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  • The Physics of the Dead

  • A Supernatural Mystery Novel
  • By: Luke Smitherd
  • Narrated by: Luke Smitherd
  • Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,219 ratings)
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The Physics of the Dead cover art

The Physics of the Dead

By: Luke Smitherd
Narrated by: Luke Smitherd
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Summary

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

What listeners say about The Physics of the Dead

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

There is Simply no Formula for Luke Smitherd!

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.





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49 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Addictive, suspenseful piece of genius!!

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.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I could write loads about....

....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.....

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting author

Any additional comments?

Can't remember where I first found this author but since that day I've read everything he has published.
The story is unusual and exciting and also a lot of fun.
This is a great book

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another superb book and read from Smitherd!

I don't know what it is about Luke's reading but he has the ability to take you on a journey in which the road goes on for miles and you want to just keep driving. I listen to audio books as I drive a lot and the journeys are never long enough!! So exciting, so enthralling, so exhilarating! Another stunning listen!

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Next time you visit Coventry....

...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!!

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not tidy enough for me

I can see why other reviewers have enjoyed this book: it's both original and well narrated.
I must admit tho' to getting a little bit bored (only natural, I suppose, given that our characters were all bored to death too)..... I kept waiting for the big reveal, which never really happened? Perhaps that's where I was most disappointed - there's no big reveal, or rather the big reveal /twist still leaves me not entirely understanding what it was all about? (maybe just a blonde moment?). Admittedly, I have an excessively analytical kind of mind, and I need magic systems / supernatural phenomena to have some kind of basis - this was lacking for me in this book, and that is why I've not marked it as high as others have.

This is probably another one of those marmite books - you'll either love it or loathe it. If you're ok with lots of unexplained, then go for it. If you like things nicely wrapped up with a bow, then I'd recommend avoidance.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Dead characters come alive

Excellent listen, couldn't get enough of it. Good tale told with twists and turns, benifitting from creative characters interactions. Loved it.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

its the afterlife but not as we know it

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

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Another great port into the world of audio. I've already read this title but it adds another dimension when you listen to it in this way.

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8 people found this helpful