Grady Hendrix was best known for his wonderful Paperbacks from Hell (you can read my review here), but that might change with The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Patrica Campbell, former nurse who feels trapped as a housewife in South Carolina, joins a book club to escape her always working husband, Carter, her teenage daughter Korey, and her Nazi-fascinated son, Blue. Patricia finds new friends among the book club members. She’ll need them later when Patricia and the community are terrorized by a vampire named James Harris.
Grady Hendrix cleverly has James Harris appear as “normal” as he becomes part of the Charleston business group. But as minority children go missing, Patricia begins to suspect Harris is involved. Of course, Patricia’s husband, Carter, dismisses her suspicions. Harris insinuates himself into the fabric of Charleston which helps him dispel any speculation by the police when the bodies of the children are discovered.
Patricia’s investigation into James Harris and his dark actions leads her to a personal crisis. But when Harris targets Patricia’s children, Korey and Blue, Patricia and her book club members take action.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires blends many of the vampire novel conventions and the result is a riveting story with a shocking conclusion. GRADE: B+
I just picked a copy yesterday and I’m looking forward to reading it. Hendrix also wrote HORRORSTOR, about when an IKEA-like store goes bad and I book I really enjoyed. THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUBS’ GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES has been optioned for television while HORROSTOR is slated as a film; I’m eagerly awaiting both.
Jerry, I think THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES will make a fun film!
I really liked this a lot, and think it would be enjoyed by people who don’t normally read horror fiction. Before things start getting deadly the book has a light and frequently humorous tone not generally found in horror. And PAPERBACKS FROM HELL is an absolute must for any fan of this genre.
Michael, love PAPERBACKS FROM HELL! I reviewed it here: http://georgekelley.org/forgotten-books443/
Hope my library system has it.
Patti, I loved the way everyone dismissed the wife’s claims about the vampire…except her Book Club friends!
Hendrix has a real knack for fun and sometimes timely high concept premises, like a cheeky Ira Levin and this one seems pitch perfect. I remember when book clubs took off in the 90s and I always found their members more than a little vampiric in their need for attention. These books would have made fun, trashy movies in the 80s but these days they’ll probably get the Netflix/Mike Flanagan treatment and end up as bloated, joyless affairs that have nothing to do with the books.
“Paperbacks From Hell” is a terrific read crying out to be turned into a documentary.
Bryon, I’m hoping PAPERBACKS FROM HELL has a sequel! Bill Crider’s “Jack MacLane” horror series needs to be included, especially GOOD NIGHT, MOOM!
I have this! Our mutual friend Beth Fedyn generously gifted us a copy. This will push it up the list.
Agree on Paperbacks From Hell.
Jeff, Beth is the best! She’s sent me some great books, too.
Sounds fun. I read his earlier nove We Sold Our Souls and didn’t much care for it. Hendrix seems to have a liking for Heavy Metal bands. A liking which I don’t hold.
Steve, Hendrix taps into suburban angst with THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES. And, maybe just a dab of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER,
I really enjoyed this book, George, but it’s definitely not for the squeamish.
Right now his current book – The Final Girl Support Group – is waiting in my TBR pile.
Beth, I’ll be eager to learn what you think of THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP!
WoT*
* waste of time
Rick, I’m sure you’ll find something to like here during VAMPIRE WEEK!
I liked SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB so much that I really hate to say this, but FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP is a dog.
Michael, sorry to hear that about FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP.