DEAD FLOWERS

by J.M. Petrick

Narrated by: Keir O’Donnell

Production by: Matchbook Press

Well-Crafted, Imaginative

Identical twins Will and Billy Benson were once the adored child stars of a hit ’90s sitcom, but after a sudden cancellation, their lives drifted in opposite directions—Will into quiet obscurity and Billy into a desperate chase for fame that ended in addiction. When Billy appears at Will’s apartment one night, terrified and covered in blood, it’s clear something terrible has happened—yet by morning, Billy has vanished. Determined to find his missing brother, Will follows a trail of cryptic clues through Hollywood’s seedy underbelly, encountering shady agents, unstable fans, and figures from their past who may know more than they’re saying. As Will pieces together the truth, he uncovers a dangerous mystery far darker than he imagined—and realizes he may be the next one to disappear.

Author J.M. Petrick crafts a compelling and unflinching narrative about child actors and the darker paths many face as fame fades—obscurity, addiction, emotional turmoil, and the dangerous spiral that can follow. His character development is strong and purposeful, each plot twist carefully shaped to deepen the story’s impact. With vivid dialogue, precise detail, and richly drawn descriptions, he offers readers an insider’s view of a shadowed world, immersing them in the characters’ emotions, thoughts, and fears. The opening carries a surreal, almost disorienting tone, and his meticulous attention to detail keeps the experience powerful and memorable.

The narrator, Keir O’Donnell, delivers an exceptional performance that elevates the material. His pacing is intentional, his pauses perfectly placed, and his cadence both controlled and inviting. He channels the emotional weight, fear, and tension of the story with striking authenticity, drawing listeners in with a resonant voice and finely tuned inflection. His ability to amplify key moments makes the experience gripping from start to finish.

This was a well-crafted, imaginative story, performed with remarkable skill.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.