Editorial Content for Dead First
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In just a few short years, Johnny Compton has made a name for himself in the horror genre, including a Bram Stoker Award nomination for his debut novel, THE SPITE HOUSE. His latest release, DEAD FIRST, features elements of both the supernatural and noir detective stories.
Private investigator Shyla Sinclair receives an invitation to meet with the eccentric billionaire Saxton Braith at his mansion, which looms atop a hill. Braith Manor is immediately intimidating to Shyla, but her desire to learn why she has been summoned there is stronger than her fear and trepidation. Once inside, she is met by Braith and his assistant, Remy, who subject her to a series of questions meant to fully analyze her for a task they have in mind.
"DEAD FIRST is a first-rate mash-up of styles that provides thrills and chills right through to the unexpected conclusion."
When it appears that the meeting might not be going the way that Braith would like, a bizarre and violent act occurs that changes everything. Remy picks up a fireplace poker and drives it through the back of Braith’s head, spilling much blood and dislocating his jaw. After getting over the initial shock, Shyla runs to the front door, but it's locked. So she turns her firearm on Remy, only to see Braith standing and talking. In a stunning turn of events, he seems to be unharmed and in full control of his faculties.
Once Shyla has calmed down, she listens to Braith’s story, which involves his unique history as a man who cannot die. He wants Shyla to investigate why he has been living with this power and report back to him. She believes he knows much more than he is telling, but she reluctantly accepts the assignment. Shyla immediately confides in her former lover, Jinh (who happens to be a psychic), to assist her in this highly unusual case, not knowing where it will lead them. As you can imagine, this will not be your typical work of a PI, and surprises exist around every corner.
Braith remains actively interested in Shyla and her investigation to the point of having her constantly under surveillance, primarily by his mysterious assistant. At one point, Remy joins with Shyla and Jinh on their quest as she also is curious about his true past. Braith holds over Shyla’s head a secret that he knows about her in order to blackmail her into staying on task.
What Shyla uncovers is more than she ever could have imagined. As a result, she gets to peer into the darkest pits of human nature and true evil that is beyond mere mortal comprehension. She remains stubborn and will not back down, even if it puts her own life and reputation in jeopardy.
DEAD FIRST is a first-rate mash-up of styles that provides thrills and chills right through to the unexpected conclusion.
Teaser
When private investigator Shyla Sinclair is invited to the looming mansion of eccentric billionaire Saxton Braith, she’s more than a little suspicious. The last thing she expects to see that night is Braith’s assistant driving an iron rod straight through the back of his skull. Scratch that --- the last thing she expects to see is Braith’s resurrection afterward. Braith can’t die, it turns out, but he has no explanation for his immortality, and very few intact memories of his past. Which is why he wants to pay Shyla millions to investigate him and bring his long-buried history to light. Shyla can’t help but be intrigued, but she’s also trapped by the offer. Braith has made it clear that he knows she’s the only person he can trust with his secret, because he knows all about hers.
Promo
When private investigator Shyla Sinclair is invited to the looming mansion of eccentric billionaire Saxton Braith, she’s more than a little suspicious. The last thing she expects to see that night is Braith’s assistant driving an iron rod straight through the back of his skull. Scratch that --- the last thing she expects to see is Braith’s resurrection afterward. Braith can’t die, it turns out, but he has no explanation for his immortality, and very few intact memories of his past. Which is why he wants to pay Shyla millions to investigate him and bring his long-buried history to light. Shyla can’t help but be intrigued, but she’s also trapped by the offer. Braith has made it clear that he knows she’s the only person he can trust with his secret, because he knows all about hers.
About the Book
From the Bram Stoker award-nominated author of THE SPITE HOUSE comes a bone-chilling new novel about a private investigator hired by a mysterious billionaire to discover why he can’t die.
When private investigator Shyla Sinclair is invited to the looming mansion of eccentric billionaire Saxton Braith, she’s more than a little suspicious. The last thing she expects to see that night is Braith’s assistant driving an iron rod straight through the back of his skull. Scratch that --- the last thing she expects to see is Braith’s resurrection afterward.
Braith can’t die, it turns out, but he has no explanation for his immortality, and very few intact memories of his past. Which is why he wants to pay Shyla millions to investigate him and bring his long-buried history to light.
Shyla can’t help but be intrigued, but she’s also trapped by the offer. Braith has made it clear that he knows she’s the only person he can trust with his secret, because he knows all about hers.
Bold, atmospheric and utterly frightening, Johnny Compton’s DEAD FIRST is spine-chilling supernatural horror about the pursuit of power and the undying need for reckoning.
Audiobook available, read by Selena Mikes
