A blogger friend recommended The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires to me during one of my reading slumps, and I jumped on it since I’m a big fan of author Grady Hendrix’s previous novel, Horrorstor.
Also, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight enthusiast (don’t judge), I have a thing for vampires, so I figured The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires was worth a shot.
This chilling Southern fiction tale is a fresh, original spin on a classic monster trope: what do you do when you suspect someone of being a vampire – and no one believes you?
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires starts off fairly tame, peeking in on book clubs run by proper Southern ladies, but the story quickly ricochets into “WTF” territory when a charming neighbor insinuates himself into main character Patricia’s life.
Now, if you’re a vampire afficionado like some people (ahem *cough cough*), then the signs are pretty obvious that, HEY! This dude is a frickin’ VAMPIRE!!!
But, if you’re like Patricia’s book club ladies and a lil’ slow on the up-take, don’t worry: Hendrix lays it out for you, building the suspense and anticipation, compiling the evidence until it’s irrefutable. Then you’re left with the blood-curdling realization of what’s happening to these women who’ve unwittingly welcomed a demon into their midst.
Be warned: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is intense. Although I referenced Twilight, this is not your vegetarian, sparkly vampire story we’re dealing with here. Like with Horrostor, Hendrix’s story takes a dark turn – several, in fact; there’s a fair amount of gore, particularly toward the end of the story. It’s all for a good cause, I assure you – but, still. It’s not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.
Which is a shame, because it’s one hell of a story. All fun, supernatural stuff aside, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires delivers timely messages about social justice, race relations (particularly as they pertain to the American South), domestic abuse and neglect, and sexism. And, they’re all cleverly shrouded under the very thin veil of a campy vampire novel. A lot of the subtext in here reminded me of what I’ve read in Rush, All I Ever Wanted, and The Sun Down Motel.
If you’re looking for a smart, nuanced, social commentary with a quirky cover story attached to it, the The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is the book for you. For those of you looking for a good, old-fashioned horror story? This one definitely delivers – and then some.
What are some of the quirkiest books you’ve read lately?
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Peach Ice Cream!
Ooh, I do like me a bit of gore! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but that is pretty stunning. I can see why peach ice cream is the featured recipe! 🧡🧡
Hi Nicola! Give this one a whirl if you don’t mind gore and want a really unique story. And I always judge books by their covers; I’m only misled about 10% of the time, haha.