The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Patricia Campbell’s life may be full, but she wouldn’t necessarily call it fulfilling. The one thing she has of her own to look forward to, are the evenings spent with the ladies of her ‘murderinos’ Book Club.
The Club consists of a group of like-minded Southern housewives, who discuss True Crime and other less savory topics, they would never openly admit they’re interested in.
It’s the early-1990s and in their conservative neighborhood, just outside of Charleston, it sounds better to say their Club is a Bible Study. So, that’s what they say.
It raises a lot less eyebrows that way.
When a handsome stranger moves to town, Patricia is intrigued and oddly enough, he seems interested in joining the conversation.
Patricia, in neighborly good spirits, invites him along to Book Club one evening. After all, how much harm could it possibly cause?
The closer Patricia gets to this man, James Harris, the more she seems to notice that something’s not quite right about him.
Patricia’s live-in mother-in-law seems to take an instant dislike to him; possibly confusing him with someone from her past. No doubt a symptom of her dementia, but there are other things too.
As local children begin disappearing, whispers of a boogie man luring them to the woods surface.
Patricia, spurred on by the woman who once offered care to her mother-in-law, begins an investigation of her own. She suspects James may be behind the horrific events, but will anyone believe her?
Luckily, Patricia does have some true friends within her Book Club and the ladies team up to get to the bottom of the mystery that is, James Harris.
Guys, I LOVED this book so much!
The dynamics amongst the ladies in the Book Club, it gave me life! I adored their Southern charm and humor, as well as the time period being the early 90s.
Hendrix writes Horror Comedy so well, somehow making it lighthearted, yet horrifying at the same time. It’s really quite a skill.
There was also a certain scene in here, occurring during Patricia’s investigation, that was hands down, one of the most cringe worthy scenes I have EVER read.
That sh*t would make Stephen King proud. It was legit, skin crawling, gagging, exclaiming while I’m reading, good.
I listened to the audiobook for this read, having since purchased a hard copy. I know I will be reading this again.
Side note, it just so happens, which I didn’t know going in, that this is voiced by my favorite narrator of all time, Bahni Turpin, who is an absolute goddess!
If you are considering listening to the audio, I absolutely recommend it. A++ performance!
Overall, this book knocked it out of the park. An easy 5-stars from me. Believe the hype!
