An unexpected treasure.

I picked up _Undead and Unemployed_ while visiting my parents. I had no idea what it would be like, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

The main character, Elizabeth Taylor, is vain, self-centered and annoying, but also believable as a character. I actually have met people who can take one look at a person and know the brand name of their clothes, and whom will also keep track of the shoe market better than the people who actually sell shoes for a living. It is interesting to see how someone who has led a very sheltered and fashion-centered life reacts when thrown into a situation where bigger things are at stake. Underneath all the vanity, Betsy has a heart of gold which makes her endearing to the reader.

The secondary characters are also quite interesting, including Jessica, Tina, Sinclair, Marc, the priest, Jon, and a number of others. While some of them (particularly Eric Sinclair) are pretty annoying for most of the book, the dialog and interactions are well-written and humorous. And even the annoying characters have their good traits.

There are also some interesting plotlines going on in the background. For example, Betsy has some abilities that are far beyond what most vampires can do. Whether this is because she is the foretold queen of the vampires, or because of something special about Betsy, or both, is an intriguing question. Hopefully that will be explained in later books. Equally intriguing is what other surprises are in her new house, what will eventually become of the Fiends,and who will win the battle of wills between her and Eric Sinclair?

I also have to commend MaryJanice Davidson for her excellent eye for detail! Betsy doesn't just work at a mall, she works at the Mall of America and Davidson even describes the parking lots. Clothes, hairdo and overall appearance aren't just "nice" or "striking", they are described by brand (Prada, Armani, etc.) and in such detail that I can almost literally see the person. Other small details (such as the hazards of setting down a water pitcher in a house full of antiques) are also included.

The reasons I gave this book four stars instead of five are:
- I wish the book were longer.
- I wish Betsy would clue in to things just a BIT faster (like with Marie, and also with Monique).
- It's mildly unbelievable that none of the other characters would figure out the (very obvious) pattern to the vampire slayings before Betsy stumbled onto it.

But all in all, a very enjoyable book. I am looking forward to reading the first in the series, and also the third (which I see will be released July 5th).

Funny... but sinfully hot!

I love all the characters... especially Sinclair (for the obvious reasons). This book a fun and easy read. I read it in a matter of hours because it was just too good to put down. I look forward to the upcoming books in this series. It should be interesting to see what happens to Betsy next.

A funny, quick vampire read

The 2nd in the Undead series...Betsy returns as the flightly, shoe-obsessed 'Queen'. Still somewhat oblivious to vampire politics, still upset with Eric (her new King), and well, still just Betsy. She's funny, sexy, and playing the games her way. Deciding that she needs to work again, she lands a job at Macy's in the shoe department. However, vampire issues quickly interfere. She's dealing with Eric, a group of vampire slayers, and visiting vampires - all there to meet her, the new Queen. MJD again delivers a funny, sassy story.