WARRINGTON-based author Rachael Harper has released her fifth book and her first foray into dark comedy with the publication of Dead, a heartfelt, humorous, and unconventional exploration of what it means to live, die, and everything that comes in between.
Blending wit with emotional depth, Dead follows a grumpy night guard, an annoyingly talkative corpse, and the unexpected friendship that forces both to confront life’s biggest questions and smallest absurdities.
Through its sharp dialogue and offbeat charm, the novella tackles grief, acceptance, and the strange comfort of human connection, all with a distinctive comic edge.
“Dead is a concept I first had the idea for fourteen years ago while at university,” Rachael explains. “But I wanted the time and space to create a story worth telling — one that combined the sensitivity of moving on from grief with hopeful, funny moments that remind us even in loss, we can still find hope and meaning.”
R.E. Harper (her author pen name) has previously written across multiple genres, but Dead marks a bold creative shift. Known for blending heartfelt storytelling with emotional honesty. Rachael’s latest work brings together her love of dark humour and her instinct for empathy, offering readers a story that’s as moving as it is mischievous.
Dead is available now in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon.
An early reviewer of Dead gave the feedback “It’s an important novella because it shows someone healing from loss and grief — but it’s also a really fun read. I loved the banter and dry humour.”
