This was a very different take on vampires and I loved it. I found the idea of vampires who are abstainers to be quite original and I liked the Radley family. You have to root for vampires who don't actually want to kill humans. I also really enjoyed the author's writing style. Can't wait to read another of his books. ( )

Loved it! So fun, but spooky too. ( )

Matt Haig is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors. I can just slide into one of his books and lose time. It's brilliant. ( )

The Radleys by Matt Haig is a paranormal fantasy novel about a family of vampires. Peter and Helen have made the decision to be abstaining vampires and have raised their two children with no knowledge of their true nature. There are consequences to denying your true self and Rowan, the son, has insomnia and a rash while daughter, Clara, who has decided to become a vegan, is now getting sick and the whole family live a lethargic, repressed life. Then when Clara is attacked one night and fights back, she discovers the power, energy and strength that drinking blood gives her.

Meanwhile the family has a body to dispose of and secrets to reveal to both their children. Peter, calls upon his older brother, Will, a practising vampire to help them out little knowing that inviting him into their lives is the last thing he should be doing. Will and Helen have a past that neither one has totally gotten over. Will sees this as his chance to reconnect with Helen and draw her back into his life.

The author does a fine job of balancing the story between comedy and horror. The use of quotes from “The Abstainers Handbook” is darkly funny and the author keeps the story lively and light. This is first and foremost a story about family and the consequences of repressing yourself just to fit in. The Radleys is a fresh slant on the vampire myth and never makes the mistake of taking itself too seriously. ( )

Starts off lighthearted and humourous, until a girl is attacked walking home alone at night. Then suddenly the rest of the book is serious.
It deals with numerous family issues, and while trying to be funny, it never forgets it's serious side. It is compellingly written, but had me feeling uneasy through most of the book. Nevertheless an enjoyable read. ( )