Dead Letters
by P. J. Murphy
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Pub Date May 03 2024 | Archive Date Sep 06 2024
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Description
Bestselling author Richard Debden is missing. The only clue: a copy of his unpublished final novel delivered to his ex-girlfriend, Amy. When those closest to Richard reunite for his memorial, Amy turns to Chris, his former best friend, to help unravel the mystery. Could Richard still be alive and in need of their help?
Richard’s manuscript tells of two abandoned children in wartime Britain, instructed by a shadowy Postmaster to deliver letters to ghosts and release them from their torment. As Chris and Amy delve into the text, they identify parallels between fiction and reality; clues to a trail that leads across the country and – they hope – to Richard.
But they are not the only interested party. A mysterious society is following them, their motives unclear. Can Chris and Amy unlock the secrets of Dead Letters, or will more sinister forces get there first?
Dead Letters is the captivating second novel by P.J. Murphy, author of Troubleshot.
Advance Praise
“A really immersive and captivating read – two interlinked stories in one – past and present overlapping and intertwining to create a brilliant plot . . . An intelligent, thoughtful and engaging mystery.” LoveReading
“Dead Letters is a great book to pick up next. If you're a fan of light-hearted yet meaningful adventures with good characters and literary cores, you won't be disappointed.” Electra Nanou, Reedsy Discovery
“This well-written book, encapsulating a story within a story, will captivate readers seeking a richly layered and intellectually stimulating literary experience.” Literary Titan
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781399951036 |
PRICE | £8.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 349 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
A book within a book, and each story is equally compelling. The twin journeys are both so sad and so important, especially for readers who have wondered about their place and purpose in life. The author touches some truly tragic moments, especially with the two visits to the slaughterhouse. Thankfully, the ending gives a sense of closure.
Thanks to Net Galley , the author and publisher for a free digital copy of “ Dead Letters”.
“ DeadLetters” is a ghost story, a mystery story and a love story in one novel by P. j. Murray.
The mystery is a missing novelist, Richard who has suddenly disappeared . Always reclusive this author of a number of modestly successful fantasy novels stopped taking calls and messages from his agent, friends, even very close friends, Two of them Amy, once Richard’s wife and Chris go to his abandoned apartment to search for clues to his activities. In his pile of notes for an unfinished novel, a ghost story, a cryptic note is found that sets the two off to search places from Richard’s dark past.
One of them , an abandoned post office, leads them to the dank basement where the is an envelope with a note from Richard, and a ghostly presence. That sets the story into motion: follow obscure clues leading to difficult , remote and often abandoned places for another envelope.
“ Dead Letters” is a bit off- putting at first. The relationship, if any , between the two ghost hunters is strained , their pasts mixed and muddled (intentionally) , and the journeys around the countryside to search out for more clues stashed in old barns, and abandoned rail yards with the often exasperated, always perplexed Chris and Amy only unlock more questions. But I found it a fascinating story as the pasts of the three characters lives are revealed. “ Dead Letters” is moody, dark, confusing and, at the end, lovely and sad.
Set aside some time to be drawn into a trap laid by a missing author who wants to be found only through finding his ghosts of the past.
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Well written and suspenseful. I liked the story inside the story element, which is a difficult feat to pull off.
The writing style is good and the characters feel real and the reader feels engrossed in their journey to find their missing friend.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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