Play Audiobook Sample
Dating Dead Men Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.02) - 1,036 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Los Angeles greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley is dating forty men in sixty days as research for a radio talk show host's upcoming book. Wollie is meeting plenty of eligible bachelors but not falling in love, not until she stumbles over a dead body en route to Rio Pescado—a state-run mental hospital—and is taken hostage by a charismatic "doctor" who is on the run from the Mob. Wollie fears that her beloved brother, a paranoid schizophrenic living at Rio Pescado, is involved in the murder, so rather than go to the authorities, she decides to solve the crime on her own. As she meets up with an array of small-time crooks and swaggering mobsters only slightly more sinister than the men she's been dating, Wollie realizes that to find true love she'll first have to avoid getting killed!
Download and start listening now!
"Many years ago, I used to browse the library stacks to find things to read. Once in a while I'd get lucky and come across something that I really liked. This book was one I found in that way. I remember really enjoying it--finding it terribly quirky and funny--part mystery--part romance. Lately, I've found the desire to revisit some of my past favorites to see if they still hold up to my memories. This one did. I enjoyed it just as much this time around. Call it chick-lit if you will, but I think it's just a fun read."
— Shauna (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Kozak has written a finely calibrated story about a cheerfully seedy section of Los Angeles with characters of all ages—all very human and real…While there are many laugh-out loud moments in this novel, they come from sources other than a wisecracking heroine: gently goofy comments inspired by the personalities of likable characters; plot-specific, situational humor; and wry social observations that will appeal to both men and women.”
— Washington Post -
“Kozak has struck gold first time out with a wacky, high-octane plot and characters to match.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“There’s never a dull moment in this rollicking caper, an exuberant, fun-filled roller-coaster ride worthy of Stephanie Plum.”
— Library Journal -
“Lots of action, quirky characters, an engaging new sleuth who designs greeting cards, and a ferret named Margaret—what more could any reader want? Dating Dead Men is a superb debut.”
— Valerie Wolzien, author of A Fashionable Murder -
“Wollie Shelley, Kozak’s entrepreneur extraordinaire, manages to deal with a murder, the Mafia, an appealing but mysterious love interest, and a killer who wants to see her dead, all with originality and humor.”
— Lee Harris, author of Murder in Hell’s Kitchen -
“Harley Jane Kozak fashions a doozy of a debut, starring cars, cads, clothes, and an L.A. gone hilariously mad.”
— Mary Daheim, author of The Alpine Pursuit -
“Dating Dead Men is a page-turning romp alive with fresh, quirky characters and inventive situations that left me anxious for another date with Wollie Shelley, provided author Harley Jane Kozak is amenable next time around to a man who’s still breathing.”
— Robert S. Levinson, author of Hot Paint and The John Lennon Affair
Awards
-
Winner of the 2005 Anthony Award for Best First Novel
-
Winner of the 2005 Macavity Award for Best First Mystery Novel
-
Winner of the 2004 Agatha Award for Best First Novel
Dating Dead Men Listener Reviews
-
" Dating Dead books feature Wollstonecraft "Wollie" Shelly, a greeting card designer from LA. Her brother, PB (you can figure out what THAT stands for) has schizophrenia. Wollie spends most of her time trying to find work, love, and the answer to some bizarre murder mysteries. "
— Suzanne, 1/24/2014 -
" Fluff reading. So far so good! "
— Katey, 1/22/2014 -
" I picked up this book because I read a short story of Kozak's in a mystery/sci-fi anthology. I really enjoyed this full-length novel of hers. Her heroine is a quirky, klutzy single gal slightly reminiscent of Bridget Jones, who manages to be relatable and guileless without being annoyingly naive. It was a fast, fun read. "
— Katie, 1/12/2014 -
" I loved this book. I thought it was great...very entertaining throughout and hard to put down. I would give it 5 stars, but it is more of a fun read than literary genius. Unfortunately, this author has not written any more books. She is an actress. "
— Melissa, 12/27/2013 -
" It was ok. The middle dragged, but the ending wasn't too bad. I might pick up the next in the series, but then again, I might not. "
— Jennifer, 12/25/2013 -
" First of the Wollie Shelley series and very enjoyable with wacky characters who get involved in very serious trouble. "
— Nikki, 12/22/2013 -
" It really made me laugh! "
— Lisa, 12/20/2013 -
" Smart and funny. If you like Janet Evanovich, HJ Kozak takes it to a new level. "
— Lisa, 12/14/2013 -
" Fun and good escapism. A quick read when you don't want to think too hard. "
— Konnie, 12/14/2013 -
" OK story, OK characters - the best friend MADE the book! Laugh-out-loud dialogue for best friend - wish all the characters were like her! "
— Jennifer, 12/8/2013 -
" Fun light mystery. "
— Wendroz, 11/13/2013 -
" Excellent read and fun Characters. Laugh out loud hilarity. "
— Magpie67, 10/9/2013 -
" A funny light read that is also a mystery. "
— Audrey, 10/2/2013 -
" Very good. It kept me entertained. "
— Marianne, 9/27/2013 -
" This was a fun read. A great one to take to the beach. I was surprised by the twists and enjoyed the vivid language. This is the first book by the author and I will be sure to check out her next one. "
— Schill, 9/16/2013 -
" Very light but fun story about a greeting card artist with a schizophrenic brother who gets wrapped up with the mob. "
— Marie, 9/6/2013 -
" I couldn't get into the characters or plot of this humorous? novel, written kind of in the style of Evanovich. "
— Beth, 8/14/2013 -
" Re-reading, and enjoying even more than the first time, about a year ago ! I have ordered the 3rd bk.in this series, online, and hope to be starting it soon. This author is a 5* author TO ME. I won't be missing reading one of her books, for a fact. "
— Re, 6/7/2013 -
" It was funny, but I sort of got lost in the plot. Couldn't keep track of all the various characters. I far preferred Dating is Murder. "
— Hilary, 4/27/2013 -
" This seemed like kind of a poor man's Janet Evanovich. "
— Susan, 9/9/2012 -
" fun, crazy with lots of twists and turns. "
— Jeanne, 9/6/2012 -
" Read May 2009 "
— Tjoel2, 4/24/2012 -
" I like this series, the only thing I don't like reading about is the protagonist's pet ferret. Ick! "
— Margarita, 3/21/2012 -
" I listened to 9 of the 10 CDs but didn't finish listening bc it wasn't worth my time. Plus I wanted to concentrate on finishing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (which I'm liking). "
— Pam, 2/12/2012 -
" Fun light read. Perfect for a vacation book. "
— Marci, 2/3/2012 -
" This was a pretty good book about a greeting card writer with a card store that ends up mixed up in a murder and the happenings of a mob all because of Doc (a hunky man that "kidnaps" her and then tries to let her go but Wollie doesn't want to go). "
— Leslie, 11/19/2011 -
" Pretty good book which kept me guessing throughout. "
— Terry, 10/30/2011 -
" A light mystery read. Good writing and some pretty funny parts. Some of the plot was a little over the top for me. "
— Elissa, 9/28/2011 -
" A friend of mine on here recommended this series and I am so glad she did. I LOVED it. The characters are zany and fresh. If you like Stephanie Plum or Sophie Metropolis you are going to like this series too!! I am ready to start the next one! "
— Kaye, 7/10/2011 -
" This book seemed very long and drawn out. Also many things needed to be explained in more detail. However, over all it was an okay book. "
— Kaitlin, 6/19/2011 -
" This book seemed very long and drawn out. Also many things needed to be explained in more detail. However, over all it was an okay book. "
— Katie, 3/28/2011 -
" Not bad. It's a first novel, but she knows how to string sentences together. I'll try another book by same author. "
— Maryanne, 3/13/2011 -
" Great book--entertaining characters and zippy plot that kept me engaged. "
— Susan, 2/3/2011 -
" I thoroughly enjoyed this breezy mystery. It was perfect to listen to in the car, as the narrator was very good. Great for Stephanie Plum fans. "
— Leslie, 2/2/2011 -
" I think this series is like Stephanie Plum for English majors. :) "
— Thea, 1/30/2011 -
" A friend of mine on here recommended this series and I am so glad she did. I LOVED it. The characters are zany and fresh. If you like Stephanie Plum or Sophie Metropolis you are going to like this series too!! I am ready to start the next one! "
— Kaye, 1/22/2011 -
" 17. Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak – A fun read. A plotline that’s not-so-straightforward and fun subplots make this a little tricky to keep track of (especially if you’re reading it at work, being interrupted by 9-1-1 calls or officers on the teletype radio), but it’s worth it! "
— Cupcakencorset, 10/4/2010 -
" This book wasn't too good. It was mildly funny, a little profane and had one inexplicit (thankfully) moment of fornication. Don't need to read it again. "
— Rachel, 9/21/2010 -
" I enjoyed this book. It took me awhile to get into it, partially due to it being in first person. I did learn to love the eccentricities of the main character, Wollie. She is always looking for the best in everyone and does seem completely naive at times. "
— Frankiea20, 6/6/2010
About Harley Jane Kozak
Harley Jane Kozak is an actress whose screen credits include Parenthood, When Harry Met Sally, The Favor, and Arachnophobia. She lives with her family in Southern California.
About Deanna Hurst
Deanna Hurst is an actress, voice-over artist, and singer-songwriter. She has performed on stages throughout the United States, and her television credits include Judging Amy, Hunter, and Silk Stalkings. She has voiced hundreds of commercials for radio and television. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs.