Speak The Dead

by Grant McKenzie

When Sally Blue was six, a gunshot woke her and subsequently ripped her world apart. Jolted awake, Sally ran to her parents’ bedroom for comfort. Instead, she found her father myteriously missing and her mother slumped against the headboard, her nightgown shredded by a shotgun blast. Climbing on the bed, Sally cradled her mother’s head, mindless of the blood and stench of death. Yet from somewhere deep within the lifeless body, Sally heard the voice of her mother warning “Run, Sally! Run!”

Twenty-five years later, Sally has finally stopped running. She has found a modicum of peace as a mortician’s beautician, able to take solace from the voices of the dead that trailed her for years wherever she went. Yet a grisly murder reawakens her ‘gift’, forcing Sally to turn to Jersey Castle, homicide detective by day, punk rock drummer by night, and the last person Sally might expect to help her. But what Sally doesn’t know is that someone has been hunting for her all this time. They voices of the dead are all around her, and if she is unable to silence them the next voice to join the cacophony of death will be Sally's own.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Horror, Ebooks, Thriller

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Born in Scotland, living in Canada and writing fast-paced fiction, Grant likes to wear a kilt and toque with his six-guns. Often compared to Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay, Grant has twelve internationally published thrillers to his name that have earned him an avalanche of positive reviews and loyal readership around the globe. His latest novel, The Seven Truths of Hannah Baxter, was shortlisted for the 2023 International Thriller Writers award. He also has a secret identity as mystery writer M.C. Grant (Oops, there goes that secret) who pens the Dixie Flynn mysteries set in San Francisco. This series was shortlisted for the prestigious Shamus award. As a journalist, Grant has won numerous awards across Canada and the U.S., including one in 2012 from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia — the same organization that Dixie’s fictitious San Francisco NOW belongs to. He resides in Victoria, B.C., where he works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Reviews

[Rob Twinem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jersey Castle, tough homicide detective, called to the scene of a RTA where it would appear the husband has driven over his partner and a little later commits suicide. Salvation Blue, or Sally as she prefers (thank goodness!) is also present at the accident and has the uncanny gift of seeing events unfold through the eyes of the victim...she is the "Seer". Sally has been working peacefully as a morticians beautician for the last 25 years, aware of her turbulent childhood, and haunted by her dead mother's last words...Run Sally Run! There is a connection between Sally and the Church of a Sabbath Day's Journey. Aedan, dutiful husband, has finally found her and determined to return Sally to her rightful position in the church as the Seer of Visions....."I'm Aedan. Your husband." It took Sally a moment to adjust to the news. "Husband?" Aedan nodded. "That is why I never gave up looking for you. It was my duty."....

Jersey together with the beautiful Kameela..."A tall strikingly handsome woman with skin the color of bittersweet chocolate and curly hair so short it could have been a woolen skullcap" immediately leave in search of Sally (it would appear that on first meeting Jersey was instantly smitten!)

I found this story somewhere between a B movie and a badly written made for tv series, with the stories, descriptions, characters and eventual outcome laughable. Look at this paragraph on Jersey's first encounter with Kameeela..."untouchable runway model-all pouty lips and attitude-or a disemboweling Zulu warrior. Either way, she made him nervous. Perhaps sensing his anxiety the woman opened her lips to revel a blinding and utterly captivating smile. A bright pink tongue followed as she plucked a flake of tobacco off its tip." There is a final scene where a group of bike driving nuns, a cross between hells angels and ninja warriors, (are we serious!) attempt to make a forced entrance at the church's stronghold....Sister Mary Theresa turned to her pack of nuns and quickly gave instructions. Instantly, two nuns broke right and two went left. Each pair glided their bikes silently away from the gate until they reached the far side of the two homes. Hidden from view of anyone looking out, the nuns propped their sturdy machines against the eight-foot stone wall. As Jersey watched, the ninja-black nuns, hopped onto their saddles, stood up tall, and scrambled over the wall. One half of each pair carried a lariat, the other, a shotgun. The maneuver was so perfectly executed, Jersey wondered if the Mission of the Immaculate Heart had been recruiting women from the Navy Seals." At his stage in the story I would not have been surprised if that all American hero Audie Murpy together with his trusty sidekick John Wayne had made a dramatic entrance to aid those ninja warrior nuns!!

Some months ago I read The Butcher's Son by Grant Mckenzie and really enjoyed describing him as an exciting new name in the thriller genre. Unfortunately "Speak the Dead" has proved to be a cliché ridden tale of nonsense, superhero hollow characters with egos to match, and a storyline silly in the extreme. I received a copy of this book from the good people at edelweiss for a fair and honest review and that is what I have written.

[Megalion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this author when I picked up a book called K.A.R.M.A. by Grant McKenzie several years ago as a Free Kindle title. It riveted me for both his choice of protagonists and plot.

Sometime ago I was reminded of it and promptly tried to find any other books he'd written.

Looks like my original review for this book was eaten by the forced move in book websites by Amazon so I didn't realize initially that I'd read this already when *I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review* (end disclaimer).

I realized quickly that I had but fully enjoyed re-reading it anyways. Because his thrillers are that good.

There's a touch of magic realism here as Sally has a special gift of connecting with the very recently dead. But otherwise this is a very decent thriller of a woman being hunted down by a mysterious group ... who turn out to be the ones from her very young life that her mother told her to RUN FROM!

I'm very happy to see that Polis Books has signed Grant as they are in the process of re-releasing his existing work which means I'll be able to read any that I've missed.

Thank you Polis... and thank you Grant! KEEP WRITING!

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak The Dead by Grant McKenzie is fast-paced suspense thriller with a supernatural twist which most fans of the author will embrace with much joy, especially those who enjoy The Fear in Her Eyes. Full of action and violence, it is a thorough entertainer with minor distraction which shouldn't take anything away from the story.

Thirty-plus Sally Wilson is working as a makeup artist for the dead for a Portland funeral home. She has been on the run for the last twenty-five years since she was six. When her mother was murdered, Sally was forced to flee and twenty-five years was not enough to wipe away memories of the painful past as an alarming incident came to light with the death of a nun who was also raped by a man looking for the little girl who escaped that night long ago.

Speak The Dead has an eclectic cast of characters including Jersey Castle, a Portland homicide detective who also doubles as a punk rock drummer, his femme fatale partner Amarela Valente and Kameelah Steele, a Seattle detective. When Sally is kidnapped, it is up to the detectives to piece together the puzzle. The plot is quite engaging and the motorcycle gang of nuns makes for an exciting read.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say, five stars are reserved for those exceptional novels and authors, who have gone the extra mile, their stories are fresh, not repetitive, they hold you from page one right until the end. Grant Mc Kenzie is that kind of author. Each book is different, each book is suspenseful, the kind to keep you up at night, never knowing where to stop. His ideas are fresh and captivating. Buy this book, it's what a book is meant to be. Sally works in a funeral home, a death in the vicinity of where she works provides a revelation. she can see through the dead person's eyes. This gift puts her in mortal danger and so begins a rollercoaster of events, that leave you breathless. I love Grant McKenzie and have all his books, I never hesitate to buy because he delivers, I am extremely passionate about books an that is why my reviews only give five stars if a book really does deserve that accolade, Grant attains that wonderful high standard, buy it.

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read Grant McKenzie before, though his novel Switch has been hanging out on my Kindle for quite some time now. The thing is Switch is long and new authors are best tried in short form, so this one at just about 200 pages (and grabbed as a freebie) was exactly the right fit. The reviews on GR were mixed, but actually I’ve had fun with this one. It didn’t blow my mind and had I been wearing socks, those would have stayed put too, but it was plenty diverting and fairly thrilling, which is what you’d expect from a thriller, of course. The chubby nice guy Jersey, cop by day, punker by night, made for a pretty charming protagonist as he sets off to solve a serial killer mystery and rescue a damsel in distress/love interest, who can…speak for the dead. In a manner of speaking. There’s a very good chance I was biased in my liking of this book, because it dealt with a cult and most things to do with cults are fascinating and interesting. The one in this story was (of course) evil and rife with internal divisions , one of which led to a disappearance of a young girl named Salvation Blue, a scion of a prominent family, who grows up into a mortician beautician Sally. The one Jersey finds so irresistible. The cult members, though, never let it go, again, of course. For 25 years. Because Sally holds the key to their dark rituals. But when it comes to the cult’s (ok, they don’t really consider themselves a cult, because they have an official registered status, but who are they kidding) nightmarish reunion, Jersey, his awesome hot female police partners and a gang of motorcycle riding lariat wielding nuns will do whatever it takes to prevent it. Obviously, there’s going to be a pretty epic showdown. So yeah, lots of fun. I mean, if it didn’t have you at motorcycle nun gang, not sure what would get your attention. But fun, kinda sorta mindless, but not stupid and very, every entertaining. Overall, a very nice introduction to a new author. Now I’d definitely read his longer works.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

DNF @20%
2015; Polis

The cover of this novel screamed "read me" I am going to be a crazy thrilling suspenseful read! Unfortunately, I could not get into the writing style and was not feeling invested in the story. If I don't feel the suspense, and the journey to the "truth" is not fun, I have decided to DNF and move on to another book. Like the saying goes, "too many books, so little time", I want to make sure the time I have, I am reading books I enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Rambling Irishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable novel.

After reading some of the reviews for this title between a couple of platforms I was sceptical and almost didn't read this.

I really enjoyed this novel, start to finished it had me gripped. I kept finding myself picking it up to read more!!
5/5 from me and a "definite" recommendation on reading this novel.

[Sheila Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving suspense

I couldn't put this down! With a serial killer, psychic beautician, punk cop, biker nuns, and a religious cult involved, expect the unexpected. This novel has a fast moving plot with lots of twists and turns. One of the best that I've read in awhile.

[Garryvivianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a young girl, Sally was a witness to her mother & father's horrible deaths. And as she was trying to snuggle into her dead mother's arms, she could hear her mother saying "run, Sally, run!" And all this time she has been running. Now it is 25 years later & she is working as a beautician for a mortuary. An accident right outside the building, has her hurrying out. When she touches the dead woman, she experiences all that the dead woman saw before her grisly death. Little does she know that someone has been after her all this time, as she has a "gift", able to see what has happened with the dead. But only right after the death has happened. At this accident, she also meets Jersey Castle, a homicide detective by day & punk rock drummer by night.

This story is a good, fast paced read. Full of strange people in a cult, why are they always SO religious, but crazy as loons? Most of the story is about Sally with her abductors & the misery she has to endure with these people, and Detective Castle rushing to save her. Loved the nuns in the story...like parrots. ha

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this novel at a reading, and previously hadn't heard of the author. I found the quick paced thriller with a supernatural twist to be engaging and a quick read. I would recommend it as solid beach/vacation reading option.

My only gripe was some of the dialogue felt a bit dated, or perhaps a little hokey. I didn't find that it took away from the story, it was just a little distracting at times.

[Amy Venosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen for Danger

This is the first Grant McKenzie book I've read. Such an interesting and unique take on supernatural fiction. Sally meets Jersey in the alley behind the funeral parlour where she does the make-up for the Guests awaiting funerals.
We know she has a gift but what becomes apparent is that someone's willing to kill to get their hands on it. An awesome start to hopefully a new series!

[Laurie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down and read it in one evening. Fast-paced, interesting characters, and an "edge-of-your-seat" plot will keep you engaged and guessing from beginning to end. Reminded me of "Crazy Love You" by Lisa Unger.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally is minding her own business as a cosmetologist in a funeral parlor when she kinda gets dragged into a hit and run, when she is asked by a hunky detective if she saw anything when she came outside. Jersey is interested in her as well, and when Sally disappears, he crosses state lines and does all he can to find this woman. Ah, love. Sparks, whatever. It's a little bit of a twisted story, and more than once I was tempted to DNF it, but kept going. The violence was a bit much at times (the broken arm, really!) but I know it's really done, so okay, so I still kept going. I did like both Jersey and Sally and Jersey's female partners. Seems like the ending was a bit abrupt, like, "Oh, I'm supposed to end in half a page, gotcha." Meh, okay. 3 stars

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This skated close to three stars, but wasn't quite there for me.
The lead male character was a refreshing change from all the six pack abs characters that abound in books, but hey, at the same time a girl does like a hunk or two in a book, so shoot me, I'm a mass of contradiction. All the girls had to be gorgeous though, so that was kinda dissapointing, should have been equal rights.
The gun toting motorbike riding ninja nuns were awesome, but weird at the same time, so I guess my mixed feelings extend throughout the book.
Sally has plenty of spunk, which I like to see in female characters. Other than that the plot fell a bit flat for me.

[David Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW!

What a fabulous read even a true hurricane
Heading out way I only stopped to put the shutters up lock everything I could,and sat down
And started to read the story line and the characters were mean and rough and evil
But the good guys looked like they were losing
Until the end. Which is as crazy and unexpected
are the rest of the book. I loved it and I think you just will as well. Try it you will love it or hate it
but you will have to admit it was something different.

[Peter Cihelka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not fancy writing revues!

The story was indeed enjoyable, as are all such pseudo paranormal takes!
I would recommend the book to anyone who favours this genre of stories! I thoroughly enjoyed the tough police, those unafraid to speak their minds! I do feel that all religions are a serious blockage to world Peace and a true fellowship of mankind, and not peoplekind as one idiot government official insisted! if you do not like these thoughts, delete them!

[Lana Jelić · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of the story sounded promising but the further it went, there were more and more cliches. Some of the dialog and descriptions sounded like a script for a B movie.

The story has potential and there were some fun parts of it like ninja nuns, but all in all, not a book I'd recommend. It was ok but nothing more.

I also felt the ending left a lot of unanswered questions but not in a way that it's intriguing, it simply felt as if they were skipped.

[GREGORY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book you can always put down but you will always enjoy picking it back up.

This book grabs you and keeps you turning pages from the start. It is different from any other crime story you have ever read. The characters are refreshingly novel and most of them real as is the plot. A most enjoyable experience.

[Richard Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant McKenzie is back to his best in this taut supernatural thriller about a girl who has the ability to commune with people at the time of their death.
A fast-moving plot and an interesting cast of characters, including at least one from the author's other books, make for an enjoyable and thrilling read.

[Nibor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Ride

It started out with a bang and just kept going. Couldn't wait until I finished it
Personally I felt the ending was humorous. This didn't quite fit the timber of the rest of the story. Sally, who witnessed her father kill her mother and then commit suicide. Her mother's spirit told her to run and she did. Not remembering her past or that she had a special talent.

[Diana Miskec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept my interest

Pretty much kept me on line and needles....good read. A question, though. How do these heroes, and heroines get up and walk after these near death events. I have been an R. N. since the '60's, and have NEVER seen that happen. Though I wish I had...still a good read.

[Desiré Oosthuizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audiobooks Review 🎧

First time listening to this Author and Narrator.

The story was good kept me want to know more.

The narration would have been brilliant if it wasn’t for the narrators breathing other than that she was amazing, gave each character their own voice and really brought the book to life.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police officers, a funeral home makeup artist, a religious cult, and vigilante nuns all mix together to create a very good read. The characters are great and make it difficult to stop reading this fascinating tale. Add to it a bit of paranormal, and voila….you have a hit. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Sandra Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master storyteller

Grant McKenzie threads and weaves the individuals' parts to a grand finally. Who else could weave police characters, funeral home's makeup artist, religious cults, and motorcycle riding nuns with finesse?

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I NEVER leave five star reviews. There is always something that doesn't work for me. With the exception of one wrong name placement, this is definitely a five star book. Looks like I found a new author to binge!

[Marty Langenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The craziness of love and twisted religious beliefs

A great story about a cult that will go to any length to prove they are the way, and the truth, and the light. Great characters in Sally and Jersey, along with the Angels of God squad of nuns on Harleys. Couldn't put it down.

[Readsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read

I love the characters in this book and the fast paced action. I was very happy to see that there will be another book with Jersey. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speak The Dead

Unusual type of mystery revolving around a woman who sees a vision when she touches a murder victim and the cult church she apparently escaped from as a child that wants her back.

[Nancy E. Hamner · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me

Very well written with good character and scene development. Definitely a polished writer. Not a fan of the twisted religious klan theme. Think I’ll try another one of his books.

[Keith Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great variety of genre

Gripping story of a detective and a 'seer' of a mortuary technician who actually sees the deaths of the people through their eyes just after the event. Well worth reading. Recommended