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Dead Head

(Sweetpea #3)

C.J. Skuse

4.48 · Rating details · 175 ratings · 93 reviews

Victim. Murderer. Serial killer. What next?

The third darkly comic thriller in the highly addictive Sweetpea series featuring serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.

‘Bridget Jones meets American Psycho’ RED

Can a serial killer ever lose their taste for murder?

Since confessing to her bloody murder spree Rhiannon Lewis, the now-notorious Sweetpea killer, has been feeling out-of-sorts.

H ...more

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Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Published February 18th 2021 by HQ

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Dec 27, 2020 Blair rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, mystery-thriller-etc, netgalley, 2021-release, read-on-kindle

Rhiannon Lewis is BACK! Except she's not really Rhiannon Lewis anymore. Not just because she's on the run and going by a pseudonym; after giving birth to – and giving up – baby Ivy, literature's most likeable serial killer has lost her mojo for murder. What's a girl to do? Get a fake passport and head to Mexico, of course.

Dead Head is the third of Skuse's sick, hilarious books about Rhiannon, following Sweetpea and In Bloom. I found the latter a little uneven, but Rhiannon's back on top form ...more

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Feb 02, 2021 Mandy White (mandylovestoread) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2021, net-galley

Oh Rhiannon Lewis, I love you! Book 3 featuring this sassy, crude serial killer who really does have a heart is once again amazing. I highly recommend reading Sweet Pea and In Bloom before Dead Head to truly appreciate this character and her story.

Rhiannon is on the run. She has confessed, given up her baby and I Ian now on a European cruise! I laughed so much reading her adventures on board, trying not to be noticed. It is a dark humour, that will shock you and it is so good. She is feeling a b ...more

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Jan 26, 2021 Tracy Fenton rated it it was amazing

Dead Head is the third book in the wonderfully dark, hysterically funny, outrageously shocking series about my favourite female serial killer EVER. Rhiannon Lewis is on the run, having fled the UK, leaving her new born baby behind and finds herself on a Mediterranean cruise trying to “lie low” until she can work out what to do next and avoid life in prison.

If you haven’t read the first two books, Sweet Pea (read my review here) and In Bloom (read my review here) then stop reading this right now ...more

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Nov 10, 2020 Nicole rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was another great instalment in the sweet pea series.

As with the other two books I loved the writing and Rhiannon as always.

This book is definitely not for the faint hearted or the easily offended. There was some hilarious parts of this book, which had me chuckling away

However, this book was quite different from the other two in the series.

I can't say too much as I don't want to give any spoilers, but Rhiannon isn't quite the same as she is in the first two books because of what's happene ...more

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Feb 20, 2021 Laura Peden rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, favorites, mostanticipated2021, series, audible

CJ DID IT AGAIN!!! Dead Head is book 3 in the Sweetpea series (my all-time favorite books). If you haven’t listened to these, get to it! Rhiannon Lewis is the best serial killer character I’ve come across in all my years of reading. The books aren’t fast paced thrillers, it’s so hard to compare them to anything else out there because it’s that unique. I’ve seen it described as Bridget Jones meets American Psycho. It is some seriously dark comedy, so if you offend easily to crude talk & behavior ...more

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Nov 25, 2020 Vikki Patis rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, and Dead Head doesn't disappoint. Dark and hilarious in equal measure, C.J. Skuse has done it again. ...more

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Nov 07, 2020 Amy rated it liked it · review of another edition

We're back with the third instalment of serial killer Rhiannon's exploits. I vaguely remember the events of the first two books but remember them enough to know where we'd left off with Rhiannon giving birth and then going on the run. We pick up virtually where the events of the second book left off with Rhiannon making her way off on a cruise.

I both loved this book and did not love it; I love that we're back with Rhiannon because I found her to just be entirely nuts and enjoyable. I also loved ...more

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Feb 16, 2021 Emma Shaw rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Is there such a thing as a 'normal life' for a serial killer?"

It’s no secret that the Sweetpea series is one of my favourite series EVER. Or that this latest installment is one of my most anticipated books of 2021. I am not ashamed to admit that I squealed with excitement when HQ offered me a copy of Dead Head, or that I dived into it within days of its arrival. I had so many questions about what was next for Rhiannon. And what is next is a new side to Rhiannon. One that the woman herself does "Is there such a thing as a 'normal life' for a serial killer?"

It’s no secret that the Sweetpea series is one of my favourite series EVER. Or that this latest installment is one of my most anticipated books of 2021. I am not ashamed to admit that I squealed with excitement when HQ offered me a copy of Dead Head, or that I dived into it within days of its arrival. I had so many questions about what was next for Rhiannon. And what is next is a new side to Rhiannon. One that the woman herself doesn’t even recognise.

Rhiannon is hiding out on a cruise ship after confessing to her murder spree and fleeing the UK. She is not only trying to conceal her identity to avoid prison, but also recover from the premature birth of her daughter. Instead of feeling liberated, she is lost in malaise and can think of nothing except how much she misses her baby daughter, Ivy, who she was forced to leave behind. She has also lost her murderous appetite. Is it gone for good? Or could this be the beginning of a new Rhiannon?

Oh, how I’ve missed Rhiannon. Her coarse, dark, filthy humour, the twisted way she sees the world, how she says what’s on her mind without a care, and even her murderous ways. But I liked that in this installment we are given a more emotional and relatable Rhiannon. She is lost in malaise, missing her baby, and finds that her anger and desire to kill has dissipated. She feels untethered. Like she has lost the things that make her who she is. I thought this was a fantastic direction to take the character. After all, she might be a ruthless serial killer, but she’s still human, and few women wouldn’t be broken up at having to abandon their baby. But don’t get it twisted, she’s still got that hilarious inner monologue, dark wit and snarky personality that we first fell in love with.

Darkly funny, compelling and sharply observed, Dead Head is a sensational installment in a truly unique series that you won’t forget. And though you need to read the previous books to keep up with events they are so brilliant that I would have recommended that you read them anyway.

Once again, C. J. Skuse has knocked it out of the park. I loved being back in Rhiannon’s warped and crazy world and was left yearning for more. I truly hope this is not the last we see of Rhiannon.

...more

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Feb 15, 2021 Auro Books rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5/5⭐

Thank you very much NetGalley for an advance #gifted copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Sweetpea series, starring: the serial killer Rhiannon Lewis!

I remember how much I loved the first one. Rhiannon is a very different main character to what I am used to read.

The second was pretty good too and I gave them both 5/5⭐

However, I don’t know if it was because I read the second one over a year ago or if it was because once I know the character, wha ...more

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Feb 07, 2021 Kate Henderson rated it liked it · review of another edition

I absolutely adore CJ Skuse's books, and have read all of her previous books, so I jumped at the chance of getting the latest book in the 'Sweet Pea' series. It's been a good few years now since the last book (In Bloom) so it did take a little while to get back into the swing of things of where we left off with Rhiannon.
I loved listening to the previous books in the series on audiobook, as I feel it really allows for the humour. I didn't get to listen to audio book for Dead Head, but I still en ...more

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Feb 11, 2021 Kayleigh (BookwormEscapes) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I’ve been OBSESSED with the Sweet Pea series since the first book came out in 2017 and Rhiannon is my all time fave - I LOVE HER! Never have I found a complete and utter psychopath so hilarious and relatable! The third book in the series, Dead Head, is the best yet in my opinion!
🔪
Rhiannon says things that most of us are guilty of thinking but would never voice in public. Her kill lists at the start of each chapter are LIFE and so on point! She murders her way across 3 books and I’ll be honest, i ...more

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Feb 23, 2021 Rachel Winchester rated it it was amazing

Love it love it love it!!!!!!

Such a good read, a fantastic series of books. I am so sad it's all over now! Definitely recommend this book to anyone! I love the style of writing from this author- it is totally relatable. I have enjoyed other books of hers and will certainly get others. ...more

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Nov 25, 2020 Tara Russell rated it really liked it

To follow. Netgalley ARC

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 20, 2021 Ryan Lynch rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Yup, confirmed. Still my favourite crime series. READ READ READ

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Jan 29, 2021 Lauren rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-arcs, thriller

Full review here: https://laurenslibrarycom.wordpress.c...

CW: (view spoiler) ...more

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Feb 06, 2021 Sarah Threader rated it liked it · review of another edition

I loved the kill lists at the start of each chapter of these books! They are SO relatable and some of them had me laughing out loud! Rhiannons dark witty humour definitely keeps this series going. Her character has so much strength and is written so incredibly well I feel like I know her as a friend! I also loved that it was written in a diary format as it gives you a real insight into Rhiannon’s mind. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the amount of swearing in the books and unfortunately I felt ...more

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Nov 02, 2020 Soph rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-arc

So.. I am a HUGE advocate for the Sweetpea series and when I say huge, I really do mean huge! I read the first two books of the series one after another and completely and utterly fell in love with it (if that's the right word for this type of series haha?!)
First of all, I am SO glad the kill lists have remained throughout this book. There was one point where I was worried that they were gone for good and I was genuinely so upset about the idea of them going as they really are one my favourite ...more

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Nov 20, 2020 Lesley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.25-4.5* I loved it, I felt the book just kept getting better as it progressed with twists and revelations.
Gore score 2/5
#3 in the series of Rhiannon Lewis the unrepentant serial killer. A continuation from in bloom,very much still in the same vein with the trendy light hearted chatty writing style which makes you laugh. I felt that the plot was morye involved in this book than in bloom. I found it medium paced with the tension building well at the end.
Having read the end of in bloom I was su ...more

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Dec 27, 2020 Charlotte rated it liked it · review of another edition

Review will follow closer to publication date

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Nov 03, 2020 my bookworm life rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

🌷🔪❤️

Thank you so much to @hq for this advance copy of the highly anticipated next instalment of one of my favourite murderers! The 3rd book in the Sweetpea series, which comes out in February (so something to look forward to for next year already eh!).

Well!....I finished this last night and my heart was in my bloody mouth for the last 20% of this, I feel like I went through every emotion and I just adored every moment of it.

I read this over two days in pretty much two sittings, it was so good 🌷🔪❤️

Thank you so much to @hq for this advance copy of the highly anticipated next instalment of one of my favourite murderers! The 3rd book in the Sweetpea series, which comes out in February (so something to look forward to for next year already eh!).

Well!....I finished this last night and my heart was in my bloody mouth for the last 20% of this, I feel like I went through every emotion and I just adored every moment of it.

I read this over two days in pretty much two sittings, it was so good to have Rhiannon back and doing what she does best, I loved how the story progressed and when I started it I just had no idea where it would end up. From the opening scenes which had her familiar dark humour and observations back again, to the Cruise she is on and the people she meets there (the commentary in her head provides many gems) and her unlikely friendship she strikes up while on board (which not only delivered more dark humour but also some really tender and heartfelt moments between the two of them which I loved!) and then the last section of the book where she is in Mexico and so many things go down!.

This, the same as previous books, never has a dull moment, has a constant narrative which I just bloody love so much and could read and enjoy if was 1000 pages long, id still want more ha. Rhiannon is just such a brilliant character who you will relate to (on some levels not actually going off and doing the killing but thinking about it) she is funny, she has heart and she is just so entertaining and gripping to read about and follow. I just adore this authors writing and also...loved the references to The Alibi Girl, such a cool inception type moment which the book geek in me loved. This book had everything that the two before it did; lots of dark humour that we love and enjoy, gory killings, some C bombs dropped here and there for good measure and just a nice sprinkling of emotional moments thrown in to balance things out.

An absolute easy 5 ⭐️ read for me!
And so excited that I have been included in the thank yous, genuinely means a lot, so thank you! @cjskuse ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 The Cookster rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Rating: 4.4/5

Hybristophiliacs of the world, unite!

The return of my favourite anti-heroine, Rhiannon Lewis, aka Sweetpea.

For the benefit of uninitiated, what would happen if you were to splice the genes of Bridget Jones with those of Villanelle from "Killing Eve"? Well, you might just end up with someone like Rhiannon (Sweetpea). Also, if you are of faint heart, easily offended, or have a dislike of fiercely dark humour, then this really isn't the book series for you.

I have been eagerly awaiting Rating: 4.4/5

Hybristophiliacs of the world, unite!

The return of my favourite anti-heroine, Rhiannon Lewis, aka Sweetpea.

For the benefit of uninitiated, what would happen if you were to splice the genes of Bridget Jones with those of Villanelle from "Killing Eve"? Well, you might just end up with someone like Rhiannon (Sweetpea). Also, if you are of faint heart, easily offended, or have a dislike of fiercely dark humour, then this really isn't the book series for you.

I have been eagerly awaiting this third book in the series and it didn't disappoint. The general format is much the same as in "Sweetpea" and "In Bloom" with the chapters taking the form of Rhiannon's diary entries. Once again, the narrative moves at pace throughout and there is the, by now familiar, dark and acerbic humour.

Although I loved both of the previous books in this series, I rated the first one slightly higher than its sequel, primarily because it had the advantage of originality, being the first time the reader was introduced to the unique character of Rhiannon. However, I would place "Dead Head" on a par with that series opener. As with "In Bloom" it doesn't have the advantage of total freshness and originality that "Sweetpea" benefitted from, but it makes up for that by being a far more rounded and compelling novel in other ways.

As I read the thought processes of Rhiannon and her kill lists, I still found myself smiling far more than is probably socially and politically correct ... I still found myself empathising with our anti-heroine to a degree that makes me question whether I should be worried!

One potential issue with "Dead Head" is that I struggle to imagine it working as a standalone novel. The reader really does need to be familiar with the events that have led Rhiannon to this point in her life.

The solution: Read "Sweetpea" and "In Bloom" as soon as you possibly can, so that you can come back and fully appreciate this book too. You really don't want to miss out on this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Anya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own-and-need-to-read

Let's ignore that I missed publication day because I have the organisational skills of a potato (ironically there is a potato variety ((species??)) called the Anya potato, so yeah...

When this book dropped in my inbox with an invite to access the e-arc (thanks HQ) I was ridiculously excited. This series is probably one of the only that isn't fantasy that makes my top 10. Honestly, the only book that consistently makes me laugh out loud all the way through. The humour in it is my perfect level of ...more

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Nov 10, 2020 Claire Bailey rated it liked it · review of another edition

****

When she was good, she was very, very good but when she was bad she was horrid!

****

I ADORE Rhiannon! I love her split personality, especially the ‘maniac’ side of her and was so thrilled that CJ Skuse brought her back.

I admit, it’s been awhile since I read SWEETPEA and IN BLOOM. So it took me a little while to piece together her victims names with their wrongdoings and ultimate deaths. But if you’ve just finished them, you’re in luck because this one picks up exactly where book 2 ended- boar ****

When she was good, she was very, very good but when she was bad she was horrid!

****

I ADORE Rhiannon! I love her split personality, especially the ‘maniac’ side of her and was so thrilled that CJ Skuse brought her back.

I admit, it’s been awhile since I read SWEETPEA and IN BLOOM. So it took me a little while to piece together her victims names with their wrongdoings and ultimate deaths. But if you’ve just finished them, you’re in luck because this one picks up exactly where book 2 ended- boarding a cruise ship from Southampton.

In the same way that Rhiannon struggles with her split personas the story felt split also.

‘When she was good she was very, very good’... When Rhiannon isn’t fighting an urge to hunt down, maim and destroy. She’s a sweet, homely, girly-girl who loves Sylvanians, flowers, kids and ultimately just wants to be in love and adored. DEAD HEAD sees her cruising around the med, sightseeing, eating glorious food and helping old ladies. I felt this took up a lot of valuable real estate and was just too vanilla for me.

‘When she was bad she was horrid’... Now this is what people pick up the books to read! The lists are back! The whole other half of the story is this bubbling cess pit of hate that ends in what can only be described in a pure Tarantino technicolour. Rhiannon, for me is at her most funniest, interesting and brilliant when this side of her gets air time. Unlike the previous novels, this side of her was on the back burner for a long time and I was ‘dying’ for her to unleash the beast!

A hilarious novel, full of witty inner dialogue and dark humour - CJ Skuse is an excellent writer and I’ve never read anything quite like her. This book is such an entertaining read but I wonder if anymore from this series is stretching a good thing too thin? This book hints towards a 4th and I know I will be first in the cue to read it. But SWEETPEA is still the ultimate Rhiannon. So much so, this book has made me want to go back and read it’s predecessors again!

Thanks to NetGalley for advance copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Nov 12, 2020 Cheryl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

As a huge fan of the previous books in the Sweetpea series, I was so excited to see that Dead Head was available for request, and as soon as my request for access was granted, I bumped it straight to the top of my reading pile!

There's always a bit of dread with a sequel for me - and even more so when it's the third instalment. Is there enough of a story? Do we really want/need more of this character? And more importantly, can the author keep the story original and engaging rather than repeating ...more

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Jan 27, 2021 Ellie England rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. TW: violence, murder. Possible spoilers if you haven't read books 1 & 2.
.
*Victim. Murderer. Serial Killer. What next?

The third darkly comic thriller in the highly addictive Sweetpea series featuring serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.

Can a serial killer ever lose their taste for murder?*
.
Woohoo I was absolutely over the moon to be approved for this one on Netgalley. I think it was my most anticipated read of 2021 and it definitely lived up to my expectations!
.
Rhiannon is back again for a third insta ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 Rebecca Patrick rated it really liked it · review of another edition

NETGALLEY BOOK REVIEW - book 3 in the Sweetpea series.

A massive thank you to @netgalley, @hqstories and of course @ceejayismeeejay for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t think anybody understands how desperate I was to get my hands on DEAD HEAD before publication date.

So you’ve read Sweetpea and In Bloom right? No!? Go read them so you can enjoy this one too!!!

I won’t give spoilers but book 3 is basically about whether Rhiannon can loose her taste for murder... or is she destined ...more

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Jan 16, 2021 emma buckley rated it it was amazing

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Dead head
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: CJ Skuse
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Thriller/crime
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 384
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5 ★
𝐓𝐖: Gore/injury detail

I’ve been desperate to get hold of this ever since I finished 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗠 and I think this was probably my most anticipated read for this year. Publication date is 18 Feb 2021 and if you’re gonna break your book ban this year, make it for this trilogy.

John Marrs said Rhiannon “makes Hannibal Lecter look like Mary Poppins” and to be honest I should just leave it there as I couldn’t put it any bet ...more

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Jan 19, 2021 Kath rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

For this book to make total sense you really need to read the first two - Sweetpea and In Bloom - they are both cracking reads so why not!? Oh and Rhiannon isn't everyone's cup of tea so, going further, I would also recommend you start with a sample of Sweetpea as a bit of a taster...
So... having confessed as the Sweetpea killer rather than the scapegoat who was jailed for her crimes, Rhiannon is on the run. I say that, she has actually reinvented herself after fleeing the UK on a cruise ship. S ...more

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Nov 17, 2020 Ophelia Sings rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Well, who'd have thought that the Current Mess Everything Is In would've been redeemed by the return of an unhinged serial killer who takes a side order of Sylvanians with her slaying? Yep, Sweetpea is back and I'm delighted.

In this third outing, the body count isn't as high as previously, the killings aren't as, ahem, imaginative, and Rhiannon appears to getting in touch with her feelings (man). But that doesn't mean she's gone soft (well, not entirely). In fact in many ways, Dead Head sees Rhi ...more

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Jan 11, 2021 Sue Purbrick rated it it was amazing

I devoured this book! I’d heard all the hype about Sweetpea when it came out, but never read it. And In Bloom passed me by, so this was the first in the Sweetpea series I’ve read. And wow did it blow me away! I didn’t feel as though I’d missed out by reading it as a standalone (although it has made me want to go back and read the first two).
Rhiannon Lewis is a crazy, larger-than-life serial killer on the run. She has a foul mouth; dangerous, deadly thoughts; and serious attitude. And I loved he ...more

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About C.J. Skuse

C.J. Skuse

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C.J. SKUSE is the author of the Young Adult novels PRETTY BAD THINGS, ROCKOHOLIC and DEAD ROMANTIC (Chicken House), MONSTER and THE DEVIANTS (Mira Ink). She was born in 1980 in Weston-super-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels lectures in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. C.J. is currently working on a ...more