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Gloomwood #3
Dead Festive
There's no such thing as Christmas in the Grim Reaper's own slice of the afterlife, but there is Bleakest Day. As the festive season is in full swing, things are taking a sinister turn.
Who would steal the Grim Reaper's baubles?
Why does everyone hate the demonic refugees?
Did Detective Blunt remember to get Sarah a present?
The afterlife is in turmoil once again and it's down to Detective Blunt and the few friends he has to get to the bottom of things. On Bleakest Eve, everything is going to come together. The question is... who's been naughty and is anybody nice?
Welcome back to the afterlife.
Just remember, don't call it Christmas....
Who would steal the Grim Reaper's baubles?
Why does everyone hate the demonic refugees?
Did Detective Blunt remember to get Sarah a present?
The afterlife is in turmoil once again and it's down to Detective Blunt and the few friends he has to get to the bottom of things. On Bleakest Eve, everything is going to come together. The question is... who's been naughty and is anybody nice?
Welcome back to the afterlife.
Just remember, don't call it Christmas....
- GenresFantasy
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2021
9 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Ross Young
10 books62 followersRoss Young was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in a hospital that has since been knocked down. He spent his childhood in a variety of international locales and uses this fact to affect an air of the windswept and interesting, badly. He enjoys diving and travelling and has lived and worked in various interesting places.
Dead Heads is his debut novel and forms part of a series of books set in the city of Gloomwood. He does not write from experience as, despite his appearance and demeanor, he is not dead.
Dead Heads is his debut novel and forms part of a series of books set in the city of Gloomwood. He does not write from experience as, despite his appearance and demeanor, he is not dead.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 23, 2022
Love this little series. I think it could be a nice little TV series. Well done Ross Young.
March 25, 2022
Less than 3 stars but more than 2. Great in a kind of flashback, whoa I don't remember much of the 70s kind of way; much much less so in terms of quality execution.
I'm really quite disappointed by how quickly the Gloomwood trilogy tapered off for me in terms of being a memorable experience. And I did have such high hopes, wishing upon whatever celestial object would listen that the problems with Book 2 were really just an aberration. I mean, on one hand I did find "Dead Festive" to be an absolutely deliciously conceived bizarro and trippy tale overflowing with creativity and originality. However, on the other, it is is sadly - and quite dramatically - hurt by what has to be considered just dreadful editing! I mean, for goodness sakes, couldn't we even keep the colour of the Kallikantzaroi consistent? (Aside: if you're interested in learning more about these demons/gnomes BEFORE reading the book, there's a good video on YouTube describing their lore particularly from the Balkan regions!)
But I'm not here to belabour the lack of editing nor how in this case it will surely keep all of these stories from flourishing. No, I'll try to focus a bit more on the positive aspects I took away from my reading of these tales this past week. Case in point: this third story at least I felt accomplished several targets, including for the first time really finding a proper, good role for Blunt to play in how things transpired in the wacky world that is Gloomwood. Pushing others a bit more into the background helped a great deal, as well as adding structure to everything through a contrived holiday, and gave him a chance to, well, if not shine then at least glimmer a bit. And despite a number of really bizarre and often quite sudden plot twists, in this last chapter of the trilogy, the story really came together in the conclusion! I guess you could even try out a seasonal pun and say that everything was wrapped all nice, neat and tied up with a pretty bow at the end!
Look, I've really said it all before in my previous reviews (goodness knows I gave enough detail). I still think the trilogy is worth reading, though admittedly, if you're a stickler for proper grammar, punctuation, and 'all that rot' like I am, well, prepare to twitch a bit (Sarah is a "she" even if it sometimes says "he" ... oh and don't let the then/than bit get you...). Just imagine a demon has spoken in such a way that you're left trembling in the corner wondering if your spine is about to be ripped out of your body and used for decoration. That's what it feels like sometimes to folks like (waves vaguely) us. Anyway...
Merry Bleakest Day everyone. And with that: good night!
I'm really quite disappointed by how quickly the Gloomwood trilogy tapered off for me in terms of being a memorable experience. And I did have such high hopes, wishing upon whatever celestial object would listen that the problems with Book 2 were really just an aberration. I mean, on one hand I did find "Dead Festive" to be an absolutely deliciously conceived bizarro and trippy tale overflowing with creativity and originality. However, on the other, it is is sadly - and quite dramatically - hurt by what has to be considered just dreadful editing! I mean, for goodness sakes, couldn't we even keep the colour of the Kallikantzaroi consistent? (Aside: if you're interested in learning more about these demons/gnomes BEFORE reading the book, there's a good video on YouTube describing their lore particularly from the Balkan regions!)
But I'm not here to belabour the lack of editing nor how in this case it will surely keep all of these stories from flourishing. No, I'll try to focus a bit more on the positive aspects I took away from my reading of these tales this past week. Case in point: this third story at least I felt accomplished several targets, including for the first time really finding a proper, good role for Blunt to play in how things transpired in the wacky world that is Gloomwood. Pushing others a bit more into the background helped a great deal, as well as adding structure to everything through a contrived holiday, and gave him a chance to, well, if not shine then at least glimmer a bit. And despite a number of really bizarre and often quite sudden plot twists, in this last chapter of the trilogy, the story really came together in the conclusion! I guess you could even try out a seasonal pun and say that everything was wrapped all nice, neat and tied up with a pretty bow at the end!
Look, I've really said it all before in my previous reviews (goodness knows I gave enough detail). I still think the trilogy is worth reading, though admittedly, if you're a stickler for proper grammar, punctuation, and 'all that rot' like I am, well, prepare to twitch a bit (Sarah is a "she" even if it sometimes says "he" ... oh and don't let the then/than bit get you...). Just imagine a demon has spoken in such a way that you're left trembling in the corner wondering if your spine is about to be ripped out of your body and used for decoration. That's what it feels like sometimes to folks like (waves vaguely) us. Anyway...
Merry Bleakest Day everyone. And with that: good night!
December 16, 2022
Dead Festive is a post mortal urban fantasy written by independent author Ross Young. This is the third book in the Gloomwood series and takes place shortly after the events of Get Ted Dead.
The story begins with someone stealing the Grim Reaper’s Bleakest Day baubles and in doing so points the finger at a group of demon refugees. Yet again, Detective Blunt is on the case. A man acclimatising to a world filled with the dead and forgotten gods, hopes, and creatures of myth.
Several characters are back in Dead Festive, and the reader will be rewarded with further insight into their quirky lives. The demons introduced in Get Ted Dead steal the show, as does the Grim Reaper himself, who plays a larger role overall. Young brings forth a creative yet dreary world, but gives it life through dry humour and wit that really makes his work shine.
Dead Festive is a fast-paced humorous read that gives you another peak at Young's wonderfully creative world. Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed. Well worth a read!
The story begins with someone stealing the Grim Reaper’s Bleakest Day baubles and in doing so points the finger at a group of demon refugees. Yet again, Detective Blunt is on the case. A man acclimatising to a world filled with the dead and forgotten gods, hopes, and creatures of myth.
Several characters are back in Dead Festive, and the reader will be rewarded with further insight into their quirky lives. The demons introduced in Get Ted Dead steal the show, as does the Grim Reaper himself, who plays a larger role overall. Young brings forth a creative yet dreary world, but gives it life through dry humour and wit that really makes his work shine.
Dead Festive is a fast-paced humorous read that gives you another peak at Young's wonderfully creative world. Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed. Well worth a read!
December 7, 2021
Hooked me instantly. A brilliant read.
I have been itching to read this book for months, and it satisfied on EVERY level. I’m a massive fan of Gloomwood—it’s one of my favorite fictional universes, and I always love returning for its brilliance, humor, and shenanigans. The latest installment, DEAD FESTIVE, is a Bleakest Day miracle. With intuitive storytelling and razor-sharp wit, Young balances festive ambience with satirical incision in a lively afterlife.
Rife with mischief, a mystery about the Grim Reaper’s missing baubles and demon discrimination keenly unravels amid hilarious commentary regarding consumerism, controversy, the holidays, fake news, and spiraling misconceptions. Young demonizes toys then humanizes those demons, a massively difficult endeavor that he renders with deft skill and envious talent.
I loved the quirky characters, the intricate plot, and the genius satire threaded throughout. It’s an absolute page-turner with superb pacing. If you marked all the brilliant one-liners, the entire book would be highlighted, and there’s also a weighty gravitas underneath—so many clever layers. Buy it, and binge it. A perfect holiday read.
Last but certainly not least, long live/die Morgarth! “May the wound forever fester and spread!”
I have been itching to read this book for months, and it satisfied on EVERY level. I’m a massive fan of Gloomwood—it’s one of my favorite fictional universes, and I always love returning for its brilliance, humor, and shenanigans. The latest installment, DEAD FESTIVE, is a Bleakest Day miracle. With intuitive storytelling and razor-sharp wit, Young balances festive ambience with satirical incision in a lively afterlife.
Rife with mischief, a mystery about the Grim Reaper’s missing baubles and demon discrimination keenly unravels amid hilarious commentary regarding consumerism, controversy, the holidays, fake news, and spiraling misconceptions. Young demonizes toys then humanizes those demons, a massively difficult endeavor that he renders with deft skill and envious talent.
I loved the quirky characters, the intricate plot, and the genius satire threaded throughout. It’s an absolute page-turner with superb pacing. If you marked all the brilliant one-liners, the entire book would be highlighted, and there’s also a weighty gravitas underneath—so many clever layers. Buy it, and binge it. A perfect holiday read.
Last but certainly not least, long live/die Morgarth! “May the wound forever fester and spread!”
December 10, 2022
Loved it
I've loved all 3 of these books. I love Det. Blunt and especially here and gone Sarah. The stories are great and just when I think I know who did what I find out with a great twist that I'm wrong. The only gripe I have about this book is the typos. Gee Whiz! But with the Kindle app letting me report each one it makes me feel like an editor..heehee. Loved it!!
I've loved all 3 of these books. I love Det. Blunt and especially here and gone Sarah. The stories are great and just when I think I know who did what I find out with a great twist that I'm wrong. The only gripe I have about this book is the typos. Gee Whiz! But with the Kindle app letting me report each one it makes me feel like an editor..heehee. Loved it!!
November 29, 2022
I LOVED ALL THREE BOOKS!!!
Brilliant! I loved the world the author created and I felt like I was there, and with the characters as well. I will be on the lookout for more books by this author!
Brilliant! I loved the world the author created and I felt like I was there, and with the characters as well. I will be on the lookout for more books by this author!
February 11, 2022
Funny adventure and mystery
I have enjoyed all the Gloomwood books. The characters and atmosphere make it a fun read. The situations are funny and the outcome unpredictable.
I have enjoyed all the Gloomwood books. The characters and atmosphere make it a fun read. The situations are funny and the outcome unpredictable.
January 1, 2024
Twisty and fun
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews