Dead Bad Things

A Thomas Usher Novel

By: Gary McMahon

Narrated by: Jay Villiers

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

He sought to flee his tragic past, but when Thomas Usher hears a clockwork voice on the phone, and sees ever-more disturbing visions in a derelict warehouse, Usher realises that he has to return home - for the sake of his own sanity. Meanwhile, a deadly figure from Usher's past threatens to undermine the very fabric of reality.

Gary McMahon’s short fiction has appeared in numerous acclaimed magazines and anthologies in the UK and US and has been reprinted in yearly "Best of" collections. He is the multiple-award-nominated author of the novellas Rough Cut and All Your Gods Are Dead, the collections Dirty Prayers and How to Make Monsters and Pieces of Midnight, and the novels Rain Dogs and Hungry Hearts. He has been nominated for seven different British Fantasy Awards as both author and editor.

©2011 Gary McMahon (P)2014 Audible Ltd

surprisingly enjoyable

i really enjoyed this story. it was a "freebie" so not one I'd usually pick but despite some of the negative reviews it kept me glued. yes, it did reference child abuse but that was part of the "good vrs evil" aspect. ultimately it was a murder mystery story with a major twist.

disturbing but hard to stop

The first book to really gross me out. I finished it but the blend of reality and fiction was difficult to take.

I understand the Mixed Reviews

Ok, so it was a weird book. The premise seemed fine but the devil in the details was the part I think most people found unpalatable. All of the sexual depravity was difficult to stomach. I got through it because it was well written and I assumed it would deliver me to a worthwhile conclusion. However, I found that the ending seemed to be stumbled upon (as the author may have been himself writing without knowing what the ending would be) and thrown together. It didn't really make sense how or why the lead character came to be or was a necessity at all in the whole scheme of things. The ending just kinda ruined it for me and though not a total waste I would have preferred not to have endured some of that imagery if it wasn't going to pay off in a big way.

I mostly thought the narration was good. However, these days audio books put on a grand show. The narrator in this book didn't even bother to change his voice in the slightest to differentiate between characters. I was a bit let down by that also. All in all a 3 across the board. Hope this helped someone.

Very Entertaining

Great narration
Awesome story but not for the faint of heart .
Kept me on the edge of my seat

If you like non gory, creative horror get this

I loved the imaginative story and dream like horror. Worth it.
It was sometimes a little bit gross (character wise) and I mean that in a good way too. Well done

Great story telling

The narration was excellent and the story a macabre ride through the real, unreal, lurid, vulgar, demented and heroic.

Enjoyed

It was quite a dark story but I did enjoy it. At the start of some chapters I was confused as to whether the narrator was Trevor or Usher. A few times it was several paragraphs in before the character said something to make me understand. I thought that was a little odd.

Fabulous Tale Of Eldritch Pulp Horror

In the finest Weird Tales tradition of purple dramatic prose, Gary McMahon’s story plumbs the depths of speculative super natural depravity, an erudite fusion of Saki & Lovecraft in tone. Jay Villers’ narration brings this story of murder, sick, doomed need, & twisted paranormality into delightfully hideous life. Highly recommended.

Genuine Horror

I was riveted by the story and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't listening. Great story, characters and narration.

Macabre!

I didn't realize that Pretty Little Dead Things had a follow-up novel. Dead Bad things increases the macabre. It's unsettling from start to finish. It feels like you are listening to a Hieronymus Bosch painting being narrated. The narrator is perfect for the part.
Now that I'm finished, I feel the need to pray for forgiveness while showering to wash the filth from my soul.