Dead Man's Hand

Monster Mysteries, Book 1

By: Eddie Jones

Narrated by: Zane VanWicklyn

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the hay loft of a barn in an authentic old west ghost town, Nick Caden uncovers the body of Billy the Kid...and other deadly secrets! It's all for show...right? Nothing more than Hollywood theatrics? "This is an authentic old west ghost town," the sheriff tells Nick. "Around these parts, the dead don't stay dead." 

But Nick Caden's vacation becomes a nightmare when this "living" ghost town takes a deadly turn toward trouble. Soon Nick finds himself trapped in a stable with the infamous outlaw Jesse James. The shooter whirls, aims and...vanishes. Great theatrics, Nick thinks. Only then does he discover the body of a real dead cowboy. 

Soon Nick is caught in a deadly chase - from an abandoned gold mine, through forbidden buffalo hunting grounds, and across Rattlesnake Gulch. Around every turn he finds another suspect. Will Nick solve the murder before his family leaves Deadwood? Or will the town's desperate need for tourists' income bury the haunting truth that something "ghost-like" lives in Deadwood? 

In this middle-grade murder mystery series, award-winning author Eddie Jones takes listeners on a Wild, Wild, West ride. 

Written for the General Market (G): Contains no: sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. While this murder mystery series discusses things like ghosts, vampires, and zombies, it does so without showing blood and gore. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature.

©2012 Eddie Jones (P)2020 Eddie Jones

Great narration!

A great adventure story for kids. The narration pulls you in, wraps you in the characters lives and doesn’t let go. The narrator really makes you feel the suspense and you can’t stop listening!

Can’t get enough of this narrator!!!

I’ve listened to more than one story narrated by Zane VanWicklyn and I just have to say it....please make sure he narrates every story out there. His voice is clear and crisp. His enunciation is spot on. And oh my gosh the way he tells the tale makes you feel like you are right there!. This story is terrific and it is made even better by the voice that tells it. I am hooked!!!!

Great Book!

This was just an amazing book. I loved the performance brought in by Zane VanWicklyn, and Eddie Jones’ writing was just superb. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Whiz Kid

This story is about a fourteen your old boy named Nick, who goes on vacation with his family. While on vacation, Nick stumbles across the body of a murdered cowboy. No one believes that Nick actually sees a dead man as the ranch where the family is vacationing is always putting on theatrical productions of living in the wild west, including theatrical shoot-outs. Nick is sure that the cowboy was murdered, so he sets out to prove it to everyone. Nick's father convinces the ranch's owner to let Nick investigate the alleged murder. This tale is fun, exciting, and suspenseful. It is geared towards younger readers and I would recommend it with the caveat that it is about the investigation of a murder. Zane VanWicklyn's narration is fine and clear. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

a fun romp

while this book is meant for middle schoolers, it was entertaining enough for this grandma. well written!

Good Story

I enjoyed the story and the theme. I think that the book jumps right into the action and carries on that way through the whole story, the characters had flaws and were therefore more relatable, but the story of a kid that runs around try to solve a mystery was good but a bit predictable and a little slow. The narrators were good

Phenomenal new narrator and story

This is an interesting fun mystery for YA. The most impressive thing for me? The narrator is new, a child just like the hero and already his potential is obvious. If you are a Fan of Luke Daniels or William Dufris keep your eyes on this guy.

Engaging mystery great for all ages

What an enjoyable “listen” and a fun mystery that my nephews and I listened to on recent road trip. Great performance by the narrator who captured our attention with his representations of his family and police Marshall in the first few chapters! Was brought into Nick’s world immediately and each character was brought to life with precision. An easy listen, and a fun, captivating mystery.

Very engaging

Great story that reminds me of how my parents and siblings interacted with each other.
Zanes interpretation and voices are delightful and amusing. I could hear his eyes rolling at his father and sister.
I look forward to hearing more.

Great Reader, Captivating Mystery

On a dude ranch vacation with his family, a 14 year old sleuth solves a real murder. The narrator is a gifted story teller! He brings to life multiple characters and moods. His pace is perfect but hold on to your hats—this is no bedtime story and you’ll never guess who did it!