The Collected Works of Joe McKinney
Novels:
Apocalypse of the Dead
Dead City
Dodging Bullets
Flesh Eaters
Lost Girl of the Lake (with Michael McCarty)
Quarantined
The Red Empire
Inheritance
Mutated
The Savage Dead
Dog Days
Century
Short Story Collections:
The Red Empire and Other Stories
Dating in Dead World: The Collected Zombie Stories (Coming August 1, 2012)
As Editor:
Dead Set (with Michelle McCrary)
The Forsaken (with Mark Onspaugh)
The Predatory Kind
As Contributor:
In Cold Blog (May 2009 to July 2010)
Skullring.org (March 2007 to October 2008)
Short Stories and Novellas:
A Man of His Word
A Public Service Homicide
An Island in the Stream of Time
Blemish
Bug Out or Hunker Down
Bugging Out
Burning Finger Man
Caught in Translation
Coyote Season
Dating in the Dead World
Death Wagon
Dire Wolf
Dodging Bullets
Down in the Cellar
Empty Room
Exiles
Eyes Open
Ghost Town
Grave Matters
Lair of the Living Dead
Locker #82
Mr. Creator
On the Road to Marvin Gardens
Pete’s Big Break
Plague Dogs
Putting Down Roots
Red Head
Rock is Dead
Sabbatical in the Ohio Methlands
Shelter in the Desert
Skinwalker
Sky of Brass, Land of Iron
Something Permanent
Starvation Army
Survivors
Swallowed
The Governor’s Man
The Gunner’s Love Song
The Lake of Dreams
The Little Church of Safe Crossing
The Millstone
The Old Man Under the Sea
The Red Empire
The Sixth Mission
Two and a Half Graves
Writing For Exposure
Odd Jobs:
A Little Help from My Friends by Michael McCarty (Afterward)
An Outlaw’s Rhapsody
Arizona v Gant: Dissenting Opinion
Benita Veliz Has a DREAM, Sort of…
Cold Case: The Death of Officer William Lacey
Cold Case: The Theft of Emmett Till’s Dignity
Detroit’s Bloody Month of May
Elmore Leonard’s Crimes of Conscience
Farewell Joseph McGee
How the Zombies Came to Dead City
More Than Just a Ticket
My Weekend with George A. Romero
November 22, 1963
On the Heels of Jack the Ripper
Stealing Monopoly
Ten Rules for Writing about Cops
The Chili Queens of Old San Antonio
Old Major's Dream 
Jerry Barnett
/ November 10, 2010I just finished both Dead City and Apocalypse of the Dead this week. Fantastic! I am anxiously waiting for the follow on to the series. Keep up the great writing.
JB
joemckinney
/ November 12, 2010Thanks, Jerry! I appreciate that. The third book in the series is called Flesh Eaters, and it should be out in April, 2011. I’m in the process of finishing up the fourth (and final) book in the series right now. Thanks again for reading, and it’s great to hear from you!
Timmy
/ November 15, 2010I just finished Apocalypse of the Dead and i read Dead City last year and read dating in deadworld a few months ago. I read a ton of zombie fiction and your by far become one of my favorite authors. Keep’em coming!!
joemckinney
/ November 16, 2010Timmy,
Thanks for this! Glad to hear the books are striking a chord with you.
All my best,
Joe
Jeff
/ November 25, 2010Hello, I was about to buy one of your books on Amazon, but I would like to know where I should start, Dead City or Apocalypse of the Dead? Are they in chronological order, or can they be read in any order? Thanks.
joemckinney
/ November 26, 2010Jeff, great question. I wrote the books so that a reader could jump into the series at any point and read the books at any order, but I’m told by readers that helps to read Dead City first. But, like I said, I don’t think it really matters. Each of the books share a common universe, but feature different characters in different situations. Quarantined and Dodging Bullets are stand alone novels with nothing to do with the Dead City universe, so those can be read in any order too. Thanks for reading. Joe
Alex Wilks
/ December 5, 2010Hey Joe. I was looking for zombie books at work and found yours listed on a website. I downloaded Dead City as an e-book that day and finished it the next. I’d finished Apocalypse of the Dead by Friday. They were a lot of fun to read. Unfortunately I can’t find any more online. I might have to go out and buy some hard copies. Keep up the good work!
joemckinney
/ December 6, 2010Alex,
Thanks for reading! Glad you liked the books. Well, unfortunately, you read a whole lot faster than I write. I’ll have the third book in the series ready for you on April 1, 2011. The fourth one will be out later that year, and I’m debating whether or not to make the fourth one a special ebook only format. We’ll see where that goes and I’ll make sure and keep everybody posted here on my site. Thanks again for reading, and for contacting me. I appreciate that.
Joe
Aaron Spuler
/ January 3, 2011Please do not make #4 an ebook only format. I can’t stand to read books on screen and would hate to miss out on #4.
Just finished Apocalypse of the Dead and loved it. Didn’t know that Dead City came before, so I’ll be picking that up and reading that soon.
From one Texan to another, thanks for putting out good work!
joemckinney
/ January 3, 2011Thanks Aaron! I appreciate that. And, to tell you the truth, you’re not the first person to ask for The Zombie King to be released in paperback. I was eager to try a strictly ebook experiment, but maybe The Zombie King isn’t the right project for that. So, consider me convinced. Thanks again for the kind words. Best,
Joe
Steven
/ January 27, 2011I finished reading Dead City about month ago on the Kindle, then bought Quarantine. Now I am starting on Apocalypse of the Dead and I loved all of them. I am now a fan. Keep up the good work.
joemckinney
/ January 27, 2011Thanks, Steven! I really appreciate that. Glad to hear the books are connecting. And you know, I’m hearing more and more from Kindle readers. Good to know.
Paul
/ March 20, 2011I just got done reading both Dead City and Apocalypse of the Dead this last week. Both books are amazing with characters fleshed out a lot better than I expected. I picked these up on a whim the day after a night filled with a very vivid dream, about zombies. Imagine that. I loved Apocalypse of the Dead for the way it involved many different people and their different points of view while managing to bring it all together without becoming confused. Will definitely look for future works.
joemckinney
/ March 21, 2011Paul,
Great to hear from you. And thanks for the kind words. I’m glad Dead City and Apocalypse of the Dead worked for you. That always makes me happy when I hear it. I hope Flesh Eaters works out just as well. We’ll know in a few days, I guess, as the book comes out April 1st.
Thanks again,
Joe
Logan
/ March 25, 2011My friend recently lended me Dead City and World War Z. I’ve never been an avid fan of reading but Dead City was a book I just couldn’t put down. I haven’t read an entire book in years and I read this book in a matter of 3 days. Anytime I found free time to read I was burning through the pages. I’m going out right now to pick up Apocalypse of The Dead and hoping to finish it just in time for Flesh Eaters to come out. You’re an amazing writer and I’m putting World War Z on hold until I finish Flesh Eaters. Can’t wait for The Zombie King so I can finish out the series!
joemckinney
/ March 25, 2011That is really cool. Thank you. I love hearing things like that. Thanks for the kind words on my books. I definitely recommend you check out World War Z though. Max Brooks wrote an amazing book there.
David Curran
/ March 26, 2011Hi
Are there any film studios sniffing around your dead world novels? These would make great films – Also, any plans to do a UK promotional tour?
Thanks
Dave
joemckinney
/ March 26, 2011Dave,
Thanks for the kind words. I’d love to see them as movies too. Dead City was optioned once already but right now all the books are available. I was in London and Brighton last year and loved it. As soon as I can go back I will.
Joe
David Curran
/ March 28, 2011Ok – Thanks for the info – hope you get to come back to the UK soon – i collect signed books and would love to get one of yours before your fame goes stratospheric
Thanks
Dave
Rachel
/ April 9, 2011Love the zombie books, they have given me nightmares because I can’t put them down before bed! Gotta say that is the sign of a good horror story! Thanks so much and keep them coming!
joemckinney
/ April 9, 2011Thanks Rachel! You bet, I’ve got a few more coming. Hopefully the series will be complete by the end of 2012. Thanks for the great email!
Kiri
/ April 26, 2011I recently got both Dead City and Apocalypse of the Dead from a book loft near my house. I read them both whithin a few days. They are the best zombie novels I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to read your new one.
joemckinney
/ April 26, 2011Kiri, that’s fantastic! Thank you for the high praise. I’m really glad to hear you’re enjoying the books. And listen, if you don’t mind, it always helps writers when folks leave reviews at places like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com If you’re so inclined, I’d appreciate the help in spreading the good word. Thanks again, Joe.
Ryan Holden Ballinger
/ April 29, 2011Just ordered your books all 3 so far in the Dead City World. I am an actual zombie fan of 32 years, not a bandwagon jumper. I am also an inspiring writer myself. I’ll be sure to give you my feedback after I have read them. Please though, no E-book only books, there are still people in this world who don’t like to be plugged in non-stop and actually enjoy the feeling of paper in our hands. Cheers and here’s to good writing/reading and zombie munching world-wide.
Ryan Holden Ballinger
/ April 29, 2011lol, *aspiring writer. Guess it’s back to the drawing board, ha!
joemckinney
/ May 2, 2011Hey Ryan, thanks for contacting me. And thanks for picking up my books! I appreciate that. Hope they give you a few sleepless nights.
Tammi Cole
/ May 6, 2011I have been looking for something different to read for a long time! I have always been a fan of ghost stories and horror in general, but I have not been a fan of actually reading it. Still, I came across your book while searching for a good horror read, that wasn’t Stephen King. Your book Dead City had gotten some of the better reviews and so I decided to give it a shot. It didn’t dissapoint. I thought Eddie was likable enough, but that he kind of faded into the background when you introduced us to Marcus. I was dissapointed when he died. He is what stands out the most when I think about the book. I wish there had been a little more description in some parts, like I’m still not quite sure what April looked like. That being said, I have already purchased Apocalypse of the Dead and Flesheaters and am really looking forward to reading them this weekend. I am anxiously awaiting your fourth. Has a realease date been set? Thank you for the great storytelling and for aiding in my journey out of the literary box I’ve been stuck in for so long!
joemckinney
/ May 6, 2011Thanks Tammi! Sounds like you really got into Dead City! I agree about Marcus. I liked him, but unfortunately, it was necessary for him to die in order to put Eddie completely on his own. By the way, if you haven’t started reading the next two, you might want to start with Flesh Eaters, as it overlaps the action in Dead City and you might enjoy some of the subtle cross references between the two books. Thanks again!
Luis Domenech
/ May 18, 2011First off let me say that your books are amazing, I picked up Dead City on a whim and boy am I glad that I did. I’ve never written to an author before but after reading some of the other reviews I just have to say that I am a fan. there’s so much I want to say but I’ll keep it short and sweet, keep up the good work.
joemckinney
/ May 19, 2011Luis,
Thanks for the kind words! I’m excited that you enjoyed Dead City so much. As my first book, that work will always have a special place in my heart. It was great hearing from you, and I most certainly will keep the books coming!
Best,
Joe
Tammi Cole
/ June 6, 2011I finished Apocalypse a couple of weeks ago and I still have not been able to corral my thoughts enough to write about it, or to put my finger on what made me so uneasy after reading it. All I can say is WOW! There were so many characters here to like and get to know and I loved how you brought them all together to the creepiest place (cults scare the crap out of me!). I thought Barnes was a fascinating character and I must say (while I completely understand the why of it), I was very dissappointed that he gave in to Jasper without putting up more of a fight. When he caved, I remember thinking, “Uh oh! They’re all screwed now!”. I also thought Ed was a fascinating and I knew that he and Barnes would have a go before it was all said and done. I loved that part! Anyway, kudos on another book WELL DONE! Can’t wait till Zombie King 🙂
joemckinney
/ June 7, 2011Thanks, Tammi! I really appreciate that. As for Barnes, well, the way he came across to me was as a man operating way beyond the breaking point. All he needed was that one little shove in the wrong direction and he’d melt. That’s what Jasper recognized in him, and that’s why his collapse was inevitable…at least for me. But thanks for the kind words. Here’s hoping you’ll enjoy The Zombie King just as much!
Steven Wayne
/ June 29, 2011I have to post now that I have found this site. I am an avid reader and appreciator of zombie literature and i must tell you when i ordered your books after reading only a small description on amazon i was at least skeptical on how good they would be.
I was amazed and pleased to find Dead City and Apocalypse of the Dead blew my expectations out of the water. I enjoyed dead city very much, though with how fast paced it was it left me wanting more of Eddie Hudson’s story.
Apocalypse haunted me once i sat it down. I cheered when Jasper cracked at the end and showed his true colors to everyone, though i was saddened by Aaron and his family’s death. And the way that Ed disproved Jasper’s belief about his life ending by a gun was brilliant. I loved that part so much, but was surprised that Barnes took it so easily, since jasper told him he would not die by a gun. I think i am just surprised Barnes did not go ballistic on Ed, not that he went easy but perhaps it was restrained by his military training.
Anyway, back on the point of this post, i loved your books. I hope someday to be able to submit some of my own and have they read and appreciated even a percentage as yours were to me. Thank you and i look forward to the next one.
joemckinney
/ June 29, 2011Steven,
Thanks for the fantastic comment! I appreciate that. Barnes always gets a strong reaction. People want him to keep going as strong as he starts, and I get that. For me, though, Barnes has been driven beyond exhaustion, mentally and spiritually. That’s where Jasper attacks him. Jasper’s great gift is to instantly know that special thing that makes people tick, and that’s why he’s able to get by Barnes’ defenses. Thanks for reading, and with luck, I’ll be reading your zombie books before long!
Paul Landis
/ July 20, 2011I started and finished Flesh Eaters in 4 days of morning and evening reading. When I started I was about 100 pages in and wondering where the zombies were. The story preceding the inevitable subject of the book was great and it didn’t stop once the mayhem began. Everyone’s true colors began to show and true heroes were born. I was surprised at the ending and smiled as the book ended. Wonderful work sir. Hats off.
joemckinney
/ July 20, 2011Thanks Paul. I’m really excited to hear you enjoyed Flesh Eaters. As this was the origin story for the entire series, I really wanted to spend a lot of time showing the rise of the zombies. Glad to know that part was engaging and effective. Thanks again for the kind words, Paul. Glad you liked the book.
Phillip Langston
/ July 30, 2011I just got done reading Apocalypse of the Dead and it was so intense. I have read all three and am excited for the fourth. I have read many zombie related books but your writing style is so good I keep coming back. It was great to see Ed was in his seventies and still kicking butt. Keep up the great work!
joemckinney
/ July 30, 2011Thanks Phillip!
Yeah, Ed was a real blast to write. I just love the idea of characters who are capable of pushing themselves far beyond what their bodies are supposed to do. Barnes promised to be much the same kind of character, but exhaustion got the better of him. Glad you liked the books. Oh, and by the way, I just got word that The Zombie King, book 4 in the series, will be coming out in September from Kensington. So, good news there!
Paul Landis
/ July 31, 2011I couldn’t help but think while reading Apocalypse of the Dead that if a movie was ever made that Ed would have to be played by Tommy Lee Jones. 🙂
Joe McKinney
/ July 31, 2011Now that’s funny, because that’s exactly who I had in mind when I wrote the character. Who do you think should play Jasper?
Tammi Cole
/ July 31, 2011I know you’ve probably heard Jasper compared to Jim Jones, but I actually kept switching the picture in my mind between Jo Don Baker and Jake Bussey (sp?). Someone mentioned in a Facebook post that they imagined Robin Williams could play the part. I disagree. Although he was absolutely fantastic in Good Will Hunting, he (like Bruce Willis) always seems to have a smirk on their face. LIke they are laughing at some private joke. That’s my .02 cents worth anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I love Robin Williams, I just do not see him when I imagine Jasper…
Tammi Cole
/ July 31, 2011Hey Paul, I can see that, but i actually pictured James Garner when I read the book.
Paul Landis
/ July 31, 2011For Jasper, I didn’t think he was portrayed as old as Jo Don Baker in the books, I can’t imagine Jake Bussey with the calm charisma that Jasper was capable of. He sure could pull off the crazy but my first instinct of who Jasper could be was James Spader or Michael Shanks, I got to see a lot of Michael Shanks in Stargate SG-1 and he’s a wonderful actor. I envision Jasper as a guy who isn’t buff but can look mild-mannered, with or without glasses. A booksmart guy who just goes off.
Paul Landis
/ July 31, 2011With the quality of story in your books to date I think any would make either a great movie or a terrible adaptation(depending on director, etc) But if they did any of your books as much justice in movie form as they did Needful Things with that movie then you’d make a lot of zombie fanatics so happy they’d be begging for more. You just gotta make sure they don’t screw up the beginnings and just skip to the zombies, backstory is a thing not to be trifled with.
Joe McKinney
/ August 1, 2011I would love it if they’d make these books into movies. Unfortunately, authors tend to get pushed to the curb when it comes to movies. Dead City, for example, has been optioned three times. Each time, I let myself get excited because the producers would talk about how much they respected the story and thought it would make a great movie. And then, they’d present their finished scripts. None of the three ended up looking anything at all like the book. You see, any time a new investor comes along, that person invariably gets a say in the kind of movie they want to make. What ends up happening is art by committee, which makes me cringe. Who knows, though? I’m always hopeful. Here’s hoping the right producer will come along. I’ll keep you guys informed!
Dean
/ August 5, 2011I have never blogged before but after reading your book, Apocalypse of the Dead, I knew I had to write. You are an excellent author who can create three dimensional characters that seem so vivid and real. That is a skill often associated with only the most gifted of writers. You know that characters are written with great depth when you can mentally call them up quickly when they present themselves again in the story. I am presently reading Dead City since I was unable to shake the storyline. Anticipating the end of this book, I knew that I would crave more so I searched your site. I am glad I did since I can now see many more of your titles with which to follow. Again, thank you for sharing your talent. I am still astounded at the way you were able to weave so many plot lines together in Apocalypse with finesse!
Matt
/ August 16, 2011Joe, you have to keep writing zombie novels! When I first read the Apocalypse, I was hooked! I’ve been searching and searching for zombie novels, and now I’ve found what I’ve been looking for. Just started reading Flesh Eaters, and have ordered Dead City. When does the 4th book come out? Well done, and I look forward to reading to more.
joemckinney
/ August 17, 2011Thanks Matt! I saw the review you posted on Amazon and I really appreciate it. Those reviews are absolutely critical to a book’s success, so they mean a lot. Thanks again. I have two books of interest coming out in 2012. The first is called Dating in Dead World and Other Stories. It collects all of my zombie fiction to date, several of which deal with events in the same universe as Apocalypse of the Dead. Dating in Dead World will be out in March, 2012. That will be followed by THE ZOMBIE KING, the fourth book in the series, in September, 2012. Thanks again!
Tatianna Flores
/ July 26, 2012I first got your books Dead city and apocalypse of the dead for Christmas 2010 and then flesh eaters Christmas 2011 and as i finished flesh eaters a few days ago i started thinking omg its over what am i going to read now? So as i scanned Amazon for your other books i see that a fourth is coming out September this year YAY! I know what I’m getting myself for my birthday this year! 🙂 keep up the good work by far the best books EVER! Can’t wait for Zombie king and hopefully one day The movie. Much love from Cali
joemckinney
/ July 26, 2012Tatianna,
Thanks! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the books. And I like that I’m a Christmas gift. That’s pretty cool. THE ZOMBIE KING was retitled during contract negotiations with the publisher, so you’ll see it up on Amazon and in stores as MUTATED, its new title. I hope you enjoy it as much as the others, and I hope that it’s a wonderful birthday present for you!
Thanks again, and definitely, here’s to a moview one day!
Joe
Dean
/ August 18, 2011Hi Joe.
Just finished Flesh Eaters. Outstanding!!!!! The heart-pounding pace upon which I have come to rely from you was there in ample amount.
One question: I was surprised that you had Eleanor and Jim keep the looted money. Did you not feel that decision diminished their characters’ integrity? Only asking since she was so opposed to the Shaw father and son for, in essence, doing the same.
Thanks again for a great story. Looking forward to The Zombie King.
joemckinney
/ August 19, 2011Dean,
Great question! Thanks so much for asking. You know, some reviewers have slammed the book for Eleanor’s decision to keep the money, pointing out, as you have here, that it essentially reduces her to the Shaw’s level. I certainly don’t have a problem with people coming away with that conclusion. To me, the best characters are multi-faceted, and their motivations sometimes questionable. After all, if a character always acted according to narrow limitations they wouldn’t be much fun to read. They’d be little more than cardboard cutouts, and they certainly wouldn’t be like the people we know in our day-to-day lives. This is true for both Shaw and Eleanor. Neither one is perfect. Shaw may be the bad guy, but he risks everything because he sincerely believes in his mission to protect the people under his care. That doesn’t completely redeem him, but it complicates things when it comes to calling him evil. Likewise, Eleanor is the good guy, but she has no problem violating the US Government’s quarantine because to her, her family is the most important thing in existence. That, to me, is why she decides to take the money. She realizes, as Shaw does, that even if they survive the destruction of Houston, their futures will be difficult ones. So, she figures the money is already gone. She could leave it where it is, or with the Shaws, and it helps no one. Or, she could keep it for herself, and her family thrives. Is it an ethical decision? Probably not. But is it a decision that a lot of real people would make? I think so. I encourage people to use Eleanor as a sort or mirror of their own ethical constitution. Would they do what she does if they were in her place? I think, when people ask themselves that question honestly, most people would have to admit that they would. Thanks again for the great question!
Joe
Mike Lewis
/ February 10, 2012Hi joe, came across your book by accident, while trying to get a walking dead fix, and got to say I have become hooked with your books.
I started with dead city, and I was like wow, I am now coming to the end of apocalypse of the dead, and i am dreading coming to the end of it, so just orderd the 3rd book flesh eaters.
I all so after say you books, rival any thing the walking dead throw at us, and if a broadcaster ever wanted to make a rival to the walking dead, then they should look no further then your books.
I am now a big fan of yours and will be buying up your books, and look really forward to your 4th book in the dead city series, I all so hope that at some, point you will get over to the north east of England, doing some, thing like a talk or signing
All the best
Mike Lewis in Hartlepool uk
joemckinney
/ February 13, 2012Hey Mike,
Thanks a ton for the email! I appreciate the kind words. And believe me, I would love nothing better than to see this series up on the screen!
The 4th book will is called MUTATED and should be out on September 1, 2012…so, not too far away!
And would I ever like to visit England again! I was in London and Brighton in February, 2010 and fell in love with the country. I intend to get back just as soon as I am able.
Thanks again for contacting me,
Joe
Starsky Hutch
/ March 24, 2012Joe your works are brilliant, my first read wad Apocalypse of the Dead.. I have never read anything ever that had me so enthralled.. I only read in bed and it was so scary my heart was pounding and at times I had to put the book down and get up for a while.. I couldnt leave it though I HAD to keep reading.. never has a book made my pulse race so much and have me so discombobulated.. after reading Dead City and Flesh Eaters I cant wait to get more… I have made a list of the books you placed in order but nobody has them listed for sale.. what do you reccomend ?
When will The Zombie King be on the shelves ?
Thankyou for your work so far.. you are by far the greatest author EVER.
you surely will be leaving a great legacy for your child.
best regards
Justin.
joemckinney
/ March 25, 2012Justin,
That’s some huge praise! Thanks so much. I’m thrilled you like the books, and if it gets your pulse pounding, then it sounds like I’m doing my job. Great to hear that!
The Zombie King has actually been retitled to MUTATED. Same book, new title. MUTATED should hit stores September 1, 2012. My publisher likes to do their horror titles at the end of the year, which is why my books always seem to come out in September or November.
As for getting copies, you can try special ordering them from a Barnes & Noble store. If they can’t get them there, you can definitely get everything I’ve ever written on Amazon. Just do a search for “Joe McKinney” and it should pull up six or seven pages of titles.
Thanks again, Justin!
Joe
Starsky Hutch
/ March 26, 2012Joe thanks,I will look forward to Mutated.
I actually went to Barnes & Noble when I got off work Fri, I ordered The crossing, Dodging Bullets & The Red Empire & other stories, I know the only zombie book is the Crossing but I reckon I will enjoy your other stuff too. I like the way you have intertwined criminality into the zombie theme (Flesh Eaters I think)…
The Crossing is decribed as a novella… does that mean its a short stoy?
I will try amazon,thanks.
While trying to find more of your books I stumbled onto David Moody’s Autumn series which while the first book was a good read there was no biting with the zombies, which I find a little dissapointing after reading your work where the action is happening or has you anticipating it round the corner.. never a dull moment…
anyway I digress, I was wondering if you can suggest any other authors work you think may give a zombie experience in your light..?
I was introduced to the zombie scene like yourself by George A Romero (Damn of the Dead for me though) and Night later on).. so his work sets the standard as your work does in the books (which in my opinion will make you the pioneer for future generations and be remembered along side Romero for your contribution to the genre)..
I dont mean to big you up so much but I have been needing to read a good zombie book since Dawn of the Dead and never found anything..til now.. and not singing your praises would be an injustice.. in fact Zombie Apocalypse was so bloody good I had to mail it to my best mate Danny in England( hes as mad for zombies as me).. he loved it and I hope he wil buy your books over there and pass the word on.
thanks again any may I say its not only brilliant that you write books but its really a good thing you have done here with this forum where joe public can ask you questions and you have the humility to contribute your time to help others.
with respect and thanks
Justin
Lady Journal
/ June 2, 2012Loved Dead city !!!!
joemckinney
/ June 2, 2012Hey that’s great! Thanks a bunch!
chris
/ July 20, 2012i have read dead city and apocalypse of the dead and loved them both. Im also waiting on flesh eaters i ordered yesterday. I was reading on your site and saw the dating in dead world the collected zombie stories. Will that have all the dead world short stories included? If so im totally looking forward to it.
joemckinney
/ July 20, 2012Hey Chris,
Thanks for the great note! Glad to hear you’re liking the series, and I hope Flesh Eaters keeps the fun coming your way. Dating in Dead World will contain all of the Dead World stories to do, with the exception of THE CROSSING, a standalone novella that came out earlier this year. Also, MUTATED, book 4 in the series, comes out September 4, 2012, so there’s plenty of zombie fun still to come. Thanks again for the kind words!
Joe
chris
/ July 21, 2012i found and pre ordered mutated but i cant find any information on dating in dead world the complete zombie stories. I checked amazon google and e-bay. Any recommendations on how to pre- order?
Mike Lewis
/ July 21, 2012Same here, i have not had any luck finding dating in dead world,,so,like your self, if nay one can point me in the right direction, I’d be greatful.
Thank you
joemckinney
/ July 21, 2012Chris and Mike,
Thanks guys, for looking into Dating in Dead World. The publication date has been pushed back to October because two of the stories were tied up in projects and I had to wait that long for the exclusitivity clauses to expire. However, we’re good to go for an October, 2012 release. I don’t know when it will appear on Amazon and other places like that, but the manuscript has been finalized, the cover art work completed and approved, and it will even feature a special introduction from David Moody…so I’m very excited about it.
Thanks again,
Joe
Clive Barker
/ September 4, 2012Hi Joe,
Is there an update on when Dating In The Dead World will be released and/or appear on Amazon?
Really looking forward to it!!
Thanks!
joemckinney
/ September 4, 2012Hey Clive,
Thanks for asking about Dating in Dead World. I’m actually waiting to hear from RJ and Julia Sevin from Creeping Hemlock Press about the release date. I’m hoping it’ll drop in November. Everything’s done on the book (cover art, editing, etc.) so hopefully it’ll happen in November. I’ll make sure and post something here and Facebook to let everybody know.
Oh, and I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you the same Clive Barker whose books take up about half my bookshelves? If so, I’m a little starstruck right now.
Best,
Joe
Brittany
/ September 7, 2012I just finished reading Mutated last night. I of course had to pre-order and have it shipped overnight :). I loved it! I like how you were able to incorporate past events and characters that we all grew to love. It’s a great read and I can’t wait for Dating in the Dead World and certainly wouldn’t be opposed to reading any other books that expand the series!
joemckinney
/ September 7, 2012Brittany,
That’s music to my ears. Thank you! I always feel horribly anxious right after a book comes, waiting to hear what people think. I’m thrilled you liked it. Thanks again,
Joe
Alicia
/ September 13, 2012Hi Joe,
Wanted to start off by saying you are an incredible author! I have read MANY books in the Zombie genre and your Dead World series is hands down my favorite set of books. You have a great skill with creating these characters that can instantly be connected with on some level (be it distrust, hate, love, compassion, etc) all while maintaining a realism that can be lacking in this genre – I was not surprised to read your bio in the books and see police and emergency experience!
I just finished Mutated and I was honestly impressed – often times I find that survival/apocalyptic based books lose their luster after the initial shock and awe is gone – but you didn’t and it was an incredible book!
Please, please tell me you are planning on writing more for this series. I’m anxiously awaiting Dating in Dead World to add to my collection but a full novel is more my taste – no pressure! 😉
Either way – thank you for writing these incredible books and keep up the great work!
~Alicia
joemckinney
/ September 14, 2012Alicia,
Thanks for the great letter! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series, and very happy you liked MUTATED. I always get terribly anxious right after a book comes out, waiting to hear how it’s received. Anyway, you’re note really made me smile.
As to more in the Dead World series, I think yes, there will be some. For example, I have plans to expand on what happened to Eddie Hudson after Dead City. Who knows, that one may be coming soon, possibly in novella form. I’ll let everybody know here on this site.
Thanks again for letting me know what you think of the series!
Joe
Michael Lewis
/ September 23, 2012Hi joe, we have finally got our hands on Mutated, it seemed to take for ever to get hold of it over here in the uk, luckily just come in time for our holidays to Spain, looking forward to sitting around the pool in the sun reading the latest instalment.
Want to say how great it is to see that you may continue you with the story’s and do a follow up on Effie Hudson, that is great news and already me & my daughter are looking forward to this.
Keep up the great work, we love your books.
Mike
joemckinney
/ September 23, 2012Mike,
Fantastic! I’m glad to hear you got a copy of it. I’m jealous of your upcoming trip to Spain. I was there years ago in college and thought it was the prettiest place on Earth. I’d love to go back some day.
And thanks for the kind words on the series. Yeah, I do plan on doing a little more with Eddie Hudson’s character. Not sure when I’ll get to that, but definitely soon.
Thanks again!
Joe
Aaron Spuler
/ October 12, 2012You’ve done it again Joe. Read Mutated last week while on a cruise in the Caribbean. Excellent stuff.
Here’s another request for more Dead World books!! Was thinking, might be cool to see one set around the time when the rest of the country thinks they are safe due to the perimeter containing the infection — only that they don’t know that it is soon to bust wide open.
joemckinney
/ October 12, 2012Hey Aaron,
You might want to plan another cruise for next September, because my next zombie book is going to be a standalone (not part of the Dead World Series) set on a cruise ship!
Thanks for the kind words about Mutated. I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. And I actually have a short novel planned that will pick up with Eddie Hudson (from Dead City) during the time period you mentioned.
Cheers!
Joe
Aaron Spuler
/ October 12, 2012Yeehaw, sounds great Joe!
chris
/ October 30, 2012ive read all the dead world novels and ive enjoyed them all. If youre revisiting past characters maybe a short novel about what really happened to the grassland survivors compound mentioned in mutated? Just tossin that out there. Keep up the good work and we’ll all keep reading.
joemckinney
/ October 30, 2012Hey Chris,
I just turned in a synopsis on exactly that. Keep your fingers crossed. We’ll see if Kensington wants it.
Joe
chris
/ December 11, 2012hey joe. I still cant find any info on dating in dead world. Did the release date get pushed back again? Oh and who is the publisher?
joemckinney
/ December 12, 2012Hey Chris,
Yeah, unfortunately it’s probably going to be after the new year now. The publisher, Print is Dead (an imprint of Creeping Hemlock Press) has nearly everything set to go, but there are always delays when working with the small presses.
Joe
Eddie
/ January 4, 2013Hi Joe,
I’m a big fan of all your work. I’m sure you get this all the time, but I was wondering what top suggestions you would list someone seeking great Zombie novels (other than your own).
joemckinney
/ January 7, 2013Hey Eddie,
Thank you sir! I appreciate those kind words. And yes, I can think of quite a few really exceptional zombie novels out there. Just off the top of my head I’d recommend the following:
Carrie Ryan The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Jonathan Maberry Patient Zero and the whole Rot & Ruin series
Alden Bell The Reapers are the Angels (one of my all time favorites)
John Joseph Adams’ The Living Dead 1 & 2 (these are short story anthologies containing some of the best zombie fiction out there; most of the writers anthologized here have also written novel length zombie books, so it’s a great way to discover some new writers)
Scott Edelman’s zombie short story collections (he has several, all are amazing)
J.L. Bourne Day by Day Armageddon
S.G. Browne Breathers
Scott Kenemore Zombie, Illinois (Scott has written six or seven zombie novels and each one is a fantastic thrill ride)
There are tons more, but that’s what comes to mind off the top of my head.
Eric
/ January 28, 2013Hi,
I just finished Crooked House and thought it was great. I was really left wanting to know what was next for Robert. As I was impatiently waiting for Crooked House from Dark Regions Press I picked up a copy of Dead City. I just started getting into Zombie fiction last year with Max Brook’s books. I plan to read the others in your dead world series.
Have you thought of publishing your “A Readers Guide to Dead World” on Kindle?
Best,
Eric
joemckinney
/ February 2, 2013Eric,
Thank you for this! I’m so glad you liked Crooked House. I’ve been a haunted house fan for a very long time, and I was thrilled I got a chance to write one. Thanks for letting me know what you thought about it. I hope you like the zombie books just as much.
And you have a great idea about the Reader’s Guide. I may do just that.
Joe
Jesse
/ December 18, 2013Love the dead world novels!!! I’ve read most of the series and love it, but I have a question. Why in the end of Savage Dead are the zombies floating in the ocean still alive while in the rest of the series they drown in deep water? Juan feeds Pilar to a floating zombie in Savage Dead but in the rest of the series survivors use deep flood waters as a barrier for protection. I just wanted some clarification as an avid fan, as to why there was a change in the lore.
joemckinney
/ December 19, 2013I think I can clear up the confusion. The Savage Dead is a standalone novel and not part of the Dead World Series. The zombies in the Dead World are living people infected with a virus. The zombies in The Savage Dead are actually dead, and infected with a bacteria. The Savage Dead may launch a new series, as I’ve had some requests from the publisher in that direction, but I already have a new series set to launch later next year called The Deadlands. First up in that series, which will feature the traditional dead zombies, is a book called Plague of the Undead.
Jesse
/ December 20, 2013Thanks so much for clearing that up for me, I was just a little confused. I’ll be sure to pick up the new series as soon as it comes out. I also just finished a novella called The Retreat that says you were a collaberator and I must say it was AWESOME!!
hepsychan
/ February 19, 2014Hi Joe,
Will the Dating in the Dead World collection of short stories ever get published? Would love toh ave them all in one place!
joemckinney
/ February 20, 2014Finally got word from Kensington that it’s going to happen later this year. Several of the non-Dead World stories will appear in my upcoming novel Plague of the Undead (Kensington, October 2014) and all the rest will come out around the same time, but separately.
Richard Taylor
/ March 2, 2015I just finished Dead City and I’m hooked! I didn’t know you were involved with the police before I started reading, but it was quickly apparent you know what you’re talking about. I’m ex-law enforcement and love how you kept to the attitude and procedural knowledge of police. You’re an inspiration.
joemckinney
/ March 2, 2015Hey that’s awesome, Richard! Thanks, man! Yep, 15 years in the San Antonio Police Department. Dead City and Flesh Eaters (book 3 in the series) both have strong police procedural elements to them. Also, check out my standalone novel Inheritance. I put pretty much all my police experience into that one. And thanks again for the kind words! Always good to meet a brother in blue.
David Croper
/ January 18, 2016Joe what is the title of your new book can’t seem to find it
joemckinney
/ March 8, 2016My latest is The Retreat: Episode 3: Die Laughing.
Amy
/ March 6, 2016Are you planning on writing anymore in the quarantineoplastic world? I loved it and must know what happens to chunk
joemckinney
/ March 8, 2016I am! For the next installment, I’m planning on following up with Chunk as the lead character.