The Cranky Dead

"Death is rarely the end. Sometimes, it’s just the start of a really bad mood."

That line pretty much sums up The Cranky Dead, A. Lee Martinez’s hilarious, deadpan, and wildly entertaining twist on the afterlife. Forget peace and eternal rest—when the dead come back, they come back annoyed, sarcastic, and ready to file complaints.

Set in a world where the line between life and death is more of a revolving door, this book follows people who’ve returned... and aren’t exactly thrilled about it. There’s no grand mission, no chosen one, no final boss battle. Just a bunch of formerly dead folks trying to deal with paperwork, haunting restrictions, and terrible customer service from the underworld.

One undead character puts it best: "I didn’t ask to come back. I was finally getting some rest. Then someone lit a candle and here I am, again, paying taxes."

Martinez does what he does best here—takes a bizarre premise and runs with it. Fast-paced? Definitely. Sharp dialogue? Absolutely. Equal parts absurd and insightful? You bet. If you enjoy books that make you laugh, think, and maybe look twice at the weird neighbor down the hall—you’re in the right place.

Want it right now? Get your free pdf download of The Cranky Dead on Bookdio, where the best free books download aren’t just readable—they’re unforgettable.

This isn’t just a zombie book. It’s a smart, witty resurrection of the supernatural genre with humor, heart, and a whole lot of crankiness. Download it. Read it. And maybe leave the dead alone next time?

Just saying.