keep reading and find out how things progress, I'm sure the other books will be as lacking in correct punctuation as this one, so I'm giving this saga a pass. Sorry, but time's too short to have to keep reporting mistakes on my Kindle...
November 27, 2021
😊
Serial killer turned zombie killer. When the sh*t really hits the fan Ryan is already a proficient killer, getting away with it for years while blending in with 'normal' society. Most of the time his reason is the unlucky person annoyed him. Now though he needs to band together with others to survive and he makes a promise to only kill the already dead. But can Ryan keep that promise?
Read it in a couple of hours, I enjoyed it. Was kinda different with the serial killer angle. More in books making it s series so might look them out too to see how Ryan goes.
Serial killer turned zombie killer. When the sh*t really hits the fan Ryan is already a proficient killer, getting away with it for years while blending in with 'normal' society. Most of the time his reason is the unlucky person annoyed him. Now though he needs to band together with others to survive and he makes a promise to only kill the already dead. But can Ryan keep that promise?
Read it in a couple of hours, I enjoyed it. Was kinda different with the serial killer angle. More in books making it s series so might look them out too to see how Ryan goes.
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June 25, 2023Zombies with a twist
Our protagonist is a serial killer. His character is remarkably like what we have all heard about series murderers, quiet, polite, single, pleasant, etc. You would think a person who gets pleasure from killing would find a zombie apocalypse a perfect world. Perhaps in some ways it is. Without giving you any spoilers I recommend this story to all my fellow zombie thralls.
Our protagonist is a serial killer. His character is remarkably like what we have all heard about series murderers, quiet, polite, single, pleasant, etc. You would think a person who gets pleasure from killing would find a zombie apocalypse a perfect world. Perhaps in some ways it is. Without giving you any spoilers I recommend this story to all my fellow zombie thralls.
July 9, 2022
Read : July 9, 2022
Rating : 3 Stars
Hmm, I'm a bit on the fence about this one.
I've been reading a lot of books lately that are all in the middle, not great but that bad either.
This fits in there as well, there's a good story here but then the characters do stupid stuff or the pacing is of and it just misses the good bench mark.
I might read some more of this series, I don't know yet.
Rating : 3 Stars
Hmm, I'm a bit on the fence about this one.
I've been reading a lot of books lately that are all in the middle, not great but that bad either.
This fits in there as well, there's a good story here but then the characters do stupid stuff or the pacing is of and it just misses the good bench mark.
I might read some more of this series, I don't know yet.
September 1, 2018
To my surprise, I enjoyed this book. I really liked the main characters. I wasn't sure how the serial killer aspect could make for a likeable character. I am seriously considering reading the next book.
September 10, 2018
Good book
I love a good zombie book that keeps the element of real life in it such as a serial kill. What I found most interesting was how Ryan was bad but ended up being a useful good guy but could still do what he loved.
I love a good zombie book that keeps the element of real life in it such as a serial kill. What I found most interesting was how Ryan was bad but ended up being a useful good guy but could still do what he loved.
October 15, 2020
Very original
I really liked this book. Totally new out look on the zombie apocalypse lol. Very original in its own way. Well written and moved right along. I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens next.
I really liked this book. Totally new out look on the zombie apocalypse lol. Very original in its own way. Well written and moved right along. I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens next.
November 21, 2020
This might easily be one of the worst books I have ever read. It is riddled with grammatical errors (such as missing commas) and feels more like a first draft than a fully realized novella.
The plot is boring, none of the characters are in any way likeable and the whole premise feels wasted.
The plot is boring, none of the characters are in any way likeable and the whole premise feels wasted.
August 13, 2018
Omg i was hook from the begining
Fresh look and i love the idea of a serial killer poin of wiew i want more & gf k
Fresh look and i love the idea of a serial killer poin of wiew i want more & gf k
January 27, 2019
Decent
I was thrown off at first but got use to the main character Ryan and enjoy most of the read
I was thrown off at first but got use to the main character Ryan and enjoy most of the read
June 27, 2019
Short story but worth it.
The big factor was because the male lead character. He was not your typical good-hearted character, nope dude, he has twisted personality which is I like.
The big factor was because the male lead character. He was not your typical good-hearted character, nope dude, he has twisted personality which is I like.
July 12, 2019
A nice read to lose yourself in and nothing you have to feel committed too.
December 7, 2019
Interesting perspective on surviving the zombie apocalypse. A little bit slow but the mc is intriguing to follow. Will continue to other books.
March 25, 2020
This book was surprisingly really good. I saw a lot of mixed reviews but it was quite good. The only reason I rated it four stars is because I thought it was slightly strange at the start.
June 24, 2020
I loved this book from start to finish yes it very walking dead but so what it’s in England and the main man is a total nutter serial killer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
Well written
Read
May 25, 2021Enjoyed this first book. Will continue reading the series. However, it's really annoying how many times the word "sat" is used when it should be "sitting".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews