Over Her Dead Body
- Judith D Collins
- Mar 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 9
By: H. J. Garbett
Narrator: Imogen Church
ISBN: 9781837001354
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Publication Date: 03/09/2026
Format: e-book
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
Ruth Watkins is pretending to be a serial killer…
Two years ago, Ruth was an ambitious journalist on the trail of a serial killer with a very specific calling card. Then her best friend became the latest victim, and Ruth’s life fell apart. When police shelve the case, Ruth decides there is only one way to force them to keep looking: make him kill again. Or at least, make it look like he has…
The good news: working at a funeral home has its perks, like access to fresh hearts she can use to stage convincing crime scenes.
The bad news: the real killer has noticed Ruth’s ‘work’ too, and now it’s not just the police trying to catch her…
A darkly hilarious thriller about grief, revenge, and the surprisingly thin line between solving a murder and creative corpse management. Perfect for fans of How to Kill Your Family and Listen for the Lie.
My Review
OVER HER DEAD BODY by H. J. Garbett is a darkly comedic, fun thriller with a blending of "Dexter meets Schitt’s Creek," following a disgraced journalist who takes extreme measures to solve her best friend's murder.
The striking, bold, and vibrant front cover instantly captures the attention of thriller lovers, promising an engaging and entertaining experience that will leave readers thoroughly impressed.
Highlights...
Two years earlier, ambitious journalist Ruth Watkins was investigating a serial killer known as the "TellTale Killer". The case turned personal when her best friend, Greta, became the killer's latest victim, causing Ruth’s life to spiral.
The Desperate Plan:
When the police shelve the case, and it goes cold, Ruth decides the only way to force a reopening is to make it look like the killer has struck again.
The Macabre Method:
Now working at her uncle's funeral home, Ruth uses her access to "fresh hearts" from the deceased to stage convincing, fake crime scenes across town.
The Conflict:
Ruth's plan works too well. Not only are the police back on the trail, but the real serial killer notices her "work" and begins hunting her.
The Characters:
Ruth: A grieving, determined, and "chaotic" protagonist.
Supporting Cast:
Includes her ex-husband Ben and his live-in boyfriend Bill, who provide a unique domestic dynamic.
Themes:
Grief, revenge, trauma, and the lengths one will go to for friendship.
My thoughts...
OVER MY DEAD BODY is a perfect blending of dark humor and high-tension thriller. Darkly hilarious, twisty, witty, and sarcastic while emotional and heartfelt. The central themes center on the messy intersection of trauma and dark comedy, exploring how loss can lead to obsessive behavior.
The prose is sharp and engaging, delving deep into the moral complexities of justice and the lengths one might go to uncover the truth. At its heart, the story explores themes of friendship and loyalty, with Ruth's fervent commitment to her deceased friend, Greta, serving as the narrative’s emotional anchor.
Ruth’s unwavering devotion propels her into a whirlwind of determined efforts, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms, all in a quest to ensure that Greta’s memory remains alive and honored. The exploration of these relationships reveals the intense struggle between personal ethics and the pursuit of what is right, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The novel delves deep into the profound themes of trauma and guilt, exploring the enduring psychological scars left in the wake of a violent tragedy that disrupts the fabric of life. It intricately weaves a narrative around unconventional family dynamics, showcasing the complex yet deeply supportive relationships between Ruth, her ex-husband, and his boyfriend, highlighting how they navigate the tumultuous aftermath together.
The protagonist emerges as a remarkably nuanced character—intelligent and flawed—who defies traditional heroine archetypes, boldly challenging societal expectations and embarking on a journey of self-discovery amidst overwhelming adversity.
Recs...
OVER HER DEAD BODY is for fans of authors Jenova Rose, Victoria Helen Stone, Elle Cosimano, Samantha Downing, Kaira Rouda, and Freida McFadden.
Special thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 9, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
About the Author
Born and raised on the edge of Dartmoor, Harry has been passionate about reading and writing for as long as he can remember. His literary journey began at the age of four with his debut work, How the Cat Got Sick, which sparked a lively and divisive reception among family members.
Being a part of the Wicked Young Writers Award, the BFI Film Academy and a graduate of the University of Exeter with a degree in English, Harry has written shows for local productions and the Edinburgh Fringe, while also building a career as a freelance writer and journalist. He co-founded and served as co-editor of the music journalism website Run That Again, interviewing artists such as Noah Kahan and Emeli Sandé.
When not writing, Harry can often be found spending time with a menagerie of animals, from the family Labrador and flock of chickens to the royal ball python he and his girlfriend care for together. He’s also an avid weightlifter but doesn’t work legs as much as he should,
Alongside his creative pursuits, Harry has worked in marketing across a range of organisations. Now, he is thrilled to embark on the next chapter of his journey as a published author.
