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Mina and the Undead
NEW ORLEANS FANG FEST, 1995. MINA'S HAVING A SUMMER TO DIE FOR.
17-year-old Mina, from England, arrives in New Orleans to visit her estranged sister, Libby. After growing up in Whitby, the town that inspired Dracula, Mina loves nothing more than a creepy horror movie.
She can't wait to explore the city's darkest secrets - vampire tours, seedy bars, spooky cemeteries, disturbing local myths...
And it gets even better when Mina lands a part-time job at a horror movie mansion and meets Jared, Libby's gorgeous housemate, co-worker and fellow horror enthusiast.
But the perfect summer bliss is broken when, while exploring the mansion, Mina stumbles upon the body of a girl with puncture marks on her neck, clutching a lock of hair that suspiciously resembles Libby's...
Someone is replicating New Orleans' most brutal supernatural killings. Mina must discover the truth and prove her sister's innocence before she becomes the victim of another myth.
17-year-old Mina, from England, arrives in New Orleans to visit her estranged sister, Libby. After growing up in Whitby, the town that inspired Dracula, Mina loves nothing more than a creepy horror movie.
She can't wait to explore the city's darkest secrets - vampire tours, seedy bars, spooky cemeteries, disturbing local myths...
And it gets even better when Mina lands a part-time job at a horror movie mansion and meets Jared, Libby's gorgeous housemate, co-worker and fellow horror enthusiast.
But the perfect summer bliss is broken when, while exploring the mansion, Mina stumbles upon the body of a girl with puncture marks on her neck, clutching a lock of hair that suspiciously resembles Libby's...
Someone is replicating New Orleans' most brutal supernatural killings. Mina must discover the truth and prove her sister's innocence before she becomes the victim of another myth.
294 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
53 people are currently reading
10706 people want to read
About the author
Amy McCaw
6 books279 followersAmy McCaw is a YA writer and BookTuber. She's the author of the 'Mina and the Undead' series, a YA murder mystery set in 1995 New Orleans. She also curated 'A Taste of Darkness' YA horror anthology.
Her main interests are books, movies and the macabre, and her debut novel has elements of all of these. If Amy's not at a book event or reading, she can usually be found scribbling away in her writing room, surrounded by movie memorabilia and an out-of-control signed books collection. Unsurprisingly, she's a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and has gone to conventions to meet James Marsters more times than she cares to admit.
Amy also loves travelling and has a particular affinity for America. She's visited 29 states, 13 Man Vs Food restaurants and many bookish locations, including the cities where Twilight, Interview with a Vampire and Vampire Diaries were set.
If you want to talk with Amy about books or 90s movies, you can find her on Twitter.
Her main interests are books, movies and the macabre, and her debut novel has elements of all of these. If Amy's not at a book event or reading, she can usually be found scribbling away in her writing room, surrounded by movie memorabilia and an out-of-control signed books collection. Unsurprisingly, she's a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and has gone to conventions to meet James Marsters more times than she cares to admit.
Amy also loves travelling and has a particular affinity for America. She's visited 29 states, 13 Man Vs Food restaurants and many bookish locations, including the cities where Twilight, Interview with a Vampire and Vampire Diaries were set.
If you want to talk with Amy about books or 90s movies, you can find her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
September 21, 2022
**3.5-stars rounded up **
🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇
Shortly after arriving in New Orleans, 17-year old, Mina, can already tell it will be a summer she'll never forget.
She'll be staying in the city for a few months to visit her estranged sister, Libby, who moved from their hometown, Whitby, in England, to New Orleans the prior year.
After their mother abandoned them, Mina and Libby went to live with their Aunt, who remained emotionally distant from the girls. When Libby left as well, Mina felt completely alone.
Mina is hoping that this summer with give the two of them a chance to talk about everything that's happened and repair their relationship. After all, sisters are for life.
Their first stop is the Horror Mansion at which Libby works. The good news is, Libby has gotten Mina a chance to audition for a job there as well.
Fairly quickly after that, Mina is introduced to all of the people in her sister's new life. Her girlfriend, Della, roommates, Jared and Lucas and her boss, Thandie.
At the conclusion of her audition for a position in the interactive walking tour of the Horror Mansion, Mina tries to find the girl she is supposed to hand her costume off to.
Ascending into the attic, Mina discovers the girl's mutilated body. She screams at the horrific sight, as you would, and chaos ensues.
When Libby becomes a suspect for that murder and others, Mina teams up with her new crush, Jared, to try to clear her sister's name.
The two discover a dark underworld around them that ties to some of New Orleans oldest and most frightening legends.
This was such a fun, nostalgic treat for my horror-loving heart! The vibe is campy, teenage horror, like Buffy, or The Lost Boys.
I live for that kind of story, as it takes me back to a time when life was simple, hair was big and vampires were real.
This story is full of classic horror tropes and 90s-pop culture. If you are looking for a light, easy, nostalgic read, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
While it's not a perfect story, I think if you are in the right head space, it can be a hell of a good time. It certainly was for me!!
So, grab your butterfly clips, your VHS tapes, your wooden stakes and pick up a copy today.
I am really excited to see what Amy McCaw comes up with next. This is a super solid debut!!
🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤🦇
Shortly after arriving in New Orleans, 17-year old, Mina, can already tell it will be a summer she'll never forget.
She'll be staying in the city for a few months to visit her estranged sister, Libby, who moved from their hometown, Whitby, in England, to New Orleans the prior year.
After their mother abandoned them, Mina and Libby went to live with their Aunt, who remained emotionally distant from the girls. When Libby left as well, Mina felt completely alone.
Mina is hoping that this summer with give the two of them a chance to talk about everything that's happened and repair their relationship. After all, sisters are for life.
Their first stop is the Horror Mansion at which Libby works. The good news is, Libby has gotten Mina a chance to audition for a job there as well.
Fairly quickly after that, Mina is introduced to all of the people in her sister's new life. Her girlfriend, Della, roommates, Jared and Lucas and her boss, Thandie.
At the conclusion of her audition for a position in the interactive walking tour of the Horror Mansion, Mina tries to find the girl she is supposed to hand her costume off to.
Ascending into the attic, Mina discovers the girl's mutilated body. She screams at the horrific sight, as you would, and chaos ensues.
When Libby becomes a suspect for that murder and others, Mina teams up with her new crush, Jared, to try to clear her sister's name.
The two discover a dark underworld around them that ties to some of New Orleans oldest and most frightening legends.
This was such a fun, nostalgic treat for my horror-loving heart! The vibe is campy, teenage horror, like Buffy, or The Lost Boys.
I live for that kind of story, as it takes me back to a time when life was simple, hair was big and vampires were real.
This story is full of classic horror tropes and 90s-pop culture. If you are looking for a light, easy, nostalgic read, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
While it's not a perfect story, I think if you are in the right head space, it can be a hell of a good time. It certainly was for me!!
So, grab your butterfly clips, your VHS tapes, your wooden stakes and pick up a copy today.
I am really excited to see what Amy McCaw comes up with next. This is a super solid debut!!
March 19, 2021
4.5 stars! This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved every moment. A book that is so reminiscent of that old school ya we all adore.
The most perfect gothic horror in young adult I’ve read for a long time. A pleasant mix of mystery, gore and vampy vibes.
In this story we follow seventeen year old Mina who visits her estranged sister Libby in New Orleans where she is attending university after their mother suddenly disappeared, leaving them behind. Mina plans to spend the summer exploring all the famous parts of a city known for its myths and legends of vampires and killers, whilst also mending her relationship with her sister. After securing a job at her sisters work place; the Mansion of Macabre where her sisters very attractive roommate Jared also works, things are about to take an unexpected turn. When a body is discovered with fang marks in their neck and a fist full of hair suspiciously similar to her sisters, Mina ends up on a journey to track down a killer that has a more direct link to her than she thinks. Everything she knows to be true about the world is about to change. Family secrets, murder, sisterly relationships and romance all weave together to create a thrilling story with a unique take on vampires that is filled with gore and plot twists.
Crafted in a way that weaves those famous vampire tales of New Orleans and its history into a compelling murder mystery style story, you will not want to miss this. 90’s pop culture references and an atmospheric setting will make you blood thirsty for more.
A delicious gothic tale to sink your teeth into! 🪦🦇🔪🥀🧛🏻
The most perfect gothic horror in young adult I’ve read for a long time. A pleasant mix of mystery, gore and vampy vibes.
In this story we follow seventeen year old Mina who visits her estranged sister Libby in New Orleans where she is attending university after their mother suddenly disappeared, leaving them behind. Mina plans to spend the summer exploring all the famous parts of a city known for its myths and legends of vampires and killers, whilst also mending her relationship with her sister. After securing a job at her sisters work place; the Mansion of Macabre where her sisters very attractive roommate Jared also works, things are about to take an unexpected turn. When a body is discovered with fang marks in their neck and a fist full of hair suspiciously similar to her sisters, Mina ends up on a journey to track down a killer that has a more direct link to her than she thinks. Everything she knows to be true about the world is about to change. Family secrets, murder, sisterly relationships and romance all weave together to create a thrilling story with a unique take on vampires that is filled with gore and plot twists.
Crafted in a way that weaves those famous vampire tales of New Orleans and its history into a compelling murder mystery style story, you will not want to miss this. 90’s pop culture references and an atmospheric setting will make you blood thirsty for more.
A delicious gothic tale to sink your teeth into! 🪦🦇🔪🥀🧛🏻
March 28, 2021
A very exciting and non-stop journey of a book that transports us to New Orleans in the 90s for a gripping and gruesome story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of this book. People are dying in the same way that victims died in the past from famous New Orleans serial killers, and our protagonist is brand new to the country as she is visiting her sister. Her feelings of being far away from home really added to the atmosphere, as at times when she felt lost, I felt lost, when she felt afraid, I felt afraid.
Very nicely written and the chapters kept the plot moving forward to come to some exciting moments in the third act. I had no idea where the story was going to take us but it is a journey that is memorable and fun to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of this book. People are dying in the same way that victims died in the past from famous New Orleans serial killers, and our protagonist is brand new to the country as she is visiting her sister. Her feelings of being far away from home really added to the atmosphere, as at times when she felt lost, I felt lost, when she felt afraid, I felt afraid.
Very nicely written and the chapters kept the plot moving forward to come to some exciting moments in the third act. I had no idea where the story was going to take us but it is a journey that is memorable and fun to read.
March 24, 2024
I freaking loved this. I don't read much YA anymore but horrors and thrillers always hit the spot.
I loved everything about this, the characters, the atmosphere, the writing, the pop culture references, the throw back that this book gave me to the mid 90s. I just adored it. I cannot wait to continue with this series.
I loved everything about this, the characters, the atmosphere, the writing, the pop culture references, the throw back that this book gave me to the mid 90s. I just adored it. I cannot wait to continue with this series.
July 4, 2021
I can’t say I have read a lot of YA books but Amy McCaw has convinced me that I’m missing out with her debut novel, Mina and the Undead.
Following a seventeen-year-old girl (Mina) who grew up in Whitby (a coastal town in England where Draculas’ ship crashes in the 1897 Stoker novel) but is relocating to New Orleans for the summer to stay with her older sister. The pair share a tragic past, with an absent father and a mother who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. What promises to be a fun visit and a chance for the two to reconnect soon devolves into a murder mystery with a decidedly supernatural bent.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about Mina and the Undead, not least the numerous 80s and 90s horror references set throughout the novel. The story is set in the early 90s and Mina’s older sister works in a movie inspired haunted house attraction, with rooms dedicated to Pennywise, Freddy Kruger and Leatherface. I was absolutely in my element with all these fun nods to ‘my’ horror classics and as someone who grew up in the 1990s, I got a big kick out of them. Having said that, many of the references are broad enough so that the target audience of the book will hardly be lost.
By far the biggest touchstone, however, is the novels of Anne Rice. The books get a lot of mentions (as does the 1994 Interview With A Vampire movie, which would have been around one year old when this book was set). There are Vampire references aplenty (Kristy Swanson’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer also gets a lot of love) but fans of Anne Rice, in particular, will be right at home here. This is a book about vampires after all.
Enough fanboying over movie references though. How about the book itself?
Mina and the Undead has everything you would expect from a YA horror. There is plenty of bloodshed and mayhem, a very intriguing murder mystery plot, and more than a little teenage romance. Purely in terms of horror, the book is a big success. The story takes a little time to get going, spending some time introducing and fleshing out its characters, but once it does serve up its first victim, there are plenty more where they came from, and McCaw certainly doesn’t shy away from the violence. I also thought the romantic subplot was very well done, happening gradually and organically as the story played out, and it felt very genuine and realistic.
If there is a weak link, it is the murder mystery element, which was incredibly effective at building up tension and offering up red herrings to throw the reader off the trail, but the final act doesn’t offer up any major surprises and ends up being rather obvious. Ultimately, it didn’t really distract from my enjoyment of the book because I was very much invested in the characters and found I was more concerned about their fates than I was about being surprised by the big reveal of the murderer.
As the main protagonist, Mina was a very complex and well-rounded character. McCaw deftly avoids broad characterisations and makes her lead rich and complex. She is brave without being reckless, stands up for herself but knows when to pick her battles, and is intelligent and empathetic. Her decisions aren’t always the right ones, but they are always made with the best of intentions. Her relationship with her sister (Libby) is strong but strained and I also very much related to her. Libby and Mina are very alike, but both react to the events of the book in very different ways, Libby closing up and becoming increasingly unwilling to engage in confrontation, whereas Mina is far more open to talking things out and being proactive. As someone with siblings, I thought this was an excellent depiction of a genuine family relationship.
There are a much wider cast of characters, some of which make a big impact with limited page time (I’m looking at you Della) but it is the location of the story that makes the biggest impression. The author has been very vocal about her love for New Orleans when promoting the book, and that affection shines through on the page. It is such an atmospheric presence throughout, equal parts alluring and dangerous, and I can’t help but feel that the setting plays a major role in how well the book works.
Mina and the Undead takes its time in introducing the reader to a memorable cast of characters before throwing them headfirst into a chaotic and unpredictable story with a big heart and an even bigger body count. Fans of YA horror will no doubt be delighted to read such well-rounded characters embroiled in such a blook-soaked story, but I can’t imagine any horror reader, regardless of age, not having a ton of fun reading this book.
This review was initially published by SciFi & Scary
Check out their website (www.scifiandscary.com) for book and movie reviews covering the sci-fi and horror genres.
Following a seventeen-year-old girl (Mina) who grew up in Whitby (a coastal town in England where Draculas’ ship crashes in the 1897 Stoker novel) but is relocating to New Orleans for the summer to stay with her older sister. The pair share a tragic past, with an absent father and a mother who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. What promises to be a fun visit and a chance for the two to reconnect soon devolves into a murder mystery with a decidedly supernatural bent.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about Mina and the Undead, not least the numerous 80s and 90s horror references set throughout the novel. The story is set in the early 90s and Mina’s older sister works in a movie inspired haunted house attraction, with rooms dedicated to Pennywise, Freddy Kruger and Leatherface. I was absolutely in my element with all these fun nods to ‘my’ horror classics and as someone who grew up in the 1990s, I got a big kick out of them. Having said that, many of the references are broad enough so that the target audience of the book will hardly be lost.
By far the biggest touchstone, however, is the novels of Anne Rice. The books get a lot of mentions (as does the 1994 Interview With A Vampire movie, which would have been around one year old when this book was set). There are Vampire references aplenty (Kristy Swanson’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer also gets a lot of love) but fans of Anne Rice, in particular, will be right at home here. This is a book about vampires after all.
Enough fanboying over movie references though. How about the book itself?
Mina and the Undead has everything you would expect from a YA horror. There is plenty of bloodshed and mayhem, a very intriguing murder mystery plot, and more than a little teenage romance. Purely in terms of horror, the book is a big success. The story takes a little time to get going, spending some time introducing and fleshing out its characters, but once it does serve up its first victim, there are plenty more where they came from, and McCaw certainly doesn’t shy away from the violence. I also thought the romantic subplot was very well done, happening gradually and organically as the story played out, and it felt very genuine and realistic.
If there is a weak link, it is the murder mystery element, which was incredibly effective at building up tension and offering up red herrings to throw the reader off the trail, but the final act doesn’t offer up any major surprises and ends up being rather obvious. Ultimately, it didn’t really distract from my enjoyment of the book because I was very much invested in the characters and found I was more concerned about their fates than I was about being surprised by the big reveal of the murderer.
As the main protagonist, Mina was a very complex and well-rounded character. McCaw deftly avoids broad characterisations and makes her lead rich and complex. She is brave without being reckless, stands up for herself but knows when to pick her battles, and is intelligent and empathetic. Her decisions aren’t always the right ones, but they are always made with the best of intentions. Her relationship with her sister (Libby) is strong but strained and I also very much related to her. Libby and Mina are very alike, but both react to the events of the book in very different ways, Libby closing up and becoming increasingly unwilling to engage in confrontation, whereas Mina is far more open to talking things out and being proactive. As someone with siblings, I thought this was an excellent depiction of a genuine family relationship.
There are a much wider cast of characters, some of which make a big impact with limited page time (I’m looking at you Della) but it is the location of the story that makes the biggest impression. The author has been very vocal about her love for New Orleans when promoting the book, and that affection shines through on the page. It is such an atmospheric presence throughout, equal parts alluring and dangerous, and I can’t help but feel that the setting plays a major role in how well the book works.
Mina and the Undead takes its time in introducing the reader to a memorable cast of characters before throwing them headfirst into a chaotic and unpredictable story with a big heart and an even bigger body count. Fans of YA horror will no doubt be delighted to read such well-rounded characters embroiled in such a blook-soaked story, but I can’t imagine any horror reader, regardless of age, not having a ton of fun reading this book.
This review was initially published by SciFi & Scary
Check out their website (www.scifiandscary.com) for book and movie reviews covering the sci-fi and horror genres.
July 6, 2024
A perfectly executed eerie YA Gothic Horror with twists and turns aplenty and bursting with 90s references to fully lure you into New Orleans Fang Fest 1995!
🦇
Who doesn’t love a good vampire story and with the right mix of darkness and gore, exploring sisterly relationships, family secrets and with a dash of romance Mina and the Undead sinks it’s teeth in with its own twist on the vampire stories that we all know and love
🦇
Mina And The Undead tells the story of 17 year old horror movie loving Mina who visits New Orleans to see her estranged sister Libby and to explore the spooky and dark depths of the city renown for its Vampires! But when a body is discovered in the Mansion of the Macabre where Libby is working holding a lock of hair suspiciously like Libby’s and marks on her neck the question is who or what has made those marks?
🦇
Perfect for fans of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dracula, Interview With A Vampire and Charmed. Being a huge Point Horror fan in my teens and beyond this is the next generation of the classic Point Horror!
🦇
With so many twists and turns I kept trying to guess who the killer was and my guesses were always wrong 🤣 I also loved the New Orleans mythology throughout the book and I’m now wanting to visit and explore the city with its seedy bars and spooky cemeteries!
🦇
You will be screaming out for a sequel once this book sinks its teeth into you (*cough* more Jared please 😍 *cough*) I can’t wait to see what Amy McCaw writes next!
🦇
🦇
Who doesn’t love a good vampire story and with the right mix of darkness and gore, exploring sisterly relationships, family secrets and with a dash of romance Mina and the Undead sinks it’s teeth in with its own twist on the vampire stories that we all know and love
🦇
Mina And The Undead tells the story of 17 year old horror movie loving Mina who visits New Orleans to see her estranged sister Libby and to explore the spooky and dark depths of the city renown for its Vampires! But when a body is discovered in the Mansion of the Macabre where Libby is working holding a lock of hair suspiciously like Libby’s and marks on her neck the question is who or what has made those marks?
🦇
Perfect for fans of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dracula, Interview With A Vampire and Charmed. Being a huge Point Horror fan in my teens and beyond this is the next generation of the classic Point Horror!
🦇
With so many twists and turns I kept trying to guess who the killer was and my guesses were always wrong 🤣 I also loved the New Orleans mythology throughout the book and I’m now wanting to visit and explore the city with its seedy bars and spooky cemeteries!
🦇
You will be screaming out for a sequel once this book sinks its teeth into you (*cough* more Jared please 😍 *cough*) I can’t wait to see what Amy McCaw writes next!
🦇
Read
July 23, 2020[Disclaimer - I edited this!]
A dark and thrilling tale of the paranormal set in the nineties in New Orleans. With haunted houses, family secrets and murder galore, this delicious and gruesome tale of the macabre will ignite a whole new generation of vampire fans.
A dark and thrilling tale of the paranormal set in the nineties in New Orleans. With haunted houses, family secrets and murder galore, this delicious and gruesome tale of the macabre will ignite a whole new generation of vampire fans.
January 16, 2021
Mina and the Undead
A review from a non-reader....
I am the author��s husband so I’ve read it around 20 times with each edit. I’ve honestly enjoyed it every time and even having learnt the twists after the first read, the plot is strong and you realise the easter egg clues you previously missed.
I personally don’t tend to read fiction. I struggle to visualise scenes in books and I always fall asleep if there’s heavy descriptions in them. Weirdly, I could watch movies on a loop indefinitely.
If you know someone like me who you would like to get into reading but have never found the right book, Mina and the Undead is one to consider. Here’s my reasoning...
*It reads very cinematically and isn’t over descriptive.
*It revolves around a Horror Movie Tour Mansion.
*It has many pop culture references to the 1980s/1990s – movies, actors, music, lifestyles etc.
*Its chapter lengths are relatively short to allow for reading breaks (but the chapter cliffhangers make it hard to put down).
Hope this review helps!
A review from a non-reader....
I am the author��s husband so I’ve read it around 20 times with each edit. I’ve honestly enjoyed it every time and even having learnt the twists after the first read, the plot is strong and you realise the easter egg clues you previously missed.
I personally don’t tend to read fiction. I struggle to visualise scenes in books and I always fall asleep if there’s heavy descriptions in them. Weirdly, I could watch movies on a loop indefinitely.
If you know someone like me who you would like to get into reading but have never found the right book, Mina and the Undead is one to consider. Here’s my reasoning...
*It reads very cinematically and isn’t over descriptive.
*It revolves around a Horror Movie Tour Mansion.
*It has many pop culture references to the 1980s/1990s – movies, actors, music, lifestyles etc.
*Its chapter lengths are relatively short to allow for reading breaks (but the chapter cliffhangers make it hard to put down).
Hope this review helps!
October 21, 2021
Holy crap I loved this book! I was worried, going in, that I'd grown out of my YA vampire love but boy, was I wrong! This transported me right back to my high school days, when I obsessed (and I mean 'OBSESSED') over YA vampire book series like there was no tomorrow.
This one had me hooked from the start with the incredible New Orleans setting and all of its spooky, supernatural vibes. The 90s pop culture references made my heart happy every time, especially the references to The Lost Boys (one of my favourite films).
I was so invested in the murder mystery, eagerly turning every page for answers. I was equally invested in the characters, with Mina being a new favourite MC for me (probably because she seems to love ALL the same things as me and kept referencing some of my favourite films and books).
The final 60 pages or so were an absolute whirlwind with plot twists that I did not see coming, perfectly setting Amy McCaw up for what I am sure will be an incredible sequel that I need NOW!
This one had me hooked from the start with the incredible New Orleans setting and all of its spooky, supernatural vibes. The 90s pop culture references made my heart happy every time, especially the references to The Lost Boys (one of my favourite films).
I was so invested in the murder mystery, eagerly turning every page for answers. I was equally invested in the characters, with Mina being a new favourite MC for me (probably because she seems to love ALL the same things as me and kept referencing some of my favourite films and books).
The final 60 pages or so were an absolute whirlwind with plot twists that I did not see coming, perfectly setting Amy McCaw up for what I am sure will be an incredible sequel that I need NOW!
September 15, 2022
4,5*
Mina decides to go visit her sister Libby in New Orleans and spend some quality time together. New Orleans also happens to be a great place for horror addicts with many legends, historical buildings and of course, many dark secrets.
Libby works at a Horror Movie Mansion in which they make tours and scare people for a living. Mina loves the idea and wants to get a chance to work here as well. It is basically her dream come true.
On her first trial day at the Horror Mansion there is an accident that will trigger a series of events that will put Mina in great danger.
If you are looking for a fun, fast paced story about vampires in the amazing setting that is New Orleans, you need to pick this up. It was such an amazing debut novel for any horror fan with the right amount of blood and guts for the faint of heart ;)
Mina decides to go visit her sister Libby in New Orleans and spend some quality time together. New Orleans also happens to be a great place for horror addicts with many legends, historical buildings and of course, many dark secrets.
Libby works at a Horror Movie Mansion in which they make tours and scare people for a living. Mina loves the idea and wants to get a chance to work here as well. It is basically her dream come true.
On her first trial day at the Horror Mansion there is an accident that will trigger a series of events that will put Mina in great danger.
If you are looking for a fun, fast paced story about vampires in the amazing setting that is New Orleans, you need to pick this up. It was such an amazing debut novel for any horror fan with the right amount of blood and guts for the faint of heart ;)
April 1, 2021
Combine vampires, New Orleans, and nineties culture and you get a fantastically fun YA mystery horror. I’m so glad vampires are making a comeback as I love vampiric myths and seeing how authors put their own twist on them. Amy does such a great job combining classic tropes with fresh ideas and produces a gripping thriller that engages the reader from the very first page. The descriptive language evoked a cinematic feel, making it easy to visualise the action.
New Orleans is definitely another character in this story and it’s obvious that the author knows the city well and shares this knowledge through the places she describes and the tale she weaves. It’s on my bucket list to visit New Orleans one day and experience a slice of its rich history and culture. As a fan of crime thrillers, I appreciated the idea of replicating famous murders from New Orlean’s history and found all of it absolutely fascinating, and can’t wait to research them further.
Seventeen-year-old Mina was a great main character and I especially enjoyed her complicated relationship with her older sister. There’s a frustration underscored by love that’s exclusive to sibling dynamics and it was authentically portrayed. I found it hilarious how Mina was thirsty for Jared on almost every page and really liked their developing romance. I hope we eventually get a sequel as I think there’s definitely room for the story to grow after the events of this book.
If you’re a fan of vampire tales, sink your teeth into Mina and the Undead and enjoy a thrilling tale of murder, obsession, and romance.
New Orleans is definitely another character in this story and it’s obvious that the author knows the city well and shares this knowledge through the places she describes and the tale she weaves. It’s on my bucket list to visit New Orleans one day and experience a slice of its rich history and culture. As a fan of crime thrillers, I appreciated the idea of replicating famous murders from New Orlean’s history and found all of it absolutely fascinating, and can’t wait to research them further.
Seventeen-year-old Mina was a great main character and I especially enjoyed her complicated relationship with her older sister. There’s a frustration underscored by love that’s exclusive to sibling dynamics and it was authentically portrayed. I found it hilarious how Mina was thirsty for Jared on almost every page and really liked their developing romance. I hope we eventually get a sequel as I think there’s definitely room for the story to grow after the events of this book.
If you’re a fan of vampire tales, sink your teeth into Mina and the Undead and enjoy a thrilling tale of murder, obsession, and romance.
November 16, 2020
UCLAN very kindly sent me an ARC go review.
I could not put this down! As a 90s kid, the nostalgia was extra special, but it was more than that. At its heart, this is a story of sisters and friends who are family too. I loved the New Orleans setting (I am now desperate to visit) and Mina’s voice was fabulous. And don’t even get me started on the vampires!!! Buffy meets Charmed at its finest. Get this for the teens and 30somethings in your life!
I could not put this down! As a 90s kid, the nostalgia was extra special, but it was more than that. At its heart, this is a story of sisters and friends who are family too. I loved the New Orleans setting (I am now desperate to visit) and Mina’s voice was fabulous. And don’t even get me started on the vampires!!! Buffy meets Charmed at its finest. Get this for the teens and 30somethings in your life!
November 30, 2020
Fantastic YA Gothic Horror! Filled with 90s pop culture and wickedly dark vampire lore, and set in a New Orleans vampire festival, this was an absolute blast! Look out for it when it comes out 1 April 2021 🧛♀️
December 31, 2022
4.5 so much fun!
November 24, 2020
Absolutely raced through this book! I think it must be the fastest I've read a book in the whole of 2020 actually. I was sent a proof copy and I'll be honest, at first I was unsure how I was going to get on with it as it's not my usual genre but oh my goodness, as soon as I started it, I was hooked! I felt so invested in the characters and the main character was very likeable. There were twists and turns aplenty, pretty much all of which I didn't see coming. I have not read a lot of YA but from what I have read I think this book is a little bit different from the generic sort of YA that is around. It has a very distinct flavour. Lots of horror, 90's references and relationship drama. It was so addictive. I found myself having to make myself stop reading so I could get on with my day and then I was looking forward to sitting down so I could read more! I LOVED it and I HOPE there will be a sequel! Amy McCaw needs to write more books because I want to read them!!!
September 14, 2021
This was EXACTLY what I needed right now!! Honestly it hit every point for me, the characters were great, the story was so good, and the references spoke to my heart!
I honestly loved every minute of this book, I haven’t read a book in a good few months and this has absolutely kick-started my love of reading again ahhhh.
I may be biased for adoring this book so much as it IS about my favourite supernatural AND the MC’s are from Yorkshire like me but I had sooooo much fun reading this!! AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE RIDE THE LAST 40 OR SO PAGES WAS OMG! AMAZING!
I honestly loved every minute of this book, I haven’t read a book in a good few months and this has absolutely kick-started my love of reading again ahhhh.
I may be biased for adoring this book so much as it IS about my favourite supernatural AND the MC’s are from Yorkshire like me but I had sooooo much fun reading this!! AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE RIDE THE LAST 40 OR SO PAGES WAS OMG! AMAZING!
July 4, 2021
I wanted to like this more than I eventually did. It had a lot going for it: Vampires, New Orleans, the 1990s setting complete with fun pop culture references. In the end though, "Mina and the Undead" just left me underwhelmed. There was a lot here I found fun but there was also a lot of wasted potential. The author said in her acknowledgements that she wanted to write this story since 2012 and that's exactly what this book feels like: This could have been popular in YA ten years ago but feels dated in 2021 despite just having been published.
The book checks all the boxes your usual vampire romance would have ten years ago: the new girl trope, insta love, a paranormal murder mystery etc.. It's basically a 2012-style paranormal romance. I expected actual gothic horror and I guess that one is on me for having wrong expectations.
My main gripe with this book is the writing style though: It seemed a bit too simple to me, almost as though the book was aimed at a much younger audience, but that doesn't match the characters being college age and the serious themes and gory imagery in the book. A lot of the dialogue and the characters' reactions felt stilted. Mina seemed to not react to horrible and traumatising events at all, she's always back to watching movies or eating sandwiches minutes after learning something horrifying.
The other thing I didn't like was the jumbled plot. The author uses 200 pages to set the story up with Mina exploring New Orleans and hearing about the murders. The actual story and conclusion are crammed into the remaining 95 pages, with vampire lore, Mina's investigations and a lack-luster resolution basically shoe-horned in. It's all over the place. I felt that a lot of questions were left unanswered too and in the end it just got ridiculous.
In the end, this might have been popular in 2012 during the vampire YA craze but in 2021 I expected it to bring something new to the vampire genre and it just didn't. YA as a genre has evolved so much in the last ten years but this book sadly doesn't reflect all that change. I did appreciate the well done diversity in the book though, that's the one thing you might have not found in a book from 2012.
The book checks all the boxes your usual vampire romance would have ten years ago: the new girl trope, insta love, a paranormal murder mystery etc.. It's basically a 2012-style paranormal romance. I expected actual gothic horror and I guess that one is on me for having wrong expectations.
My main gripe with this book is the writing style though: It seemed a bit too simple to me, almost as though the book was aimed at a much younger audience, but that doesn't match the characters being college age and the serious themes and gory imagery in the book. A lot of the dialogue and the characters' reactions felt stilted. Mina seemed to not react to horrible and traumatising events at all, she's always back to watching movies or eating sandwiches minutes after learning something horrifying.
The other thing I didn't like was the jumbled plot. The author uses 200 pages to set the story up with Mina exploring New Orleans and hearing about the murders. The actual story and conclusion are crammed into the remaining 95 pages, with vampire lore, Mina's investigations and a lack-luster resolution basically shoe-horned in. It's all over the place. I felt that a lot of questions were left unanswered too and in the end it just got ridiculous.
In the end, this might have been popular in 2012 during the vampire YA craze but in 2021 I expected it to bring something new to the vampire genre and it just didn't. YA as a genre has evolved so much in the last ten years but this book sadly doesn't reflect all that change. I did appreciate the well done diversity in the book though, that's the one thing you might have not found in a book from 2012.
May 24, 2021
"Unlike what it says in the movies, having a vampire watch you sleep isn’t a turn on."
Vampires were introduced to me at a very young age. My house was full of horror movies and I was a total 90’s kid. So this book felt like home.
It all started with Nosferatu as he lurked in the shadows. Him creeping around made me become enamored with the blood drinkers of the night. My obsession only became stronger as time went on with Bela Lugosi, David from The Lost Boys, and the list goes on.
This book doesn’t waste time on introducing the mysteries walking through the streets of New Orleans. It starts the instant you start reading and never lets up. It was a blood dripping good read throughout and the pages never run dry.
I really enjoyed how this story had actual legends and myths of New Orleans interwoven throughout this very unique tale. It brought a lot more to the table than usual vampire novels. Plus the characters were all very authentic and you felt their emotions every step of the way.
Mina and the Undead was one hell of a great read. The mysteries kept me glued to the story and I found myself shocked throughout. The end will definitely blow your mind. If you’re looking for a fantastic vampire book, pick this one up!
Just be careful who you invite into your house....
Vampires were introduced to me at a very young age. My house was full of horror movies and I was a total 90’s kid. So this book felt like home.
It all started with Nosferatu as he lurked in the shadows. Him creeping around made me become enamored with the blood drinkers of the night. My obsession only became stronger as time went on with Bela Lugosi, David from The Lost Boys, and the list goes on.
This book doesn’t waste time on introducing the mysteries walking through the streets of New Orleans. It starts the instant you start reading and never lets up. It was a blood dripping good read throughout and the pages never run dry.
I really enjoyed how this story had actual legends and myths of New Orleans interwoven throughout this very unique tale. It brought a lot more to the table than usual vampire novels. Plus the characters were all very authentic and you felt their emotions every step of the way.
Mina and the Undead was one hell of a great read. The mysteries kept me glued to the story and I found myself shocked throughout. The end will definitely blow your mind. If you’re looking for a fantastic vampire book, pick this one up!
Just be careful who you invite into your house....
January 24, 2021
Fangtastic!!! I didn't know much going into this book, other than it was a YA Horror and vampy vibes. It was so good. The storyline just keeps you hooked, twist after twist.
Set in the 90's in New Orleans, Mina and the Undead is just the YA Horror I've been waiting for.
Mina goes to stay with her Sister in New Orleans for the summer, and tries to get a job at the famous haunted mansion. We are soon introduced to Libby's Girlfriend and roommates, and lots of spooky legends.
This book has everything. Thrills, romance, mystery, gore, legends, and most importantly Vampires!!! I'm a sucker for a good vampire book.
The writing was so addictive, I took my time with this book as I just didn't want it to end. You can really tell the Author is a horror fan and this book has been well researched. I loved the many references to horror classics.
With twists and turns and everything at stake. Do yourself a favour and sink your teeth into this book as soon as possible!!
I desperately need a sequel.
*Please ignore all my sucky Vampire puns and preorder this wonderful book*
*Thank you to Uclan and Amy for the early review copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Set in the 90's in New Orleans, Mina and the Undead is just the YA Horror I've been waiting for.
Mina goes to stay with her Sister in New Orleans for the summer, and tries to get a job at the famous haunted mansion. We are soon introduced to Libby's Girlfriend and roommates, and lots of spooky legends.
This book has everything. Thrills, romance, mystery, gore, legends, and most importantly Vampires!!! I'm a sucker for a good vampire book.
The writing was so addictive, I took my time with this book as I just didn't want it to end. You can really tell the Author is a horror fan and this book has been well researched. I loved the many references to horror classics.
With twists and turns and everything at stake. Do yourself a favour and sink your teeth into this book as soon as possible!!
I desperately need a sequel.
*Please ignore all my sucky Vampire puns and preorder this wonderful book*
*Thank you to Uclan and Amy for the early review copy in exchange for an honest review.*
December 23, 2020
This book took me fully by surprise. I don’t read a lot of YA mysteries but when I saw the cover for this book and read the synopsis I wanted to give it a try and… I’m obsessed.
I couldn’t put this book down once I started it stayed up far too late a couple of nights just so I could read one more chapter. There isn’t 1 thing I didn’t like in this book with the backdrop of New Orleans and the 90’s and horror references I knew from the first chapter this was a winner. The story kept me on my toes with constant twist and forever changing my mind on who was the series killer (I was wrong 100% of the time).
If you love Buffy The Vampire Slayer this is a book you have to pick up. As soon as I finished reading the ARC I went to pre-order myself a copy of the book and then to check if there is a sequel listed yet.
Safe to say this is one of my favourite reads of 2020.
Thank you to NetGalley and UCLan for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t put this book down once I started it stayed up far too late a couple of nights just so I could read one more chapter. There isn’t 1 thing I didn’t like in this book with the backdrop of New Orleans and the 90’s and horror references I knew from the first chapter this was a winner. The story kept me on my toes with constant twist and forever changing my mind on who was the series killer (I was wrong 100% of the time).
If you love Buffy The Vampire Slayer this is a book you have to pick up. As soon as I finished reading the ARC I went to pre-order myself a copy of the book and then to check if there is a sequel listed yet.
Safe to say this is one of my favourite reads of 2020.
Thank you to NetGalley and UCLan for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2021
What a great read! I love how the author weaves all the New Orleans folk stories and grisly, true stories into the fabric of the story. So clever and well-pulled off.
August 24, 2024
3,5
Die Geschichte spielt 1995, es geht um True Crime, Vampire, Gruselfilm-Abende und dann wird es auch noch ziemlich blutig. Die Geschichte hat mir vor allem wegen der ganzen Nostalgie und der Atmosphäre echt viel Spaß gemacht und ich freue mich auf Teil 2!
Die Geschichte spielt 1995, es geht um True Crime, Vampire, Gruselfilm-Abende und dann wird es auch noch ziemlich blutig. Die Geschichte hat mir vor allem wegen der ganzen Nostalgie und der Atmosphäre echt viel Spaß gemacht und ich freue mich auf Teil 2!
February 20, 2021
This was a wonderful book. Vampires are my thing and this had it all. I loved that it was set in the 90s and I loved all the 90s references as well.
I am hoping that there will be a sequel, as that's the impression this book gave.
The relationships and characters were all so well thought out and fully realised.
I had a hard time reading this slowly as I was desperate to find out what happened next, het desperate for it to never end. Just amazing. More books please.
I am hoping that there will be a sequel, as that's the impression this book gave.
The relationships and characters were all so well thought out and fully realised.
I had a hard time reading this slowly as I was desperate to find out what happened next, het desperate for it to never end. Just amazing. More books please.
June 19, 2021
Read this for bookclub.
Hm, how to start this review.
I loved the idea of the story, but the execution could have been so much better.
This gave me major 2012 YA vibes and while it was entertaining, it wasn't great.
Every character in the book was some way connected to each other and it all felt like it was 'too much'
The relationships in this book didn't do anything for me at all. I didn't like how Libby treated Mina, even though she probably 'has her reasons'. Also the romantic relationship wasn't great. Having such strong feelings while knowing each other for a couple of days, while not really having anything in common with each other except for 1 thing is a bit too much for me. I didn't care at all.
It was a struggle getting through this book and would definitely have DNF'ed it if I wasn't reading it for bookclub.
Hm, how to start this review.
I loved the idea of the story, but the execution could have been so much better.
This gave me major 2012 YA vibes and while it was entertaining, it wasn't great.
Every character in the book was some way connected to each other and it all felt like it was 'too much'
The relationships in this book didn't do anything for me at all. I didn't like how Libby treated Mina, even though she probably 'has her reasons'. Also the romantic relationship wasn't great. Having such strong feelings while knowing each other for a couple of days, while not really having anything in common with each other except for 1 thing is a bit too much for me. I didn't care at all.
It was a struggle getting through this book and would definitely have DNF'ed it if I wasn't reading it for bookclub.
January 17, 2021
Pacy, exciting, full of twists and turns! This is a vampire novel, set in New Orleans in 1995, leaving me utterly nostalgic for days of a young teen reading Point Horror. Dark, delicious and grusome, this is the perfect YA horror, not just for teens, but also 30 somethings who enjoyed 90s culture the first time around!
Amy's writing is vivid and Mina's voice is strong - I can't wait to see what Amy does next.
Amy's writing is vivid and Mina's voice is strong - I can't wait to see what Amy does next.
January 22, 2021
This book got me out of my reading slump!
Set in New Orleans, Mina and the Undead feels atmospheric and dangerous. I sped through it, loving the 90s setting and all the horror and slasher movie references and didn’t see any of the twists coming. I was so sad when it all came to an end and keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel.
Loved it.
Set in New Orleans, Mina and the Undead feels atmospheric and dangerous. I sped through it, loving the 90s setting and all the horror and slasher movie references and didn’t see any of the twists coming. I was so sad when it all came to an end and keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel.
Loved it.
December 19, 2020
Razor sharp YA horror, full review here: https://bit.ly/38jwDlw
February 24, 2023
I love vampires, I love New Orleans, I love it PERIODT
January 8, 2023
Fast paced book that I read in one go. Loved the plot twists and characters
March 22, 2021
First of all, I'd like to thank Netgalley and UCLan for providing me with an advanced edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment I picked this book up, I knew it was going to take me back to some of the vampire stories of my younger days; figuratively as well as literally. Set in New Orleans, home of Anne Rice's famous vampires, with two sisters who hail from Whitby, the unofficial home of Dracula, I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me want to keep reading.
Mina and her sister Libby have had their ups and downs, but Mina goes to stay with her older sister for a summer she'll never forget. Meeting her sister's roommate Jared, it seems like it's going to be your stereotypical boy meets girl tale until you throw in Fang Fest. Jared has a love of the macrabre like Mina, and they quickly bond over it. Mina even gets a job working at a horror house.
Meanwhile, the city is plagued with murders of young women, and when one of those women is discovered by Mina, things start to get complicated.
I absolutely loved this book. Like I said before, it made me super nostalgic, and I ended up reading this with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack on in the background.
The characters were interesting, although I did think that Della and Lucas were a little less fleshed out than Jared, Libby and Mina. I think that was more of a plot device than a writing issue, though.
Another thing I really enjoyed was that I couldn't see the plot twists coming. I love it when a book surprises me like that.
I would love a sequel to this, and have pre-ordered my copy ready for release day!
From the moment I picked this book up, I knew it was going to take me back to some of the vampire stories of my younger days; figuratively as well as literally. Set in New Orleans, home of Anne Rice's famous vampires, with two sisters who hail from Whitby, the unofficial home of Dracula, I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me want to keep reading.
Mina and her sister Libby have had their ups and downs, but Mina goes to stay with her older sister for a summer she'll never forget. Meeting her sister's roommate Jared, it seems like it's going to be your stereotypical boy meets girl tale until you throw in Fang Fest. Jared has a love of the macrabre like Mina, and they quickly bond over it. Mina even gets a job working at a horror house.
Meanwhile, the city is plagued with murders of young women, and when one of those women is discovered by Mina, things start to get complicated.
I absolutely loved this book. Like I said before, it made me super nostalgic, and I ended up reading this with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack on in the background.
The characters were interesting, although I did think that Della and Lucas were a little less fleshed out than Jared, Libby and Mina. I think that was more of a plot device than a writing issue, though.
Another thing I really enjoyed was that I couldn't see the plot twists coming. I love it when a book surprises me like that.
I would love a sequel to this, and have pre-ordered my copy ready for release day!
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