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hirvimaki's review against another edition
2.0
Two and half stars. Not great. An interesting premise but it just rolled along with regular trying-to-make-you-vomit descriptions of gross. Not my favourite Hednrix novel.
lousallbookedup's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
nightwillowfox's review against another edition
3.0
The book started of good, I was very into it and it made me laugh but half way through it started to drag and by the time it ended I wanted it to finish like 4 chapters ago. It is a different kind of vampire story so I did like the twist it had. I changed the rating because I just kept thinking of how annoying it was to a point.
I listened to this on and off.
I listened to this on and off.
steph3nie's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Domestic abuse and Racism
leahhulten's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
This is presented as lighthearted, but I wish I’d read the content guidance first. I was not expecting rape, off-page child suicide, on-page suicide attempt, or sexual abuse of children. Proceed with caution.
ursimae's review against another edition
This book is a 1.5/5 stars.
The premise is sounds so good, but the execution was terrible. It's so bad that I dont think I'll even try reading another book by this author.
It's laughable that this book was supposedly written as like a love letter to his mom considering what happens in it.
Sorry for the rant, but I can't with this book.
Let me list out a few of the transgressions:
The premise is sounds so good, but the execution was terrible. It's so bad that I dont think I'll even try reading another book by this author.
It's laughable that this book was supposedly written as like a love letter to his mom considering what happens in it.
Sorry for the rant, but I can't with this book.
Let me list out a few of the transgressions:
- Weak writing. Outside of the horror scenes, the prose felt sloppy.
- So many racist stereotypes. The only reoccurring black character is given the "mammy" role. The next mention of other POC are shown as servants to the rich white people of the town during parties. From there, the stereotypes just continue. At points, it seemed like Grady was opening good dialogue on how racism impacts black communities in regards to their valid concerns being downplayed and ignored. However, he kept dropping the ball with it. It's like he placed the talking point in front of us then swept it aside before we could fully digest it and have a meaningful talk.
- Why the hell does the son love Nazis? The kid is obsessed and idolizes them. It literally plays no part in the story. Why'd you add that Grady? It wasn't necessary. Why you keep bringing up Nazis. Also, why was the MC totally cool about it? Huh? Grady, why was everyone okay with Nazis? It wasn't plot relevant.
- SO MUCH GASLIGHTING. Omfg, it made me want to rip out my hair.
- Hey, Grady...why did you write about the MC gaining 11 lbs as if she gained 200????? You just threw that part in there for what?
- Hey Grady... What's with the graphic retelling of a rape scene? Why?
- Hey.... Grady... Why did you have to include so many child sexual assault scenes... Story would've been totally cool without that. Really wasn't necessary.
The MC attempts suicide and its treated by everyone (even the MC) like some petty "fuck you" to her husband. - Also, there's just a lot of domestic abuse.
- I was 64% through when I DNFed and literally, never once was there a part about women becoming empowered and badass, taking on vampires. It was just 7+ hours (audiobook listener here) of a woman being severely abused.
- Not one character is likeable.
- All the other women in this book are just misogynistic stereotypes. None of them have any actual depth of character and feel very flat.
- The biggest horror wasn't the vampire stuff, but the husband, omfg they were the real villains.
apparently at the end, she only gets a divorce from this dude... I feel like she should get to kill her husband for the shit he did to her. Also, none of the other women get to fix their abusive relationships?
There is probably more than I could say, but I've ranted about this long enough.
There is very important commentary to be had with the topics of this book that would be awesome to explore further, but it only comes across as 400+ pages of women being repeatedly abused, racist, sexist, and outright terrible characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Body horror, Blood, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Dementia, Gaslighting, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
vbigv's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
njdarkish's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantastic horror novel. The characters are compelling and real,the stakes are high, the terror prevalent and strong. There are scenes that are going to stay with me. This is Grady Hendrix, a talented writer, at the height of his powers.
A side note: it's surreal to read a book set in Mount Pleasant, SC, because I lived there for a few months and so I knew EXACTLY where scenes were taking place.
A side note: it's surreal to read a book set in Mount Pleasant, SC, because I lived there for a few months and so I knew EXACTLY where scenes were taking place.
stellabacio's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
gheriden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.0 stars. This book blends humor and horror with a touch of Southern charm? Then Grady Hendrix's 'The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires' is for you. This delightful novel follows a group of women in a book club who discover their true crime obsession takes a terrifying turn when they must face a real-life monster. With its witty dialogue and relatable characters, Hendrix's tale is both chilling and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a perfect summer read.