Book Title: WHAT THE DEAD CAN DO
Character Name: Aidan
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Perfectly normal. There’ll be a time way down the line when I allow people to find out what I’ve done, how many souls I’ve taken, and that answer—perfectly normal—will be unfathomable to them. What people decide to think about my upbringing will be out of my control. But, for me, it was perfectly normal, or at least what society deems perfectly normal. White picket fences and block BBQs, I can assure you.
What was your greatest talent?
As a kid? Hiding things. Still is.
Hiding what types of things?
Things you don’t want people to ever find. External and internal.
Significant other?
I’m no Romeo, but I’ve had my share of partners. Until recently, I had my eye on someone new, but I am dealing with something unholy inconvenient at the moment.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
Being honest about everything. Which I believe is the most important pillar of any successful relationship. Turns out there are no real-world Mallory Knoxes in the world—at least I haven’t met one yet.
Mallory Knoxes?
If you know, you know. Clearly, you don’t, but you can Google her.
Where do you live?
Stamford, Connecticut.
Do you have any enemies?
Anyone who says they don’t is selling something, don’t you think?
How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?
Do you have more than a minute? (laughs) I am repelled by plenty on this Earth. It’s too much for a casual interview, though. Maybe you and I could talk later, in private. I’ve got a feeling you and I would get along.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
Neither, but I do like children. I’m not sure it’s technically empathy, what I feel for children, but I do believe children are innocent and untouchable.
What do you do for a living?
Are you asking what I do to pay the bills? Oof, that’s such a bummer question. You can do better than that. I need you to do better than that.
Greatest disappointment?
People.
Greatest source of joy?
Ironically, people.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
I write quite a bit. Journaling, I guess some would call it. I like State Parks. Federal parks, too. I hit those from time to time. It’s amazing what an individual can shed while out in the woods.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
Well, I love my mother dearly, may she rest in peace, and I doubt she’s happy with how things have turned out for me. There’s that. At some point, I’ll make it up to her. Not in this life, though… maybe the next.
What keeps you awake at night?
Honestly, nothing. I’ve always slept like a baby. You could put a cot by the BQE, and I’d be right as rain come bedtime. I’ve had people screaming bloody murder—literally—nearby, and I’m off in dreamland baking a cake for myself.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
Well, this is going to sound nuts, but I think I might be possessed. Crazy, right? It’s either that or a brain tumor. Nuts, right? Yeah, that sounds nuts. I’m sure it’s nothing… Listen, there’s a great little bar around the corner from here. Can I buy you a drink?
A young child’s fate is at stake in a deadly battle between his deceased parents in this gripping and profoundly original psychological thriller, perfect for fans of What Have You Done and Middle of the Night.
When a commercial flight crashes, all 184 people on board perish—with the singular exception of a two-year-old boy named Ethan, who’s entrusted to family friends Matthew and Nicole per his late parents’ wishes.
From the afterlife, Ethan’s parents, Tag and Amanda, watch helplessly as Nicole’s secret addictions, the family’s financial struggles, and the public’s fascination with their story ignite events that threaten their son’s welfare.
Soon, Amanda’s grief turns into an insidious obsession: Ethan belongs with her and no one else, and she sets out to reunite with her son by any means possible—including killing Ethan herself.
After Amanda learns how to possess the living, only Tag stands in her way. He must protect his child, even if the consequences of his actions mean he may never see his wife or son again.
What the Dead Can Do is a dark, psychological, speculative thriller tinged with horror, destined to keep readers’ minds spinning long after the final page.
Thriller Psychological | Paranormal [Crooked Lane Books, On Sale: August 26, 2025, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9798892422802 / eISBN: 9798892421843]
Peter Rosch is the author of What The Dead Can Do (coming 08.26.25 from Crooked Lane Books), Future Skinny, But I Love You, and My Dead Friend Sarah, and other dark fictions, many born from the addictions he chased while living in New York City. He’s sober now but remains an addict’s addict: he can turn anything fun into a serious problem.
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