Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan

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.

Published by Minotaur Books
on April 9, 2024

Review:

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love a fun horror comedy novel, especially when it’s full of Southern charm and witty sayings. In this funny and creepy novel, readers are taken on a wild ride through Southeast Texas. If you’re a fan of undead creatures, family drama, and a healthy dose of Southern charm, then this book is sure to be right up your alley. I received a digital ARC as well as an advance copy of the audiobook, so I was able to read and listen at the same time, which was extra fun! I might need to start doing this for more books in the future. It really enhanced my experience.

Set in 1999, “Bless Your Heart” introduces us to the fierce and fabulous Evans women who run the only funeral parlor in town. Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and teenaged Luna find themselves at the center of a supernatural storm when the Strigoi—an ancient sort of vampire—resurfaces in their seemingly quiet town. When the first body comes to the morgue – and then reanimates – all sorts of havoc ensues. The Evans women are prepared, though, and as people around town begin to drop like flies – and then come back as something not quite human – all eyes begin to turn toward the Evans women and their funeral home – what is planted underneath that rose bush that Grace fawns over anyway? Over the course of a few days, family secrets come to light, fingers are pointed, secrets are revealed, and when all is said and done, the Evans family will never be the same.

It’s not every day that you come across a book that seamlessly blends horror, humor, and heartwarming moments, but “Bless Your Heart” manages to do just that. Ryan’s writing is sharp, witty, and brimming with creative flair. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the characters leap off the page with their unique quirks and personalities. From the no-nonsense Ducey to her spunky daughter Lenore, her lovable daughter Grace, and Grace’s teen daughter Luna, each member of the Evans family brings something special to the table. This is also where I need to give a major shoutout to the audiobook narrator. She effortlessly portrays each of these women (and several other characters) with a unique voice and speech cadence. I was in awe the entire time I was listening. A lot of times, audiobook narrators can do maybe 2 or 3 voices, but in this case, every character has a distinct voice, which really elevates the experience.

Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was its strong emphasis on female relationships and empowerment. The bond between Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and Luna is at the heart of the story, and it’s a joy to see these women support and protect each other in the face of danger. The sense of family loyalty is palpable, and I really felt like I knew these characters. Ryan also delves into deeper themes of family, love, and the secrets we keep buried, skillfully weaving together past and present, revealing shocking revelations and hidden truths.

But don’t let the heartwarming moments fool you—the book is also full of spine-tingling suspense, eerie thrills, and some gore, reminding us that this is very much a horror novel with a side of comedy and heart. The small-town setting adds a layer of Southern charm to the story, making it feel like you’re right there in the midst of all the action. And, naturally, it’s the addition of the Strigoi that provides the story with its central conflict. I loved this fresh take on zombie-like vampires that can become stronger and more human-like – it added a fresh take on a familiar trope.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The delightful blend of horror, humor, and heart left me wanting to join the Evans women on their next adventure. With its unforgettable characters, twisty plot, and Southern flair, this book is a must-read for anyone craving a fresh take on the supernatural genre – especially if you’re a fan of horror-comedy. Goodreads lists this book as “A Bless Your Heart Novel,” which implies that this might be the start of a series. If that’s the case, I’m super excited! Bless your heart, indeed.