Giveaway & Interview: A Fast Funny and Delightfully Twisted Debut Novel by Ryan Brown

Publisher: Gallery,  Division of Simon & Schuster

Release Date: May 2010

Format: Hardcover: 352 pages

ISBN-10: 1439171300

ISBN-13: 9781439171301

Buy Now!

Today’s #1 New York Times bestselling thriller writers agree: Ryan Brown’s compulsively readable first novel is unbeatable—a darkly humorous, rich and pungent zombie shocker that melds our national obsession with football and the newest wave of fascination with the undead.

For the first time in Killington High School history, the Jackrabbits football team is one win away from the district championship game, where they will take on their most vicious rival, the Elmwood Heights Badgers. But on game day, bad-boy star quarterback, Cole Logan, is brutally attacked by three masked men. With the stakes so high, Cole is determined to play despite his injuries, but his coach refuses to allow it. That night on the way to the game the Jackrabbits’ bus crashes, killing all of Cole’s teammates. When he learns the steroid-crazed Badgers are responsible, he is bent on payback, and turns to a mysterious fan skilled in black magic to resurrect the team. But even in the spirit world there are hitches. The Jackrabbits are brought back to life, but unless they win the final game against their murderous rival, the team is destined for hell. In a desperate race against time, Cole must lead his zombie team to victory…or risk their eternal damnation and violent consequences for everyone in town.

Read first chapter.

Watch the PLAY DEAD book trailer.

Get to know the Author of the Day.

1. What is the best part of being a writer? What is the worst?

The best part about being a writer is that I can do it on my own time, anywhere in the world. The worst part is that the work never comes easily.

2. Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

PLAY DEAD is a fictional story about football players rising from the dead, so I didn’t have to do a lot of research. I do remember having to confirm that the quarterback can become an eligible receiver in Texas High School football.

3. Do you have a favorite motto?

My favorite motto is Don’t think…just do. I like it because it goes against my nature. I constantly have to remind myself to live by it.

4. Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?

I have two favorite fictional heroes: Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Edmond Dantes (The Count of Monte Cristo). My favorite heroine in literature (although not fictional) is Isak Dennison (Out of Africa).

5. Which fictional character would you hang out with?

If could hang out with any fictional character(s), it would be Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. I think the three of us could get into some fine trouble together.

6. What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

I thought the cover for PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES was brilliant.

7. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

Readers might be surprised to learn that I read as much non-fiction as fiction.

8. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

The strangest thing I’ve ever learned about myself by googling my name is that I have a daughter. (I don’t. I have a son.)

9. If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

I would definitely go backward in time before I would go forward. I’m a huge history buff, and big on nostalgia.

10. Ryan, please tell us more about your debut release, “PLAY DEAD”.

PLAY DEAD is part sports satire and part horror-comedy. Set in Texas, it’s about a high school football team that dies in a horrific prank gone wrong and comes back from the dead as zombies. Only a victory over their vicious district rivals (also their murderers) can save the players’ souls. Think FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS meets DAWN OF THE DEAD.

11. Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

I think story is more important than voice…more important than anything, in fact. I’d much rather read a good story written in a weak voice than the other way around.

12. Ryan, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers we just need to know…:)

If any readers would like to learn more about me, they can visit my website: ryanbrownauthor.com or visit my Facebook Fan Page: Ryan Brown Author. Further information can also be found on my author page at simonandschuster.com.

13. What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

-PLAY DEAD, my first novel, will be available everywhere May 4, 2010.


-My short story SUSPENDED will appear in the ITW anthology FIRST THRILLS (edited by Lee Child), available on June 22nd, 2010.


-In October, my young adult thriller JEEPERS PEEPERS will appear in the ITW anthology FEAR: 13 STORIES OF SUSPENSE AND HORROR (edited by R.L. Stein).


-My second novel, as yet untitled, is nearing completion, and will be available spring 2011.


I’d like to thank Ryan Brown for stopping by and spending time with us, its been a blast getting to know more about you and your work. All the best Ryan and much success in everything you do.

*GIVEAWAY RULES*
It is my great pleasure to introduce you to a writer whom will take you on a fast, funny and twisted thrill ride author Ryan Brown. Ryan is chatting and giving one lucky commenter the chance to win a copy of his fast paced adrenaline rush debut release,"DEAD PLAY". I just have a few simple rules.

* +2 Leave a comment for Ryan Brown including email.
* +2 Spread the Word! { this means go out into cyber world and post it on any netwok sites that your are a member of, or on your blog or website. +2 Then come back and leave a link so I can verify the post.}
* Become a follower of Over the Edge! {+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.}

The giveaway is open to all and will be running until May 23, 2010. I'll be picking and contacting the winner directly on May 24, 2010. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!