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Undead #4
Undead and Unreturnable
As if she needed yet another reason to shop, Queen of the Vampires Betsy Taylor is in the middle of planning the perfect wedding to drop-dead gorgeous vamp Eric Sinclair. And she’s not about to let little things like death and blood-drinking get in her way.
But all is not bouquets and bridal showers—Betsy is plagued by ghosts who demand her help in rectifying their past mistakes, and a serial killer is on the loose. With his victims all being tall, blond women, Betsy fits the profile exactly…
But all is not bouquets and bridal showers—Betsy is plagued by ghosts who demand her help in rectifying their past mistakes, and a serial killer is on the loose. With his victims all being tall, blond women, Betsy fits the profile exactly…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2005
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
133 books5,310 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
August 19, 2019
"See, things started out innocently enough — a visitor, a comment, finding out a new vampire rule — and the next thing I know, I'm up to my tits in undead politics, or attempted revolutions, or dead bodies."
The Queen Betsy series is still very entertaining, though sometimes I have to turn back the pages to recall what had happened. The everyday life of Betsy and her housemates just can't keep me interested.
So, meanwhile Betsy’s lovelorn admirer, the ex-blade-warrior-now-a-biography-writer Jon is writing the not-so-fictional biography of Betsy, Betsy babysits her brother, BabyJon, she also contributes to the new vampire newsletter, and she is planning the first vampire monarch wedding of all time – with her openly reluctant fiancé, Eric Sinclair.
There was a hint about a serial killer at the beginning of the novel, so I hoped for some excitement, and maybe a connection between the murderer and Betsy, but
Betsy and Eric have a relationship crisis, and fight after fight.
I really felt for Eric, I could understand his fear. Actually, I’m wondering what would happen if Betsy simply commanded Eric to bear that certain ability what she does. Remember, just like she had managed to make him able to see ghosts in Undead and Unemployed.
While the plot is lame, and nothing groundbreaking or unexpected happens, the author smartly builds the tension and mystery around her characters.
The appearance of the old and the new secondary characters are well-balanced. Finally, you get some information about Jess: she dates, and it turns out that she has a job. Jon and Nick are back, George shows some development, Laura and her snaps are more and more interesting and creepy, and I’m really looking forward to reading more about Cathy.
My favorite quotes.
October 7, 2019
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
August 4, 2017
While I enjoy the antics of Betsy, this book felt rushed and unfinished. When it ended, I scratched my head wondering where the rest of the story was. The only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of two, I did enjoy what was on the page. I will continue. However if this happens again, I may give up on the series.
January 24, 2012
Well Betsy went and done it again, created bundles of laughter with her undead life!!!
I love the way MaryJanice Davidson writes these books, the thrill of romance, the joy of laughter and the touch of mystery all combined gives for a delicious novel!!!
This time Betsy makes good with Laura, baby Jon, big Jon, and of course the regular gang. There is a murderer on the loose and ghosts to help Betsy solve the crime. Laura has a few moments with her mother (Mrs Devil) and a spat with George (who I love so much!!!)... Sinclair of course is a petty sod at times but still wins me out in the end...
Once again I am left with smiles and looking forward to the next book...
I love the way MaryJanice Davidson writes these books, the thrill of romance, the joy of laughter and the touch of mystery all combined gives for a delicious novel!!!
This time Betsy makes good with Laura, baby Jon, big Jon, and of course the regular gang. There is a murderer on the loose and ghosts to help Betsy solve the crime. Laura has a few moments with her mother (Mrs Devil) and a spat with George (who I love so much!!!)... Sinclair of course is a petty sod at times but still wins me out in the end...
Once again I am left with smiles and looking forward to the next book...
November 23, 2007
From a blog post I wrote in 2006:
As part of my weekend binge reading, I plowed through the first four books in Mary Janice Davidson's Undead... series. The titles are: Undead and Unemployed, Undead and Unwed, Undead and Unappreciated and Undead and Unreturnable.
Davidson combined two of my favorite genres, Chick Lit and Vampire, into a wonderful series. The main character, Betsy Taylor, gets hit be a car on her 30th birthday and wakes up in a coffin at the funeral home. What concerns her most is not that she's dead (or undead if you want to be picky) but that she's dressed in a polyester suit and shoes from Payless.
She eventually finds that she's the prophesized Queen of the Vampires. What follows are several adventures where she spends most of her time critiquing the wardrobe choices of her friends and foes and stressing over her men troubles. If you've read the Shopaholic books, you've got the idea. Despite bumbling through and thinking mostly about herself, she manages to resolve all of the issues.
Lots of fun supporting characters (including the very hot King of the Vampires) in these books and each one has a little mini-story of its own. Not too much with the gore but there is sex (always a good thing) and some violence.
I liked these a lot and my friend, Chris, has the 5th book already. I can't wait to get a hold of it.
As part of my weekend binge reading, I plowed through the first four books in Mary Janice Davidson's Undead... series. The titles are: Undead and Unemployed, Undead and Unwed, Undead and Unappreciated and Undead and Unreturnable.
Davidson combined two of my favorite genres, Chick Lit and Vampire, into a wonderful series. The main character, Betsy Taylor, gets hit be a car on her 30th birthday and wakes up in a coffin at the funeral home. What concerns her most is not that she's dead (or undead if you want to be picky) but that she's dressed in a polyester suit and shoes from Payless.
She eventually finds that she's the prophesized Queen of the Vampires. What follows are several adventures where she spends most of her time critiquing the wardrobe choices of her friends and foes and stressing over her men troubles. If you've read the Shopaholic books, you've got the idea. Despite bumbling through and thinking mostly about herself, she manages to resolve all of the issues.
Lots of fun supporting characters (including the very hot King of the Vampires) in these books and each one has a little mini-story of its own. Not too much with the gore but there is sex (always a good thing) and some violence.
I liked these a lot and my friend, Chris, has the 5th book already. I can't wait to get a hold of it.
August 29, 2017
The fourth book! Christmas, a wedding is coming up, and a serial killer?
And yeah, I haven't read book 2 and 3 due to it being out of stock on Amazon. I still want to read those books, so I have got them ordered from Bookdepository (I gave up waiting on Amazon).
A lot of things seemingly happened between the first book and this book. It seems that Betsy went full-on evil (I so want to see that), she found a sister (who is apparently also supernatural, child of the devil), and she did a ton of other things. While I was a bit confused at times, I did get into the book just fine, sure, I had questions, but it didn't hinder my reading that much.
Betsy was once again a super girl, she was fun, hilarious, but boy, she needs to learn to talk a bit more with Sinclair. Not saying anything about THAT... may not have been the wisest move. Or the moving of the wedding date. Or the fact she just allowed a vampire guy who is interested in her in her home to stay for a while (gee, what did you think Sinclair, your lover and fiance would say of that). Or well the fact she allowed her life story to be written down... Yep, she makes some really bad decisions in this one. But I just couldn't help liking her. As she did a whole lot of good things. Like helping out ghosties (apparently our girl can now see and talk to ghosts), hunting for a serial killer (oh my), helping out one of the fiends who is now more human, writing columns for a vampire newsletter, and of course setting up a Christmas tree in a house with vampires (what could possibly go wrong?).
Plus her snark and the fact she will just sprout out anything without thinking. At times it was a bit too much (disrespectful), but mostly I was laughing a lot.
Sinclair however took a turn for the worse. He was super-insecure in this whole book. Being mean towards Betsy. Instead of just talking it over, or explaining things, no, no he had to do some hissy fits and days full of pouting. *sighs* I just wanted to smack him. She loves you, she wants you, she choose you. Yes, she makes some stupid decisions, but I would think you know this by now. And yes, that book says x, but really, with how things are going at the moment, don't you think you are overthinking this a bit too much? So yeah, hot, sexy, snarky Sinclair was replaced by grumpysinclairkins. Eventually things settled, and I did love how he always came to Betsy's rescue (even if she may not always like it).
The serial killer was a nice addition to the book, not saying that I approve of serial killers, but eh, you get what I mean. Well I hope. :P It was quite exciting, intriguing, and I was eager to see what Betsy (and her sister) would be doing to stop the serial killer.
I didn't always like the sister, she was quite nice at times, but I found her a bit too cocky, and I didn't like what she did near the end. I know you have issues, but hit a wall, or do something else. This isn't what you want. You are just endangering others now.
Jessica and her romance? He he, I was definitely not expecting it, but I have to say I had no problems with it. If anything I was delighted that Jessica would also finally have someone. :)
Of course, even with the fact that Sinclair was such a grumpysinclairkins, we still have some very steamy sex scenes.
The ending was great, though I am sure certain things that happened will be coming back in the next books. I can't wait!
All in all, I need more of this series. It is funny, sexy, a bit steamy at times, features fabulous characters, and much more.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
And yeah, I haven't read book 2 and 3 due to it being out of stock on Amazon. I still want to read those books, so I have got them ordered from Bookdepository (I gave up waiting on Amazon).
A lot of things seemingly happened between the first book and this book. It seems that Betsy went full-on evil (I so want to see that), she found a sister (who is apparently also supernatural, child of the devil), and she did a ton of other things. While I was a bit confused at times, I did get into the book just fine, sure, I had questions, but it didn't hinder my reading that much.
Betsy was once again a super girl, she was fun, hilarious, but boy, she needs to learn to talk a bit more with Sinclair. Not saying anything about THAT... may not have been the wisest move. Or the moving of the wedding date. Or the fact she just allowed a vampire guy who is interested in her in her home to stay for a while (gee, what did you think Sinclair, your lover and fiance would say of that). Or well the fact she allowed her life story to be written down... Yep, she makes some really bad decisions in this one. But I just couldn't help liking her. As she did a whole lot of good things. Like helping out ghosties (apparently our girl can now see and talk to ghosts), hunting for a serial killer (oh my), helping out one of the fiends who is now more human, writing columns for a vampire newsletter, and of course setting up a Christmas tree in a house with vampires (what could possibly go wrong?).
Plus her snark and the fact she will just sprout out anything without thinking. At times it was a bit too much (disrespectful), but mostly I was laughing a lot.
Sinclair however took a turn for the worse. He was super-insecure in this whole book. Being mean towards Betsy. Instead of just talking it over, or explaining things, no, no he had to do some hissy fits and days full of pouting. *sighs* I just wanted to smack him. She loves you, she wants you, she choose you. Yes, she makes some stupid decisions, but I would think you know this by now. And yes, that book says x, but really, with how things are going at the moment, don't you think you are overthinking this a bit too much? So yeah, hot, sexy, snarky Sinclair was replaced by grumpysinclairkins. Eventually things settled, and I did love how he always came to Betsy's rescue (even if she may not always like it).
The serial killer was a nice addition to the book, not saying that I approve of serial killers, but eh, you get what I mean. Well I hope. :P It was quite exciting, intriguing, and I was eager to see what Betsy (and her sister) would be doing to stop the serial killer.
I didn't always like the sister, she was quite nice at times, but I found her a bit too cocky, and I didn't like what she did near the end. I know you have issues, but hit a wall, or do something else. This isn't what you want. You are just endangering others now.
Jessica and her romance? He he, I was definitely not expecting it, but I have to say I had no problems with it. If anything I was delighted that Jessica would also finally have someone. :)
Of course, even with the fact that Sinclair was such a grumpysinclairkins, we still have some very steamy sex scenes.
The ending was great, though I am sure certain things that happened will be coming back in the next books. I can't wait!
All in all, I need more of this series. It is funny, sexy, a bit steamy at times, features fabulous characters, and much more.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 8, 2013
"Anni di vita a leggere Sposa Moderna urlarono inorriditi dentro di me, ma dannazione, non pensavo di avere tutti quei problemi."
Dopo un paio di letture deludenti che c'è di meglio che leggere un libro che sicuramente ti regalerà ore di lettura divertente e spensierata? Ancora una volta mi sono immersa nelle spassose avventure della regina Betsy con il suo affascinante re e tutti gli altri fantastici personaggi! Devo dire che ogni libro mi sembra più sottiletta del precedente e finisce davvero troppo presto, indi anche la storia procede a piccoli passetti (meno male che la pubblicazione va spedita!!) La trama è leggermente fuorviante, la faccenda del killer occupa davvero poco spazio e i suoi contatti con Betsy sono quasi inesistenti figuriamoci se la prende di mira xD I problemi non mancano comunque, la nascita del fratellastro, sua sorella che sembra improvvisamente tendere al lato oscuro, il ritorno di Jon e il matrimonio in allestimento! La nostra coppia di regnanti si sono finalmente dichiarati a vicenda ma i bisticci non mancano da questioni insignificanti come chi prenderà il cognome dell'altro a problemi più seri come lo scopo del misterioso viaggio in Francia di Sinclair e la rivelazione di Betsy della lettura del pensiero nei momenti di intimità (inutile dirlo, il riservato Sinclair NON la prenderà bene xD). Attendo il prossimo sperando di vedere finalmente questo matrimonio XD
Dopo un paio di letture deludenti che c'è di meglio che leggere un libro che sicuramente ti regalerà ore di lettura divertente e spensierata? Ancora una volta mi sono immersa nelle spassose avventure della regina Betsy con il suo affascinante re e tutti gli altri fantastici personaggi! Devo dire che ogni libro mi sembra più sottiletta del precedente e finisce davvero troppo presto, indi anche la storia procede a piccoli passetti (meno male che la pubblicazione va spedita!!) La trama è leggermente fuorviante, la faccenda del killer occupa davvero poco spazio e i suoi contatti con Betsy sono quasi inesistenti figuriamoci se la prende di mira xD I problemi non mancano comunque, la nascita del fratellastro, sua sorella che sembra improvvisamente tendere al lato oscuro, il ritorno di Jon e il matrimonio in allestimento! La nostra coppia di regnanti si sono finalmente dichiarati a vicenda ma i bisticci non mancano da questioni insignificanti come chi prenderà il cognome dell'altro a problemi più seri come lo scopo del misterioso viaggio in Francia di Sinclair e la rivelazione di Betsy della lettura del pensiero nei momenti di intimità (inutile dirlo, il riservato Sinclair NON la prenderà bene xD). Attendo il prossimo sperando di vedere finalmente questo matrimonio XD
July 5, 2016
3 Stars:
I got my copy from the local library and I could not believe how many error typo's are in this book. Some scenes were written so badly it was confusing. I could not tell who is speaking, or thinking. It was confusing. However, these books are hilarious!
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and physical, or signs of spot on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
I got my copy from the local library and I could not believe how many error typo's are in this book. Some scenes were written so badly it was confusing. I could not tell who is speaking, or thinking. It was confusing. However, these books are hilarious!
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and physical, or signs of spot on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
April 25, 2019
3.5 stars.
This light, fluffy series continues with Betsy planning a wedding to her reluctant fiancé, Eric, getting to know her half sister, Lauren, the daughter of the devil and attempting to solve a series of serial slayings for which she is the perfect target victim. Well somewhat more tightly plotted than the previous book in the series, this book still leaves some things to be desired in that department. It’s very much a continuation and slight advancement of stories from the previous books and doesn’t feel like it could stand as a separate tale of its own. Eric and Betsy do a series of fighting and making up scenes in this book, I honestly think if they’ve had one fight and had worked it out more slowly over the course of the novel the book would have been better for it. But this is still a fun series and it’s nice to see some of the secondary characters, like Jessica and Lauren, expand and show slightly different sides of their personalities. And the return of blade warrior John, still in love with Betsy and now working to write the story of her life, was a nice nod to the reader, especially the bit at the very end where the first book is referenced.
This light, fluffy series continues with Betsy planning a wedding to her reluctant fiancé, Eric, getting to know her half sister, Lauren, the daughter of the devil and attempting to solve a series of serial slayings for which she is the perfect target victim. Well somewhat more tightly plotted than the previous book in the series, this book still leaves some things to be desired in that department. It’s very much a continuation and slight advancement of stories from the previous books and doesn’t feel like it could stand as a separate tale of its own. Eric and Betsy do a series of fighting and making up scenes in this book, I honestly think if they’ve had one fight and had worked it out more slowly over the course of the novel the book would have been better for it. But this is still a fun series and it’s nice to see some of the secondary characters, like Jessica and Lauren, expand and show slightly different sides of their personalities. And the return of blade warrior John, still in love with Betsy and now working to write the story of her life, was a nice nod to the reader, especially the bit at the very end where the first book is referenced.
October 14, 2020
Like the other books this was a quick and fun read.
What I liked.
We got to see more of Laura. We also got a quick glance at her evil side.
The return of Jon.
The storyline of them finding the serial killer.
What I didn't like
Sinclair
What I liked.
We got to see more of Laura. We also got a quick glance at her evil side.
The return of Jon.
The storyline of them finding the serial killer.
What I didn't like
Sinclair
September 2, 2015
I really like this series. So light and airy a vampire story. Vampires are still homicidal (and evil some of the time). But never let it be said being "undead" stopped you from going to the sales. LOL!
July 30, 2017
Neat and sweet. Glad I have the next volume handy.
April 8, 2019
Rawr...Betsy drives me nuts, makes me laugh but annoys me so much. So I really don't know where I stand with regards of a rating. It's not a 2 more like 2.43 so not enough for ME to round it to 3 stars.
I'm going read the next book at some point because there is a story arc that seems promising, so Betsy you undead chicklet we will meet again but not anytime soon.
Also just set a Wedding date already.
I'm going read the next book at some point because there is a story arc that seems promising, so Betsy you undead chicklet we will meet again but not anytime soon.
Also just set a Wedding date already.
October 23, 2014
About the same as the others - a 2 star book that was helped a lot by Nancy Wu reading it. There's not a lot of story, reminds me of a soap opera, but it is kind of funny. Nothing remarkable, just the continuing saga...
December 28, 2017
Rating: 2.5/5
I do like that Betsy gives as much as she takes. I’d feel much better if it were a tad bit more effective, though, lol.
I do like that Betsy gives as much as she takes. I’d feel much better if it were a tad bit more effective, though, lol.
May 9, 2018
Hmm...this was a bit underwhelming. The second book raised my hope in the series but I'm probably having the same reaction as I did the first time I picked up the series, which is I'm losing interest. The book wasn't really interesting at all. The only time my interest was piqued was when George requested the colour red. However, I feel like these are the little things that hint at good things in the future but not really delivering. Whatever happened to the mystery of the gardener?
I can't really pin down the theme of this book. It felt like disparate parts strung together. None of them are really explored in depth. I think the blurb was misleading. The blurb included the serial killer plot when it doesn't really figure into it much. I feel like it was just one of the many events in the book. The events are the serial murders, Laura becoming devilish, Sinclair and Betsy fighting, Jon writing an autobiography, Betsy writing an advice column for new vampires, Betsy babysitting, Nick asking Jessica out, and Sinclair erasing Jon's memory.
Honestly, the book seems lost. I thought it found direction in the second book but the third and fourth book tells me otherwise. I feel like Betsy's personality mirrors the way she hops from job to job. It changes with every book and it undermines my confidence in the series. Instead of developing a voice with each new book, the book presents Betsy with a malleable personality.
The story revolves around Betsy. Apparently, she and Sinclair are having pre-wedding jitters, which involves fighting a lot. Some of the reasons include Jon, Betsy having the possibility of having a baby, Sinclair attending to vampire business without Betsy, Betsy being able to read Sinclair's mind during the act.
There is also the minor plot of the serial killer hunting down blondes. It was solved straightforwardly. Laura killed him and Betsy's concerned that she is turning to the dark side. Killing the serial killer gives Laura plausible deniability that she did the right thing but Betsy's concerned that Laura killed in the first place.
I can't really pin down the theme of this book. It felt like disparate parts strung together. None of them are really explored in depth. I think the blurb was misleading. The blurb included the serial killer plot when it doesn't really figure into it much. I feel like it was just one of the many events in the book. The events are the serial murders, Laura becoming devilish, Sinclair and Betsy fighting, Jon writing an autobiography, Betsy writing an advice column for new vampires, Betsy babysitting, Nick asking Jessica out, and Sinclair erasing Jon's memory.
Honestly, the book seems lost. I thought it found direction in the second book but the third and fourth book tells me otherwise. I feel like Betsy's personality mirrors the way she hops from job to job. It changes with every book and it undermines my confidence in the series. Instead of developing a voice with each new book, the book presents Betsy with a malleable personality.
The story revolves around Betsy. Apparently, she and Sinclair are having pre-wedding jitters, which involves fighting a lot. Some of the reasons include Jon, Betsy having the possibility of having a baby, Sinclair attending to vampire business without Betsy, Betsy being able to read Sinclair's mind during the act.
There is also the minor plot of the serial killer hunting down blondes. It was solved straightforwardly. Laura killed him and Betsy's concerned that she is turning to the dark side. Killing the serial killer gives Laura plausible deniability that she did the right thing but Betsy's concerned that Laura killed in the first place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
I'm 4 books into this series and I still can't decide if I like the main character or not. Bit of a deal breaker there to be honest. Betsy, the vampire queen, is selfish, conceited, whiny, manipulative, yet caring, desperately wants her friends and family around her and wants to be a good vampire queen at the same time. At times she is very likeable and yet at others, she irritates the living daylights out of me. She's supposed to be 30 years old (she's only been a vampire for a year), but she can behave like a 13 year old teenager having a hormonal strop!
Not a great deal happened in this book. Betsy and Sinclair are still planning their wedding, which he has no interest in doing. Her stepmother has had the baby called Jon. A different Jon has moved in with Betsy and co - he thinks he is in love with her, so why would she invite him to move in with her and her fiancé! Beats me. And why was there a need for 3 characters called John/Jon? Surely there's other names that could be used! Oh and there was a serial killer on the loose abducting and killing blonder haired women. I really thought this would be a major part of the story but it garnered just a short few chapters towards the end! And Laura seems to be showing more of her real mother's side in this one!
Overall it was a pleasant enough read and I will probably read the next few books as I have already bought them, but this series is not yet in my favourites!
Not a great deal happened in this book. Betsy and Sinclair are still planning their wedding, which he has no interest in doing. Her stepmother has had the baby called Jon. A different Jon has moved in with Betsy and co - he thinks he is in love with her, so why would she invite him to move in with her and her fiancé! Beats me. And why was there a need for 3 characters called John/Jon? Surely there's other names that could be used! Oh and there was a serial killer on the loose abducting and killing blonder haired women. I really thought this would be a major part of the story but it garnered just a short few chapters towards the end! And Laura seems to be showing more of her real mother's side in this one!
Overall it was a pleasant enough read and I will probably read the next few books as I have already bought them, but this series is not yet in my favourites!
August 8, 2021
I still think Betsy is hilarious, and will continue on with the series, but now it's starting to feel episodic like I'm reading the script to a sitcom instead of reading what should feel like a complete novel.
If you haven't read this book, you must start at the beginning with book 1. This is the very definition of a series.
Now to my thoughts of what did happen in this book: I understand Betsy wanting to have a relationship with her sister, but I don't understand why everyone wasn't on high alert with Laura considering The Book Of the Dead predicted certain things and it's been said that it never lies. So Laura was supposed to be the exception?
Speaking of giving people the benefit of the doubt, why didn't anyone, outside of Sinclair, have any objections to John moving in. That whole thing seemed suspicious, including his behavior. Nothing of note has happened yet, but I feel like something on is the horizon that will bite them all in the ass.
If you haven't read this book, you must start at the beginning with book 1. This is the very definition of a series.
Now to my thoughts of what did happen in this book: I understand Betsy wanting to have a relationship with her sister, but I don't understand why everyone wasn't on high alert with Laura considering The Book Of the Dead predicted certain things and it's been said that it never lies. So Laura was supposed to be the exception?
Speaking of giving people the benefit of the doubt, why didn't anyone, outside of Sinclair, have any objections to John moving in. That whole thing seemed suspicious, including his behavior. Nothing of note has happened yet, but I feel like something on is the horizon that will bite them all in the ass.
July 13, 2018
Love it!
June 28, 2021
I mean 3 1/2 stars because I like the characters.
November 15, 2019
Love this series!
October 18, 2016
Betsy is getting married and nothing will stand in her way. There are things that are trying to intrude. Like a recently murdered ghost who want help in stopping her killer. Does Betsy do the smart thing about the killer. Of course not and poor Eric her intended groom is beside himself. This series is great fun. The audio book reader puts just the right tone of voice into her reading.
January 25, 2018
This didn't have the same action as the previous books but it was just as funny. I feel like maybe it was a setup for the next storyline. I want to hear George talk again!
July 22, 2016
The fourth book of the Queen Betsy series is where the series settles down into the episodic status quo which will be maintained for a good number of years. Eventually, Mary Janice Davidson will disrupt this status quo with some dramatic events that will polarize her fanbase. Here, however, it's just the comfortable Addams Family-esque world of the adult Buffy and her oddball collection of friends.
A good idea of how the Queen Betsy books work can be explained with this book as an example. There's a serial killed loose in Minneapolis and it's not Betsy's problem. The Driveway Killer is on the loose, targeting blonde leggy women who fit Betsy's profile. This in no way impacts Betsy's life or concern until a victim's ghost physically inserts herself into Betsy's life and demands she solve the murder. Even then, Betsy forgets about it like three times.
To liken the books to a television show, it's best to think of them as a supernatural Seinfeld. They're the vampire series about nothing. Events happen but the Betsy characters generally try to avoid actual plot as much as (in)humanly possible. To give you a sense of Betsy's priorities, the Driveway Killer being stopped ranks below her starting a literal advice column where she makes up the letters to her. Also, a (former) vampire hunter writing her biography which he can't publish.
While Queen Betsy works entirely well as a slice-of-life comedy and romance, I also think it functions as a parody of the typical urban fantasy drama out there. In Anita Blake or other works, the serial killer is a pulse-pounding, nerve wracking drama which inevitably is revealed to be some sort of supernatural character which only our heroine can stop. Here, the Driveway Killer is a pathetic manchild with women issues. You know, like actual serial killers tend to be. It's little details like this which keep the books fresh and interesting.
I love the relationship between Betsy and her sister Laura here, which gets developed in the not-hunt for the Driveway Killer. Betsy assumes Laura is the sweet and church-going better sister of the family but, in fact, Laura has a temper the size of Hell. It lays an interesting groundwork for future stories where Betsy has to reign her in and prevent her from lashing out with all of that repressed fundamentalist rage.
There's actually a fairly terrifying scene where Laura almost kills Betsy, or would if not for the fact she's the Queen of the Vampires and immune to being staked through the heart by a demon sword. It's not quite up there with Betsy getting into a fist-fight with Satanic Lena Olin but it's one of the more surprising moments of the series.
Oops.
This book also marks a permanent change in the relationship between Betsy and Sinclair, moving them from King and Queen in name only to something more permanent. I really like the relationship between these two as the irreverent Betsy makes a good contrast to the more traditional vampire Sinclair. The back and forth between the two could have been dragged out indefinitely but while I didn't much care for their fight over telepathy (she has it, he doesn't), I felt the change at the end of the book really worked.
What makes Sinclair and Betsy's relationship work so well? I think it has to do with the fact they're both flawed people who play off each other well but also compromise a lot. In a lot of paranormal romance, the male is either idealized perfect or controlling. Sinclair is constantly learning to give up control as a vampire but unafraid to apologize when he's being a dick. Well, eventually unafraid to apologize. Likewise, he does have feelings which Betsy often hurts by her unfamiliarity with vampirism.
In conclusion, Undead and Unreturnable is a fun book and another great installment in a stand-out series of comedic hi-jinks. Nothing really happens much in this boo but that's kind of the point. While not quite as enjoyable as Undead and Unwed, I still had a lot of fun with this book and think you will too.
8/10
A good idea of how the Queen Betsy books work can be explained with this book as an example. There's a serial killed loose in Minneapolis and it's not Betsy's problem. The Driveway Killer is on the loose, targeting blonde leggy women who fit Betsy's profile. This in no way impacts Betsy's life or concern until a victim's ghost physically inserts herself into Betsy's life and demands she solve the murder. Even then, Betsy forgets about it like three times.
To liken the books to a television show, it's best to think of them as a supernatural Seinfeld. They're the vampire series about nothing. Events happen but the Betsy characters generally try to avoid actual plot as much as (in)humanly possible. To give you a sense of Betsy's priorities, the Driveway Killer being stopped ranks below her starting a literal advice column where she makes up the letters to her. Also, a (former) vampire hunter writing her biography which he can't publish.
While Queen Betsy works entirely well as a slice-of-life comedy and romance, I also think it functions as a parody of the typical urban fantasy drama out there. In Anita Blake or other works, the serial killer is a pulse-pounding, nerve wracking drama which inevitably is revealed to be some sort of supernatural character which only our heroine can stop. Here, the Driveway Killer is a pathetic manchild with women issues. You know, like actual serial killers tend to be. It's little details like this which keep the books fresh and interesting.
I love the relationship between Betsy and her sister Laura here, which gets developed in the not-hunt for the Driveway Killer. Betsy assumes Laura is the sweet and church-going better sister of the family but, in fact, Laura has a temper the size of Hell. It lays an interesting groundwork for future stories where Betsy has to reign her in and prevent her from lashing out with all of that repressed fundamentalist rage.
There's actually a fairly terrifying scene where Laura almost kills Betsy, or would if not for the fact she's the Queen of the Vampires and immune to being staked through the heart by a demon sword. It's not quite up there with Betsy getting into a fist-fight with Satanic Lena Olin but it's one of the more surprising moments of the series.
Oops.
This book also marks a permanent change in the relationship between Betsy and Sinclair, moving them from King and Queen in name only to something more permanent. I really like the relationship between these two as the irreverent Betsy makes a good contrast to the more traditional vampire Sinclair. The back and forth between the two could have been dragged out indefinitely but while I didn't much care for their fight over telepathy (she has it, he doesn't), I felt the change at the end of the book really worked.
What makes Sinclair and Betsy's relationship work so well? I think it has to do with the fact they're both flawed people who play off each other well but also compromise a lot. In a lot of paranormal romance, the male is either idealized perfect or controlling. Sinclair is constantly learning to give up control as a vampire but unafraid to apologize when he's being a dick. Well, eventually unafraid to apologize. Likewise, he does have feelings which Betsy often hurts by her unfamiliarity with vampirism.
In conclusion, Undead and Unreturnable is a fun book and another great installment in a stand-out series of comedic hi-jinks. Nothing really happens much in this boo but that's kind of the point. While not quite as enjoyable as Undead and Unwed, I still had a lot of fun with this book and think you will too.
8/10
October 16, 2010
While Eric Sinclair considered them consorts and not in need of a wedding ceremony, Elizabeth (Betsy) Taylor had always dreamed of her wedding day. She was having a wedding, she was the Queen Vampire and no one was going to stand in her way of having that dream wedding. Not her new born baby brother, not the growing friendship with her half sister (the devil’s spawn), not the vampire fiend living in the basement, not the human serial killer, not the new ghost checking out all of her shoes, and definitely not her intended groom. Everything seemed to be working against this wedding that she had already rescheduled, more than once, but with determination she would succeed. The solution to some of the obstacles might be finding and helping her cop friend catch the “Driveway Killer”
Book 4 ….. Another humorous break from the seriousness of most paranormal romance novels. This one went really fast, I was almost surprised to find myself done. As always, Queen Betsy is the Shop-aholic shoe aficionado with a strange twist of her own on being a vampire. I really enjoyed George’s contributions (the vampire fiend in the basement). Entertainment value is there, as always I liked the laughs, there wasn’t really a clear main story to this book. Format reminded me of a soap opera, bouncing from one story line to another with little bits of overlap and some cross over between them. Haven’t decided if this kind of mix works for me, so I guess I will have to read the next one (Undead and Unpopular) to try and figure it out.
Book 4 ….. Another humorous break from the seriousness of most paranormal romance novels. This one went really fast, I was almost surprised to find myself done. As always, Queen Betsy is the Shop-aholic shoe aficionado with a strange twist of her own on being a vampire. I really enjoyed George’s contributions (the vampire fiend in the basement). Entertainment value is there, as always I liked the laughs, there wasn’t really a clear main story to this book. Format reminded me of a soap opera, bouncing from one story line to another with little bits of overlap and some cross over between them. Haven’t decided if this kind of mix works for me, so I guess I will have to read the next one (Undead and Unpopular) to try and figure it out.
August 9, 2011
Still in love :P
I thought that as I read this series that I might end up losing interest. So many series start off amazing and then turn blah. While there's nothing earth-shattering about Betsy's story, it's still a fun, light read. New problems arised between all people around and yet again there's a killer on the loose. Part of me wonders why there are so many freaks and sociopaths running around in Betsy's world, but I'll let it go because I love this series. It's still hilarious.
I absolutely adore Betsy and Sinclair together still. I felt like what the book lacked in plot/action it made up for in character devolopment. The two had a nasty fight. It was good because who likes to read a book where they are in happily ever after the whole time. It's not interesting and most importantly it's not realistic. There were some parts where I thought that Sinclair was acting terribly douchtastic. However when he explained himself, I was able to understand more. I still thought he overreacted a bit, but I get his point.
Going to reserve the next book! Hopefully there is more George the fiend. I missed him in this book, but I have a feeling something big's gonna happen to him in the coming books. Can't wait to see what crap befalls Betsy in the next book....
I thought that as I read this series that I might end up losing interest. So many series start off amazing and then turn blah. While there's nothing earth-shattering about Betsy's story, it's still a fun, light read. New problems arised between all people around and yet again there's a killer on the loose. Part of me wonders why there are so many freaks and sociopaths running around in Betsy's world, but I'll let it go because I love this series. It's still hilarious.
I absolutely adore Betsy and Sinclair together still. I felt like what the book lacked in plot/action it made up for in character devolopment. The two had a nasty fight. It was good because who likes to read a book where they are in happily ever after the whole time. It's not interesting and most importantly it's not realistic. There were some parts where I thought that Sinclair was acting terribly douchtastic. However when he explained himself, I was able to understand more. I still thought he overreacted a bit, but I get his point.
Going to reserve the next book! Hopefully there is more George the fiend. I missed him in this book, but I have a feeling something big's gonna happen to him in the coming books. Can't wait to see what crap befalls Betsy in the next book....
January 30, 2012
what can you say about a vampire queen whose loyalty can be bought by designer shoes?
this book was a disappointment of sorts for me. i mean, dont get me wrong...i am absolutely in l o v e with this series. but it's possible that after finishing the last book with all of the new action and romance i built up too much suspense for myself waiting for this book to arrive for me. and although it was a good read (finished it in a day, i'm proud to say) it was a surprising bump in the series.
this book was a new experience for me. never have i found a book in this series that i have been able to willingly put down. there were some parts of the prevous books that made me feel like i couldn't put it down to save a life. and this one...well, let's just say that there weren't any feelings of that sort around here.
but who am i to judge, maybe (cross my fingers) maryjanice davidson is holding back for something. maybe (fingers still crossed) this book was lacking because the next book is going to be so outrageously tremendous that she didn't want to overwhelm us. heh.
either way, it could have been better. like i said before, it didn't suck...not in the least bit. but here's to hoping that the next book will be delightful, and dare i say more interesting?
this book was a disappointment of sorts for me. i mean, dont get me wrong...i am absolutely in l o v e with this series. but it's possible that after finishing the last book with all of the new action and romance i built up too much suspense for myself waiting for this book to arrive for me. and although it was a good read (finished it in a day, i'm proud to say) it was a surprising bump in the series.
this book was a new experience for me. never have i found a book in this series that i have been able to willingly put down. there were some parts of the prevous books that made me feel like i couldn't put it down to save a life. and this one...well, let's just say that there weren't any feelings of that sort around here.
but who am i to judge, maybe (cross my fingers) maryjanice davidson is holding back for something. maybe (fingers still crossed) this book was lacking because the next book is going to be so outrageously tremendous that she didn't want to overwhelm us. heh.
either way, it could have been better. like i said before, it didn't suck...not in the least bit. but here's to hoping that the next book will be delightful, and dare i say more interesting?
November 8, 2012
As Christmas approaches, Betsy has more on her mind than Queenly duties. There's still shopping to be done, a Christmas tree to put up in Jessica's house (to the horror of the vamps that reside there!) and her new baby step-brother. There's also a wedding to plan (she keeps pushing back the date she'll make it official with Sinclair), the matter of former-Bee Jon wanting to write her life's story for a college class, the reappearnce of vampire librarian Marjorie who wants her to write a column for the new vamp-based newsletter, and that god-awful Book of the Dead.
Add to that some other problems--there's a murderer called the Driveway Killer loose in Minneapolis, Sinclair isn't too happy about finding out that Betsy can hear his thoughts during their "intimate" moments, and Jessica is dating Detective Nick--and you have another comedy of errors starring the Queen of the Vampires.
This book is typical MaryJanice Davidson; funny, sarcastic, and full of snarky dialogue. Add to that Eric Sinclair's delicious "metrosexuality", and it's another winner.
Add to that some other problems--there's a murderer called the Driveway Killer loose in Minneapolis, Sinclair isn't too happy about finding out that Betsy can hear his thoughts during their "intimate" moments, and Jessica is dating Detective Nick--and you have another comedy of errors starring the Queen of the Vampires.
This book is typical MaryJanice Davidson; funny, sarcastic, and full of snarky dialogue. Add to that Eric Sinclair's delicious "metrosexuality", and it's another winner.
June 8, 2010
Some people criticized Undead and Unreturnable because it didn't really have a strong plot (if the other books had more, I must have missed it somehow), but considering how many times I laughed out loud (well, really, it was more like barking—what with the sinus infection and all), it just wasn't a big issue for me. These books just make me smile, and sometimes that's enough. Which isn't to say there isn't any meaningful content to them, of course.
And absolutely, hands down, the best line of the book was Eric's response to Betsy about choosing wedding flowers: "Darling, I have a penis. Ergo I have no preferences." I think I hurt myself laughing at that one . . . he sounds just like my husband. Aside from the part where he's an extremely gorgeous vampire, that is. :-D 8/10
And absolutely, hands down, the best line of the book was Eric's response to Betsy about choosing wedding flowers: "Darling, I have a penis. Ergo I have no preferences." I think I hurt myself laughing at that one . . . he sounds just like my husband. Aside from the part where he's an extremely gorgeous vampire, that is. :-D 8/10
January 27, 2010
I was really excited when I read the back of the book and found out Betsey would be tracking down a serial killer, but was extremely disappointed with the book as a whole. It spent minimal time on the actual serial killer plot line and just dragged on and on. I usually listen to books on tape when I travel and it was very difficult for me to say interested in the book even though I didn't even have to put the effort into reading the words off the page. And when the book did finally get around to revealing the killer I was very vauge to why the killer was doing it. Overall I was very disappointed in the book and wish more of the book was devoted to the serial killer plot rather than the day to day going on's of Betsey's life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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