Vampires might be real here, but the REAL monster is the sexism, racism, and phony gentility of the American South. Jokes aside, this book is utterly brilliant. Such a smart, searing, takedown of all these sneaky underbellies, with an unbelievably strong sense of place and character. Patricia and the other members of the book club (made even stronger by Bahni Turpin's incomparable narration) are incredible characters, each flawed and gifted in their own way. Hendrix's depiction of the friendships, families, and class relationships are spot on, and it was all so incredibly vivid. I was expecting this book to be campy and funny - it is funny, but not in the cheesy way of camp horror. This is honestly one of the most frightening and suspenseful books I've ever read, and the moments of truth were gruesome and grotesque. I was hooked throughout the entire, rather lengthy, story, and I just can't stop thinking about it.