Right from the start of the book there are twists and turns that you don't see coming and keep you turning/swiping, however you choose to read it. Despite being fiction, I really felt all the characters were real and I could picture and hear them in my head. A superbly researched book with so many references to the 'real world', which really adds to the ingenuity of the story.

This book made me laugh and cry as Dave Masters tries to relaunch his career after his faked death. To be honest I rarely read books, being on the go all the time, but I made time and found myself engrossed in it and often guessing the outcome until the very last pages. 

An interesting story, one I could relate to at times giving an in-depth musical knowledge of songs, bands, gigs and venues. It wonderfully captures the life of a musician… the struggles of relationships, family, writers block, criticism, admirations, humour, arguments, rivalries, frustrations, lies, highs and all the lows! The book took me on a journey that I simply didn’t want to end. 

A book built on a premise with promise: A fading rock star faking his own death to revive his career. What could go wrong? Plenty. It’s fun to read. A crisp opening… with a clever ending. A nice rainy-day beach-read.

This book made me laugh and cry

An in-depth musical knowledge of songs, bands, gigs and venues. It wonderfully captures the life of a musician and bands.

I found myself engrossed, guessing the outcome until the very last pages. The book took me on a journey I simply didn’t want to end.

An original and pacy plot and very immersive detail – definitely one for the music fans. The author clearly knows his subject! The crescendo of this book is fantastically written, thoughtful and with wonderful dialogue. I would recommend not only to music fans, who will appreciate the finer details, but to anyone who enjoys delving into relationships and friendships, with all their triumphs and shortcomings.

I have just finished the book and couldn’t put it down towards the end. It’s a brilliant premise and the ending definitely wasn’t predictable – it even made up for all the drummer jokes! I loved the journey of the main character, Dave Masters, from beginning to end. Some bits actually made me laugh out loud. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book.

Unexpectedly brilliant. I heard about Dead Man Singing during the Bournemouth Writing Festival and Steve’s debut novel does not disappoint. An intriguing tale of Dave Masters and his post-death career as his own tribute artist that brings you along for the ride and never lets up. Highly recommended & looking forward to the next one.

Couch has created a wonderful narrative which had me gripped from start to finish. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!

A rocking good story that hits all the right notes.

 

This is a well-conceived story which has direction and raises some thought-provoking questions on life itself. The majority of characters in the book are convincing and you get to know them in a way which helps to paint a picture of that era, from the smoky bars and phone boxes with their unique aroma, to venues which in some cases are regrettably long gone.

 

This is a debut novel by Bournemouth author Steve Couch and I have to say I was very impressed with it… my final comment is back to the book itself; I will not spoil the surprise, but whoever came up with the idea of the tribute band name and the name of that final album, I offer my congratulations: genius!

A great debut novel that gradually pulls you in through musical references and intrigue until you are holding your breath to find the outcome for Dave. He becomes someone you find egotistical and frustrating yet loveable and admirable at times as well. Rather like some of the real musicians out there… a really good read all round.

Good story that gets funnier and more unputdownable as it progresses.

I thought I would like this, then enjoyed it more than I expected. Preferred this over Nick Hornby, and I don’t think it’s entirely down to being forgetful of Fever Pitch plot line over the years.

With the related Spotify Playlists and copious discussion questions, I thought this made a full well-rounded offering. The best things, IMHO: the concept of the novel, the plotline, the extended final major scene (can’t say more – spoiler) which borders on ironic and farcical, yet without being silly: great ending.

I loved this! I've not enjoyed a story of this genre this much since I read Nick Hornby over 20 years ago.

When I heard about it, I was intrigued by the idea behind this story. It did not fail to deliver. I couldn't put it down.

It's funny, unique and engaging. Most of all I loved the characters; the mark of a good story for me is when I care about the characters and want the best for them. The author nailed this!

Dead Man Singing will make you want to cry and laugh in equal amounts, as Dave Masters tries to relaunch his career amusingly after his faked death, a position fraught with danger. The reader will find themselves engrossed in this story that leaves them guessing the outcome until the last pages. Great book - great storyline!

A thoroughly enjoyable read. You find yourself drawn into the intrigue and becoming invested in Dave more and more as the book goes on. The sign of a good character, I was at times cross, frustrated and fed up with him and yet ultimately wanting him to find his peace. An entertaining read for the hidden musician/fame seeker in all of us

Fabulous concept of a story and well thought out narrative. The factual knowledge surrounding the fictional story gives it real gravity and realism. All the characters resonate in some way and the story takes you on a fantastic rollercoaster of an adventure that twists and turns without the obvious results. Loved it!!

Didn't know what to expect with this after receiving as a gift but absolutely loved it! Brilliant plot concept, great characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. A must read!

Clever and immersive in rock music history of the 60s and 70s, while set in the 90s. A successful musician facing the decline of his career ends up faking his own death. Plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing with an ultimately surprising ending.

The characters seemed real and well thought out. The plot wound its way from apparent familiarity, to twists and turns which were unexpected and often hilarious or tragic by turn. In many ways, the ideal read! A master class in writing style and in reader engagement. I enjoyed every page and may read it again and find out even more.

A brilliant first novel. I bought it because of the original concept, and planned to read it during a short break in the USA, starting on the outward flight. It didn’t quite work out. Every time I thought it might become predictable, another twist in the plot arrived, and I wanted to find what happened next. As a result, I finished the book before we landed, and had to resort to some indifferent films on the way home. The characters were interesting, all of them flawed in some way but also attracting sympathy. I was impressed by the depth of knowledge the author had about music, musicians and venues, which rooted the story in reality. I also enjoyed the descriptions of life on the road for a band, whose members have little in common apart from their music. I won’t say any more, as I don’t want to give any surprises away, except to suggest that you buy this book. You won’t regret it!

Such a clever premise for a book and I was hooked just by reading the blurb. And I wasn't disappointed when I got into the book itself. From the start, the characters, dialogue and behaviour are totally believable and extremely well written. I was absorbed to the point where I actually shouted out 'Nooooooo' when Dave did something I didn't think he should do (no plot spoiler here!). The pace of the book was excellent and didn't dip - it was just a great read. It's really hard to believe that this is the author's first novel - the writing is THAT good. Highly recommended and if there's any justice in the world, it should be made into the most fantastic film!

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and really felt for Dave/Tom as he came to realise how much he loved what he had walked away from and how he wrestled with the truth. The idea of one action causing ripples that just keep spreading fascinates me. I also appreciated that everything was tidied up at the end and the epilogue was brilliant fun (although I'm not sure if I would have been as forgiving!)... Excellent.

It’s a clever and intriguing story – given total authenticity thanks to the author’s impressive musical knowledge of bands, gig venues and the like. It captures what one imagines is the life of a touring band perfectly – with all the humour, arguments, rivalries, frustrations, lies and highs. Entwined within all of this is a compelling story of relationships, family, likeable characters, gangsters(!) and Dave Masters’ battles with himself. It’s wonderfully written and a real page-turner.

A fun and unusual rock and roll story.

As a former performer, I can say that the picture that Steve Couch paints of less-than-salubrious venues is spot on. I could almost smell the filthy carpets and old paint tins in the dressing rooms. A great plot. All I wanted to do was sit and read this riveting tale, but I had to tear myself away in order to address the everyday tasks which we all have to do. I was impressed with the song titles which the author came up with too. All in all, a very enjoyable book.

I loved reading this book. It was engaging, with likeable characters and a storyline that got me hooked. The twists and turns meant I couldn't put it down. Great read.

This kept me keenly reading over Christmas and New year. I enjoyed being in the world of 70s-90s music and references touched my memories of the time. Gentle humour accompanies the well-written story.

I really enjoyed this book… I think Dave Masters was a fab character. I can totally see why he faked his death and from there, the story begins. It’s a very eventful read that’ll have you engaging with the characters and Dave along the way.

Very thought provoking - I don’t want to give anything away but it has a lot of differing themes throughout - it’ll definitely keep you guessing until the end.

 

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it, especially if you're a music lover. It got me hooked right from the start, and I really felt I got to know the characters and wanted to know how things turned out for them, so I couldn't put the book down. The end was truly brilliant, I didn't predict it at all! I really hope there's a sequel as I'd love to see what happens next for them.

Really enjoyed this first book from Steve Couch, and can’t wait to read more! Great characters, intriguing storyline and one definitely for music lovers!

I enjoyed reading this book. It has elements of Daisy Jones with the rock band lifestyle with the fake death twist. It was a very easy book to read and I could understand why Dave Masters went to the lengths to wanting to start afresh. I liked the twist of setting up the Dave Masters tribute band, I was interested to see how that would turn out to be and it worked out well…I actually gasped and eye-rolled at some of the character's decisions in the book, so I was clearly engaging with the story. 

I really enjoyed reading Dead Man Singing. I don’t want to give anything away but I trusted my gut when reading about the characters and I was not disappointed. I would happily recommend this book!

Couch “masters” his debut novel and finds the perfect rhythm in this entertaining story, with more twists and turns than your record player!

Dave’s journey, from has-been to someone, is strung together brilliantly with a motley crew of lovable characters and a note of personal growth which helps the story build to the perfect crescendo.

This book really struck a chord with me.

Just reading the words on the back shows it's going to be good. Dave is very likeable so you always have sympathy for him. Even though you might think he's an idiot at one point! Lol. And finally there's a twist. As I got to the end I speeded up my reading to find out what happens. The ending was spectacular.

Interested in music? This book thoroughly explores the rock-band lifestyle. Full of popular songs and other musical references. The author keeps the story moving with a well thought-out plot and provides a satisfactory ending. It is very readable and entertaining. A fun read that rock fans everywhere will enjoy.