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Sweetpea #3
Dead Head
Victim. Murderer. Serial killer. What next?
The third darkly comic thriller in the highly addictive Sweetpea series featuring serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.
‘Bridget Jones meets American Psycho’ RED
Can a serial killer ever lose their taste for murder?
Since confessing to her bloody murder spree Rhiannon Lewis, the now-notorious Sweetpea killer, has been feeling out-of-sorts.
Having fled the UK on a cruise ship to start her new life, Rhiannon should be feeling happy. But it’s hard to turn over a new leaf when she’s stuck in an oversized floating tin can with the Gammonati and screaming kids. Especially when they remind her of Ivy – the baby she gave up for a life carrying on killing.
Rhiannon is all at sea. She’s lost her taste for blood but is it really gone for good? Maybe Rhiannon is realising that there’s more to life than death…
The third book in the critically-acclaimed series following Sweetpea and In Bloom featuring everyone’s favourite truly original girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.
The third darkly comic thriller in the highly addictive Sweetpea series featuring serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.
‘Bridget Jones meets American Psycho’ RED
Can a serial killer ever lose their taste for murder?
Since confessing to her bloody murder spree Rhiannon Lewis, the now-notorious Sweetpea killer, has been feeling out-of-sorts.
Having fled the UK on a cruise ship to start her new life, Rhiannon should be feeling happy. But it’s hard to turn over a new leaf when she’s stuck in an oversized floating tin can with the Gammonati and screaming kids. Especially when they remind her of Ivy – the baby she gave up for a life carrying on killing.
Rhiannon is all at sea. She’s lost her taste for blood but is it really gone for good? Maybe Rhiannon is realising that there’s more to life than death…
The third book in the critically-acclaimed series following Sweetpea and In Bloom featuring everyone’s favourite truly original girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon Lewis.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2021
About the author
C.J. Skuse
15 books634 followersC.J. SKUSE is the author of the Young Adult novels PRETTY BAD THINGS, ROCKOHOLIC and DEAD ROMANTIC (Chicken House), MONSTER and THE DEVIANTS (Mira Ink). She was born in 1980 in Weston-super-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels lectures in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. C.J. is currently working on adult novel SWEETPEA for HQ/HarperCollins (out April 2017).
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
March 4, 2021
ARC received in exchange for an honest review 🥀
This got messy and bloody in all the ways I wanted it to. As the third in the series, spoilers beware.
In the third installment of the Sweetpea series, we find everyone's favourite serial killer Rhiannon on the run after confessing to her murderous ways. Hotfooting it around the Mediterranean on a luxury cruiser surrounded by idiots, it's taking everything she's got to suppress the urge to kill.
As always, the star of the series is Rhiannon and she's just as charismatic as before - and just as sadistic. CJ Skuse has an uncanny ability to make the reader root for her, no matter what she does. Her rather fatal flaws are just that - flaws in an otherwise deeply complicated woman. She's hot headed, impulsive and mean. She has no strong emotions other than rage, and she's incredibly self absorbed. And she's not above dressing up dead men and posing them like Sylvanian families. But she's also desperately loyal to those she loves, a defender of the weak and forgotten and she will go to any means to protect as well as kill. As I said - she's complicated.
The plot is fast paced and easy to read. Defined by two major parts, we first see Rhiannon's personality ooze from every page, as she flits from trying to fit in with a family of holiday makers to letting her inner demon out on murderous rampages. All through the early plot we also see her trying to deal with grief - an unusual emotion for Rhiannon, and one she struggles with. Later, after the cruise, she finds herself in a very dangerous and unsettling environment in a make shift family of sorts. One that is unstable, unreliable and utterly unRhiannon. Again, we find her in situations that leave her vulnerable and open to trumoil and the ending is brutal and violent, but in a messy way that is far detached from Rhiannon's usual clinical way of killing.
There were a few things that stopped this being perfect. The timeline at the beginning is very messy, flitting back to before the end of the second book, then back to the cruise, then into the future when Rhiannon is reciting her story. I struggled to piece everything together at first, although this does settle down as you move further into the story. Also, some events towards the end aren't really explained properly and felt a bit rushed into setting up a future novel. Not that I'm complaining too much, but I do wonder how long Rhiannon can stay free for.
A beautifully brutal, thrill ride of a novel with a serial killer to fall in love with. Long live Rhiannon. We stan.
This got messy and bloody in all the ways I wanted it to. As the third in the series, spoilers beware.
In the third installment of the Sweetpea series, we find everyone's favourite serial killer Rhiannon on the run after confessing to her murderous ways. Hotfooting it around the Mediterranean on a luxury cruiser surrounded by idiots, it's taking everything she's got to suppress the urge to kill.
As always, the star of the series is Rhiannon and she's just as charismatic as before - and just as sadistic. CJ Skuse has an uncanny ability to make the reader root for her, no matter what she does. Her rather fatal flaws are just that - flaws in an otherwise deeply complicated woman. She's hot headed, impulsive and mean. She has no strong emotions other than rage, and she's incredibly self absorbed. And she's not above dressing up dead men and posing them like Sylvanian families. But she's also desperately loyal to those she loves, a defender of the weak and forgotten and she will go to any means to protect as well as kill. As I said - she's complicated.
The plot is fast paced and easy to read. Defined by two major parts, we first see Rhiannon's personality ooze from every page, as she flits from trying to fit in with a family of holiday makers to letting her inner demon out on murderous rampages. All through the early plot we also see her trying to deal with grief - an unusual emotion for Rhiannon, and one she struggles with. Later, after the cruise, she finds herself in a very dangerous and unsettling environment in a make shift family of sorts. One that is unstable, unreliable and utterly unRhiannon. Again, we find her in situations that leave her vulnerable and open to trumoil and the ending is brutal and violent, but in a messy way that is far detached from Rhiannon's usual clinical way of killing.
There were a few things that stopped this being perfect. The timeline at the beginning is very messy, flitting back to before the end of the second book, then back to the cruise, then into the future when Rhiannon is reciting her story. I struggled to piece everything together at first, although this does settle down as you move further into the story. Also, some events towards the end aren't really explained properly and felt a bit rushed into setting up a future novel. Not that I'm complaining too much, but I do wonder how long Rhiannon can stay free for.
A beautifully brutal, thrill ride of a novel with a serial killer to fall in love with. Long live Rhiannon. We stan.
February 18, 2021
Rhiannon Lewis is BACK! Except she's not really Rhiannon Lewis anymore. Not just because she's on the run and going by a pseudonym; after giving birth to – and giving up – baby Ivy, literature's most likeable serial killer has lost her mojo for murder. What's a girl to do? Get a fake passport and head to Mexico, of course.
Dead Head is the third of Skuse's sick, hilarious books about Rhiannon, following Sweetpea and In Bloom. I found the latter a little uneven, but Rhiannon's back on top form in Dead Head. The plot, too, is more ambitious than ever, taking our antiheroine all over the world and throwing in an unlikely father figure and a dreamy love interest. It's a far cry from her beginnings as a lowly editorial assistant at the Gazette. The riotously colourful, bloody, entertaining story is really good fun; I tore through it and had lots of 'squealing with laughter' moments, while also feeling very glad I wasn't reading this in the office. I certainly wouldn't want to have to explain some of Rhiannon's gleefully NSFW observations to an unsuspecting colleague...
The one caveat I'll provide is that you should read the other two books in the series first. I'm sure many of Rhiannon's one-liners would be funny with or without context, but you do need to have read the previous books to get a proper handle on the plot. (For reference: my review of Sweetpea and my review of In Bloom.)
Once again, the ending clears the way for another instalment. Rhiannon's bloodlust is so infectious that I was desperate for two characters in particular to get their comeuppance, so there are definitely loose ends to be tied up. Long live Rhiannon and roll on book 4!
I received an advance review copy of Dead Head from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Linktree
Dead Head is the third of Skuse's sick, hilarious books about Rhiannon, following Sweetpea and In Bloom. I found the latter a little uneven, but Rhiannon's back on top form in Dead Head. The plot, too, is more ambitious than ever, taking our antiheroine all over the world and throwing in an unlikely father figure and a dreamy love interest. It's a far cry from her beginnings as a lowly editorial assistant at the Gazette. The riotously colourful, bloody, entertaining story is really good fun; I tore through it and had lots of 'squealing with laughter' moments, while also feeling very glad I wasn't reading this in the office. I certainly wouldn't want to have to explain some of Rhiannon's gleefully NSFW observations to an unsuspecting colleague...
The one caveat I'll provide is that you should read the other two books in the series first. I'm sure many of Rhiannon's one-liners would be funny with or without context, but you do need to have read the previous books to get a proper handle on the plot. (For reference: my review of Sweetpea and my review of In Bloom.)
Once again, the ending clears the way for another instalment. Rhiannon's bloodlust is so infectious that I was desperate for two characters in particular to get their comeuppance, so there are definitely loose ends to be tied up. Long live Rhiannon and roll on book 4!
I received an advance review copy of Dead Head from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Linktree
February 21, 2021
Okay, this has to be the best audiobook I've ever listened to. I was approved for it before I realised it was the third in the series, but it didn't matter. Well, it did, in that I now want to read the previous books, and most definitely listen to the audiobooks of them!
I have never listened to an audiobook so quickly, and I found myself looking for activities round the house just so I could continue. Georgia Maguire came on to my radar with 'Behind Closed Doors' and I cite her as the reason I now have an audiobook constantly on the go! The character of Rhiannon Lewis has to be my favourite character in a long time, and Maguire is PERFECT for it. I have never laughed so hard and so often at a book, definitely not a thriller and certainly not one from the perspective of a serial killer. WAY too many quotes to list here, but Daniel Radcliffe, morning TV presenters (where I laughed out loud in the middle of a supermarket) have to be my highlights. I have thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Hopefully there will be another book in the series, Rhiannon is way too good a character to stop at 3.
Skuse and Maguire are geniuses.
I have never listened to an audiobook so quickly, and I found myself looking for activities round the house just so I could continue. Georgia Maguire came on to my radar with 'Behind Closed Doors' and I cite her as the reason I now have an audiobook constantly on the go! The character of Rhiannon Lewis has to be my favourite character in a long time, and Maguire is PERFECT for it. I have never laughed so hard and so often at a book, definitely not a thriller and certainly not one from the perspective of a serial killer. WAY too many quotes to list here, but Daniel Radcliffe, morning TV presenters (where I laughed out loud in the middle of a supermarket) have to be my highlights. I have thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Hopefully there will be another book in the series, Rhiannon is way too good a character to stop at 3.
Skuse and Maguire are geniuses.
February 3, 2021
Oh Rhiannon Lewis, I love you! Book 3 featuring this sassy, crude serial killer who really does have a heart is once again amazing. I highly recommend reading Sweet Pea and In Bloom before Dead Head to truly appreciate this character and her story.
Rhiannon is on the run. She has confessed, given up her baby and I Ian now on a European cruise! I laughed so much reading her adventures on board, trying not to be noticed. It is a dark humour, that will shock you and it is so good. She is feeling a bit out of sorts now that she has to be on her best behaviour and not kill anybody, as much as she might want to. Can a serial killer change? An she find happiness and a new life? You will have to read Dead Head to find out.
Thanks to HQ and and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Rhiannon is on the run. She has confessed, given up her baby and I Ian now on a European cruise! I laughed so much reading her adventures on board, trying not to be noticed. It is a dark humour, that will shock you and it is so good. She is feeling a bit out of sorts now that she has to be on her best behaviour and not kill anybody, as much as she might want to. Can a serial killer change? An she find happiness and a new life? You will have to read Dead Head to find out.
Thanks to HQ and and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
January 27, 2021
Dead Head is the third book in the wonderfully dark, hysterically funny, outrageously shocking series about my favourite female serial killer EVER. Rhiannon Lewis is on the run, having fled the UK, leaving her new born baby behind and finds herself on a Mediterranean cruise trying to “lie low” until she can work out what to do next and avoid life in prison.
If you haven’t read the first two books, Sweet Pea (read my review here) and In Bloom (read my review here) then stop reading this right now and pop over to Amazon and buy them both – but please note that you need a strong stomach, a very dark sense of humour and the ability to not get easily offended or insulted because I promise you that reading about Rhiannon is not for wussies!
Once again the book is told in diary entries with the infamous “Kill Lists” and I was laughing so loud that Mr F told me several times to “shut up, stop reading or go downstairs” but I couldn’t help myself, sniggering and giggling away at CJ Skuse’s brilliant observational humour, Rhiannon’s dead pan comments, thoughts and actions throughout the book.
Wildly entertaining, highly enjoyable, snort out loud scenes, inappropriate behaviour and an absolute pleasure to read. 5 big fat shiny stars from me and I can’t wait to read book 4 in this brilliant series.
If you haven’t read the first two books, Sweet Pea (read my review here) and In Bloom (read my review here) then stop reading this right now and pop over to Amazon and buy them both – but please note that you need a strong stomach, a very dark sense of humour and the ability to not get easily offended or insulted because I promise you that reading about Rhiannon is not for wussies!
Once again the book is told in diary entries with the infamous “Kill Lists” and I was laughing so loud that Mr F told me several times to “shut up, stop reading or go downstairs” but I couldn’t help myself, sniggering and giggling away at CJ Skuse’s brilliant observational humour, Rhiannon’s dead pan comments, thoughts and actions throughout the book.
Wildly entertaining, highly enjoyable, snort out loud scenes, inappropriate behaviour and an absolute pleasure to read. 5 big fat shiny stars from me and I can’t wait to read book 4 in this brilliant series.
February 21, 2021
CJ DID IT AGAIN!!! Dead Head is book 3 in the Sweetpea series (my all-time favorite books). If you haven’t listened to these, get to it! Rhiannon Lewis is the best serial killer character I’ve come across in all my years of reading. The books aren’t fast paced thrillers, it’s so hard to compare them to anything else out there because it’s that unique. I’ve seen it described as Bridget Jones meets American Psycho. It is some seriously dark comedy, so if you offend easily to crude talk & behavior (necrophilia for example), you might want to take a pass. If you do read this, I promise you will laugh your ass off.
Every chapter begins with a KILL LIST - from the cashier who mishandles her apples to Davina McCall “You’re fit. We get it.” But she really only kills pedos, rapists and anyone else who has it coming. She doesn’t always realize it, but she’s got a heart of gold buried deep, deep, deep, deep down. In Dead Head, that side of her blossoms while she’s on the run, while making friends on a cruise & finding love in Mexico. CJ told me she has books 4 & 5 outlined but they haven’t been optioned yet. With a tv series in the works, I have no doubt they’ll be begging for more Sweetpea. I have to mention how disappointed I am that the audiobooks are no longer available in the US. My library has a copy but they’re gone from Audible & the subscription service, Scribd. Georgia Maguire narrates and she does a smashing job as always. If you can get your hands on the books, please give them a try. Here’s some praise for CJ...
’Dark, depraved and devilishly delicious. A full throttle savage and satirical thriller. Rhiannon makes Hannibal Lecter look like Mary Poppins’ John Marrs
’This anti-hero is psychotic without doubt, sexually voracious and incredibly funny’ Shots magazine
’Pitch dark, laugh-out-loud hilarious - the Sweetpea series is pure genius escapism’ Susi Holliday
Every chapter begins with a KILL LIST - from the cashier who mishandles her apples to Davina McCall “You’re fit. We get it.” But she really only kills pedos, rapists and anyone else who has it coming. She doesn’t always realize it, but she’s got a heart of gold buried deep, deep, deep, deep down. In Dead Head, that side of her blossoms while she’s on the run, while making friends on a cruise & finding love in Mexico. CJ told me she has books 4 & 5 outlined but they haven’t been optioned yet. With a tv series in the works, I have no doubt they’ll be begging for more Sweetpea. I have to mention how disappointed I am that the audiobooks are no longer available in the US. My library has a copy but they’re gone from Audible & the subscription service, Scribd. Georgia Maguire narrates and she does a smashing job as always. If you can get your hands on the books, please give them a try. Here’s some praise for CJ...
’Dark, depraved and devilishly delicious. A full throttle savage and satirical thriller. Rhiannon makes Hannibal Lecter look like Mary Poppins’ John Marrs
’This anti-hero is psychotic without doubt, sexually voracious and incredibly funny’ Shots magazine
’Pitch dark, laugh-out-loud hilarious - the Sweetpea series is pure genius escapism’ Susi Holliday
January 2, 2022
Rhiannon is now famous, the notorious Sweetpea Killer. But after giving up her life to carry on killing, she's feeling all wrong. She's lost her taste for blood... but can a serial killer really lose their desire for killing?
The third in the Sweetpea series and they just get better and better! I absolutely adore Rhiannon, I root for her in every single book. I love how blunt she is, how she doesn't beat around the bush. She's hilarious, and I actually found myself annoyed when the couple she helped with the two children turned on her! How dare they!
I need more, I need confirmed dates of the next books and I need to preorder them ASAP. What am I going to do without reading this series. The wait is too long.
If you haven't already started this series, you really need to. It's one of the best series I've read, from a fantastic author who's books are that good they have you doing out of character things like rooting for a just given birth serial killer desperate to find her blood lust again!
The third in the Sweetpea series and they just get better and better! I absolutely adore Rhiannon, I root for her in every single book. I love how blunt she is, how she doesn't beat around the bush. She's hilarious, and I actually found myself annoyed when the couple she helped with the two children turned on her! How dare they!
I need more, I need confirmed dates of the next books and I need to preorder them ASAP. What am I going to do without reading this series. The wait is too long.
If you haven't already started this series, you really need to. It's one of the best series I've read, from a fantastic author who's books are that good they have you doing out of character things like rooting for a just given birth serial killer desperate to find her blood lust again!
July 27, 2021
Dead Head is my favorite book in this series (so far). The dark humor in these books never cease to make me laugh, and while I am definitely guilty of being on the kill list a few times, I agree with Rhiannon most of the time (#5. Justin Timberlake. I don't know what gives him the right anymore.)
I loved being inside her dark and twisted mind again, and I loved where her story went. Keeping my fingers crossed there's another book!
I loved being inside her dark and twisted mind again, and I loved where her story went. Keeping my fingers crossed there's another book!
June 30, 2021
Reading the 3rd book in a series must mean a kind of addiction and I have to admit, I'm loyal to RL for her boldness, grim humor, for her being so smart and vulnerable. This fascination with a villain-like character frightens me a lot. I guess the book is not only about RL, it's about the readers. C.J.Skuse deals with issues of justice, punishment, sympathy in a way only a few writers dare to follow. She makes us decide how far we are ready to go when seeking the truth and fair play.
The 3rd book has its highs and lows, some turns seem a bit farfetched, but overall complex mixture of love & hate towards RL is still there, as well as clear indication that the further installment for the series is on the way.
I adore the narration by Georgia Maguire, she absolutely nailed it!
The 3rd book has its highs and lows, some turns seem a bit farfetched, but overall complex mixture of love & hate towards RL is still there, as well as clear indication that the further installment for the series is on the way.
I adore the narration by Georgia Maguire, she absolutely nailed it!
July 14, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Rhiannon Lewis Diaries Part three: The Fugitive Killer"
Rhiannon, my favorite likable anti-hero is back; but she’s on the run having fled The United Kingdom after confessing her bloody murder spree (she did not have much of a choice) and giving up her baby in adoption. Rhiannon, with a helping hand of one of her daddy’s criminal friends, with fake papers, gets on board of a Cruise Ship. You read it, there’s a psychopath serial killer on the loose with 2000 tourists on board cruising around Europe. She makes friends with an old lady and a family, the parents are awful but the children are nice, and we know Rhiannon kills bad men and women but never children or animals. Those she loves. But soon she realizes the police is getting close and her story is all over Europe’s papers and just in time she boards a plane to Rocas Calientes, Mexico, hiding in one of her daddy’s criminal friend’s associate lair and with a full plastic surgery ahead to change her looks and new passport and identity awaiting. The story begins at the very end of the second book which was after near New Year’s 2019 and ends at the beginning of 2020, just when a strange virus is starting to break around East Asia! To say more is to spoil this and the previous books. This one is the longest of all but did not feel long, the story line is full of intrigue and adventure, and blood and dead bodies. It ends with an open door for a fourth book. Since I liked this one as much as the first, I will continue with Rhiannon AKA Ophelia killing adventures. I would like to see this series into movies, Margot Robbie with a brunette wig, maybe?
"You can call my name and I'll be a around
Maybe I'll let you shoot me down
'Cause you're a beautiful killer with a beautiful face
A beautiful killer and you won't leave a trace
Can't really talk with a gun in my mouth
Maybe that's what you been dreaming about
'Cause you're a beautiful killer with beautiful eyes
A beautiful killer and I love your disguise"
(If you know the singer of this song, leave it on the comments below, I'm testing you)
Characters: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
"Rhiannon Lewis Diaries Part three: The Fugitive Killer"
Rhiannon, my favorite likable anti-hero is back; but she’s on the run having fled The United Kingdom after confessing her bloody murder spree (she did not have much of a choice) and giving up her baby in adoption. Rhiannon, with a helping hand of one of her daddy’s criminal friends, with fake papers, gets on board of a Cruise Ship. You read it, there’s a psychopath serial killer on the loose with 2000 tourists on board cruising around Europe. She makes friends with an old lady and a family, the parents are awful but the children are nice, and we know Rhiannon kills bad men and women but never children or animals. Those she loves. But soon she realizes the police is getting close and her story is all over Europe’s papers and just in time she boards a plane to Rocas Calientes, Mexico, hiding in one of her daddy’s criminal friend’s associate lair and with a full plastic surgery ahead to change her looks and new passport and identity awaiting. The story begins at the very end of the second book which was after near New Year’s 2019 and ends at the beginning of 2020, just when a strange virus is starting to break around East Asia! To say more is to spoil this and the previous books. This one is the longest of all but did not feel long, the story line is full of intrigue and adventure, and blood and dead bodies. It ends with an open door for a fourth book. Since I liked this one as much as the first, I will continue with Rhiannon AKA Ophelia killing adventures. I would like to see this series into movies, Margot Robbie with a brunette wig, maybe?
"You can call my name and I'll be a around
Maybe I'll let you shoot me down
'Cause you're a beautiful killer with a beautiful face
A beautiful killer and you won't leave a trace
Can't really talk with a gun in my mouth
Maybe that's what you been dreaming about
'Cause you're a beautiful killer with beautiful eyes
A beautiful killer and I love your disguise"
(If you know the singer of this song, leave it on the comments below, I'm testing you)
Characters: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
September 15, 2022
I didn't know what I was really getting into when I started this book, and I was quite surprised by it, however, I persevered, and by the end of the book I liked the main character of Rhiannon, who is literally a loveable psycho.
The whole book is crazy, nuts, quirky and unbelievable, but that is what makes it unique and special. Rhiannon is a serial killer, and throughout the book, we have her murders described to us in detail, but in a funny way. Throughout all the dark humour and craziness, Rhiannon is actually a loveable person with a heart of gold. She is ying and yang combined, and one minute I hated her and the next minute I loved her. Her adventures had me cringing and covering my eyes one minute and then the next minute I was laughing out loud. The whole book was like a big rumble in a tumble dryer, but it was very enjoyable.
This is book 3 in a series, and I will now look into reading the first 2 books.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the craziness and madness of this book!
The whole book is crazy, nuts, quirky and unbelievable, but that is what makes it unique and special. Rhiannon is a serial killer, and throughout the book, we have her murders described to us in detail, but in a funny way. Throughout all the dark humour and craziness, Rhiannon is actually a loveable person with a heart of gold. She is ying and yang combined, and one minute I hated her and the next minute I loved her. Her adventures had me cringing and covering my eyes one minute and then the next minute I was laughing out loud. The whole book was like a big rumble in a tumble dryer, but it was very enjoyable.
This is book 3 in a series, and I will now look into reading the first 2 books.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the craziness and madness of this book!
August 19, 2024
This is the third book featuring serial killer Rhiannon Lewis, the strangely likeable character who narrates her story and starts most chapters with a list of five or six people she would love to kill!
As the book opens, Rhiannon is attending a book event at a New York bookstore for a book written about her exploits by a former journalist who received her diaries in the post after her apparent death. But she is not dead and, in an interview with the journalist after the book event in a local bar, tells the story of her escape and all that subsequently happened to her....
I just love this character who, as I have previously said in my reviews, reminds me a bit of Villanelle in the 'Killing Eve' series. And it is clear that Rhiannon is still popular with the general public, mainly because she usually targets paedophiles or other sex offenders when she chooses her targets. Looking forward to seeing what further mischief she can get up to in the next book in the series! - 9/10.
As the book opens, Rhiannon is attending a book event at a New York bookstore for a book written about her exploits by a former journalist who received her diaries in the post after her apparent death. But she is not dead and, in an interview with the journalist after the book event in a local bar, tells the story of her escape and all that subsequently happened to her....
I just love this character who, as I have previously said in my reviews, reminds me a bit of Villanelle in the 'Killing Eve' series. And it is clear that Rhiannon is still popular with the general public, mainly because she usually targets paedophiles or other sex offenders when she chooses her targets. Looking forward to seeing what further mischief she can get up to in the next book in the series! - 9/10.
April 5, 2021
Gory, funny and blunt - just what you expect from Rhiannon Lewis.
Dead Head is the third instalment in the 'Sweetpea' series and what an instalment it was. Rhiannon has to be one of my favourite characters, ever. Girl Power at its finest. Who'd have thought I'd end up rooting for the killer?
Without spoiling the series, Rhiannon is different in this one, which seems odd when you've come to know what she's normally like.
I will admit that it dipped a bit but it then hits you with a punch and it's like woahhhh! So yeah, a definite 5-star rating from me.
ARC from NetGalley.
Dead Head is the third instalment in the 'Sweetpea' series and what an instalment it was. Rhiannon has to be one of my favourite characters, ever. Girl Power at its finest. Who'd have thought I'd end up rooting for the killer?
Without spoiling the series, Rhiannon is different in this one, which seems odd when you've come to know what she's normally like.
I will admit that it dipped a bit but it then hits you with a punch and it's like woahhhh! So yeah, a definite 5-star rating from me.
ARC from NetGalley.
February 14, 2022
I absolutely adore this series, Rhiannon Lewis is such an incredible character, I love her!
The third installment did not disappoint, it's brutally brilliant and I can't wait for more!
The third installment did not disappoint, it's brutally brilliant and I can't wait for more!
November 10, 2020
This was another great instalment in the sweet pea series.
As with the other two books I loved the writing and Rhiannon as always.
This book is definitely not for the faint hearted or the easily offended. There was some hilarious parts of this book, which had me chuckling away
However, this book was quite different from the other two in the series.
I can't say too much as I don't want to give any spoilers, but Rhiannon isn't quite the same as she is in the first two books because of what's happened to her. It's great to see the character development but I miss the old Rhiannon.
I also think this book was too long. I wouldn't say it dragged or I was bored because the plot was constantly moving along and was fast paced. But it definitely felt long.
However, I still really enjoyed this book. There was a link to one of C.J Skuse's books which I completely missed before and thought was really clever.
Also, the ending. That ending. No spoilers but I don't think we've seen the end of Rhiannon yet.
Overall, even though it wasn't my favourite book in the series I still loved it
TW: violence, rape, murder, gore, pedophilia and death
As with the other two books I loved the writing and Rhiannon as always.
This book is definitely not for the faint hearted or the easily offended. There was some hilarious parts of this book, which had me chuckling away
However, this book was quite different from the other two in the series.
I can't say too much as I don't want to give any spoilers, but Rhiannon isn't quite the same as she is in the first two books because of what's happened to her. It's great to see the character development but I miss the old Rhiannon.
I also think this book was too long. I wouldn't say it dragged or I was bored because the plot was constantly moving along and was fast paced. But it definitely felt long.
However, I still really enjoyed this book. There was a link to one of C.J Skuse's books which I completely missed before and thought was really clever.
Also, the ending. That ending. No spoilers but I don't think we've seen the end of Rhiannon yet.
Overall, even though it wasn't my favourite book in the series I still loved it
TW: violence, rape, murder, gore, pedophilia and death
January 7, 2023
Rhiannon is back again, just as snarky but pretending she isn’t, or at least trying to. This time she is on the run, and perhaps even turning over a new leaf to be good. Maybe!
I liked that she still has her attitude and I liked the way we got an explanation of what happened since we last saw her. In this book we go right back to the end of the last book and she tells her story from there.
I found myself really hoping it ends well for her, I’m not sure she deserves a happy ending given she’s a serial killer but nevertheless I wanted it for her (she has her reasons!). The thing is she comes across as quite fragile despite what she has done. Is she evil? Or should we pity her? She had quite a hard life, is that what made her how she is?
I liked the close bond she forms with others , the ones she doesn’t kill! Her friend Caro was particularly heart warming: two equally strong and yet both fragile characters.
This is the last book in the trilogy and I’m going to miss her. It’s not perfect but it’s fun, 4.5 rounded up.
Also the author could easily have made a fourth book in the series, especially given the ending but I don’t think they have, so while I’m sorry to see Rhianon out of my life well done for not milking it!
I liked that she still has her attitude and I liked the way we got an explanation of what happened since we last saw her. In this book we go right back to the end of the last book and she tells her story from there.
I found myself really hoping it ends well for her, I’m not sure she deserves a happy ending given she’s a serial killer but nevertheless I wanted it for her (she has her reasons!). The thing is she comes across as quite fragile despite what she has done. Is she evil? Or should we pity her? She had quite a hard life, is that what made her how she is?
I liked the close bond she forms with others , the ones she doesn’t kill! Her friend Caro was particularly heart warming: two equally strong and yet both fragile characters.
This is the last book in the trilogy and I’m going to miss her. It’s not perfect but it’s fun, 4.5 rounded up.
Also the author could easily have made a fourth book in the series, especially given the ending but I don’t think they have, so while I’m sorry to see Rhianon out of my life well done for not milking it!
February 27, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
It was fantastic to be back in the mind and world of Rhiannon, who is one of my absolute favourite serial killer characters. The way she is written is so immersive and vivid. You almost feel like you are with her along every step of the way.
The character development was brilliant, and I loved how we were introduced to new characters a long the way on the cruise ship who we instantly were able to get to know and they became massive focal points of the story. Rhiannon was hilarious as ever, and coming back into the story felt like coming home, C J Skuse does a great job of making characters feel like friends.
I liked how the book was split up into the three main parts, and how vivid the descriptions were, you practically felt like you were there. I was hooked from the beginning.
I love anything C J Skuse, so can't wait for what she writes next.
It was fantastic to be back in the mind and world of Rhiannon, who is one of my absolute favourite serial killer characters. The way she is written is so immersive and vivid. You almost feel like you are with her along every step of the way.
The character development was brilliant, and I loved how we were introduced to new characters a long the way on the cruise ship who we instantly were able to get to know and they became massive focal points of the story. Rhiannon was hilarious as ever, and coming back into the story felt like coming home, C J Skuse does a great job of making characters feel like friends.
I liked how the book was split up into the three main parts, and how vivid the descriptions were, you practically felt like you were there. I was hooked from the beginning.
I love anything C J Skuse, so can't wait for what she writes next.
March 6, 2021
Rhiannon is back with a new face and a new attitude!
If you’ve read any of the sweet pea series you’ll be aware of our friendly neighbourhood serial killer, her witty dark sense of humour and of course her lists!
Dead Head (after a brief time lapse and prologue) starts where In Bloom left off - her boarding a cruise ship after giving birth to her daughter.
We follow Rhiannon (or Hilary as she calls herself for most of the book) on a journey - we’ll cruise- of her rediscovering her blood lust (or lack of it) and goes full circle back to where the book begins.
This book isn’t for the faint hearted. There’s lots of swearing and gore and murder but you can’t help but love her. She’s a serial killer with a heart.
If you’ve now read any of these before I’d highly recommend. They really appeal to my sense of humour.
If you’ve read any of the sweet pea series you’ll be aware of our friendly neighbourhood serial killer, her witty dark sense of humour and of course her lists!
Dead Head (after a brief time lapse and prologue) starts where In Bloom left off - her boarding a cruise ship after giving birth to her daughter.
We follow Rhiannon (or Hilary as she calls herself for most of the book) on a journey - we’ll cruise- of her rediscovering her blood lust (or lack of it) and goes full circle back to where the book begins.
This book isn’t for the faint hearted. There’s lots of swearing and gore and murder but you can’t help but love her. She’s a serial killer with a heart.
If you’ve now read any of these before I’d highly recommend. They really appeal to my sense of humour.
January 9, 2023
This is the third part of a trilogy involving a serial killer called Rhiannon who, in this episode, finds herself living abroad, hiding, and on the run from the law. But is she capable of escaping detection, whilst controlling her naturally impulsive deadly urges in order to start a new life, adopting accepted standards and fitting inconspicuously into mainstream society? Time will tell, but one thing's for sure, her new life'll be far from easy, proving itself to be a long and winding bloody rocky road to any long-term future happiness!
Some great action and lots of colourful characters which created such a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Looking forward to hearing more from this wonderful, female anti-hero...of sorts.
Tip: To get the most from all the fun-filled psychopathic madness, readers are advised to follow the 3 books in order to really appreciate the plot of the whole truly gripping adventure.
Rating: 4.3 crazy bright stars.
Some great action and lots of colourful characters which created such a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Looking forward to hearing more from this wonderful, female anti-hero...of sorts.
Tip: To get the most from all the fun-filled psychopathic madness, readers are advised to follow the 3 books in order to really appreciate the plot of the whole truly gripping adventure.
Rating: 4.3 crazy bright stars.
April 8, 2021
Loved this! The next episode in the Rhiannon Lewis story was just as entertaining as the last two. She’s funny, sarcastic and a complete maniac! This book had me turning the pages so fast but in regret as I didn’t want it to end. I don’t know what it is about Rhiannon that makes you really root for her. Great book!
August 31, 2024
Another fantastically dark and snarky read. I’ve already picked up the next book!
November 7, 2020
We're back with the third instalment of serial killer Rhiannon's exploits. I vaguely remember the events of the first two books but remember them enough to know where we'd left off with Rhiannon giving birth and then going on the run. We pick up virtually where the events of the second book left off with Rhiannon making her way off on a cruise.
I both loved this book and did not love it; I love that we're back with Rhiannon because I found her to just be entirely nuts and enjoyable. I also loved that the lists were back, honestly they're one of my favourite parts of these books because I find them hilarious but also slightly relatable... we all have those pet peeves in people that drive us a bit nuts, fortunately most of us wouldn't go around killing everyone on those lists.
I liked aspects of this book when we saw Rhiannon as Rhiannon; I read this series because I love how nuts and relentless she is, I didn't really want to read about her falling in love and becoming part of a family who had no idea who she was. The book felt like it was two personalities, which to be fair, is a good representation of who Rhiannon is. She's trying not to kill but there is always part of her that wants it.
The book's open ending definitely sets you up for their being a book 4, but I am wondering a bit just how long this series can go on without Rhiannon being caught. An enjoyable instalment but perhaps not my favourite.
I both loved this book and did not love it; I love that we're back with Rhiannon because I found her to just be entirely nuts and enjoyable. I also loved that the lists were back, honestly they're one of my favourite parts of these books because I find them hilarious but also slightly relatable... we all have those pet peeves in people that drive us a bit nuts, fortunately most of us wouldn't go around killing everyone on those lists.
I liked aspects of this book when we saw Rhiannon as Rhiannon; I read this series because I love how nuts and relentless she is, I didn't really want to read about her falling in love and becoming part of a family who had no idea who she was. The book felt like it was two personalities, which to be fair, is a good representation of who Rhiannon is. She's trying not to kill but there is always part of her that wants it.
The book's open ending definitely sets you up for their being a book 4, but I am wondering a bit just how long this series can go on without Rhiannon being caught. An enjoyable instalment but perhaps not my favourite.
January 4, 2022
I loved SweetPea such a unique read with Rhiannon Lewis being just one of the best written characters ever. The second In Bloom wasn’t so good and a little disappointed but then book 3 Dead Head boom 💥 what a great book.
I just think CJ Skuse is an amazing writer.
I just think CJ Skuse is an amazing writer.
January 30, 2022
Rhiannon is back. This book is a little different than the first two. The first part, taking place on a cruise ship, moved a bit slow. Yet, Rhiannon is a great read, and Skuse is actually developing her and expanding horizons as it were.
Also of note, a nod of support to Meghan Markle.
Also of note, a nod of support to Meghan Markle.
July 29, 2021
I’m not one for reading book series. I find that they can be too much of a commitment however the Sweetpea series by CJ Skuse is one exception to this rule.
In Dead Head, the third installment, we find our psycho-protagonist Rhiannon Lewis on the lam. Running away from her old life and the chaos that she has caused whilst also dealing with the yearning ache for her child Ivy. We see her travel across the world to escape the storm of drama she has left and the debris of her crimes in the UK but we also know that Rhiannon cannot truly leave herself – her true self – behind. Will she kill again? Probably.
The third installment in this series is different from the first two in that we see a more introspective Rhiannon. This could be that it is told in the past/present tense. So looking back but told in the present tense. It is as though this gives us chance – and indeed Rhiannon – to consider her actions and gives us time to process them alongside her rather than seeing the red mist descend and then the chaos. This doesn’t make them any less bat crap crazy but it does give us time to think.
Rhiannon Lewis will probably be one of my most remembered protagonists in fiction. Her actions and her unshakable belief in vigilante justice has left a lasting impression and I am hoping that there will be more in this series.
In Dead Head, the third installment, we find our psycho-protagonist Rhiannon Lewis on the lam. Running away from her old life and the chaos that she has caused whilst also dealing with the yearning ache for her child Ivy. We see her travel across the world to escape the storm of drama she has left and the debris of her crimes in the UK but we also know that Rhiannon cannot truly leave herself – her true self – behind. Will she kill again? Probably.
The third installment in this series is different from the first two in that we see a more introspective Rhiannon. This could be that it is told in the past/present tense. So looking back but told in the present tense. It is as though this gives us chance – and indeed Rhiannon – to consider her actions and gives us time to process them alongside her rather than seeing the red mist descend and then the chaos. This doesn’t make them any less bat crap crazy but it does give us time to think.
Rhiannon Lewis will probably be one of my most remembered protagonists in fiction. Her actions and her unshakable belief in vigilante justice has left a lasting impression and I am hoping that there will be more in this series.
September 6, 2022
4.5 stars
Overview: I love the Sweetpea series so much. It's very dark and very funny.This book was no different. I was excited to delve into Rhiannon's world again and see what mayhem she would create. While I didn't laugh out loud like I did the first two books (maybe I'm just used to her sense of humour now) it was still a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good Points: The kill lists remain my favourite part. I have really enjoyed seeing her character develop. Although she does something in this book that totally shocked me! Like...what! It's so easy to read and strangely addictive.
Not so Good Points: It's not really a negative, but, like the first two books, this book barely has a plot. It's just a fun ride. But while I was reading and giggling along I found myself wishing something would actually happen. It took a while before something actually did.
If you like dark humour, serial killers/vigilantes then I definitely recommend this series. And I hear there's a new book coming next year...and a TV series? I'm there!
Overview: I love the Sweetpea series so much. It's very dark and very funny.This book was no different. I was excited to delve into Rhiannon's world again and see what mayhem she would create. While I didn't laugh out loud like I did the first two books (maybe I'm just used to her sense of humour now) it was still a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good Points: The kill lists remain my favourite part. I have really enjoyed seeing her character develop. Although she does something in this book that totally shocked me! Like...what! It's so easy to read and strangely addictive.
Not so Good Points: It's not really a negative, but, like the first two books, this book barely has a plot. It's just a fun ride. But while I was reading and giggling along I found myself wishing something would actually happen. It took a while before something actually did.
If you like dark humour, serial killers/vigilantes then I definitely recommend this series. And I hear there's a new book coming next year...and a TV series? I'm there!
March 1, 2021
Finished this about 3.30 this morning. Really enjoyed it. Here is my review. I gave it 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This is the follow on Book from sweet pea and in bloom... Both great books individually and as a set. This 3rd instalment did not disappoint! It's dark, it's funny, it's not in any way girly, it's full of detail about goings on and in depth murder scenes but at the same time it is funny from start to finish, I love the main characters attitude and sense of humour. My only small criticism is that because some of the story was set in foreign countries there was some different languages in there and not all of which was interpreted so some bits you have to guess but didn't ruin the story at all! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers and the author for the privilege to read this book for my honest opinion
This is the follow on Book from sweet pea and in bloom... Both great books individually and as a set. This 3rd instalment did not disappoint! It's dark, it's funny, it's not in any way girly, it's full of detail about goings on and in depth murder scenes but at the same time it is funny from start to finish, I love the main characters attitude and sense of humour. My only small criticism is that because some of the story was set in foreign countries there was some different languages in there and not all of which was interpreted so some bits you have to guess but didn't ruin the story at all! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers and the author for the privilege to read this book for my honest opinion
April 18, 2021
Here she was again, Rhiannon - the comic serial killer! 🥀🙈
Yeah she's crazy, she's dangerous, she's goddam killing left right and centre - oh but she's funny! Iv never come across anyone like her in all my reading life.
So without giving spoilers, this third book is quite different! Here we have Rhiannon on the run, and you can imagine how that goes!
So she's on a cruise..... and you know the saying, 'a woman in every port...' - well you can imagine what our crazy Rhiannon Lewis is up to in every port 😂.
That's all I shall say about that.
But my general feeling of the book was that it wasn't a patch on the previous two. I did laugh at some bits, but I belly laughed in both sweet pea and in bloom.
This is my least favorite, but Rhiannon is such a great character to read I would definitely read more. Because there's a 4th right?! Blooming hope so (see what I did!? 😜)
Yeah she's crazy, she's dangerous, she's goddam killing left right and centre - oh but she's funny! Iv never come across anyone like her in all my reading life.
So without giving spoilers, this third book is quite different! Here we have Rhiannon on the run, and you can imagine how that goes!
So she's on a cruise..... and you know the saying, 'a woman in every port...' - well you can imagine what our crazy Rhiannon Lewis is up to in every port 😂.
That's all I shall say about that.
But my general feeling of the book was that it wasn't a patch on the previous two. I did laugh at some bits, but I belly laughed in both sweet pea and in bloom.
This is my least favorite, but Rhiannon is such a great character to read I would definitely read more. Because there's a 4th right?! Blooming hope so (see what I did!? 😜)
December 9, 2021
This was a really interesting book that took Rhiannon's story to a completely different place that I didn't expect.
The settings that were introduced to this story really different to the past two and I found them very intriguing, I loved travelling with her and meeting these interesting people that she met along her travels.
I also really like to seeing more of her without the narrative of baby Ivy because it allowed for more story than inner monologue.
I thought this was going to wrap up as a trilogy but after that ending I desperately need a fourth book to see where the story will go
The settings that were introduced to this story really different to the past two and I found them very intriguing, I loved travelling with her and meeting these interesting people that she met along her travels.
I also really like to seeing more of her without the narrative of baby Ivy because it allowed for more story than inner monologue.
I thought this was going to wrap up as a trilogy but after that ending I desperately need a fourth book to see where the story will go
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
I just love this series! I swear that Rhiannon is one of the most intriguing characters that I’ve read in this genre. Im really enjoying seeing her develop over this series. There are often laugh out loud moments. Note- If you’re offended by swearing and some dark humour, then this book isn’t for you.
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