Finding Light in the Shadows: A Review of Dead & Breakfast
I never knew I needed Dead & Breakfast by Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor until I cracked open its pages. With the chaotic whirlwind that life has thrown my way recently, my soul craved something lighter—something that could still provide depth but wouldn’t drag me into the depths of despair. As much as I adore the chilling embrace of horror, sometimes even a die-hard fan needs to step back and find solace in the whimsical and the warm. And this charming tale of a vampire couple running a bed and breakfast turned out to be the perfect balm for my spirit.
From the very first chapter, Arthur and Sal are unforgettable characters. A married vampire couple managing a quaint B&B? It’s a premise that’s refreshingly delightful. I never imagined I’d love slathering sunscreen onto a vampire who’s just as adept at baking scones as he is at avoiding melanoma. These little quirks—their dilemmas with garlic and their chats with raccoons rummaging through the trash—make them feel normal in a wonderfully offbeat way. This blend of the mundane and the extraordinary is where Dead & Breakfast truly shines.
The small town setting is positively delightful, albeit fraught with tension, as the couple finds themselves embroiled in a mystery involving the mayor’s suspicious demise right in their begonias. This backdrop invites a colorful cast of characters, from a werewolf barista to an elven coroner, perfectly complemented by a very human city manager. This eclectic gathering not only fuels the plot but also showcases an expansive range of supernatural beings, a spectrum that feels incredibly relevant today.
What I particularly loved is how the authors use these supernatural beings as a reflection of our own society. Arthur and Sal, much like many individuals in our world, constantly navigate a space that claims to be accepting while still holding onto deep-rooted prejudices. The narrative raises poignant questions about acceptance and belonging without losing its effervescent charm. Characters like Theo, the werewolf barista pursuing dreams in a café, and Lore, the unapologetically strange elven coroner, resonate deeply with anyone who has felt “too different.”
The writing style strikes an exquisite balance between cozy humor and poignant commentary. I often found myself chuckling at the witty puns while simultaneously reflecting on the deeper messages conveyed through the narrative. The tone feels both comforting and brave, reminding us that sometimes laughter and introspection can coexist beautifully. One of my favorite quotes echoes the essence of this: "Even in a world full of thorns, it’s okay to reach for something soft, warm, and healing."
Dead & Breakfast is a celebration of all that makes us unique. With its undercurrents of acceptance and the importance of community, this book is more than just a delightful cozy mystery; it feels like a hug wrapped in the pages of a book. If you’re looking for something that will make you smile, reflect, and cheer for the underdogs, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this tale. I left the story feeling brighter, and I believe it will do the same for anyone seeking warmth in the unpredictability of life.
5 stars — deservedly so. Thank you, Berkeley, for gifting this charming work to me!