A review by kellysrambles
Mina and the Undead by Amy McCaw

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I properly enjoyed this fast paced, murder mystery laced with classic horror, blood and gore. I immediately liked Mina as our main character and was intrigued as to what would unfold during her time in New Orleans. The writing was easy to fall in love with and I felt transported to the fascinating, yet dark, world of New Orleans in the 90s. Knowing only a little about New Orleans, I was absolutely enamoured with all of the mythology shared in this novel and how these horrors unfolded to touch Mina’s own life. It made me want to visit New Orleans whilst also simultaneously making me wary. 
 
I wouldn’t say I am hugely into vampires or books about them but I loved the way they were interlaced into this book and the different classic references that appeared. Mina and Libby’s fascination with all things horror was fun. I would definitely be pants taking part in any kind of horror tour but reading along in the safety of my home made it thoroughly enjoyable! I really loved how clearly I could imagine everything whilst reading. 
 
I really loved the characters in this book, especially the complex relationship between Mina and her estranged sister Libby. The way in which their feelings towards each other change and develop throughout the nook was really well done. Not to mention my love for Jared, Lucas and Della too. Another favourite of mine was definitely Thandie who I grew to love for a number of different reasons! 
 
Mina and the Undead is packed full of punches. Full to the brim with adventure, mystery, gore and horror – definitely a favourite read of 2021 so far! 
 
Thanks to NetGalley, UCLAN Publishing and Amy McCaw for my free digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 
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