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Dying Is Easy
A darkly humorous psychological crime thriller that will leave you gasping for breath!
He wanted to live happily-ever-after. Jozee wanted to leave. But when she mysteriously disappears, Adam finds himself in a desperate fight to save both their lives!
Up and coming comedy talent, Jozee Jackson's life seems almost perfect, until she disappears after a silly drunken argument with devoted boyfriend and new comedian, Adam Hanson.
Where has she gone? Any why? Jozee loved their life together... didn't she?
Despite all his friends in the local stand-up scene believing Jozee had left him to pursue a new life, Adam suspects foul play and becomes determined to find his missing girlfriend.
After a series of shocking discoveries that shed a new and disturbing light on Jozee's private life, Adam begins to wonder if he knows his girlfriend at all.
Why are men from seedy hook-up websites visiting their flat when he's supposed to be at work? Who is behind the torrent of vile text messages and emails sent to Adam's phone? And what is the dark secret of Jozee's dead ex-boyfriend?
Adam won't give up looking until he finds answers to these questions - no matter what the consequences.
He wanted to live happily-ever-after. Jozee wanted to leave. But when she mysteriously disappears, Adam finds himself in a desperate fight to save both their lives!
Up and coming comedy talent, Jozee Jackson's life seems almost perfect, until she disappears after a silly drunken argument with devoted boyfriend and new comedian, Adam Hanson.
Where has she gone? Any why? Jozee loved their life together... didn't she?
Despite all his friends in the local stand-up scene believing Jozee had left him to pursue a new life, Adam suspects foul play and becomes determined to find his missing girlfriend.
After a series of shocking discoveries that shed a new and disturbing light on Jozee's private life, Adam begins to wonder if he knows his girlfriend at all.
Why are men from seedy hook-up websites visiting their flat when he's supposed to be at work? Who is behind the torrent of vile text messages and emails sent to Adam's phone? And what is the dark secret of Jozee's dead ex-boyfriend?
Adam won't give up looking until he finds answers to these questions - no matter what the consequences.
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
About the author
K.J. Heritage
33 books78 followers"K.J.Heritage's uncanny sense of pacing and story puts him at the forefront of today's speculative fiction writers." Samuel Peralta, Amazon bestselling author and creator of The Future Chronicles
TO ENJOY a K.J.Heritage starter book of his short stories and more, join his Mostly Reader's Club at: http://kjheritage.com/join/
I'D LIKE to thank you for visiting my page. I’ve been amazed by the reaction to my novels and stories, and by the many emails, tweets and posts (not all abuse!) I've received since my first release. In many ways, it’s a dream come true, to write, publish and get such wonderful feedback.
A BIT more about me...
I'M AN international bestselling author mostly writing mystery sci-fi, crime and fantasy.
I WRITE books that I love to read. From science fiction action and adventure mysteries to contemporary thrillers and paranormal fantasy.
MY FIRST sci-fi short story, ‘ESCAPING THE CRADLE’ was runner-up in the 2005 Clarke-Bradbury International Science Fiction Competition.
MY STORIES have appeared in several anthologies with such self-publishing sci-fi luminaries as Hugh Howey, Samuel Peralta and Michael Bunker.
I HAVE worked all the requisite ‘writer jobs' such as driver's mate, factory gateman, barman, labourer, telesales operative, sales assistant, warehouseman, IT contractor, Student Union President, university IT helpdesk guy, British Rail signal software designer, premiership football website designer, gigging musician, graphic designer, stand-up comedian, sound engineer, improv artist, magazine editor and web journo... Although I don't like to talk about it. Mostly.
I WAS born in the UK in one of the more interesting previous centuries. Originally from Derbyshire, I now live in the seaside town of Brighton. I am a tea drinker, avid Twitterer, and autistic (ASD) human being.
FOR ALL media enquiries, event/booking information, signed copies, etc. please email: [email protected]
TO ENJOY a K.J.Heritage starter book of his short stories and more, join his Mostly Reader's Club at: http://kjheritage.com/join/
I'D LIKE to thank you for visiting my page. I’ve been amazed by the reaction to my novels and stories, and by the many emails, tweets and posts (not all abuse!) I've received since my first release. In many ways, it’s a dream come true, to write, publish and get such wonderful feedback.
A BIT more about me...
I'M AN international bestselling author mostly writing mystery sci-fi, crime and fantasy.
I WRITE books that I love to read. From science fiction action and adventure mysteries to contemporary thrillers and paranormal fantasy.
MY FIRST sci-fi short story, ‘ESCAPING THE CRADLE’ was runner-up in the 2005 Clarke-Bradbury International Science Fiction Competition.
MY STORIES have appeared in several anthologies with such self-publishing sci-fi luminaries as Hugh Howey, Samuel Peralta and Michael Bunker.
I HAVE worked all the requisite ‘writer jobs' such as driver's mate, factory gateman, barman, labourer, telesales operative, sales assistant, warehouseman, IT contractor, Student Union President, university IT helpdesk guy, British Rail signal software designer, premiership football website designer, gigging musician, graphic designer, stand-up comedian, sound engineer, improv artist, magazine editor and web journo... Although I don't like to talk about it. Mostly.
I WAS born in the UK in one of the more interesting previous centuries. Originally from Derbyshire, I now live in the seaside town of Brighton. I am a tea drinker, avid Twitterer, and autistic (ASD) human being.
FOR ALL media enquiries, event/booking information, signed copies, etc. please email: [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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November 22, 2020DNF
I’m not going to rate this as I didn’t finish it although I persevered up til 60%. It started with a bang too and I was really looking forward to reading the rest of it. It was not to be.
NOTE: although I didn’t finish I do believe the “dying” in the title refers to dying on stage as a comedian - this happens when you get no laughs from the audience. The book is all about the comedy scene in Brighton, England.
It should have been great, and funny but I do acknowledge that my sense of humour is a bit weird. I didn’t find any humour in the book. But I do encourage you all to make up your own minds - most people rated this book very highly (mostly 5 stars). Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a copy.
I’m not going to rate this as I didn’t finish it although I persevered up til 60%. It started with a bang too and I was really looking forward to reading the rest of it. It was not to be.
NOTE: although I didn’t finish I do believe the “dying” in the title refers to dying on stage as a comedian - this happens when you get no laughs from the audience. The book is all about the comedy scene in Brighton, England.
It should have been great, and funny but I do acknowledge that my sense of humour is a bit weird. I didn’t find any humour in the book. But I do encourage you all to make up your own minds - most people rated this book very highly (mostly 5 stars). Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a copy.
February 19, 2021
I recieved an ARC of this book. This is by far one of the best mysteries I have read. The story was unpredictable with so many twists, turns, and secrets. The characters are interesting and complex, all of them more than a little messed up just like real people. I had no idea where this story was going to end up but I was hoping it would somehow end up positive. I really felt for Adam trying to find Jozee no matter what he had to go through and no matter what secrets were revealed.
June 21, 2019
I live in Brighton so this mystery thriller set there was a great find. The main character Adam is a slightly autistic comedian who finds himself playing amateur detective. His girlfriend Jozee disappears and he embarks on a journey to discover where she has gone. Has she been murdered, kidnapped, runaway or gone off with someone else. He also finds out that she may have been leading a double life. His friends think she has just had enough of him and left for greener pastures.
Adam is grilled by the incompetent police, beaten up, becomes paranoid and also keeps his humor. I found the writing easy to read and a real page turner. I also found the Brighton and Hove setting and places used in the story were familiar.
The plot revolves around the stand up comedy circuit in Brighton with twists and turns to keep the readers interest. There are also clues which after finishing the book I realized I had missed. A great novel and highly recommended.
Adam is grilled by the incompetent police, beaten up, becomes paranoid and also keeps his humor. I found the writing easy to read and a real page turner. I also found the Brighton and Hove setting and places used in the story were familiar.
The plot revolves around the stand up comedy circuit in Brighton with twists and turns to keep the readers interest. There are also clues which after finishing the book I realized I had missed. A great novel and highly recommended.
June 17, 2019
Having an interest in stand-up comedy and living near Brighton, this novel really appealed. I was not disappointed.
It’s a genuine page-turner! The excellent plot moves at a swift pace, populated with well realised characters. The tension is ratcheted up with expertise and laugh out loud moments. I had to keep reading to see how the main character, Adam, got out of various scrapes. It was impossible to predict what was going to happen next, which made reading this a delight.
I would certainly recommend ‘Dying Is Easy’ to everyone. A gripping mystery which gives an insight into the murky world of open mic stand-up comedy, evoking well the vibe of Brighton and its environs.
It’s a genuine page-turner! The excellent plot moves at a swift pace, populated with well realised characters. The tension is ratcheted up with expertise and laugh out loud moments. I had to keep reading to see how the main character, Adam, got out of various scrapes. It was impossible to predict what was going to happen next, which made reading this a delight.
I would certainly recommend ‘Dying Is Easy’ to everyone. A gripping mystery which gives an insight into the murky world of open mic stand-up comedy, evoking well the vibe of Brighton and its environs.
June 15, 2019
A great mystery about the Brighton stand up scene and it's hidden underbelly. A tale of loss, desperation, drugs, unusual weather and one man's search for the woman he loves. Great read, hard to put down!
June 16, 2019
It was once said by somebody famous, that Brighton always looked like a town that was permanently ‘helping the police with their enquiries’. In this new crime novel, by K.J.Heritage, that description of Brighton has never felt more apt. It is not an uncommon experience for Stand Up comedians to die on their feet but here that phrase takes on a whole new sinister meaning, with a killer lurking in the shadows of Brighton (and Hove Actually’s) murky world of Stand Up comedy. It features a narrator who is a self confessed sufferer from OCD and a panoply of shady ‘suspects’, for a crime we’re not even sure has actually taken place; ie the abduction and murder of Jozee, his fellow Stand Up comedian girlfriend. Is she really dead or could it all just be in the mind of the paranoid narrator? If you like your crime fiction gritty and uncompromising, then this one’s for you. As a crime fiction addict and erstwhile English teacher, it had all of the ingredients for a gripping yarn that had me turning the pages and guessing right up to the final sentence of the denouement. Truly a good read...!
August 8, 2019
This book is about determination, persistence and just how far someone will go to find the one they love. The main character Adam, a comedian, has a girlfriend named Jozee, an even better comedian but she is missing. The things Adam is willing to endure, uncover and go through will chill you to the bone. There were times I cringed while reading and even tried to hiss to Adam "don't!" It was like watching my friend continuously test the boundaries of others not realizing the position he was putting himself in. Oh did I mention Adam has Asperger’s?
Adam was persistent in finding out what happened to Jozee. He refused to believe that she simply walked away from their relationship and her life without so much as a heads up to anyone. Sometimes I felt that Adam was going too far in the way he continuously hounded, and stalked people, usually backing them into a corner asking questions that made my eyes bulge. Then again what would I do to find my partner? What lengths would I go to? Would I be brave enough to ask embarrassing questions or make someone feel uncomfortable to find him? I realized Adam has no breaks on his mouth and the trouble it got him into was incredible and my first question was, "Does Adam live in the end?"
I must say there were a few times when I laughed out loud at the things the characters would say. The author did a great job with their personalities, I did like Stevo, and Clive and well Charlotte too.
This book was an easy read, detailed and full of surprises and the twists kept coming right up till the end. This was a great book.
The author is a successful UK sci-fi writer with international Amazon #1s in Time-travel and mystery. This is his first foray into a contemporary mystery and I think he rocked it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. This is it.
Adam was persistent in finding out what happened to Jozee. He refused to believe that she simply walked away from their relationship and her life without so much as a heads up to anyone. Sometimes I felt that Adam was going too far in the way he continuously hounded, and stalked people, usually backing them into a corner asking questions that made my eyes bulge. Then again what would I do to find my partner? What lengths would I go to? Would I be brave enough to ask embarrassing questions or make someone feel uncomfortable to find him? I realized Adam has no breaks on his mouth and the trouble it got him into was incredible and my first question was, "Does Adam live in the end?"
I must say there were a few times when I laughed out loud at the things the characters would say. The author did a great job with their personalities, I did like Stevo, and Clive and well Charlotte too.
This book was an easy read, detailed and full of surprises and the twists kept coming right up till the end. This was a great book.
The author is a successful UK sci-fi writer with international Amazon #1s in Time-travel and mystery. This is his first foray into a contemporary mystery and I think he rocked it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. This is it.
October 19, 2020
Oh my goodness, this is a long story but every page is relevant, I love it when a book grips me from the beginning and this one definitely did.
The story is based around a number of would be comedians plying their trade in and around Brighton.
Adam Hanson finds himself drunk outside his apartment with no keys, he'd had a stormy argument with his live in lover and fellow comedian Jozee Jackson, Jozee had driven off in her white Mini car leaving Adam to stagger home.
When Adam woke from his drunken fog he realised that Jozee hadn't arrived home, this was the start of the search for Jozee.
This story has so many twists and turns, it is like a tree and each of the dozens of branches are suspects in Jozee's disappearance. Adam is on the autistic spectrum and the author has obviously researched this, his activities and mannerisms are so typical.
Is Jozee dead or alive ?
Are the things that Adam uncovers about Jozees life true, did he really know her ?
Will Adam be in the hot seat ?
I had absolutely no idea how this story would end, I suspected everyone, I couldn't define who were Adams friends and who were just pretending to be.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading into the night. A well deserved five stars.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The story is based around a number of would be comedians plying their trade in and around Brighton.
Adam Hanson finds himself drunk outside his apartment with no keys, he'd had a stormy argument with his live in lover and fellow comedian Jozee Jackson, Jozee had driven off in her white Mini car leaving Adam to stagger home.
When Adam woke from his drunken fog he realised that Jozee hadn't arrived home, this was the start of the search for Jozee.
This story has so many twists and turns, it is like a tree and each of the dozens of branches are suspects in Jozee's disappearance. Adam is on the autistic spectrum and the author has obviously researched this, his activities and mannerisms are so typical.
Is Jozee dead or alive ?
Are the things that Adam uncovers about Jozees life true, did he really know her ?
Will Adam be in the hot seat ?
I had absolutely no idea how this story would end, I suspected everyone, I couldn't define who were Adams friends and who were just pretending to be.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading into the night. A well deserved five stars.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 13, 2020
This would have been a solid 5-star rating from me if not for being written in first person present. In my opinion, this is a very awkward way of engaging a reader in the story; in fact, it does more to alienate than to engage. I felt that I was being told a story instead of being part of the story. And while it was suspenseful, twisted, & surprising, I felt a lot of it was repetitious; which, in the author's defense could be said to be the nature of a missing person story. I will admit that he pulled a few rabbits out of his hat that I was not at all expecting.
I especially enjoyed the characters here, with Adam and Stevo being my favorites. Mr. Hedge used his own experiences with autism to create characters who show the struggles sufferers have with the condition but he never overdid it nor did he use it to garner sympathy for Adam. His autism made him who he is; both the character and the author.
I will definitely be looking for more mysteries from Mr. Hedge and wish him all success. I received a review copy from BookSirens and would like to thank them and Mr. Hedge for the opportunity to read this book.
I especially enjoyed the characters here, with Adam and Stevo being my favorites. Mr. Hedge used his own experiences with autism to create characters who show the struggles sufferers have with the condition but he never overdid it nor did he use it to garner sympathy for Adam. His autism made him who he is; both the character and the author.
I will definitely be looking for more mysteries from Mr. Hedge and wish him all success. I received a review copy from BookSirens and would like to thank them and Mr. Hedge for the opportunity to read this book.
April 28, 2021
First time reading this author and apparently his first contemporary mystery (no tin foil hat needed for this one, LOL). He nailed it . A very different and actually quite fun mystery that takes you into the backstage of stand up comics. Fast paced and written in the 'on the spectrum' main character's voice , you'll enjoy his straightforward, no filter viewpoint refreshing. (Hm, maybe there are more of us like him than not!) All the characters are realistic and conversational, maybe a little quirky with their sarcastic, comedic dialogue at times, but quite enjoyable. The title itself is something to ponder, and you will eventually see the play on words. But then, where is Jozee?? Read, enjoy the search and enjoy!!
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the Author, publisher, and Book Sirens for allowing me to read this book.
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the Author, publisher, and Book Sirens for allowing me to read this book.
May 30, 2022
This is completely a new author to me, and I received the ARC from Hidden Gems. The story begins with Adam, an amateur comedian hanging off the side of his apartment building trying to get in since he doesn’t have his keys and his live-in girlfriend left him at the bar. The story is told from Adam’s point of view, and he is on the autism spectrum having been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome as an adult. Once he has sobered up, he realizes his girlfriend and fellow comedian, Jozee is not home and has not been there. The rest of the book follows Adam as he looks for Jozee and learns a lot about her and the other comedians in their group of friends. The book mainly takes place around Brighton and the author’s descriptions make you feel like you are suffering through the heatwave on the beach in Brighton right along with Adam. The story takes a lot of twists and turns as Adam continues to investigate to find Jozee, and kept me reading and guessing.
January 16, 2021
I found this book really engaging and was hooked into the life of Adam from the very start. The story line is around Adam's quest to find his girlfriend Jozee, who has mysteriously disappeared after an argument.
Adam's unique character is carefully described and all the layers of his personality are brought to life by the author. The writer conveys all the difficulties Adam encounters whilst trying to find Jozee, the full range of emotions suffered, depths of despair, anger and heart breaking loss.
During the journey, Adam discovers a wealth of information he never knew about his girlfriend, finds out who his friends are, and aren't, and learns a whole lot about himself and his capabilities.
Emotive, sometimes shocking and thoroughly enjoyable, I found myself willing Adam to keep going, through the hell and literally high water.
I totally recommend this as a great read to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a unexpected ending.
Adam's unique character is carefully described and all the layers of his personality are brought to life by the author. The writer conveys all the difficulties Adam encounters whilst trying to find Jozee, the full range of emotions suffered, depths of despair, anger and heart breaking loss.
During the journey, Adam discovers a wealth of information he never knew about his girlfriend, finds out who his friends are, and aren't, and learns a whole lot about himself and his capabilities.
Emotive, sometimes shocking and thoroughly enjoyable, I found myself willing Adam to keep going, through the hell and literally high water.
I totally recommend this as a great read to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a unexpected ending.
November 27, 2020
Wow what a great read. It was fast paced and the characters were all realistic. I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what was going to happen next.
I loved it was set in Brighton and Hove as I know the area well and gave added interest.
I look forward to reading another K J Heritage novel in this genre in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved it was set in Brighton and Hove as I know the area well and gave added interest.
I look forward to reading another K J Heritage novel in this genre in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2022
Adam. Somewhat autistic. OCD. Has a drinking problem. Humm....A very interesting, straightforward, insightful character. His girlfriend has disappeared after they had a fight. He is the only one really trying to find her. Learn about the standup comedy world. Twists and turns in just a few days. Dark. Violent. Funny. Puzzling. A super good mystery!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
December 17, 2020
Well this book was a ride. I thought it was going to be more of a murder mystery then it actually was. It wasn't my normal type of book but it was well written and kept up a good pace. I dont know that I'd read another book from this author since we seem to like different book genres. I give it a solid 2.5/3*.
I received an advance review for free and I am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
I received an advance review for free and I am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
July 25, 2021
Started off a little slow but then it draws you in and keeps you captivated and guessing the whole time. Just when you think you have figured it out K.J. Heritage throws in another twist which makes it extremely hard to put down. I felt Dying is easy is well written so much so that from the detail in K.J. Heritages's writings I could feel the turmoil, sadness, fight, etc. the characters felt.
May 14, 2020
Comedy WHAT?
Kev Heritage is a fantastic sci-fi writer so I was almost thinking this who-done-it book couldn't come up to his standards. I was wrong! I enjoyed this book as much as the sci-fi. Good work Mr Heritage, you have just added a new genre.
Kev Heritage is a fantastic sci-fi writer so I was almost thinking this who-done-it book couldn't come up to his standards. I was wrong! I enjoyed this book as much as the sci-fi. Good work Mr Heritage, you have just added a new genre.
July 11, 2021
Review to follow.
May 21, 2022
I just couldn’t get into this one. It was long and drawn out until the end. The ending was rushed and left me unfulfilled. I could relate to any of the characters. The title is deceiving. It’s about dying on the comedic stage where the comedian doesn’t get any laughs. I struggled to get through to the end because sometimes the ending surprises you - makes it worth reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
July 26, 2023
I really couldn’t get into this book at all. The whole thing just fell flat for me. It was so hard to get through, as it was such a slow build. I didn’t care for any of the characters. “Dying is Easy” turns out to be a metaphor for comedians. I thought there might be some humor in this book since the main characters are stand up comedians, but all the “gags” were subpar. I doubt I’ll be reading anymore books by this author.
March 29, 2021
I had to push myself to finish this; it took a long while to actually get going, then when it did it seemed like everything was thrown in at once – there ended up being so many storylines. The whole comedy stand up didn’t seem to mesh with the later story either which I found odd as there was so much time spent on it at the beginning.
There were sections I enjoyed and others that seemed to drag, it was an ok read but not my cup of tea.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
There were sections I enjoyed and others that seemed to drag, it was an ok read but not my cup of tea.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews