Even when you are dead life goes on
Fri 24 October 2008
Christine Hobba, Journalism
Mary Janice Davidson is a welcome newcomer on the crowded literary scene who specialises in the latest phenomenon in the writing world – the paranormal romance.
Undead and Unwed is a first in a series of novels featuring her shoe loving main character Elizabeth “Betsy” Taylor.
In the opening chapter of the novel Betsy is having the week from hell. She had already survived an unprovoked attack by a gang of odd men, been sacked from her dead-end job, and, horror of horrors, turning thirty in a couple of days.
All this pales into comparison when she is hit by car and killed. It is then her life becomes incredibly complicated.
When she wakes up dead at the funeral parlour Betsy is in denial. However what really infuriates her is that her “step-monster” – Antonia (Ant) has not only put her in a horrible outfit, but given Betsy cheap knock-off shoes and stolen her shoe collection.
From her initial disbelief and annoyance of being undead and several subsequent attempts to re-kill herself, Betsy decides to get on with her life. From her unnatural charm over men (except those who are gay), her love/hate relationship with the dark and mysterious Sinclair to finding out she is the Queen of vampires Betsy journey is never dull.
Initially I brought this book as a time-filler. Although it is a light read it is also laugh out loud funny. Just a word of caution this is also an erotic love story and might not be suitable for anyone under 15.
Betsy is a smart, mouthy, take-crap from no one kind of girl. I was surprised at how enjoyable this book turned out to be and ended up buying the whole series.
Image(s) designed by