Dead Man's Pose

Yoga Mat Mysteries

By: Susan Rogers, John Roosen

Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

Dead Man’s Pose is a tension-reliever in yoga. Not this time!

A spirited yoga teacher teams up with a dark horse partner (determined to right wrongs); and together they seek closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend.

Throw in a cast of quirky characters that includes a savvy outback detective, an eccentric academic, a highly observant (but sight-challenged) witness, an exotic hairdresser, a Falstaffian nomad, crooked officials, and some assorted mob thugs.

Add some heat between the investigators, plus Ric’s wry humour and Elaina’s smart dialogue, while they both tumble into chase scenes to avoid sharks, cruise through a darkened saloon and conduct late-night spying on a ‘high roller’ that floats.

Combine that with word pictures of Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque cities (which also has sleazy backstreets and a gummy web of intrigue), and you have the cocktail mix of Dead Man’s Pose.

It’s a jigger of Agatha Christie’s compelling plotline; adding two parts of Cherringham Murder Mysteries; shake in the backdrop of Sydney, Australia which acts as another character and garnish with the mood and tempo of a Michael Connelly’s clue-packed charge. Dead Man’s Pose has all the classic hallmarks of a whodunit genre…but presented as a gin fizz romantic mystery with extra fizz.

Your Dead Man’s Pose audiobook is just a click away. Hungry for more? Dead Man’s Pose is first in the Yoga Mat Mysteries’ line-up. Second in the series (now online) is Cobra Pose. Next will be Tree Pose!

©2022 Susan Rogers and John Roosen (P)2023 Susan Rogers and John Roosen

Critic reviews

2023, AudioFile Earphones Award, Winner

"Dead Man’s Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries by Susan Rogers and John Roosen is a superb work of crime fiction with a gentle touch of clean romance. The story takes us to Sydney, Australia, where we meet Elaina Williams, a yoga teacher. Elaina is just about to start her yoga class when Mario Vincenzi, Elaina’s yoga student, wants to tell her something important. Elaina suggests that they talk after the session, but at the end of the lesson, she finds Mario dead on his yoga mat. Feeling that she owes it to Mario to find out the cause of his death, Elaina joins forces with Ric, a well-connected professional photographer who is also Elaina’s yoga student. Before long, Elaina and Ric find themselves in a perilous maze of adventures leading them to jaw-dropping discoveries. But will they succeed? As a fan of crime fiction, suspense thrillers, and adventures, I never had a dull moment listening to Dead Man’s Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. I enjoyed the scenic landscapes of Sydney and the depth to which Susan and John portrayed the characters, making them relatable and memorable. I also enjoyed a taster of Cobra Pose, the second book in the series, thoughtfully included at the end. But most of all I liked the suspenseful plot enhanced by the sophisticated subterfuge of Elaina and Ric’s investigation and how the erudite horizons of the authors translated into a variety of themes, ranging from yoga poses to insights into casino operations and Michelangelo's paintings. All in all, listening to this audiobook was highly rewarding for me as a “reader.” This audiobook was narrated by Rupert Degas, an award-winning British-Australian actor who excelled in the brilliant job of bringing this captivating story to life. The sound quality is excellent, and Rupert’s distinct and well-paced narration is enriched with awesome professional acting that clearly distinguishes the characters by their accents, professional and cultural backgrounds, and emotions. Listening to this audiobook made me feel as if I were watching a film, with the added privilege of the freedom to imagine how the characters looked and felt, aided by Rupert’s top-class performance. I am delighted that Cobra Pose, the second book of the series, is also narrated by Rupert, and I look forward to my reunion with Elaina and Ric." (Olga Markova, Readers’ Favorite)

Excellent first adventure in a promising new series

Dead Man’s Pose is an internationally award-winning and absolutely terrific Crime Noir story, superbly written with talent, wit, and humor by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. This is the first book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, and I can happily report that I loved every minute spent with it.

In Dead Man’s Pose we follow a spirited yoga teacher who teams up with a dark horse operator to investigate and find closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend. But, as it always happens in such books, and in real life, they step into a dangerous world filled with unexpected situations.

The writing is excellent, the story is captivating, and the characters are colorful, three-dimensional, real, and alive.

I especially love the vividness with which Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque and exotic cities, is described. While listening to this extremely entertaining audiobook, I felt like I was there, seeing the action unraveling in front of my eyes, walking the streets, running away from bad guys, meeting the characters, and vicariously taking part in their adventures.

Internationally acclaimed narrator Rupert Degas, who has recorded over 400 audiobooks to date, does a wonderful job with his performance of Dead Man’s Pose. Also being British, his residence in Sydney makes him the perfect narrator for this riveting adventure, because he really sounds like a native.

Mr. Degas reads in a pleasantly mellow but deep voice, perfectly suited for this type of immersive storytelling. With his wide vocal range, he manages to successfully bring to life all the characters in the book with multiple accents and personality types.

This review was supposed to be written much later, but as I was drawn to Dead Man’s Pose more often than I thought possible, I decided to give in and finish it as my curiosity got the better of me.

So, if you like well-written Crime Noir thrillers that have also been recognized with international awards, I highly recommend checking out Dead Man’s Pose and keeping an eye out for new releases in this extremely promising series.
I am a blind audiobook reviewer and if you found this review interesting I hope you will consider leaving a helpful vote below. Thank you! Take care, stay safe, and don't forget, always listen with your heart.

Captivating Audio Book

Captivating adventure listening to Dead Man's Pose. I felt like I was traveling along to new interesting places while trying to figure things out and enjoying listening to the different voices.
I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.

A Captivating Mystery

"Dead Man’s Pose" by Susan Rogers and John Roosen is a captivating mystery audiobook revolving around a yoga instructor, Elaina, investigating a client's mysterious death. The plot is intriguing, with numerous twists, complex characters, and a blend of dark humor and suspense. Rupert Degas' stellar narration enhances the enthralling, noir-themed story. The plot is reminiscent of traditional whodunnits yet offers a fresh take that appeals to both mystery genre novices and seasoned fans. Susan Rogers and John Roosen are exceptional authors whose engaging crime narratives promise more thrilling reads. This audiobook comes highly recommended for its irresistible plot and top-notch narration.

All-time favorite audiobook!

Story Impressions –

Dead Man’s Pose is a mystery/suspense that’ll whisk you to Australia and stretch your imagination. I love a good mystery to sink my teeth into, especially one that’s set in an exotic locale. This audiobook is set in Australia, and I got to experience an Aussie vacation while reading. The descriptive narration is lush with its intricate knowledge of Sydney right down to the best coffee shops and the slang. The deep POV allows the reader to become a part of the story. The plot moves at a steady pace with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I connected with both Elaina and Ric while trying to solve the mystery before they did. There’s a full cast of characters to interact with which added such depth to the overall story. The yoga vernacular is 100% accurate and I liked the interesting way the authors used yoga throughout the audiobook.


If I were to sum up Dead Man’s Pose, it’s a mash-up of classic noir with mystery and a touch of romance in the heart of Australia. Brilliant and original, I can’t wait to read more from this immersive series.


Narrator’s overall voice –

Rupert Degas has a gift for bringing stories to life through his interpretation. I think his voice works really well for one of my favorite books of all time. He genuflects the mysterious subject matter and the setting using a variety of inflections and tones.

Does the narrator fit the characters?

Characters so real and accurately portrayed, you'd think you were experiencing it for yourself. So yes, the narrator fits these characters, even the criminals.

Narrator’s reading style –

His reading style is professional and unforgettable. He uses different voices for each character in addition to the narrator to make the story come alive.

Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Rupert Degas makes Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s impactful suspense come alive. It’s a wonderful partnership and makes for a remarkable listening experience.

Narrator’s pacing –

The pacing is well done with just the right amount of dramatic flair.

Audiobook flow –

The audiobook flows really well. There are times when I got so caught up in the story, I stopped what I was doing, like work.

What makes this audiobook unique –

The different voices Rupert Degas uses make this a unique listening experience. His talent for orating really comes across in this audiobook.

Would I recommend this audiobook –

YES! It’s one of my favorite books of all time and with the help of Rupert Degas, this has become my all-time favorite audiobook.


My Rating: 5+ stars

A must-listen

Authors, Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s, debut installment in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series is a baffling mystery with a memorable lead and exotic setting.

Elaina Williams is content teaching yoga at her newly-opened yoga school. But when one of her students, Mario Vincente, dies suddenly during the class, Elaina is plagued with guilt. The reason: Mario urgently wanted to talk to Elaina before his death. She unites with her another student Ric and begins to look into Mario’s personal life. They soon discover Mario was neck deep in some shady business. As they continue their investigation, the pair realize they are in for more than they bargained for.

The gradually budding romance between Elaina and Ric is artfully handled, and the authors keep the core mystery breezing along, sprinkling it with surprising revelations and fully realized characters. Narrator Rupert Degas gives listeners a remarkable performance. He projects a range of emotions, varying his pace and pitch to portray the personalities of the diverse cast who range from a sharp detective to an eccentric academic.

The mean streets of Sydney are authentically portrayed, and the authors deliver a satisfying resolution to the puzzle they construct. Endearing, well-developed lead, intriguing storyline, and a smoothly paced narrative that pulses with mystery and intrigue make this an enthralling tale full of surprises.

What a ride!

This is an excellent murder mystery with great characters brought to life superbly by the narrator! Lots of fun with twists and turns, there is never a dull moment. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, cobra pose. Highly recommend this fun listener!

Highly Entertaining and Engaging

Ric, a no-nonsense and dedicated detective with a passion for righting wrongs, along with Elaina, a gifted yoga instructor, band together to investigate their friend’s questionable death and reveal the truth. Unfortunately for them, to discover the truth and bring forth justice, they have to enter the lion’s den and into a mess of deadly trouble.

The authors, Susan Rogers and John Roosen, weave an intense tale of mystery and danger with a few quirky characters. Their attention to detail and vivid imagery are magical and bring a deeper depth to the storyline. They are deliberate in developing their characters. Each character is well-developed and instrumental to the storyline. The flow of the story is smooth and the plot twists are well-executed, entertaining, and cleverly done. The dialogue is rich and reflective of the characters personalities and roles within the story.

The narrator, Rupert Degas, delivers a strong performance. The voice he uses for each character is subtle. He speaks clearly and with a level of energy that keeps the story and action moving forward. He is consistent with his voice and with delivery, setting a strong pace that allows the listener to become immersed in the story.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn there were two authors! Their writing style is strong and unique. Each word of the story flowed smoothly and consistently without any tell-tale signs of there being two authors. The synchronicity in their writing is refreshing and makes for a highly entertaining listen. I highly recommend this book and suggest keeping an eye out for more by these two talented authors.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Rupert Degas works his Magic

After thoroughly enjoying reading the Yoga mat mysteries series I had planned on listening too the audio books when the opportunity came up. However I never imagined the result when I quickly downloaded the first two audio books while boarding a international flight.
That flight long into the night and the subsequent days would be mostly enveloped in listening to Rupert perform his art in turning the abundance of characters into captivating voices you come to relate too. The audiobook brings a new layer to a stunning classical crime thriller leaving the listener wondering where Ric and Elaina's adventures will lead them next.

5 Star for Susan and John this really is a a credit to their exceptional writing.

Great Read

The title of this exciting debut novel refers to what is known in the yoga world as Shavasana. It is a pose meant to relieve tension, not to kill you. Hence as the novel opens, Yoga Boronia studio owner and instructor Elaina Williams is shocked to have a student in her yoga class die while performing Shavasana. But mostly she is devastated, because on the very day of his death Mario Vincente, a short pudgy man who had been her eager student for ten months, had come to class early asking for a minute of her time and she'd put him off. What had he wanted to say? What if she had taken the time to hear him out? Would he still be alive? Mario was "a man of precision and regularity. Socially, personally, even biologically, he functioned like clockwork." Even with medical tests still pending, the idea that his death might be nefarious cannot be dismissed.

When she herself is personally targeted, Elaina feels compelled to solve this potential crime. She owes it to Mario and to herself. But she's not alone. Ric Peters, another student in the class, has chatted with Mario a few times and finds it troubling to assume he would've succumbed to such mild exercise. And there is something so appealing about the oval-faced, strawberry blonde yoga instructor that makes Ric want to help her.

When the New South Wales (NSW) polic force starts its routine forensics to explore and explain Mario's sudden death, Ric and Elaina decide it won't be enough. IN stepping up the investigation beyond the tried and true they dig up a host of characters each quirkier than the last. There is Professor Scott at the University of Sydney, a man overly fond of spreading multicolored TackiNotes along his office walls, but whose advice they heed as in his mantra: "Don't ever let logic get in the way of the options." Ric's closed friend Jack McMasters, detective inspector on NSW's Homicide Squad, is one of those Aussie straight-shooters where "honest and blunt were the only two options that came from his mouth." Jack is a big believer in outback intuition, especially Ric's. And to cover all the bases Ric and Elaina question Groady, a homeless man who might've see something since he sometimes sleeps in the lit-up area in front of Elaina's studio "to check on a watch he never wore."

Ric and Ealina's midnight jaunts along the grittier side of Sydney invoke a mood of classic noir mystery, but the noir is tempered by the modesty of these two amateur sleuths, the quirky characters they dig up and their blooming romance. tow hand-drawn maps preface the written story, adding a home-made quality and a sense of immediacy to the crime-solving. And then there is the coffee, mentioned at least forty times in the two-hundred page novel. IN the stress of hunting down clues to Mario's possible murder, Ric and Elaina start, punctuate and end most days with coffee, sometimes from the Rocket machine at Ric's apartment and often via their search on the streets for that "perfect cup."

Dead Man's Pose is an engaging read, with characters that make you laugh out loud and historical references inserted casually throughout the story that make the town of Sydney and the continent of Australia come alive. The tongue-in-cheek writing style enhances the read to no end. In one case Ric and Elaina find a Dr. Franklin Moore, attending physician at a casino that might be connected to Mario's murky past, and ask about Moore's background. "Like a rocket Moore launched into the condense-mil version of his bio from birth to his current work. Somehow he managed to avoid his run-ins with ethics committees, the occasional suspension of his license and the bulging complaints files at past employments."

This audio version offers a real down-under experiences, as narrator Rupert Degas adds his native-sounding Australian accent to the mix, varying pitch and pace and carefully capturing the nuances of the diverse set of characters that populate this highly entertaining story.

Sydney life

I loved the mystery, the yoga, the Sydney locations and the dry humour. Onto the next book!