I checked this audio book out from my local library and I thought it was a lot of fun. Even though I own quite a few books written by Joe Lansdale, I'm sorry to admit that I have read nothing by him, with the exception of one or two short stories. When I came across this audio book in my library's catalogue, I decided to give it a shot and I'm glad I did.

This gun toting, irreverent, Reverend Jebediah Mercer is a badass and he's funny as hell. There were a number of times where my coworkers directly outside of my office came in to see what I was doing because I was laughing so hard.

These stories were just plain fun. Western horror is a thing I have recently discovered and was one of the reasons I picked up this novel. It wasn't as western-y as I had hoped, though. Meaning there were no moral lessons to be learned, or any of the type of historical fiction where you accidentally learn stuff. This was all out western fun with the addition of werewolves, zombies, ghosts and such. Combined with the wicked sense of humor of Jebediah, this book was a good time.

I liked the narrator, even though I didn't think I would when I started this book. However, as it went on, his voice grew on me, and if I read any more stories about Rev. Jed, this is how I will always hear him. (I don't know if there even are any more stories about Rev. Jed, but when I'm done with this review, I'm going to go find out.)

Overall, this was a successful venture for me and now I'm going to have to move up all those Lansdale books in my TBR. Recommended for those who enjoy humor and western type monster tales. I think Jeff Strand fans would also get a kick out of this book. ( )

REVIEWED: Deadman’s Road
WRITTEN BY: Joe R. Lansdale
PUBLISHED: October, 2010

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Each self-contained tale revolves around the exploits of a central character, the gun slinging Reverend Jebidiah Mercer. There’s not a lot of literary depth to this book, but the stories are all fast-paced, action-filled, and pulp-esque fun. Rev. Mercer is quested to roam the old west, destroying evil in the name of God, whom he mostly despises, as penance for his sins. Each story pits him against a new enemy, mortal and supernatural alike. Mercer, cursing the whole way, does battle with whomever he is set against, including zombies, werewolves, ghosts, and kobolds. Joe R. Lansdale is really a master at creating excitement in his writing as well as crafting funny, meaningful dialogue. Know what you’re getting into before starting this: Deadman’s Road is violent and crass, but perfect when you need a pick-me-up after power-reading Camus or Dostoyevsky.

Five out of Five stars ( )

Well, I had already read 3 of the 5 stories in this book, and I have to say, it was a pleasure to read 'em again! Hot damn, I love the Reverend! When asked, "Didn't that Jesus fellow forgive?", he answers, "He did. I do not. I also seek out the evils of this world." And boy does he find 'em! In this volume, he battles zombies, werewolves, evil-as-hell bees, and Kobolds. And he doesn't lose. I really liked the evolution of the Reverend, and I particularly like how damn mean and ornery he is in the last story! He's a man of God, but the Old Testament God, and he kicks ass for the Lord! I sure hope there are more of his stories forthcoming from Mr. Lansdale! ( )

Jebidiah Rains is a completely badass, solemn, unknowingly hilarious, supernaturally informed Preacher-Sharpshooter that asks all the pertinent questions. His God is the Old Testament kind: shoot first, ask questions later. This collection of zombie/ghoul westerns centers on this hero-worship and makes me feel like a youngster again. "Dead in the West" sets the table as as we experience how the solemn Preacher became the surly Hammer of God. "Deadman's Road" is a storytelling gem that ramps up the evil atmospherics to never before experienced quotients. "The Gentleman's Hotel" was a bit cliched, but thankfully, gory as hell. "The Crawling Sky" gave me the creeps and a mental image that will always remain. "The Dark Down There" was the only weak entry: weak because it bordered on the sophomoric, as if Jebediah became a joke to the author. It is the only reason why this review came up as a 4-star. Otherwise, a gem in the zombie-addled rough.
*Sam Elliot* as Jebediah Rains. ( )

My full Deadman's Road audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

I normally do not listen to westerns. Not sure as to the exact reason, but generally they do not appeal. Now throw zombies, monsters and mutants into the mix and my ears perk up. Makes wonder how those with nothing but a six-shooter at their side can find horrific creatures off.

I have to say that it was nothing more than the cover art that attracted my attention. In addition the pairing of Stefan Rudnicki into a genre that I have never heard him perform added to the fascination. A lone gunslinger standing against, an albeit small horde, a horde of zombies.

When I first picked Deadman’s Road I had no idea that it was a compilation of short stories. Happily I barely noticed while listening as each story was only separated by what seemed like a bit of time.

Our hero or maybe anti-hero is Reverend Jebidiah Mercer, a preacher that is on a mission from God. To seek out evil and vanquish it. Plain and simple. Paradoxically he is very cynical about God to others and at times, I would say, hates the entity. Even though he may not admit it he does love or at least likes the the innocent people. Do you remember the movie, The Pale Rider, Eastwood is Mercer. Lansdale was able to create a character that completely entranced me, that made my jar hit the floor and made me root for (very animatedly at times).

Joe R. Lansdale starts it off with a somewhat lengthily foreword about how this is not a reading between the lines. He also talks about how genres are made to mixed and this collection in western, horror, paranormal, action all at the same time.

Each story puts Mercer against one particular evil at a time, zombies, werewolves, vampires, and goblins. Hugely entertaining, find the evil, kill the evil, that is all. Quite gory at times and others very crass. I loved it!

If you are looking for something refreshing and entertaining, that doesn’t need you to think, you have to give this a listen.

Audiobook provided for review by the publisher. ( )