I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program, and my review is voluntary. What Grows from the Dead is the ultimate example of why books can’t be judged by their covers. I genuinely had no clue what I was getting myself into, but expectations were low (the cover art isn’t great, and you never know before opening an ARC whether the author has any writing skill). Seriously great book. The dry humor has such a distinct dad-jokes voice, and I laughed out loud a number of times. I couldn’t predict the plot and was delightfully in the dark and going “whaaaat” much of the time. (Also, Vampire Steve deserves a spinoff.) Absolutely loved it. ( )

The novel by Dave Dobson, What Grows From the Dead, is a good mystery about a tenured anthropology professor who is fired unexpectedly from his position. How can that happen to Morris, a tenured professor? There are 2 possibilities: financial exigency or moral turpitude. The administration of the small college in North Carolina, Riggson, picked the first possibility, claiming they did not have the money for Morris’ major in the social Sciences Department. A year later, Morris is still appealing his case against the decision. But unemployment is not his only worry now. He is divorced and has only part time visitation rights to his teenage daughter Mindy. Harry’s mother has died recently, and he is living in her house trying to settle her affairs while earning next to nothing as a share driver. To top things off, Morris is arrested by the local Sheriff for methamphetamine possession.
Morris still has a sense of humor, though it is quite dark. A mystery unfolds as Morris interacts with Mindy, Steve a comic bookstore owner who presents himself as a vampire, Annie his lawyer and former classmate, the sheriff and deputies of the small town of Fairwater, and a shady stranger who is following him. Tension increases dramatically when a gun is found among his mother’s possessions. I enjoyed reading the novel from my perspective as a professor who maintained my tenure until retirement. The book is funny, exciting, and nicely structured as a mystery. ( )

One of my favorite things about this book are the characters. Sometimes, you want a character who isn’t a superhero. Morris is a normal guy, with normal feelings, and with normal limitations. I LIKE that. It made this story feel more realistic. Vampire Steve is a really unique character, which is refreshing. There were some parts that I got a little mixed up on other characters, but that’s probably bc I have ADHD and read too fast. If I would’ve had a whole free Saturday, I could’ve finished this book in a day. Very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more from this author ( )