I’m not fond of vampires (or anything that feeds on blood, for that matter). Quite frankly, I take offense to being a food source, and I’ve reminded some inconsiderate bloodsuckers of who the real prey is. When there’s a vampire I’m allowed to slay in the realm of fiction, I don’t stop at slaying them. How wasteful would I be if I didn’t consume what I’d killed?

Vampires are usually portrayed as the most self-entitled creatures of the supernatural world, their pride and hunger knowing no bounds. The vampire in this story wasn’t much different. Although a bit disappointed, I enjoyed my time in a book club of middle-aged women who got their hands dirty for me.

I’m not very interested in crime or thriller, but such genres were the focus of Patricia Campbell’s book club. They at least provided more entertainment and conversation than whatever long-winded, doorstop of a book Marjorie had assigned everyone for the month.

Patricia Campbell is your average, white American mother with two kids and a busy, ambitious husband. They live in the sleepy town of Old Village, nearing the turn of the century. Needing extra help around the house and with her husband’s senile mother, she hires Mrs. Greene. Three years later, however, Patricia endures some traumatizing experiences soon after Old Village welcomes a new neighbor. She buries it all as the newcomer proves to be an economical blessing—for the white folks, that is. Even the Campbell family.

Patricia’s book club, now including men, was surprised to hear I didn’t have any children or family, much like their beloved neighbor. A few people suggested we should date because a single man is one thing, but how could a single woman be happy and complete without a husband and kids?

I was more amused than offended. It was interesting how both the neighbor and I valued our freedom, unlike the others that had been unconsciously pressured to adopt society’s values. His comment about how us readers live many lives through books was awfully curious. I wondered whether he caught a glimpse of my true identity. He was quite flirtatious, allured by the mystery that surrounded me as it surrounded him.

But I knew better.

The ending was fairly bloody, but what did you expect from a title with “Slaying Vampires” in it? The most challenging part was maintaining an appetite. It wasn’t the gore, at least not for me, but some scenes that didn’t include gore at all. They can stick with you and ruin that delicious dinner you’ve been waiting for. I managed to eat through them, though. For some reason, this vampire’s meat was too good to not consume.