I devoured this book! I’d heard all the hype about Sweetpea when it came out, but never read it. And In Bloom passed me by, so this was the first in the Sweetpea series I’ve read. And wow did it blow me away! I didn’t feel as though I’d missed out by reading it as a standalone (although it has made me want to go back and read the first two).
Rhiannon Lewis is a crazy, larger-than-life serial killer on the run. She has a foul mouth; dangerous, deadly thoughts; and serious attitude. And I loved her! The story is clever and beguiling. I thought the opening was brilliant as we meet Rhiannon eavesdropping at the launch of a biography about her. The author, believing she’s dead, doesn’t let the truth spoil his story and claims all sorts of untruths. It’s hilarious!
Imagine his horror when he realizes she’s been listening. She then tells him her story, and we follow her journey on the run, from a luxury around-the-world cruise to Rocas Calientes, Mexico, as she takes on new looks and a new life.
Dead Head is uproariously funny, I mean fall-around -laughing funny – mainly because the story and Rhiannon are just so truly whacky, over-the-top, wicked and unique. It’s wonderfully refreshing to read a book that truly stands out for its sheer originality. Loved it.

Dead Head is a different but enjoyable continuation of the Rhiannon Lewis story, a dark comic murderous thriller that is definitely unique and a very different take on the serial killer genre that is fun to read. Rhiannon is a character that any reader will find hard not to love with her wit, sarcasm, and creative murderous ways.

Dead Head is a unique, engaging and darkly comic read with excellent characters, but on balance not as good as the previous books and I can’t see where a fourth book could go without her being caught. Not my favourite of the three books but still worthy of a read.

Rhiannon Lewis is BACK! Except she's not really Rhiannon Lewis anymore. Not just because she's on the run and going by a pseudonym; after giving birth to – and giving up – baby Ivy, literature's most likeable serial killer has lost her mojo for murder. What's a girl to do? Get a fake passport and head to Mexico, of course.

Dead Head is the third of Skuse's sick, hilarious books about Rhiannon, following Sweetpea and In Bloom. I found the latter a little uneven, but Rhiannon's back on top form in Dead Head. The plot, too, is more ambitious than ever, taking our antiheroine all over the world and throwing in an unlikely father figure and a dreamy love interest. It's a far cry from her beginnings as a lowly editorial assistant at the Gazette. The riotously colourful, bloody, entertaining story is really good fun; I tore through it and had lots of 'squealing with laughter' moments, while also feeling very glad I wasn't reading this in the office. I certainly wouldn't want to have to explain some of Rhiannon's gleefully NSFW observations to an unsuspecting colleague...

The one caveat I'll provide is that you should read the other two books in the series first. I'm sure many of Rhiannon's one-liners would be funny with or without context, but you do need to have read the previous books to get a proper handle on the plot.

Once again, the ending clears the way for another instalment. Rhiannon's bloodlust is so infectious that I was desperate for two characters in particular to get their comeuppance, so there are definitely loose ends to be tied up. Long live Rhiannon and roll on book 4!

Dead Head by CJ Skuse
I give this book 4.5 stars
Can a serial killer ever lose their taste for murder?
Since confessing to her bloody murder spree Rhiannon Lewis, the now-notorious Sweetpea killer, has been feeling out-of-sorts.
Having fled the UK on a cruise ship 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...

Rhiannon is back and she’s bringing us her 3rd diary instalment into her funny and murderous world.A truly likeable and dangerous psychopath, l absolutely love her!
A gruesome,humorous,dark and twisted read,just what l expect from the author and this series.
l devoured this book in 2 sittings,wonderfully written and thoroughly enjoyable.......more please.
With thanks to Netgalley,CJ Skuse and HQ publishers for my opportunity to read and review this book

Let me first point out that I am totally invested in Rhiannon's story. This series could be 70 books long and I would read every single one.

That said I found this book started really strong, and ended really strong but there were times in the middle when I lost focus a bit in the middle, but the ending ... woah. That set me up for book number 4!

The highly anticipated 3rd instalment in the Rhiannon Lewis series did not disappoint.

These books had me hooked from the outset. They are filled with such delightful dark humour and gory murders, Already looking forward to Rhiannon's next adventures.

4.5 stars

I love Rhiannon! The third book in the Sweetpea series doesn't disappoint. Rhiannon is on the run after confessing to her murder spree, and giving birth. She's a bit different - has she lost her taste for murder? I loved the story, the writing. I love how Rhiannon grows as a character without losing her foul mouthed, hilarious yet cutting views that generally represent what we all think but are scared to say. I thought the Easter Eggs throughtout the book were a great touch too. And that ending was tense! I can't wait for more.

Since confessing to her murder spree and abandoning everything she knew, Rhiannon ‘Sweetpea killer’ Lewis has fled the UK and jumped aboard a cruise ship to start her new life. But instead of feeling happy, Rhiannon is feeling a little out of sorts which could be partly down to the fact she is stuck in the middle of the ocean with irritating families and screaming children - one of which reminds her of her daughter Ivy. With nothing but time and space to think, has Rhiannon finally lost her taste for blood? And is there really more to life than death?

This was a fabulous third instalment in the Sweetpea series! While it was largely different to the first two novels (in ways I can’t explain without giving it away), I really enjoyed the change of pace and scenery.

This portion of Rhiannon’s story is told retrospectively and the circumstances that have led her to where she is presently are, as always, super dark, full of violence and massively interesting. Although there are lots of differences in the style of this novel compared to the first two, what remains unchanged is the pure dark humour and sarcasm that’s sprinkled throughout the whole story. It felt quite refreshing to see another side to Rhiannon - it appears motherhood (however brief) has changed her in more ways than one.

A little detail that I missed during In Bloom is that the author makes subtle references to one of her other novels which made me do a double take - very clever! I LOVED the ending which leaves the reader on a cliffhanger and all I’ll say is that I think Rhiannon’s story is definitely not finished here!

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CJ Skuse is one of my ultimate favourite authors, she always has me hooked! I can't wait for this to be released in Feb so I can buy it and I'll have the full set of Sweetpea, Bloom and Dead Head.

Thank you CJ and NetGalley for this outstanding ARC

Amazing. Absolutely love this series. Dark, twisty, hilarious and heart thumpingly brilliant. More please!

Rating: 4.4/5

Hybristophiliacs of the world, unite!

The return of my favourite anti-heroine, Rhiannon Lewis, aka Sweetpea.

For the benefit of uninitiated, what would happen if you were to splice the genes of Bridget Jones with those of Villanelle from "Killing Eve"? Well, you might just end up with someone like Rhiannon (Sweetpea). Also, if you are of faint heart, easily offended, or have a dislike of fiercely dark humour, then this really isn't the book series for you.

I have been eagerly awaiting this third book in the series and it didn't disappoint. The general format is much the same as in "Sweetpea" and "In Bloom" with the chapters taking the form of Rhiannon's diary entries. Once again, the narrative moves at pace throughout and there is the, by now familiar, dark and acerbic humour.

Although I loved both of the previous books in this series, I rated the first one slightly higher than its sequel, primarily because it had the advantage of originality, being the first time the reader was introduced to the unique character of Rhiannon. However, I would place "Dead Head" on a par with that series opener. As with "In Bloom" it doesn't have the advantage of total freshness and originality that "Sweetpea" benefitted from, but it makes up for that by being a far more rounded and compelling novel in other ways.

As I read the thought processes of Rhiannon and her kill lists, I still found myself smiling far more than is probably socially and politically correct ... I still found myself empathising with our anti-heroine to a degree that makes me question whether I should be worried!

One potential issue with "Dead Head" is that I struggle to imagine it working as a standalone novel. The reader really does need to be familiar with the events that have led Rhiannon to this point in her life.

The solution: Read "Sweetpea" and "In Bloom" as soon as you possibly can, so that you can come back and fully appreciate this book too. You really don't want to miss out on this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

Dark, dirty and dangerous! Everyone's favourite serial killer "Sweetpea" Rhiannon Lewis is back in a third, stand-alone story. Fleeing justice, she's left her newborn baby behind and is now all at-sea on a cruise ship to her final destination, where she plans to change her name and appearance and leave her old life behind. But old habits die hard and Rhiannon can't resist catfishing for sexual predators - and administering her own form of justice! Rhiannon, survivor of a shocking violent crime herself, is as funny, witty, vulgar, sweary and terrifying as ever, but also strangely vulnerable as she reflects on her lost child and wonders if she'll every find true lasting love. There are folk on her journey who can help her - notably Caro, an older woman she meets on the cruise ship, and Tenoch, the Mexican ex-cartel member who becomes a father figure, but in the end Rhiannon has to draw on her own inner resources to escape the threats to her future posed not only by others, but by her very own self. A fabulous, thrilling, darkly funny read - CJ Skuse at her very best!

This is Skuse's third book of Rhiannon Lewis's diary 'my life as a serial killer.' Originally introduced to us in Sweetpea, the superb dark comic story of Rhiannon's attempt to survive life's daily drudgery with humour and the murders of the local low-life's and personal wrongdoers.
Three quarters of the way through 'Sweetpea' I told myself, I probably would not bother with the follow-up 'In Bloom.' Whilst enjoying her sharp observations of manipulating bosses, dull friends and boring boyfriend, combined with ensuring paedophiles and others get their just desserts, I believed it may become samey. The later twists however ensured 'In Bloom' was an 'OMG what happens now' must-read.
'Dead Head' follows Rhiannon's recent confession and subsequent attempt to build a new life. Initially stuck on a cruise ship we are introduced to a new range of people to be character assassinated or perhaps just assassinated? This is without doubt the most enjoyable of the three books, I believe over the course of the books Skuse has developed as a writer. No doubt the success of 'Sweetpea,' (soon to be a TV drama,) has increased her confidence and she introduces some remarkable characters and takes us to new places. As with the previous books, one minute you are quietly rooting for the hero vigilante, next you are shouting 'No! Too far Rhiannon, too far.'
Her popularity is encapsulated in her 'kill-lists' at the beginning of most chapters. Showing that deep down, we know there is a little of all us in Rhiannon. Or is that just me?

Dead Head is available from Amazon and other good book stores on 18th February 2021.

Book 3 in a series. And rhiannon is back.. shes like a lunatic friend. Completely nuts but you cant help hoping for a fairytale ending for her... is she really psycho?? Enjoyed the rollercoaster ride... and the way we are left wanting more at the end.. read it... read the series.. for some shock and for some laugh out loud moments. I definitely recomend sweet pea to anyone looking for something different!

Absolutely amazing. Our favourite serial killer Rhiannon Lewis is back with a bang.
I loved the first two books in this series, Sweetpea and In Bloom, so I was hugely excited to be accepted for an ARC copy of Dead Head through Netgalley.

After her last kill Rhiannon managed to escape the UK on a cruise leaving behind baby daughter Ivy. Whilst on the cruise ship we see Rhiannon at conflict with herself. Is she still a cold blooded killer or has the birth of Ivy taken that away? After a few mishaps trying to get to her new pre arranged identity and life, Rhiannon finally arrives in Mexico. Will she be able to take up her new identity and begin a new life or will the old Rhiannon always be lurking in the background ready to strike?

I loved this. It showed some many new sides to Rhiannon. Finally forming friendships and relationships. I felt so proud ! And then bang. There it is. Fantastic. Just as I thought I would be getting to the end and I would have to say goodbye to this complex yet loveable character, it left me in high expectations of book 4. Keep them coming.

Highly recommended 5 stars.

Having adored Sweet pea and In Bloom I was beyond excited to be able to read Dead Head pre release. C J Skuse did not disappoint, I absolutely loved this book. I thought the plot was fantastic and the growth and development of Rhiannon was perfect! There was the right amount of humour, murder and empathy. The ending left the possibility of more in the series, which I really hope happens!!! Well worth a read .

She's back! And so are the hilarious lists, I love the new Side to Rihannon, such a dark and funny book, I can't believe the lengths she goes to to avoid capture, excitement galore and fingers crossed and ending hinting at a further book, can't wait.

Dead Head,by C.J.Skuse, is the third episode in the life of "serial killer next door" Rhiannon Lewis. While it's not essential to have read the previous 2 books ,Sweetpea and In Bloom, you'll get a lot more out of it if you have. In this book Rhiannon is fleeing the country after being promised a new identity by a friend of her late Dad after posting a confession to her catalogue of murders to a journalist. She's advised to make the journey to meet this friend by Cruise Liner and the ship's motley band of passengers really stretch her good intentions to retire from the mass murder business.

The beginning of the book describes Rhiannon's post-partum body very much in a "too much information" style and the language and images throughout the book are often pretty near the knuckle so this is definitely not one for the easily offended, I certainly learned a few new words for parts of the female anatomy. and I thought I'd heard them all.

Dead Head is the usual helter skelter ride as Rhiannon crashes through life being both hunted and hunter, some of the book is very moving and there are some quite deep parts buried amongst the mayhem that prove Ms Skuse's versatility as a writer.Rhiannon ,in less capable hands, could quite easily have been a one-dimensional character but she's very self-aware and reflective as well as..........well.....being a psychopath..

The book is great fun,it does drag a bit in places where Rhiannon almost appears to be falling into some kind of normal life but overall it's great fun and very entertaining.

Ah, the joy of joining Rhiannon Lewis once more, serial killer extraordinaire, as she returns in a gleeful third outing. I really should have re-read Sweetpea and In Bloom again before diving in to Dead Head, and given myself a triple shot of CJ Skuse's perfect creation, but I was too eager to discover what was in store for us as Rhiannon sets sail to escape her most recent crimes - and oh do the most spot-on scenarios present themselves almost daily ... And that's just as an aside, considering that the whole point here is for Rhiannon (Don't call me Sweetpea) to make her way to a whole new identity... As ever, each chapter is prefaced with a short list of people on Rhiannon's would-be hit list and, also as ever, I find myself nodding fiercely in agreement when the names overlap with real life - slightly concerning, I suppose, as I never thought I had a killer instinct too, until I read the Sweetpea books. Hmmm.

Dead Head sees our hero (for yes, I will call her that!) travel far and wide, but with inner struggles; is she finally facing those demons or is the urge to kill still going to win out? At one point I was a bit worried that she may become too docile but no, this is CJ writing Sweetpea so worry not, the red mist is never too far away.

This latest installment is a top notch follow-up and highly entertaining, though a rare occasion when I do recommend the reader should definitely read the full series in order to gain maximum appreciation. Recommended!

Thank you so much for the advanced reader copy of this fabulous Book. I devoured this in two days. I read sweatpea and in bloom right before this. Skuse’s character development throughout these books is incredible. The first book I hated Rhiannon, the second I warmed to her and the third I loved her. Dead head sees a softer side to Rhiannon we get to understand her more and see her develop some positive relationships. I absolutely loved the other characters Caro, Tenoch and Raf all brought something new to her life and helped her grow. I was so excited so see where her character would go and loved the ending although it’s been left on a cliffhanger I hope that means there is another book on the way. Absolutely loved everything about this book.