Audio Book Review: The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant by Drew Hayes

This is fun, easy listening.

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant --
Written by Drew Hayes
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Series: Fred, the Vampire Accountant, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-24-15
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Satire
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort.
One fateful night-different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful-Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos of the parahuman world: a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.”
Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.

Review:
Many people expect a vampire to be powerful, fierce, and maybe even suave. That isn’t Fred. Fred tells you himself that he was a timid, awkward, physically soft nerd while living and that didn’t change too much when he died. He may have slimmed down some and has strengths he calls on occasionally, but he is still timid and socially awkward. Fred attends his high school reunion and runs into a girl he liked during school but who he thought barely noticed him. Surprisingly, Krystal recognizes Fred and treats him nicely. Not only that, it turns out she recognizes what he is because she is an agent who hunts down out of control parahumans.

Though it is a bumble, Fred manages to help Krystal escape a dangerous situation. Then he joins her on several unexpected adventures where Fred accumulates unique friends like a cheerful zombie (not a brain-eating variety), a werepony. Fred and Krystal also face their share of monsters and Fred has to try to outthink some of them since he certainly can’t outwrestle them.

Fred may be mild-mannered, but he isn’t totally uninteresting. He repeatedly ends up in engaging adventures where it is fun to watch Fred outwit his opponents/enemies. I liked the easy flow of the chapters that share different misadventures, introducing the new characters along the way. In the end, there is a fun, interesting twist. The author is creative in the parahumans and writes with light humor that makes it fun to read/listen. I recommend this to readers who enjoy lighter paranormal characters.

Audio Notes: Kirby Heyborne does a good job with the narration. He captures Fred’s mild personality and manages to make the listening move along with interest. I am glad I listened to this.

Source: September 2019 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post June 14, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 15, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had another pushy sort of week. I hired a new young lady who will start tomorrow.

I am surprised I only finished one book this week. However, to tell the truth, I have been spending a lot of time watching, reading, and learning about stock investing. I signed up at Robinhood mid-April and created a nice little portfolio. That was fine but I got caught up in the excitement of trading too. I am slowing that down right now while I study strategy instead. The down market this week reminded me to be more directed and careful too. Fortunately, I'm still on the plus side. (*Note if you are interested in checking out the app, this link includes the opportunity to get a free stock and I get one too.)

Hubby asked me to do a sewing project a week or so ago. I pulled out my trusty sewing machine. This was my mother's new machine when I was a teen. My daughter commandeered my new machince a number of years ago. Hubby had this 56-year-old machine 'tuned up' a few years back and it still works just fine.

Our temperatures have been in the 80s and 90s again with a couple nights cooler.

Strange I only finished one audiobook. I am really enjoying The Finders but left the kindle at work. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Silence is Read Book Blog. Betül and Mujde Oz share this blog. Betül reads ROMANCE (HR/RS/PNR/CR/NA), Urban Fantasy, and Thrillers.

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 7, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 8, 2020.

• MBS May 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Extracted by R. R. Haywood; Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 12, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/18/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Genre: History, Social Issues; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• NG19- #NetGalley Book Review: Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan; Genre: Crime Thriller, Detective Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #397 Comment Giveaway June 13, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/27/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 14, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant --
Written by Drew Hayes
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne
7hrs 2m
This was cute, easy listening.
Source: September 2019 Chirp Purchase $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Finders
A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1)
by Jeffrey B. Burton
I am really liking this (but left my Kindle at work so lost a couple of days to read it.)
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Wizard of Earthsea
By Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated By: Rob Inglis
Duration: 7 h 18 min
This was a second choice this week and it is an author I have been wanting to read. I am only so-so into it.
9/30 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit YA Fantasy.
The shapeless mass of darkness split apart. It sundered, and a pale spindle of light gleamed between his open arms. In the oval of light there moved a human shape: a tall woman . beautiful, and sorrowful, and full of fear.'-from A Wizard of Earthsea A Wizard of Earthsea, first in a tetralogy that includes The Tombs of Atuan and The Farthest Shore, introduces the listener to Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, known also as Sparrowhawk. When Sparrowhawk casts a spell that saves his village from destruction at the hands of the invading Kargs, Ogion, the Mage of Re Albi, encourages the boy to apprentice himself in the art of wizardry. So, at the age of 13, the boy receives his true name-Ged-and gives himself over to the gentle tutelage of the Master Ogion. But impatient with the slowness of his studies and infatuated with glory, Ged embarks for the Island of Roke, where the highest arts of wizardry are taught. There, Ged's natural talents enable him to surpass his classmates in little time. But when his vanity prompts him to summon Elfarran, the fair lady of the Deed of Enlad, he unleashes a shapeless mass of darkness-the shadow....Read Less
Genres: Teen > Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Before I switched to EarthSea I started Into the Wild, Warriors, Book 1, while my granddaughter was in the car. I couldn't quite get into the clan battles this week.
I haven't picked my next book yet. I plan to go with the mood when I get there.


I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

June 14, 2020 - I am up to date with my daily reading. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I started a new study Chris Tomlin - Holy Roar: Live From Church Devotional.

I completed three books and posted three reviews to keep me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 7, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done.I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have one audiobook from an author and now I have 1 other new audiobook left of four. I need to get caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No review books again this week.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I had to use my Audible credits this week so I snagged two series I like and picked up two free books.
I added no free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to work and trading studies at night.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

6/13/2020 Two May Audible Credits:
Winds of Wrath
Destroyermen Series, Book 15
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
This is the final installment - I am excited and saddened.

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
I want to continue this series.

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 7.
June 11 – June 17
EASY PREY by Catherine Lo, narrated by Nick Mondelli, Elizabeth Cottle, Jack Meloche (Dreamscape Media)
MARK OF THE RAVEN (THE RAVENWOOD SAGA) by Morgan L. Busse, narrated by Jaimee Draper (Oasis Audio)

Two Free Titles from Audible:


Why My Company Serves Free Breakfast to All Employees
By: Jay Hum
Narrated by: Fleet Cooper
Length: 8 mins
Release date: 05-04-17

Sue Perkins Earpedia: Animals
By: Sue Perkins
Narrated by: Sue Perkins, Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Length: 2 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 03-09-18


I didn't pick up any free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 14, 2020

I enjoyed our early morning worship sitting on my porch watching the cardinals, doves, and finches playing and eating at the feeders. The hummers buzzed in later during the sermon.

Pastor continued his series on “Better Together”. He noted that friendship is usually built on common interests and values. Many of us have institutionalized friends or friends based on events, such as church, church small groups, sports interests, (book clubs), etc. Beyond those friends, Pastor suggests it is good for each of us to have a couple of “sticky friends”.

Everything and everyone takes a piece of our time. Euripides said, “One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” Solomon said, ‘a real friend sticks closer than a brother’.

God created friendship and modeled friendship with humans again and again: with Adam and with Noah and many others. Acts 4:42-45 shows the believers gathering as friends, united in love. Our best model of friendship is Jesus. Jesus had many disciples but three close friends: Peter John and James.
William Shakespeare commented on friendship saying: A friend is someone who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.

Are you awed that God has chosen you as a friend? John 15:18-19.

POINT: We are Better Together when we make room to experience real friendships.

When you make room for friends you:

Pray and commit yourself.
Put yourself in their space
Do something together.

Make room for others.

Here is a song about finding a friend in Jesus.

Verses for Today:
John 15:18-19 (NIV)
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Lord, I thank You that You chose me as a friend. Help me to be a better friend in this world.

Sharing Beyond Books #397 Comment Giveaway June 13, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week. We are all living in tense times it seems.

Twelve of us have books that had an impact on us. To Kill a Mockingbird was mentioned twice.

The Winner from SBB #396 comments is #8 CAROL who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #397

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: What was the first series of books you enjoyed, mine was Trixie Belden??

I recall that, as a young person, I was a fan of The Hardy Boys first, then Nancy Drew series. That is showing my age! I will be interested to see which series the youger people name.

Image found at It's Always Autumn.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.

Your turn to share. Marjorie asks: What was the first series of books you enjoyed, mine was Trixie Belden??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan

This is a tough and engaging thriller.
Vanishing Girls: A totally heart-stopping crime thriller (Detective Josie Quinn Book 1)
by Lisa Regan

File Size: 1883 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (January 17, 2018)
ASIN: B076KMQ7M3
Genre: Crime Thriller, Detective Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Isabelle Coleman, a blonde, beautiful young girl goes missing, eeautifulveryone from the small town of Denton joins the search. They can find no trace of the town’s darling, but Detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn’t even know was missing.
Mute and unresponsive, it’s clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle’s.
The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. When the trail leads her to a cold case labelled a hoax by authorities, Josie begins to wonder is there anyone left she can trust?
Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses their life?
Utterly gripping crime for readers who adored Angela Marsons, Helen Fields and Robert Dugoni. You will be sleeping with the lights on once you discover the first in this unputdownable new crime thriller series.

Review:
Detective Josie Quinn is a tough, dedicated officer, committed to solving crime. She tends to act impulsively at times and has recently been suspended for an assault. Josie is frustrated that her husband, her childhood sweetheart, has betrayed her and has been slow to sign the divorce papers she is waiting for. Josie is doubly frustrated as a beautiful teenage girl has gone missing and her chief won’t let her participate in the investigation.

Josie keeps sneaking into the investigation and hunting out clues behind the scenes. When another young woman is discovered alive, Josie is skeptical that the man accused and killed during the arrest, was the true kidnapper. The young girl is basically catatonic and unable to help in the investigation. But Josie discovers the existence of an older case with a similar abduction. She enlists the help of her fiancé and a pesky news journalist to work on the case and gather the older police file only to learn that the file is missing much of the report. Can Josie get enough information to help the case before she gets fired by her boss? The investigation takes a dangerous twist when the information that Josie gathers apparently threatens some people resulting in Josie and those close to her becoming targets to keep quiet.

Sadly, from the beginning, I couldn’t warm to Josie’s rough character. She was on suspension for excessive reaction and still chose not to follow the rules as she continued to push to be on the abduction case. The investigation and the criminal conspiracy are very interesting, suspenseful, and, at times, horrifying. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dark crime and tough detective stories.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.