• The Book of Riley

  • A Zombie Tale
  • By: Mark Tufo
  • Narrated by: Sean Runnette
  • Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,223 ratings)

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The Book of Riley  By  cover art

The Book of Riley

By: Mark Tufo
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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Publisher's summary

When the zombie apocalypse strikes without warning one dog will hold the fate of her pack in her paws. This is the story of Riley, an American bulldog. Follow along as she tries to keep her pack safe from a zombie apocalypse. Traveling with her are Ben-Ben the high-strung Yorkie; her favorite two-legger, Jessie; Jessie's younger brother, Zachary; and Riley's archenemy, Patches the cat. They are a rag-tag group of survivors, who, when pushed to the limit, realize that they are all each other has.

©2012 Mark Tufo (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

Fans of horror fiction laced with laughs are likely to be tickled by this droll audio edition that kicks off Tufo’s new series centering on the eponymous canine. To realize the author’s concept—seeing the zombie apocalypse through the eyes of an American Bulldog—narrator Sean Runnette (who performed Tufo’s equally funny Zombie Fallout series) needs to pull off a plausible first-animal narration. He does this and more—convincingly voicing a terrier and a cat, as well as various humans. And listeners won’t find it difficult to differentiate Ben-Ben, the “little pain in the ass Yorkshire Terrier,” from Riley. The story wastes no time rolling up its gory sleeves and getting into the action—and Runnette ably transitions from humorous canine antics to savagery (e.g., when Riley rips the face off a family friend turned zombie), successfully blending horror and humor. ( Publisher’s Weekly)

What listeners say about The Book of Riley

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Riley the dog

How she was able to get her point across. Protect her two-leggers at all cost. More, more

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Amazing

All I can say is, it’s like homeward bound/secret life of pets with zombies and I love this. So so much!

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I barked out loud

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

I would, this is a very clever book written so well from the view of a dog that I laughed (barked) loudly at many parts. Each character is well developed

What did you like best about this story?

Benben, so innocent, the distrust of Riley and Patches is very good

Which scene was your favorite?

Benben been diving into the fray going missing then his return
Or his loose bladder at the worst moments

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Spoiler if I explain it.

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6 people found this helpful

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I like Zombie books and I like Dog adventures....

If you could sum up The Book of Riley in three words, what would they be?

A smart "dogs eye view" of the zombie apocalypse.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Riley of course, who wouldn't like her!

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?

He is the narrator of the Zombie apocalypse in my mind forever now.

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

No, but I have read Mark Tufo's other books, so I'm a bit desensitized lol.

Any additional comments?

Wish it were longer...

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5 people found this helpful

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OMG!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!

If you could sum up The Book of Riley in three words, what would they be?

Brilliant, Awesome, Fabulous!!!!

What other book might you compare The Book of Riley to and why?

No comparison...this is such a genuine and unique story....

What does Sean Runnette bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sean is Top Class....he is such a pleasure to listen too...

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

I did...and I am listening to book 2 now as I write this!! lol

Any additional comments?

I was in love with this story almost as soon as it started....this is a brilliant way of telling this tale...Mark has impressed me once again....I dont think he will ever stop though...lol If you have listened to the ZFO series you have got to listen to this one too...it ties right in with that one and it is super cute!!!! On to #2! 2 huge thumbs up!! Only complaint is that it was to short!!! lol

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A must read!!!!!!

I love this series because it deals with the zombie apocalypse through dogs and cats eyes
It will make you laugh, and cry, it will put you on the edge of your seat. Mark is an a extraordinary writer he can touch every one of your emotions and leave you wanting more

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entertaining

Enjoyed it very much . But I would NEVER pay full price for such a short story .

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Riley Rocks!

I’d love to think my dogs would step up but who are we kidding one of them shakes just watching a zombie movie lol. But I like that we can hear what’s going on with the pets as well as the humans. If I could change one thing I would make the cat more like one of my cats. Not all cats are self serving, my are super affectionate more so then dogs even. yeah you read that right! But I love this book truly enjoyable. I’m going to go start book 2!

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I'm a Ben-Ben fan!

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?

I honestly can't say enough about the talent of Sean Runnette. I love the voice he does for the cat but especially the voice of Ben-Ben. He's so good!

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

Yes. It's not a long book and I knew that when I bought it but even if it were a full length book I would still want to keep listening because Mark Tufo and Sean Runnette are just that good!

Any additional comments?

I hated it when I finished the Zombie Fallout books because I was addicted to them, so it was nice to start listening to Riley because it's an extention of the ZF books.

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Wholesome yet Dark

This was beautifully done. A great story to listen while I play video games.
I look forward to listening to the rest of the series.
I personally feel that this book is safe for a younger audience, but still great for adults.

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