Becca Reviews: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

After reading Hendrix's 'Final Girl Support Group' I've found I'm a little hooked, and the title of this story really drew me in. For me, it's a combination of the fast paced writing and interesting story line.

In a sleepy suburb, five housewives form a book club with the intention of reading true crimes and horror novels, books their husbands would not approve of! In another town nearby, an area that is less developed, with a primarily black population, there has been multiple cases of children going missing from their beds and even taking their own lives (big content warning for this!). The protagonist, Patricia wants to help, and after a series of spooky events, she begins to suspect a new neighbour - James. These events range from someone climbing over the roof of her house and scaring her and her children, to her mother in law impossibly recalling new resident, James, from her past decades ago, and finally a very suspicious encounter with James in the back of a van.

Because of the nature of Patricia and her husband's relationship alongside the general view of women in this area no one listens to her concerns. Her and her book club are accused of some good old fashioned hysteria, claiming their new true crime passion has given them wild and vivid imaginations.

There is some seriously frustrating to-ing and fro-ing but it highlights Patricia's struggle and the blatant misogyny. The book club members are torn over whether or not to believe her. Knowing the very little I know about life in the deep south in America, Hendrix showcases many of the complexities. The setting is South Carolina, where Hendrix himself spent time as a child. This frustrating section does drag a little, but it's clear it's intentional for the plot, as the story is then split into a second part and time has fast forwarded a little, which I didn't expect.

Overall I had a great time reading this book, for example when I finished chapter 18 I actually said out loud, 'love, love, love'. The plot set-up was super strong and once the real action started it didn't stop, I couldn't put the book down.

There are some extremely gory bits involving rats, bugs, and vampiric appendages. There are also some incredibly confronting mentions of sexual assault. The terminology and phrases used around vampirism, I think, are metaphors for SA, grooming, emotional manipulation, and much more. Some of it was hard to read but only because they are tough topics.

The concept is simple and timeless, a stranger enters a community and is immediately welcomed by all but the one person who believes she sees past his facade. I was a little confused by James' attempt at bargaining with Patricia and how he so openly let her witness the 'truth' but asked her to keep it a secret for him. However, I suppose this further reiterates the blatant misogyny and lack of faith in Patricia and he concerns.

This was an interesting commentary on racism and white privilege, especially focusing on the intersectionality of race and gender. I can't wait to read more from Hendrix!

Read: 06/12/2024

Published: 07/04/2020

ISBN: 1683691431

Price: £11.59 (GBP)