The Physics of the Dead cover art

The Physics of the Dead

A Supernatural Mystery Novel

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The Physics of the Dead

By: Luke Smitherd
Narrated by: Luke Smitherd
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About this listen

The Audible UK #1 bestseller from the author of The Stone Man!

What do the dead do when they can't leave...and don't know why?

The afterlife doesn't come with a manual. In fact, Hart and Bowler (two ordinary but dead men) have had to work out the rules of their new existence for themselves. It's that fact (along with being unable to leave the boundaries of their city center, unable to communicate with the other lost souls, unable to rest in case The Beast catches up with them) that makes getting out of their situation a priority. But Hart and Bowler don't know why they're there in the first place; if they ever want to leave, they will have to find all the answers to be able to understand the physics of the dead.

What are the strange, glowing objects that pass across the sky? Who are the living people surrounded by a blue glow? What are their physical limitations in that place, and have they fully explored the possibilities of what they can do?

Time is running out. Their afterlife was never supposed to be this way, and if they don't make it out soon, they're destined to end up like the others. Insane, and alone forever....

In this creepy, mysterious debut novel from the author of the Amazon and Audible number-one best seller The Stone Man, the richly-built world of The Physics of the Dead will slowly draw you in with an icy grip until you are left gasping.

©2011 Luke Smitherd (P)2016 Luke Smitherd Fantasy Fiction Ghosts Horror Haunted Scary Paranormal Mind-bending

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All stars
Most relevant
Every so often an author comes along who has the gift of original thought. I don't mean the kind of author that comes up with a single great idea and then proceeds to develop it across a number of books. I mean one that can produce an excellent and original book and then come up with something equally good in a "And now for something completely different" kind of way. There's no formula for what Smitherd does, just quality ideas put into quality writing.

This book is a case in point. The characters are the story, so much so that the plot almost creeps up on both them and the reader, at first unnoticed. The quality of this book is underlined by the fact that it's hard to describe, it's a story of desperation, friendship, characters, discovery and so much more.

Smitherd does a very decent job of narration. Normally I'd say having the author do the narration is not the greatest idea. Authors write but narration requires a reader's mind. However, he seems to strike a tone that simply fits. How irritating it must to be for his friends to know someone who seems to be so good at everything!

I'm not going to include spoilers because this is original, it is compelling and it will take you to unexpected places. In all honesty it's not my usual kind of book and I can imagine that not everyone will take to it in the same way. However, it's one that I'd urge everyone to read because it is so very different to much of what is out there.

There is Simply no Formula for Luke Smitherd!

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Would you listen to The Physics of the Dead again? Why?

Amazing story brought to life by fantastic reading. It's a gem to find such a fascinating and cleverly constructed piece of writing and even better to have it narrated by the author himself. It is such a unique and complex story and I highly recommend it even if you think this isn't your thing, it will grab your attention and pull you right in until you can't let go!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Without wishing to be a cop out I honestly can't choose! They are all complex and fascinating, it's like trying to choose a favourite child!!

What does Luke Smitherd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The author knows the story inside out, he has lived and breathed the characters so who better to bring them to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely, so much mystery and clever dentil that I didn't want to stop listening to it.

Any additional comments?

If this is the first book you come across by Luke Smitherd then you are on the start of a fantastic journey, read/listen to more of his books, they are all individual but all addictive and so cleverly written.

Addictive, suspenseful piece of genius!!

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....how any book that makes you think, makes you feel, makes you laugh, makes you squirm uncomfortably, makes you empathise, makes you sympathise, makes you think, makes you remember, shocks you, surprises you, answers questions, puts a lump your throat and makes you cry, makes you not want to stop listening and ensures you won't forget it in a hurry... is well worth your time. Just take it all as read.
Luke Smitherd narrates this himself and does very well. Having now listened to all his audiobooks I'm convinced he's a major UK talent. Coventry should be renamed New Derry.....

I could write loads about....

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...you'll find yourself wondering about the characters and locations Luke describes so vividly in the book.
Read it, listen to it, buy it for someone else you knows loves an intelligent read.
Awesome stuff!!

Next time you visit Coventry....

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like your books out of the ordinary give this a try - refreshing new idea with multiple twists and turns

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Physics of the Dead?

without giving too much away the realisation of the way out

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the flashbacks

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were many poignant moments in this book - some funny but many sad

Any additional comments?

an unusual premise which reveals the answers little by little

its the afterlife but not as we know it

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