Pretty Little Dead Things

A Thomas Usher Novel

By: Gary McMahon

Narrated by: Jay Villiers

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Thomas Usher has a terrible gift. Following a car crash in which his wife and daughter are killed, he can see the recently departed, and it's not usually a pretty sight.

When he is called to investigate the violent death of the daughter of a prominent local gangster, Usher's world is torn apart once more. For the barriers between this world and the next are not as immutable as once he believed.

Gary McMahon’s short fiction has appeared in numerous acclaimed magazines and anthologies in the UK and US and has been reprinted in yearly “Best of” collections. He is the multiple-award-nominated author of the novellas Rough Cut and All Your Gods Are Dead; the collections Dirty Prayers and How to Make Monsters and Pieces of Midnight; and the novels Rain Dogs and Hungry Hearts. He has been nominated for seven different British Fantasy Awards as both author and editor.

©2010 Gary McMahon (P)2014 Audible Ltd

Crime tale turned horror

Gary McMahon’s Pretty Little Dead Things begins as a crime tale where the main character with an unusual ability is called upon to investigate the death of the daughter of a crime boss. Thomas Usher’s talent is nonverbal communication with the dead. They appear to him, and he gradually discerns their message which helps to achieve closure of some sort, usually wrapping up a police investigation. One murder becomes a series while a supernatural element slowly emerges.

McMahon intersperses the present with the backstory of how Usher gained his ability through the tragic auto accident that killed his wife and daughter. There’s overwhelming mental anguish that pains-takingly comes through with the first-person narration.

The narration is solid with decent character distinction. Pacing is smooth with a slow burn.

good book good reader

good story, the next book bad dead things is awesome (listened out of order) really enjoyed this one recommend both. The reader is also awesome.

Loved the plot! The writing not so much. Still..

poor editing especially in the beginning. too much word repetition. somewhat gynophobic. BUT. GREAT STORY! Despite the faults, the story was truly scary. I love supernatural books. this was a really good one.

Pretty Creepy

I really liked this story. It's well written and the performance is excellent!
A little disturbing, I couldn't stop listening.

Pretty Little Dead Things makes Stephen King's books appear as children's books.

Listen but brace yourself and enjoy.
(Bwahahaha!)

Great story

Loved the plot and it was very well written. Couldn't stop listening! A must listen!

Odd story

Well I don’t know what I was expecting but this was an odd story and so depressing at times . Alot of death and darkness so I didn’t really enjoy it but finishes just out curiosity snd the end was odd as well with no real conclusion. I love the narration though ... if that’s any consolation.

Breathtaking Listen

Very interesting premise, although trigger warnings should be listed for gore and child abuse. The narration was fantastic!

Did not disappoint

So far this is my favorite Author on here and Most Definitely a Fan Jay Villiers . BEWARE!!!! Very graphic, detailed, Gory, creepy, BUT FABULOUS!!

Psychological thriller!

The book starts out sad, but the metaphors and psychological experiences kept me hooked to the last words. The narrator chosen for this book is PERFECT; I don't think anyone could have done it better justice.

Did Randall Flagg find his way into another book?

To be clear, McMahon and Stephen King are very different writers altogether. However, it was as though Randall Flagg found another story line to take root and fester in, albeit on a much smaller less apocalyptic scale.
I didn’t know what to expect with this book. It is dark and has some very disturbing subject matters, but overall was surprised and enjoyed it. Recommended for those that can stomach the macabre.