The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires

What makes it funny?

Before any vampire hunting, Patricia has to lead a discussion of a book she hasn't read. Every attempt to read gets buried under another family crisis. Her daughter even tells callers Patricia is dead, bringing neighbors to the door with condolence casseroles. Book-group readers also laugh at the demands of Southern hospitality.

The comedy at work

Hendrix makes politeness a source of pressure. In the opening chapter's literary club, everyone may vote provided they choose what the organizer wants. Foreword's review connects the women's prescribed roles with the harder moral choices they face when the danger becomes real.

Try this if…

Readers describe women friends facing a vampire in terms of Steel Magnolias meeting Dracula, with some Desperate Housewives household friction. They also praise the warmth beneath the fear. The book offers horror readers social commentary about whose needs get noticed and whose warnings get ignored.

Good to know

Expect bloody horror as well as jokes: the reader report flags a bitten-off ear and missing children. Pace is a point of disagreement; one reader found it a painful slog even well past halfway. The hospitality and friendship don't make the violence gentle.