Dead Eye: The Skinwalker Conspiracies

By: Jim Bernheimer

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

"My name is Mike Ross and I'm a Ferryman - like in the Greek myth. I didn't ask for, or really want, the job, but I'm trying to make the best of it. Most ghosts are okay and just need a little help to get where they need to go. Unfortunately, there are lots of exceptions, like power-mad psychopaths, spirits still trying to fight battles long since lost, and the worst of the lot - the Skinwalkers. They live vicariously by possessing people and controlling them like puppet masters. Then they toss them aside when they've outlived their usefulness. One of them stole my father 15 years ago, and now I'm going to make that ghost pay."

©2011 Jim Bernheimer (P)2012 David Wood- Gryphonwood Press

Entertainment steady.

Would you listen to Dead Eye: The Skinwalker Conspiracies again? Why?

I really enjoyed this audio book and I will definitely listen again. The narrator did an awesome job! The story was believeable and scary yet well seasoned with lite humor throughout. I couldn't stop listening. This book maintained the intensity of the first book in this series. It really is a must read if you like a mix of paranormal, snarky quick wit attitude and suspense.

As Awesome as the First One!! I NEEED More!!!

Where does Dead Eye: The Skinwalker Conspiracies rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a new author and type of Sci-fi Fiction for me, but amazingly my husband and I had just recently investigated Gettysburg ourselves and had "contact" with some of the same characters spirits as offered in the first book, specifically Strong Vincent at Little Round Top, so I gave it a try. I liked the premise, but the storyline had some flaws with historical characters in book 2. As usual, History, like the Bible, is based on translation and creative license by individuals, so History buffs should be open minded. I like that the main character developed his "gifts"further, but still anxious to see how Jim Bernheimer continues to mold and shape his newer abilities, if he expands to a 3rd book. Personally, I think 2 books in a series is a tease, so I hopes he keeps this one going and stays away from the "Superhero" AND Zombie non-sense.

What other book might you compare Dead Eye: The Skinwalker Conspiracies to and why?

Close to Joe Ledger from Jonathan Mayberry in descriptive fighting "action" style and use of multiple characters for assist, as well as personal back story which leads to unexpected disappointments. Also this story shares similarity with others via Awesome Narrator with a flare for the sarcastic presentation which reflected both author and story with unique concepts for paranormal abilities and cohorts.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Did NOT like Superhero VS. Zombies concept and wouldn't enjoy any other storyline other than this particular one.

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

I listen while I drive, so mostly stop and go enjoyment, so not even possible to listen in one sitting, but I was riveted and looked forward to the "Go" more than the "stops" I have to endure throughout the work week.

Any additional comments?

I have recommended this series to others, but with caution that these there are ONLY two books in the series, so far...

Great follow up to book one

I wish there was a third book. This is a follow up to the first book and the story picks up right where book one leaves off so if you haven't listened to or read the first book, get that one first.

The story continues with our hero taking a roadtrip to find his dad and he's accompanied by two quirky friends.. The story ends in such a way that a third book would have been possible but it doesn't look like there's a third one out there.

I will definitely check out this author and narrator's other books.

What a road trip.

Equally as funny as the first, maybe even better. I love the part with the dogs, it cracked me up big time. There are new characters such as Lee Harvey Oswald for one and we finally get his real story, ha, ha. The road trip is mostly in Texas. Mike finally gets to find out what really happened with his dad. Mike is learning neat new tricks and getting himself into more than one scrap. So this is a defiant read if you like the first one. Narrator is good and I enjoyed him better in the second book than I did in the first. Maybe I just got used to him.

A great continuation of the first book

The second novel in this series is definitely a worthy followup. It sort of continues the episodic structure of the first book, but all of the events follow each other in a much closer fashion. This is likely due to #1 it taking place on a roadtrip/journey to a destination and #2 because we got the backstory in the first book, so were free to move forward.

The narrator also seems to have gotten into his stride and his reading is much better this time around (for me anyway).

As for the story, we continue following Ross as he heads across the country to go after his long lost father. We make some stops on the way, all of which contribute to Mike's growth as a character. Mike makes some interesting allies and his powers (and knowledge) grows.

The final battle and resolution is far from lackluster, and though it leaves the door wide open for a sequel, there is no cliffhanger and this book stands firmly on its own.

That said, this is not a book you should read without first taking in the first in the series. The author does some explaining of past events, but not enough for someone jumping in to fully appreciate things. Read the first book!

An original entry into the Urban Fantasy genre.

I was gifted this audiobook by the author, Narrator or publisher in return for an unbiased review through Audiobookblast dot com. Ok, legalese over, here's the review. This is the second book in this Series, following Pennies for the Ferryman. Mike Ross, the Main character, is a Ferryman, meaning he can see ghosts and has power some over them, a lot of which entails helping them pass from this world to the next. He has a group of Civil War Ghosts he is friendly with, but there are a lot of ghosts out there, and they possess people, and have their won Hierarchy, which Mike upsets. In this book, he has to try and stop a really powerful ancient ghost who is actually working with Mike's missing father, with some old enemies and new allies as his only help. Will he succeed? Well, you'll have to read it to find out. You should, though, since the characters are endearing, and complex, especially Mike, who is torn about his role and abilities. The plot is fast moving, never seeming to drag, and you keep wanting more after it ends. The writing is excellent, with snappy dialogue and a lot of humor, especially considering the subject. The villains in this book, and even one of the protagonists, are just as loathsome as you would expect from a Jim Bernheimer book. As far as the narration, Jeffrey Kafer is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators, on a par with Luke Daniels, Michael Kramer, Nick Podehl and Michael Page. He really brings you into the story, bringing it to life. I actually think he sounds a lot like a younger Charlie Sheen, which to me is a good thing, since he can go from serious to funny as hell just like that. Anyone who likes Simon R. Green's Urban Fantasy books should enjoy this one.

Another good story from this author

I really enjoyed the first book, Dead Eye pennies for the ferryman, and this sequel was also great fun!

UNDERAPPRECIATED Masterpiece!!!

Second book is as good as the first,
and from this moment on
Jim Bernheimer is in my top 10 Favorite Authors
and Jeffrey Kafer performed an outstanding narration.

PS
I was upset to find out that there is no 3rd book as of yet,
but according to the author he has plans
for at least 1 probably 2-3 more books in a dead eye series.

Let's hope they will be available soon.

Smacking ghosts upside the head

Note: While this is Book 2 in the series, I think it stands on it’s own pretty well.

Mike Ross returns in this excellent sequel to Pennies for the Ferryman. He’s still missing an eye, still plagued by ghosts, and his love life is still nonexistent. However, he has been working out so he should be able to punch ghosts with more effectiveness. Perhaps his love life will even come back from the grave.

Mike is on a quest. His dad walked out on him and his mom when he was a kid and he learned in Book 1 that it might not have been by his dad’s own volition. His dad may have been possessed by a skinwalker and Mike has to know the whole truth in order to put his past to bed. In his hunt for his dad, he also has to work through the revelations from Book 1 concerning his genetic ties to Edgar Alan Poe. Mike isn’t the first Ferryman in his family tree. With all that and the ever clinging ghosts dying to chat with a mortal, Mike is in for an adventure.

I enjoyed this story even more than Book 1. I think it is because Mike is indeed a reluctant hero. He’s still recovering from wounds received in military service and his disability check barely lets him get by while living at his mom’s. So, yeah, he likes to see some financial gain for assisting the numerous ghosts that want him to carry a message or return some family trinket to a long lost niece. But on occasion, Mike feels compelled to do something simply because it is the right thing to do. In the end, it is this sense of good that drives Mike onward even when he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

This adventure featured a Cadillac that broke down more than once (electrical interference from emotionally disturbed ghosts), a wedding ring (haunted with memories of a honeymoon gone awry), a body swap (say ‘Woof!’ for me boy!), and a female ghost hunter turned personal trainer (she’s quite comfortable handling Glocks). Toss in a powerful ghost on the brink of insanity, a few skinwalkers, and the Alamo and you have one wicked crazy adventure.

I’m a fan of Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, which is a well known urban fantasy series. I think Bernheimer’s Dead Eye series is every bit as entertaining as the early books in The Dresden Files series and I very much look forward to seeing where he takes Mike next.

Narration: Jeffrey Kafer did another excellent job. He’s a great voice for Mike, sounding like a determined but down and out man who is just trying to get by. Kafer has an array of distinct voices for both men and women. He also carried off accents for the Alamo quite well.

What I Liked: Mike’s powers continue to grow; several storylines in this book pulled together and tied off nicely; Edgar Alan Poe; looking forward to the next adventure!

What I Disliked: Nothing – thoroughly enjoyed myself with this book.

You can't help but like the guy!

This series was enjoyable....it is easy to identify with the main character...you can't help but like him. My one beef is that this series seemed to have so much potential...but never seemed to quite get over the hump from really good to excellent.