A Head Full of Knives: An Urban Fantasy Novel

By: Luke Smitherd

Narrated by: Luke Smitherd

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of Audible #1 bestsellers In The Darkness, That's Where I'll Know You, The Physics of the Dead, and The Stone Man (shortlisted for the Audible Audiobook of the Year award 2015)

Ever wished the world would revolve around you? Be careful what you wish for...

Martin Hogan feels like he's being watched by everyone and everything, and doesn't know why. Even his pets are acting strangely. Each night he sees animals gathering outside his house in the darkness, staring up at his windows with glittering eyes.

"Something is very wrong in the world…"

Things are happening that can't be explained. People are attacking both strangers and loved ones for no apparent reason. It started gradually, almost unnoticed, but now it's beginning to escalate. Random attacks in large groups are causing people to avoid crowds at all costs, and Martin is starting to believe it's all connected to him.

But Martin isn't paranoid. He is about to discover that he is absolutely right; the world does revolve around him, and the reason why is far worse than he could have ever imagined.

As his life spirals deeper into the terrifying and inexplicable, Martin seeks answers, only to find himself engulfed in a high stakes struggle for the future of mankind itself.

For the fate of human race rests solely in Martin Hogan's hands…

Luke Smitherd, author of the Amazon and Audible best sellers The Stone Man, In The Darkness, That's Where I'll Know You, and The Physics of the Dead presents the ultimate predicament in his latest unusual and original novel. A Head Full of Knives is a supernatural mystery that asks what you would do if the fate of the world lay with you (and guarantees you'll never look at animals in quite the same way again.)

©2014 Luke Smitherd (P)2015 Luke Smitherd

Critic reviews

"I had no preconceived idea of what to expect with A Head Full of Knives, and every time I thought I knew where the storyline was heading, Smitherd deftly turned down a new and unexpected path. In a field of genre fiction overflowing with mediocrity and stale ideas - published by large and small press alike - Luke Smitherd stands out as a truly new and original voice." ( AintItCoolNews.com)

So Great

If you like twilight zone type stories you will this one. Very well done. Another success from Luke Smitherd.

An Original talent

Excellant yarn well-read - you won’t be disappointed. Love the interface with the dogs! Encore

Wow! Kept me turning all over the place!

So original and out there! This author has such a rich incredible world he shares in the most bizarre and interesting books. Best yet, this audible was narrated by the author! The outcome is a mind-expanding story told in the way it was written, complete with a touch of humor here and there within the brilliant madness. LOVED it.

blown away

I had no idea what to expect from this author, but was basically blown away by his story. The protagonist is heartbreakingly real. I had to take a few mental breaks from listening because of how well the author describes his experience. The narration is seamless, moving fluidly between words and emotion. I have to say that this book knocked me on my butt, figuratively speaking. I will definitely be back for another title!

Fascinatung

This is a fascinating story. Luke should have so many more people reading his books. His writing style is so interesting, I can clearly see what he is describing in my mind as he was telling this tale. This story is excellent. Luke never disappoints in bending my mind to seeing things in.a whole new way.. Thanks Luke!

Original Premise

I liked this book as well as The Stone Men series, maybe better. Keep up the great work, and no shame asking for reviews at the end.

Why haven't I found this author until now!!

This is my second Luke Smitherd book. I stumbled upon his newest book You See the Monster and was instantly enthralled. If you haven't read/listened to that one yet, do so now. Okay back to this books review. I've read and listened to tons of books over the years, so I've read alot and this authors books are so orginal. The characters and plot hook me from the go and I find myself doing chores longer, walking the dogs longer, and staying up later just so I can keep listening. The author narrates this book and he does an amazing job. I enjoy his humor in the afterword. I can't really explain anymore of the storyline than what's already in the description but if you want a orginal story that keeps you on the edge of your seat this book is it.

Interesting Take on the Afterlife

Enjoyed the book and Smitherd's, always emotional, narration. He has a unique take on the afterlife that is refreshing and interesting. His books are always fun to read. I highly recommend.

A Head Full of Originality

What made the experience of listening to A Head Full of Knives the most enjoyable?

Reading the novel by coupling it with the Kindle version.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the author was able to take a very sympathetic character, allow you to get to know him, and then allow you to understand how his character fit into the big reveal at the end.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Luke Smitherd is an excellent reader, but I prefer novels that are not read by the author. As an author myself, I know for a fact that our inflections can alter a reader or listener's imagination in ways that a neutral narrator cannot. While I like his voice, I preferred the narration in THE STONE MAN

Any additional comments?

Luke Smitherd (author of THE STONE MAN) has quickly rocketed to the top of my favorite 21st century authors. Seeing as how he writes in the same literary neighborhood as I -- that shadowy suburb of lit that has no real genre name -- I can't help but to be in awe of his characterization and ability to create mood.

In this novel, Martin, a widower stumbling through life, both figuratively and literally, finds himself immersed in a whirlpool of mystery that gets ever more strange with each passing scene. Both sympathetic and quirky, you can't help but feel for Martin. His recovery from depression, his struggle to become an active novelist again, etc. oh, and Martin has a dog. But to delve into that would require me to spoil it. I won't do that, but if you're obsessed with death and the afterlife, which we all are, whether or not you admit it, this novel has to get into your queue.

The novel possesses elements of Stephen King, especially in so far as its capturing of Martin's internal monologues. This brings Martin into a full three dimensions, and made me continually want more information about this man and his plight, which is never far from home, and yet... and yet, is a long way from "home". There are other elements that are reminiscent of the great fantasists, as well. Here and there I'd see shades of Richard Matheson, Robert Bloch, Rod Serling, Ian McEwan and a sprinkling of other authors' influences from beyond the grave. By the novel's end our protagonist is faced with a choice, and each reader will have to decide for himself or herself whether that's what they like. I liked it. I see that others did not.

All that being said, I would give the novel 17 out of 20 stars if the scale had that kind of resolution. There were a few editorial glitches (I read the Kindle version while listening to the Audible version), a scene or two that didn't advance the story, and I do have to remove a little because when listening to the author's own voice, it actually took me out of the story a bit. I would've preferred a neutral narrator to allow my imagination to roam more freely. Nevertheless, please give Smitherd's fiction a chance. I really don't think you'll be disappointed, I think it'll be fun, and it'll definitely make you think. Overall, very well done.

Talented author. well written book

stumbled on this author and his great reviews. No idea the type of book. well it's afterlife fantasy so you know. awesome world building, well written dialog and very cool visions of afterlife, purgatory like places and reincarnation. the author narrating was a little off. The uk accents spoken a little too fast and in "bursts" takes getting used to. I will read more by the author for sure as he clearly is a great writer with depth to thw stories and worlds he creates.