Funny, tragic (and very British), Matt Haig has written a delightful and poignant novel, told in the voice of an 11 year old boy who is trying to process the death of his father as he also endeavors to grow up. Full of surprising and intricate language as well as fascinating plot twists, this is a story for all types of readers.

A ghost story with a twist—a suspenseful and poignantly funny update of the Hamlet story

Eleven-year-old Philip Noble has a big problem: His dad, who was killed in a car accident, appears as a bloodstained ghost at his own funeral and introduces Philip to the Dead Fathers Club. The club, whose members were all murdered, gathers outside the Castle and Falcon, the local pub that Philip’s family owns and lives above. Philip’s father tells him that Uncle Alan killed him and he must avenge his death. When Philip realizes that Uncle Alan has designs on his mom and the family pub, Philip decides that something must be done. But it’s a much bigger job than he anticipated, especially when he is caught up by the usual distractions of childhood—a pretty girl, wayward friends, school bullies, and his own self-doubt. The Dead Fathers Club is a riveting, imaginative, and quirky update of Shakespeare’s great tragedy that will establish Matt Haig as a young writer of great talent and imagination.

The skewed world seen through the eyes of a child is gently humorous and original. This is one of those crossover books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime which will appeal to adults and children alike. (Carla McKay, Daily Mail)

Touching, quirky and macabre. (Sunday Express, UK)

Humorous and original … [it] will appeal to adults and children alike. (The Daily Mail, UK)

Matt Haig’s writing has appeared in the The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Independent, and The Sydney Morning Herald. The Dead Fathers Club is his American debut.

Imprint: Viking Adult
Distributor: Penguin Group USA, Inc
Publication Date: 02-01-2007
Pages: 336
Measurements: 8.50in X 5.78in X 1.21in X 1.00lb