Bless Your Heart
by Lindy Ryan
Summary
Rise and shine. The Evans women have some undead to kill.
It’s 1999 in Southeast Texas, and the Evans women, owners of the only funeral parlor in town, are keeping steady with…normal business. The dead die, you bury them. End of story. That’s how Ducey Evans has done it for the last eighty years, and her progeny―Lenore the experimenter and Grace, Lenore’s soft-hearted daughter- have run Evans Funeral Parlor for the last fifteen years without drama. Ever since That Godawful Mess that left two bodies in the ground and Grace raising her infant daughter Luna, alone.
But when town gossip Mina Jean Murphy’s body is brought in for a regular burial and she rises from the dead instead, it’s clear that the Strigoi―the original vampire―are back. And the Evans women are the ones who need to fight back to protect their town.
As more folks in town turn up dead and Deputy Roger Taylor begins asking way too many questions, Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and now Luna, must take up their blades and figure out who is behind the Strigoi’s return. As the saying goes, what rises up, must go back down. But as unspoken secrets and revelations spill from the past into the present, the Evans family must face that sometimes, the dead aren’t the only things you want to keep buried.
A crackling mystery-horror novel with big-hearted characters and Southern charm with a bite, Bless Your Heart is a gasp-worthy delight from start to finish.
My Review
This was my first time reading this author, and I had such a good time with these vampire-hunting women. The cute illustrated cover might make you expect something light, but this story definitely leans into horror. There is blood, gore, and tension, though nothing overly graphic, so I would describe it as cozy horror rather than a fluffy tale with friendly vampires.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. She gave each character a distinct voice and added so much personality to the story. There is some language, but overall, the tone stays very clean. Also to note, there is a gay side character and feminist comments included.
The writing felt polished, vivid, and thoughtfully crafted. The blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and suspense worked really well, creating a tone that stays on the lighter side of horror while still delivering intensity when needed.
I loved the Southern charm and small-town atmosphere. The focus on community made the setting feel warm and inviting. Although I picked this up in October because of the vampire theme, the story actually takes place in late August. It would be perfect for anyone looking for a Summerween read.
The generational family business was one of my favorite parts. The women who run the town funeral parlor while secretly serving as vampire hunters made the story feel fresh and fun. I enjoyed their family dynamics and the way the mystery builds in the first half as more strange events unfold in town. The second half offers action, surprises, and a few twists I truly did not see coming. The references to the 90s and the playful pop culture nods added an extra layer of charm.
Overall, this is a fun and lighter vampire tale that still delivers plenty of excitement. It is the first book in a series, and I am already looking forward to the sequel and to exploring more from this author. Definitely recommend!!