In the span of a few years, Johnny Compton has made a name for himself in the horror genre, including an Edgar nomination for 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 was summoned there is stronger than her fear and trepidation. Once inside, Shyla 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 wanted, a bizarre and violent act occurs that changes everything. Remy picks up a fireplace poker and stabs it through the back of Braith’s head, spilling a lot of blood and dislocating his jaw. After getting over the initial shock, Shyla runs to the front door but is is locked in. So she turns her firearm on Remy, only to find Braith standing and talking. In a stunning turn of events, he appears to be unharmed and in full control of his faculties.

Once Shyla has calmed down, she listens to Braith’s shocking 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 psychic lover, Jinh, 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.

The investigation uncovers a variety of names and situations, one of which is alleged killer Garrett Schramm, who is somehow linked to Braith. Jinh is able to summon the late murderer’s spirit at one point, but they still do not get the answers they need. 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 is equally curious about her benefactor’s 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 will uncover is more than she ever can imagine; 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 in her investigation, 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.