• The Physics of the Dead

  • A Supernatural Mystery Novel
  • By: Luke Smitherd
  • Narrated by: Luke Smitherd
  • Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (181 ratings)

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The Physics of the Dead  By  cover art

The Physics of the Dead

By: Luke Smitherd
Narrated by: Luke Smitherd
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Publisher's summary

The Audible UK #1 bestseller from the author of The Stone Man!

What do the dead do when they can't leave...and don't know why?

The afterlife doesn't come with a manual. In fact, Hart and Bowler (two ordinary but dead men) have had to work out the rules of their new existence for themselves. It's that fact (along with being unable to leave the boundaries of their city center, unable to communicate with the other lost souls, unable to rest in case The Beast catches up with them) that makes getting out of their situation a priority. But Hart and Bowler don't know why they're there in the first place; if they ever want to leave, they will have to find all the answers to be able to understand the physics of the dead.

What are the strange, glowing objects that pass across the sky? Who are the living people surrounded by a blue glow? What are their physical limitations in that place, and have they fully explored the possibilities of what they can do?

Time is running out. Their afterlife was never supposed to be this way, and if they don't make it out soon, they're destined to end up like the others. Insane, and alone forever....

In this creepy, mysterious debut novel from the author of the Amazon and Audible number-one best seller The Stone Man, the richly-built world of The Physics of the Dead will slowly draw you in with an icy grip until you are left gasping.

©2011 Luke Smitherd (P)2016 Luke Smitherd

What listeners say about The Physics of the Dead

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Creation of a World Within a World

I tried to get through the entire audio book, but I wanted to know how it ended, so I bought the book. I made it more than halfway through, but I am not an audio person. The narration was great. No problems there. I can understand audio books for people with long commutes, but if I can read a book in a few hours, I can't sit there and listen for ten. Sorry, Luke.

On to the book. The book was a revelation. Luke Smitherd created a world for the dead within the world for the living. He even explained some of the issues people always have with ghosts, such as: How can they walk or sit?

The story seems to ask if you realize how much life has to offer. Then it shows you what might happen if you don't. It also has a realistic friendship between two men, which I find rare in most books, unless it's on a golf course. The men only have each other in this strange place.

The book is part mystery: Why are they in this place? Can they get out? Mostly, however, it tells the story of the journey of these men from despair to hope. It's not an easy journey. They have much to overcome, and only each other to depend on, but they would never make the journey if they didn't have hope. Somehow they manage to hold on to that and it just might lead them to a place they never imagined.

This is a great book. It makes you think about your life, and recognizing all the opportunities it gives you. It makes you ask yourself: If I died today, would I be able to let go without regret? Or, would you be despairing because you missed out on too much?

That is the great thing about Luke Smitherd's books. They allow you to put yourself in the shoes of the characters, experience the things they are, and then wonder how you would react in the same situation. This book makes you appreciate your life, and life in general, and I very highly recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A slow start, but a wonderful ending

Thanks to the reviewer who said to stick with it. I don't know if I would have finished it otherwise. I'm glad I got through the slow portion because it was well worth it. The character development was top notch, and is at the heart of the story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant... Dark... Well worth a credit.

I completely enjoyed this book! I found the characters interesting and complex enough to really keep me involved in the story. I was genuinely concerned about the fate of each of them. The story is classic in a sense, but nonetheless uniquely original and new. Some moments were funny, others seriously scary, others heartbreaking and sad, but ultimately, just an all-around great story.
The narration was outstanding. While I generally do like it when authors read their own work, this particular writer is so good at it! His narration style is fun. He's dramatic and engaging and really brought the story to life. I planned on exploring other works by Luke Smitherd, but I'm definitely going to listen to the ones he narrates as well first.
I am so glad to have found this writer. His stories are brilliant and imaginative and keep you guessing up to the very end!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Get it. You will love it, unless your daft. You need to be able to figure from subtle hints.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fun and unique

very interesting fun to listen to would recommend this to anyone who wants a unique story..

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best Smitherd book! Loved it!

Fantastic story and great characters. I couldn't stop listening to this one. Get this book!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Luke!

I really like Luke
This is fourth book
I even like the epilogues and previews

I'm blaming myself for not being able to latch on to this story
but it was definitely worth finishing.
and I like fis enthusiasm as the narrator.

I subscribe to his future.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

I received this audiobook for an honest review & I cannot thank Luke Smitherd enough! This book was truly a great read for me, I really loved the whole mystery surrounding the story and the characters. Excellent job!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A wonderful reading of an unusual story

I often regret listening to audiobooks the author reads in person (stephen king for example). I feel professional readers give better life to the characters. Not in this instance though. The author is spot on perfect. The story itself is strange and different. The plot dragged a little midway, but I felt the world of the dead was believable and well constructed. I recommend this book for fans of Tim Holt, Peter Cline and Neil Gaiman.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting

interesting premise. slow start but it kept me listening to see what would happen. not quite as good as The Stone Man but I'll read more by this author.

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