Kindle Edition Amazon The official site of Karen Vaughan Category:  Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Trafford ISBN-10:  1426924003 Pages: 188 Copyright: Jan 21, 2010 ISBN-13: 9781426924002 Price: $7.43 (eBook) Laughter can be deadly, but who will get the last laugh? Be careful what you joke about— it might just kill you!!! Someone out there doesn’t think the local comics are funny. He’ll kill to prove it. Police are racing to find the killer before he claims another victim. Comedians are always trying to find that killer joke, but now they’re dying literally! Author Karen Vaughan brings you Dead Comic Standing, a comedy, action, and steamy romance. You’ll be dying to keep on reading! Unfold the story of a stand-up comedian, Dave Feener, who was found maliciously stabbed, left with only his wedding ring and wallet, just a short distance away from The Laff Attak where he’s just performed. It gives you a closer look on a serial killer who does not think local comics are funny and has just begun his rampage. It also introduces you to Constables Mike Borneo and Lissa Cassway, along with detective Vince Vetters, who are racing to find the slayer before he claims another victim. Was Feener just in the wrong place at the wrong time? No one knows. Did the murderer make a fateful mistake when he stabs another comic, not ensuring his victim is dead before leaving the crime scene? He's right under everyone's noses and the anticipation of a righteous slay is all just element of the fun. Only time will tell if the destroyer will have the last laugh. Who will be the next victim? Excerpt Prologue Present Day 2008 The glass slammed down on the bar. The barkeep filled the glass and passed it to the dude. “Good show” the bartender said, nodding to the comic on stage. “He’s okay, but I've seen much better,” the stranger replied. “You know comedy?” “I was comedy, years ago. Then I started my own club, hosted the best up-and-comers. I guided Carey, and Myers, on their way up. I was the Simon Cowell of the comedy world. I discovered more new talent than Cowell can shake his finger at.” “So what happened?” “I lost it, son. I lost my faith in humor. Too many bad things happened to accept that laughter can pull you through the worst. Sometimes it can be a curse.” The stranger looked up at the comic who was finishing his routine, before turning back to the bartender. “That kid probably does have talent. He could be destined for Last Comic Standing. The problem is I am just too jaded to see it.” “So what actually made you lose your vision?” The man took a sip of scotch, and said, “My wife died of cancer—a quick death. We didn’t see it coming. You'd think that would be enough for a guy to have to deal with...But then 5 years ago, some asshole lost his sense of humor, and all hell broke loose.” Summer 2003 Chapter 1 Back in the day An up-and-coming comic was just exiting The Laff Attak. The comedian usually left through the alley after his sets, usually two per night, 30 minutes per set. Like other wannabes, he worked two clubs per week whilst working part time at an upscale Coffee Emporium. This guy didn’t want to spend the rest of his career as a part-time Barista /Comic. Oh no, this dude had plans, he was going to be the Robin Williams for the next generation. Well, skip the 'Na-noo-Na-noo' bullshit that Robin had to tout, in his early years. In the meantime, bills had to be paid and the comic had a wife to support as well. Debbie worked as an insurance adjuster for a huge HMO management company. She technically supported him and his “hobby”. At least it was a marginally paying hobby. The young man walked around the corner down another alley, a supposed short cut on his way home. He feared nothing, although he would never have let Deb do this, day or night. Her argument was why should he? Did he think he was “Iron man” or something? The young dude lit up another smoke, a filthy habit and Deb hated it. Another reason she thought he might die young. She just didn’t get the part about a good smoke, after coming off stage. Comics had to be the worst chronic smokers. He had to do it here because once he stepped into the house, no more ciggies. He might as well smoke now ‘cause Deb wouldn’t let him smoke after sex. Smoking brought him back from the adrenaline high of being ‘on’. No matter what shit hit you throughout your day, you hit the stage running with a smile, ready to show the crowd the time of their miserable lives. He stood in the shadows taking a few pulls on the Camel, dropped it and ground it into the asphalt with the other discarded cigarette butts. Debbie, as much as he loved her, had her phobias. She was convinced that some guy would jump out of the shadows and knife him to death, when, in reality, the worst killers came wrapped in cellophane and cardboard. The next step he took into the alley was his last. A hand holding a butcher knife came out of nowhere. If this weren’t the end for real, he would have found a place in his act for the scenario. He felt the knife blade plunge into his stomach, and he went down on his knees, and then fell onto his back. “Fuck man, if you want my wallet, just ask.” Dave was gasping for air. “It’s not about the money, asshole. I just didn’t know how else to tell you……” “What?” Dave croaked weakly. The stranger grabbed the hilt of the knife, and yanked it out of his victims gut. He looked straight at him and said, “YOU JUST AIN’T FUNNY!” Then the killer slit the young man's throat.

You'll Die Laughing!
Someone's lost his sense of humor and it's gonna be murder! A serial killer is stalking the comedians of Edmonton, seeming to choose his victims based on the fact he doesn't share their sense of humor.

Dave Feener, the first comic to die, is at the top of his game, but when he's stabbed, the killer tells him, "You just ain't funny!" Nothing like a little constructive criticism!

Comedienne Shelly has a comeback for everything. When a customer heckles her, she gives back as good as she gets. She's got a great routine, her comic star is rising. As the death count mounts, she begins to wonder what's wrong with the guy. Nervous, but not terrified, she continues working on her routines for Comic F/X. Soon, she finds herself falling for her boss, Jeff.

Jeff used to be a standup comic, but gave it up in lieu of starting his own club. He and his counterpart at the other comedy club, Laff Attack, have a friendly rivalry to see who can get the biggest crowd and the best comics. Unfortunately, both of them are losing their people as the serial killer continues.

Constables Lissa Cassway and Mike Borneo are investigating the murders. Despite their best efforts, the comic killer manages to kill again and again, making them wonder how he's managing to stay ahead of them. Will the tide turn in their favor? Or will the killer continue his deadly spree?

Karen Vaughan's novel, "Dead Comic Standing", is a wonderful look into the world of stand-up comedy. She mixes in funny comedic routines with the serious business of police work. Her characters sparkle, the story moves at a good pace as she builds to the climax of her tale.

I highly recommend "Dead Comic Standing" for anyone who likes a good mystery--or even a good joke.

Dellani Oakes

Laughng and Dying,
After having read Daytona Dead by Karen Vaughan, I knew she had a sense of humor. But this was decidedly different from that novel. Dead Comic Standing was a delightful, five-star read. It was easy to slip into this novel about someone prowling the comedy clubs of Edmonton, killing comedians after they've performed their stand-up routines. Part of the enjoyment for me was reading the comedy elements. I also felt I got an inside view of the way comedy clubs are run. Part police procedural, part whodunit and part thriller, I breezed through this enjoyable novel. It was great fun. I truly enjoyed the killer's motive for doing what he did; it was unusual and humorous in an absurdist way. A wonderful way to spend some time.

Mark Rubinstein