“Sometimes she craved a little danger. And that was why she had book club.”
― Grady Hendrix, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix is not your average vampire story. Set in a quiet Southern town in the 1990s, this book mixes horror, humor, and a whole lot of heart. It follows Patricia, a busy mom who joins a local book club to escape her everyday routine.
But when a mysterious man moves into the neighborhood and strange things start happening, Patricia and her friends begin to suspect something evil is hiding in plain sight. This story is creepy, funny, and surprisingly emotional. If you like thrillers with strong women, spooky turns, and a dash of Southern charm, this book might be perfect for you.
In this post, I’ll discuss the plot, characters, reviews, and more to help you decide whether this book is worth adding to your reading list.
Plot Summary
The Southern Book Club’s Guideto Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix is a thrilling yet funny story about a group of women in a small southern town who find themselves fighting a vampire. The main character, Patricia Campbell, is a stay-at-home mom living in Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1990s.
Her life feels pretty ordinary, but that changes when a mysterious new neighbor named James Harris moves into the area. James seems charming at first, but there’s something off about him. He doesn’t seem to age, and people in the neighborhood start to go missing or act strange.
Patricia, along with a group of her friends from her book club, starts to realize that James may be hiding something darker—he’s a vampire.
As Patricia and the other women start to piece things together, they know they are the only ones who can stop him. They come together to fight him, despite the risks, their doubts, and the fear that the world around them won’t believe them.
The book explores friendship, courage, and the strength that comes when a group of women band together to take on something far bigger than themselves.
While the book mixes horror, humor, and suspense, it also touches on themes of women standing up for each other, the rules society places on them, and how strong bonds between friends can help them deal with even the darkest problems.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is a mix of spooky, fun, and heartfelt moments as Patricia and her friends learn that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones we least expect.
What Genre Does It Focus On?
If you like stories with a little humor, this book might be for you. The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires isn’t a regular vampire story. It’s about moms, friendship, and facing something scary right in your neighborhood.
About the Genre
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires blends Southern gothic, horror, and dark comedy. It’s spooky, emotional, and funny all at once. The Southern setting gives it a cozy but creepy feel, while the horror parts add real tension and danger.
Themes
This book isn’t a romance, but it includes several classic horror ideas:
- Vampire-next-door: A charming stranger turns out to be much more dangerous.
- Suburban secrets: Things look perfect on the outside, but something dark is hidden underneath.
- No one believes the heroine: Patricia sees what’s happening, but others brush her off.
- Strong female friendships: The book club becomes her support system—and her team.
What to Expect
You can expect a mix of creepy moments, dark humor, and emotional meaning. There’s blood, a solid 1990s setting, and powerful themes like friendship, motherhood, and not being heard.
You’ll also find suspense that builds slowly but hits hard when it matters. And even though it’s about vampires, the scariest parts are sometimes the everyday struggles women face.
This book is more than just horror—it’s about being strong and speaking up. It shows how friendships can help you through dark times. If you want something spooky but real, give this one a try.
Ratings and Reviews
“A reader lives many lives,” James Harris said. “The person who doesn’t read lives but one. But if you’re happy just doing what you’re told and reading what other people think you should read, then don’t let me stop you. I just find it sad.”
― Grady Hendrix, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
Goodreads Rating
On Goodreads, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5, based on approximately 265,876 ratings and 39,293 reviews.
Goodreads
Goodreads Reviews
Readers have shared varied opinions:
Therese rated it 5 out of 5 stars:
“This book was deliciously satisfying, all puns intended! The story takes place in a small Southern town back in the 90’s…”
Celeste rated it 4 out of 5 stars:
“While I didn’t find the book nearly as Southern in tone and setting as the title promised, it was still a fun read. Fun and infuriating and, on occasion, very very gross.”
Amazon Reviews
The book has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 20,765 global ratings.
Readers have highlighted:
C.A. Wittman praised the novel:
“I love a great vampire story, unfortunately, they’re hard to find. The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires did not disappoint.”
Another reviewer noted:
“Quirky and sometimes darkly humorous, The Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires also reads like a cozy mystery.”
How the Book Sets Itself Apart
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is different because it tells a scary story from the view of Southern homemakers. It mixes dark humor, real problems, and creepy vampire legends in a way that feels real and new.
The 1990s setting brings a throwback feel, and the close female friendships give the story a real feeling.
Who Should Read The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires?
This book is best for adults or older teens who are okay with scary and serious topics. There’s some violence, blood, and heavy parts, so it’s not meant for younger readers. If you enjoy horror with strong women, a little humor, and real-life problems, you’ll probably like it. It’s a good pick if you like stories in small towns, especially with a ’90s feel.
And if you care about stories where women speak up and are ignored, this one will stand out. It hits hard but also leaves you thinking.
Book Recommendations if You Liked This Book
- My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
- The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
- The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Conclusion
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is more than just a spooky story about a vampire. It’s a smart, emotional, and sometimes funny look at what it means to be heard, believed, and brave. With its strong female characters, creepy turns, and 90s Southern setting, this book brings something new to the horror style.
It has scary moments, but it also has heart—and it shows how everyday people can do amazing things when they stick together. If you enjoy stories with mystery, dark humor, and real-life struggles, this book is worth picking up. Just be ready for a few disturbing scenes and some serious themes.
In the end, it’s a story about friendship, strength, and fighting back—even when no one else believes you—a perfect pick for readers who like their horror with meaning.
More from This Author
Grady Hendrix is known for writing horror books that are scary, funny, and full of heart. He takes classic horror ideas—like exorcisms, haunted stores, and vampires—and gives them a new, creative spin. His stories often mix real-life problems with spooky stuff, which makes them feel both creepy and meaningful.
If you liked The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, here are some of his other popular books:
- My Best Friend’s Exorcism – A horror story about friendship and demons set in the 1980s
- The Final Girl Support Group – A twist on slasher movies, focusing on the survivors
- Horrorstör – A haunted house story set in an IKEA-style furniture store
- We Sold Our Souls – A dark tale about a heavy metal band and a deal gone wrong
Each book has Hendrix’s mix of horror and humor.
