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A review by jlye
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Despite giving a 3.75 rating, I really enjoyed this book! As a mom in a book club of moms, who also loves true crime books and podcasts, The Guide to Slaying Vampires hit a lot of right notes for me. I was particularly drawn in by Mrs. Greene's storyline and how her experience in the book mirrors real-life issues with wider society and police turning a blind eye to the safety of BIPOC children and families. James Harris is a truly sinister villain who embodies the nightmares of many women . I would have preferred the story be told with Mrs. Greene as the main character, not Patricia, and for that I knocked my overall rating down by 1 star.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Gaslighting