Dead Man Blues

A Novel

By: S. D. House

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Two grisly murders. A disgraced former mayor. A tranquil town on the verge.

This gripping historical crime novel set in the South pulls the past into the present, perfect for fans of Attica Locke and Wiley Cash.

Dave Hendricks was once a respected man in Shady Grove, a tiny town on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. But after his wife leaves him for his best friend, he also loses his job, and his reputation is left in shambles. With nothing but his houseboat and his dog left, he’s working odd jobs and listening to the blues. But when murder strikes their peaceful town, Dave finds himself compelled to team up with Sheriff Victor Burns, the man who betrayed him and took his wife, to find the killer.

Two bodies are found on Cedar Lake, and both murders strike fear in the tight-knit community. Old friends and foes are drawn back into Hendricks’ life in the investigation, and he’s forced to finally come to terms with what is and what was—or see justice die in the process.

Powerful and intriguing at every turn, Dead Man Blues asserts S. D. House as a knife-sharp voice in the crime genre.

©2025 S. D. House (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

fabulous story

i love crime/mysteries where the setting, the place, is a real character. Silas did this wonderfully!

Great characters, relaxing read

Great mystery and easy read in this crazy time. Silas House is always a good read.

Seemed so short

I really enjoyed this one. I love the time period, although it wasn't immediately apparent to me when it was set (1960?). Most of the male characters are veterans of WWII. The dialog is very respectful - even between the MC, Dave and his former best friend who stole Dave's wife. The character development is good, the mystery wasn't twisty at all - a straight-forward police procedural. Time listening to this one flew by and I will look for more by this author and narrator.

Great Storytelling

I always enjoy a book about my area of Kentucky and this one was great! Good mystery, good storytelling and great characters. Being set in the 1950’s gave it a different perspective than modern mysteries.

The characterization of Dave. A kind hearted man struggling with loss.

I loved the use of language and the Kentucky setting. The characters were very well developed.