A perfectly executed eerie YA Gothic Horror with twists and turns aplenty and bursting with 90s references to fully lure you into New Orleans Fang Fest 1995! I was sent a proof copy and I'll be honest, at first I was unsure how I was going to get on with it as it's not my usual genre but oh my goodness, as soon as I started it, I was hooked! You guys were so fab and Dawn was such a lovely presence in the schools - I will absolutely be in touch next time I'm in your neck of the woods. When Mina lands a part-time job at a horror movie mansion, she meets Jared, Libby’s gorgeous housemate, co-worker and fellow horror enthusiast. As someone with siblings, I thought this was an excellent depiction of a genuine family relationship.

When their mother abandoned them, Mina moved in with her auntie while Libby moved to New Orleans on a student visa. I haven't charted out my visits for the summer term, but I'm sure there are several in the south) and thanks so much for being so fantastic! I'm so grateful to have been given an ARC ebook of Mina and The Undead because its completely brilliant and has soared straight into my top ten favourite books! I really enjoyed how this story had actual legends and myths of New Orleans interwoven throughout this very unique tale.Family secrets, murder, sisterly relationships and romance all weave together to create a thrilling story with a unique take on vampires that is filled with gore and plot twists. But the perfect summer bliss is broken when, while exploring the mansion, Mina stumbles upon the body of a girl with puncture marks on her neck, clutching a lock of hair that suspiciously resembles Libby's. With so many twists and turns I kept trying to guess who the killer was and my guesses were always wrong 🤣 I also loved the New Orleans mythology throughout the book and I’m now wanting to visit and explore the city with its seedy bars and spooky cemeteries! She is brave without being reckless, stands up for herself but knows when to pick her battles, and is intelligent and empathetic. The story takes a little time to get going, spending some time introducing and fleshing out its characters, but once it does serve up its first victim, there are plenty more where they came from, and McCaw certainly doesn’t shy away from the violence.

I found it hilarious how Mina was thirsty for Jared on almost every page and really liked their developing romance. There isn’t 1 thing I didn’t like in this book with the backdrop of New Orleans and the 90’s and horror references I knew from the first chapter this was a winner. She can’t wait to explore the city’s darkest secrets – vampire tours, seedy bars, spooky cemeteries, disturbing local myths… And it gets even better when Mina lands a part-time job at a horror movie mansion and meets Jared, Libby’s gorgeous housemate, co-worker and fellow horror enthusiast. Shortly after arriving in New Orleans, 17-year old, Mina, can already tell it will be a summer she'll never forget.If Amy's not at a book event or reading, she can usually be found scribbling away in her writing room, surrounded by movie memorabilia and an out-of-control signed books collection. Being a fan of vampire stories and the macabre, she is keen to explore the spooky parts of the city.

In the end, this might have been popular in 2012 during the vampire YA craze but in 2021 I expected it to bring something new to the vampire genre and it just didn't. I found myself having to make myself stop reading so I could get on with my day and then I was looking forward to sitting down so I could read more! Unsurprisingly, she's a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and has gone to conventions to meet James Marsters more times than she cares to admit.On her first night in Louisiana, Libby takes Mina to work with her at The Mansion Of The Macabre, a house which puts on an interactive horror movie style show for guests. I’ve honestly enjoyed it every time and even having learnt the twists after the first read, the plot is strong and you realise the easter egg clues you previously missed. I have even talked the head into a little revamp of the library so that we can display them properly! The book checks all the boxes your usual vampire romance would have ten years ago: the new girl trope, insta love, a paranormal murder mystery etc. If you know someone like me who you would like to get into reading but have never found the right book, Mina and the Undead is one to consider.

Arriving in New Orleans from England to visit her estranged sister, Libby, she quickly immerses herself in the cultish atmosphere.With haunted houses, family secrets and murder galore, this delicious and gruesome tale of the macabre will ignite a whole new generation of vampire fans. The author has been very vocal about her love for New Orleans when promoting the book, and that affection shines through on the page. Parents should be aware that this is most definitely a young adult novel and is not suitable for younger children.