Dead Head is the third instalment in S J Skuse’s Sweet Pea series and it picks up just where the second book In Bloom left off. As it’s been a while since I’ve read the first two books, I struggled to recall all the characters and details of their murders, which frustrated me a great deal. However, Rhiannon was still outrageous, hilarious and super entertaining; the lists were back and the writing was amusing, with plenty of action and witty observations, so I enjoyed it. I simultaneously read and listened to the story, and enjoyed the reading more as I didn’t like the narrator’s voice (it sounded too old for Rhiannon) and how she read the story (I often couldn’t tell which character was speaking and the accents were terrible).
Judging by the ending, we can expect another Sweet Pea book and even though I didn’t like Dead Head as much as the first two books, I can’t wait for more hilarious adventures of Rhiannon.

I have been a massive Rhiannon Lewis fan since the release of Sweetpea and I was so excited when I was accepted for the latest instalment in this dark, comic crime series.

Rhiannon has confessed to her crimes and fled from the law. She finds herself on a cruise ship sailing around the Med amidst retirees and families of hyperactive children. But an ache in her heart continues to throb for Ivy, the baby girl she left behind in the UK to continue her killing spree and she’s now wondering if her heart is really in it anymore…

This is the third book in the Sweetpea series, so it’s definitely best that you read both Sweetpea and In Bloom first. However, you should be aware that there is a very sharp, dark humour in these books. Rhiannon (usually) only kills guilty people. She kills the lowest of the low and this is what makes her so easy to back.

On the cruise, Rhiannon meets a woman in her eighties called Caro. Caro lives on the ship and despite having been married five times, the great love affair of her life was with a waitress decades before. Rhiannon takes it upon herself to reunite them. This kindness that Rhiannon really doesn’t gain anything from herself shows that she isn’t quite the cold-hearted, ruthless murderess that she can sometimes appear to be. But Caro’s gushing about her lover reminds Rhiannon of how killing makes her feel and I knew then that Rhiannon will never stop.

It appears that giving birth to Ivy, despite the fact that Rhiannon has given her up, has changed something within her. Although her baby isn’t with her, something inside Rhiannon is still a mother and with that comes a new perspective and set of instincts. This renewed softness and feeling of dissatisfaction throws Rhiannon and it’s almost like she needs to re-learn herself. I have no doubt that many mothers (even those who aren’t serial killers!) will fully relate to this sudden feeling of something fundamentally different within themselves, soon after giving birth.

Rhiannon realises that she needs other humans. Unlike many killers, she has always had people around her, who love and support her. Although she is very smart and independent, she relies on people to help her hide and escape what she has done. She blends into society very well and makes friends easily. Of course, this means that she can escape capture and build a new life completely free of suspicion. It also makes you wonder how many real life Rhiannons there are. How many of the most dangerous people on the planet are seamlessly living normal lives next door to us?

One of the saddest parts about Rhiannon’s story is the fact that she is very self-aware. She knows that she can be dangerous and this prevents her from wanting to get too close to people. It feels strange to say it about such a violent person but her heart is huge. She dedicates her life to protecting innocent people and ridding the world of evil. How could you not get behind a cause like that?

Naturally, since Rhiannon confessed to the murders, the world has exploded with Rhiannon mania. There appears to be a rapidly growing fandom for her and of course, with this being the third Sweetpea novel, there is a real life Rhiannon Lewis fandom too. I loved the commentary on this and the fact that it all felt so real. Humans, particularly those who inhabit the internet, become obsessed with cases and figures like her all the time and these parts of the book were so cleverly and vividly written. I am, unashamedly, a huge Rhiannon stan.

Dead Head is a bloody and dark novel but it’s also full of sunlight and warmth. Rhiannon makes some very meaningful connections with some unlikely characters and she learns so much about herself. Essentially, it is the story of a woman coming to terms with life-changing events and re-inventing herself while still staying true to who she is. It’s about straddling and harnessing both the angel and demon that reside in all of us, recognising that they are both integral versions of ourselves and embracing them both.

I can’t recommend these hilarious, relateable, horrific thrillers enough. The moment Rhiannon says something that resonates with you (which she will, repeatedly), you’ll realise that you too have the power to inflict unbridled horror on to the world, given the right circumstances.

All 3 books in the series follow Rhiannon through different stages of her life as she can’t help but kill people in a vigilante manner.

I loved the kill lists at the start of each chapter of these books! They are SO relatable and some of them had me laughing out loud! Rhiannons dark witty humour definitely keeps this series going. Her character has so much strength and is written so incredibly well I feel like I know her as a friend! I also loved that it was written in a diary format as it gives you a real insight into Rhiannon’s mind. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the amount of swearing in the books and unfortunately I felt it detracted from the story quite a bit. However, each book in the series got better and better in my opinion.

Dead Head - CJ Skuse

The third book featuring Rhiannon Lewis, unrepentant serial killer.

Rhiannon's back, on the run, and killing for fun.

I enjoy reading about Rhiannon, the books are flippant and darkly hilarious. While often quoted as being 'Bridget Jones meets American Psycho', I think of them more as 'The Secret Diary Of A Serial Killer Age ...'.

The locations change but the content is more of the same, 'Kill lists', thoughts of killing, gruesome murders, a head shaking disgust at the mess, observational humour / random thoughts on life and some brief concern on evading capture.

It does exactly what it does on the tin, and fans will lap it up, however I think it's getting a little bit formulaic.

There is no doubt CJ Skuse writes very well, controversially I preferred CJ Skuse's previous book The Alibi Girl with bags of character, a very original plot and more tension.

"It's X meets Y" tag lines on books are almost always inaccurate, with the so-described books falling far short of both comparators. So it was with some surprise that, when I read Sweetpea (the first in the series, of which Dead Head is the third), I discovered the cover tag line "American Psycho meets Fleabag" was absolutely spot on (American Psycho meets Bridget Jones would also sum it up nicely). Protagonist Rhiannon is a psychopath and a serial killer. She's also extremely funny, and strangely sympathetic, and I thoroughly enjoyed this second sequel, which finds her on the run from the police having finally confessed to the crimes for which her ex-boyfriend is currently languishing in jail. I don't think it would work as a standalone, but for those who have already experienced the strange and twisted world of Rhiannon, it will be a welcome return.

"Is there such a thing as a 'normal life' for a serial killer?"

It’s no secret that the Sweetpea series is one of my favourite series EVER. Or that this latest installment is one of my most anticipated books of 2021. I am not ashamed to admit that I squealed with excitement when HQ offered me a copy of Dead Head, or that I dived into it within days of its arrival. I had so many questions about what was next for Rhiannon. And what is next is a new side to Rhiannon. One that the woman herself doesn’t even recognise.

Rhiannon is hiding out on a cruise ship after confessing to her murder spree and fleeing the UK. She is not only trying to conceal her identity to avoid prison, but also recover from the premature birth of her daughter. Instead of feeling liberated, she is lost in malaise and can think of nothing except how much she misses her baby daughter, Ivy, who she was forced to leave behind. She has also lost her murderous appetite. Is it gone for good? Or could this be the beginning of a new Rhiannon?

Oh, how I’ve missed Rhiannon. Her coarse, dark, filthy humour, the twisted way she sees the world, how she says what’s on her mind without a care, and even her murderous ways. But I liked that in this installment we are given a more emotional and relatable Rhiannon. She is lost in malaise, missing her baby, and finds that her anger and desire to kill has dissipated. She feels untethered. Like she has lost the things that make her who she is. I thought this was a fantastic direction to take the character. After all, she might be a ruthless serial killer, but she’s still human, and few women wouldn’t be broken up at having to abandon their baby. But don’t get it twisted, she’s still got that hilarious inner monologue, dark wit and snarky personality that we first fell in love with.

Darkly funny, compelling and sharply observed, Dead Head is a sensational installment in a truly unique series that you won’t forget. And though you need to read the previous books to keep up with events, they are so brilliant that I would have recommended that you read them anyway.

Once again, C. J. Skuse has knocked it out of the park. I loved being back in Rhiannon’s warped and crazy world and was left yearning for more. I truly hope this is not the last we see of Rhiannon.

I love this series and this book is no exception.
You really need to read Sweetpea and In Bloom before this one to truly understand what Rhiannon has been through.
I loved the way this book was written and the different stages Rhiannon has gone through since the end of In Bloom.
It’s hard not to give anything away as you need to discover the whole story for yourselves but I can say this is a voyage of discovery for Rhiannon as she goes on the run.
I loved her connection with those she truly liked - Caro and any children. And of course the special connection she forms during this book.
I wondered if there would just be three books in this series but with that ending, I’m hoping for more....
This is a brilliant addition to a fantastic series.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I read the first book in this series Sweet Pea and enjoyed it but missed the second book but was happy to get a copy of this book. I am always reading books out of sequence not on purpose but I do seem to do it a lot .I don't think it made any difference here though, it certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book. I think the main character is a real dichotomy ,I feel like I shouldn't like her, but I do find her likable, yes she is a serial killer but her heart is in the right place, not words I expected to be writing, but it is true. This book takes us on quite an adventure, and along the way we meet some very interesting characters, some very likable, and some very nasty. ones. This is not a book for those of a nervous or sensitive disposition but its is certainly not dull. If you are looking for some thing different with a great story then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed reading it.

3.5/5⭐

Thank you very much NetGalley for an advance #gifted copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Sweetpea series, starring: the serial killer Rhiannon Lewis!

I remember how much I loved the first one. Rhiannon is a very different main character to what I am used to read.

The second was pretty good too and I gave them both 5/5⭐

However, I don’t know if it was because I read the second one over a year ago or if it was because once I know the character, whatever she does, doesn’t surprise me as much as the beginning, but, unfortunately, Dead Head was my least favourite of this series!

I really enjoyed knowing about Rhiannon again. It was great to know what happened to her after that cliff-hanger we had at the end of the second book.

I also liked the adventures she went through, what she had to do to protect herself and, above all, her inner thoughts and her sarcasm.

There is nothing wrong at all with the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I enjoyed this one slightly less that the two previous ones as the end left me a little bit confused as well.

Right at the last few pages, something was said about a book that I have already read and right now I am literally so lost that I cannot wait to read the next one and find out what was that about and what the truth is!

I have followed Rhiannon and her crazy story so far, I loved this book. It was well written and as good as her other ones i n the series. Roll on the next one!!!

Another fabulous read in this now trilogy. I loved every minute of this book, I love a good thriller and a laugh out loud read and these are both wrapped up in these books. I love Rhiannon as the character, I think she is dark, funny and very entertaining.
For me personally, I loved the first two books more but Dead Head is really worth a read. If you like a humorous book and also a bit of the dark side then this is one for you.

Thanks again for an early copy of this book. It is very much appreciated.

Please see LoveReading.co.uk for the full review. Dead Head has been chosen as a Liz Robinson Pick of the Month on the site.

Dead Head is the third book in the wonderfully dark, hysterically funny, outrageously shocking series about my favourite female serial killer EVER. Rhiannon Lewis is on the run, having fled the UK, leaving her new born baby behind and finds herself on a Mediterranean cruise trying to “lie low” until she can work out what to do next and avoid life in prison.

If you haven’t read the first two books, Sweet Pea and In Bloom then stop reading this right now and pop over to Amazon and buy them both – but please note that you need a strong stomach, a very dark sense of humour and the ability to not get easily offended or insulted because I promise you that reading about Rhiannon is not for wussies!

Once again the book is told in diary entries with the infamous “Kill Lists” and I was laughing so loud that Mr F told me several times to “shut up, stop reading or go downstairs” but I couldn’t help myself, sniggering and giggling away at CJ Skuse’s brilliant observational humour, Rhiannon’s dead pan comments, thoughts and actions throughout the book.

Wildly entertaining, highly enjoyable, snort out loud scenes, inappropriate behaviour and an absolute pleasure to read. 5 big fat shiny stars from me and I can’t wait to read book 4 in this brilliant series.

Another hilariously dark and twisted installment in Rhiannon's life.

Rhiannon is on the run after leaving her baby and a full confession behind. She quickly becomes the most wanted and highly admired serial killer in the UK and boards a cruise to escape.

Taking on a new ID and personality, can Rhiannon really start over and create a new life for herself abroad?

This whole Sweetpea series is shocking, brutal and hilarious, but definitely not for the faint hearted. 100% recommended.

'He circumnavigates this bloody ship like a hamster wheel.'
'He’s lost.'
'Buy a tucking map then!'

Oh my god! I knew after I finished in bloom I knew I'd love this book. But this was something else its not like the others, & its so nice to see this side of Rhiannon. She is still as dark & witty as ever but this side of her makes me love her even more. I think I would be THAT person to send her fan mail. 😂
I laughed & snorted on many occasions throughout this book. I absolutely loved Rhiannon & Caro’s friendship. She is definitely one person I’d love to go on a cruise with!
I'm so so glad the kill lists remained throughout this book & I also loved the references to Alibi girl. If you haven't read this series. Why the hell not?! Get it read.
I don’t think this is the last we will be seeing of Rhiannon!

3 for neutral. Unfortunately, I could not get into this book, although I tried a couple times. Will update if able to finish at a later time.

I absolutely adore CJ Skuse's books, and have read all of her previous books, so I jumped at the chance of getting the latest book in the 'Sweet Pea' series. It's been a good few years now since the last book (In Bloom) so it did take a little while to get back into the swing of things of where we left off with Rhiannon.
I loved listening to the previous books in the series on audiobook, as I feel it really allows for the humour. I didn't get to listen to audio book for Dead Head, but I still enjoyed the book.

I have missed the complex character of Rhiannon. I was really enjoying this book - particularly the opening, and the parts on the cruise ship. However, when it got to Mexico I felt it got a little bit too 'wild' and the pacing felt really slow. All of the other books in the series I have given 5* but I have had to drop the rating right down due to the Mexico parts.

This is definitely my least favourite of the trilogy, but I still enjoyed it nevertheless. I just cannot get enough of the character - I just didn't like the plot in this book, but the love of the character keeps me coming back! The book ends with the hope of another... fingers crossed!

Really enjoyed this story. I got a bit mixed up thinking I’d read the previous two books in this trilogy but I hadn’t. This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story and I felt it told me enough to gauge the history behind Rhiannon. She’s a great character funny, feisty and you do find yourself rooting for her in a strange way despite the fact she’s a serial killer. Very funny, whether that’s dialogue or Rhiannon’s thoughts, and her kill lists are full of things which would be on lots of people’s lists. I’ve now ordered Sweetpea on the strength of this book and am looking forward to finding out more about Rhiannon’s past. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this book before it’s publication date.

I had high hopes for this but was slightly disappointed. It was good, and I enjoyed following Rhiannon and where she was going next and her adventures but when it came to Sunday 16 June, it got a bit silly, this chapter ruined it a bit for me. Especially after how much I loved the first 2 books in the series. I think this chapter should have been left out. The rest of it was good though.

#DeadHead #NetGalley
A good read.
Rhiannon Lewis, the now-notorious Sweetpea killer, has been feeling out-of-sorts.Having fled the UK on a cruise ship to start her new life, Rhiannon should be feeling happy. But it’s hard to turn over a new leaf when she’s stuck in an oversized floating tin can with the Gammonati and screaming kids. Especially when they remind her of Ivy – the baby she gave up for a life carrying on killing.
Rhiannon is all at sea. She’s lost her taste for blood but is it really gone for good? Maybe Rhiannon is realising that there’s more to life than death…
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me an advanced copy of this psychological thriller.