Fall Reading list: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Book review: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires is the vampire book you didn't know you needed

I kicked off my spooky Fall reading list with a bang- or a bite I should say. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix is so unexpected. In most cases, I'm able to predict the twists and turns in the books I read, but this book is truly unpredictable. 

This book is all about the character clashes. I loved the characters in this book, especially the Southern ladies in the book club. They started as a small group that didn't fit into the 'typical reader' category. Instead of reading American classics, they read books about American serial killers. They separated from the herd and formed their own book club that was 'not a book club.' So it wasn't a surprise when something sinister started happening in their up-scale Southern community- it was even a little exciting. At first.

But how do you kill a vampire? Especially one who has woven his way into your community? This book is a little bit of a slow burn, with small climaxes throughout that keep you going, but most of the action happens in the last few chapters. It's not all blood and gore. Set in the '80s and '90s but in a community where family dynamics are stuck in the '50s, this book shines a light on marriage and obedience. It tackles subjects like racial discrimination and how society looks the other way for rick white men. It's shockingly funny and heartfelt at times, and a really fun read despite the scary subject matter.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix is a gripping and surprising story to read during the spooky season. It serves up gore with a side of Southern hospitality. Trust me, you will not know what bit you! Since Halloween is coming up, my Fall reading list will rate books in Jack o' Lanterns instead of stars. I give this book 5 pumpkins!