Dead Jed 2

I’ll admit, I approached *Dead Jed 2* skeptical that a zombie comedy could sustain a sequel without relying on recycled jokes. Boy, was I wrong. Scott Craven leans into the absurdity—Jed’s decomposing finger falling off mid-high-five is a standout—but the real magic is how seamlessly the story weaves that humor with heavier themes. When Jed’s friend group fractures over a misunderstood text (relatable to any age), the fallout feels painfully real, and Ross’s narration sells every awkward pause and defensive outburst. His performance is *exceptional*—particularly his ability to toggle between Jed’s sarcastic inner monologue and the over-enunciated enthusiasm of adults who don’t *get* him. That said, the pacing stumbles slightly in the second act, where a subplot about a school dance drags a tad longer than necessary. And while the zombie gags are fresh, a few bits (like Jed’s odor-based social anxiety) start to wear thin by the finale. But these are minor quibbles. The production quality is crisp, the character arcs satisfy, and the ending—without spoiling—lands a perfect mix of hopeful and bittersweet. If you’ve got a kid who’s outgrown *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* but isn’t ready for YA angst, this is the audiobook to bridge the gap. Just maybe don’t listen during lunch.