by Vivian Shaw

Orbit, out July 26

Following the successful rejuvenation of her Harley Street surgery, Greta Van Helsing, esteemed doctor to the undead, is invited to present a paper at a Paris conference on the treatment of barrow wights (it’s a big deal, I assure you). However, though it promises only to be an opportunity to compare notes with fellow monster medical professionals, theory must be put into practice when a coven of Anne-Rice-devotee vampires ensnares her in their melodramatic quest for vengeance.

The sequel to Strange Practice extends the deftly woven world of supernatural creatures living quietly in the modern day, and tackles almost academically the ingenious tactics the monster of today must employ to remain below the radar. In Dreadful Company, supernatural creatures are no mere stereotypes (often regarding such conventions as distasteful and downright insulting), and are presented so realistically that the reader may catch themselves seriously pondering whether their night shift working neighbour is actually a lunar sensitive vampyre. Shaw’s medical musings on the physiology of species of the undead alone would make a fascinating read, regardless of the seamless plot and complex, yet loveable characters.

Verdict: A breath of fresh air in the often angsty, clichéd genre of undead mysteries, Dreadful Company is a vibrant, heart-racing romp through the supernatural underworld, penned with gorgeous wit and startling self-awareness. 9/10

Sophie Simpson