Mike Nelson's Death Rat!: A Novel is a satirical novel by Michael J. Nelson. Its primary focus is various people, places and institutions of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Plot[]
Pontius Feeb, unemployed historian and author, decides to write a work of historical fiction as a means to make some money. When a publisher tells him he doesn't look like an action author, Pontius hires local actor Jack Ryback to act as a front. Jack sells the book, but inadvertently identifies it as a work of non-fiction. This leads to many misunderstandings and comic situations as the town's notoriety grows and Pontius tries to cover up his deception.
Publication[]
First published in 2003, Death Rat! went back into print in 2016, including a Kindle edition.