Title: An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody
Author: D.L. Gardner
Publication Date: June 25, 2017
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Mystery
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An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody
D.L. Gardner
D.L. Gardner, June 2017
ISBN 978-0692909492
Hardcover
From the author—
Rockford Peadlebody dies in a train wreck while traveling with his family, (a rather dysfunctional lot of half-blood vampires) after a flood in Mississippi washes their home away. Once his brother Gerald, his wife Ginger, and son Raymond reach grandpa’s estate in Ohio, they learn that grandaddy Benjamin Peadlebody has also died. They are now heirs to the infamous Peadlebody manor and all its peculiarities, including the butler, a reserved, tattooed, muscleman named Richard Cottlebone.
It seems fishy to Gerald that two untimely deaths in the family happened within a week. Yes, Rockford’s demise was of his own doing, but Benjamin’s? Perhaps the butler, knows more than he’s letting on?
To prove himself worthy after all his blunderings as a vampire, Gerald tries to unravel the thread of Papa’s death. No help comes from Ginger. She’s too busy trying to un-vampire herself. And Raymond is in love, but not with his relatives. Gerald soon discovers solving this murder mystery meets with a stone cold reception.
A number of years ago, a cozy author who’s long been a favorite of mine, Dean James (aka Miranda James and other pen names), started a new series with Posted to Death, the story of an American vampire who is gay and able to medically control his vampirish tendencies. When he moves to a small English village, he falls into sleuthing when the nasty postmistress is murdered. The name of the village is Snupperton Mumsley and Simon Kirby-Jones is also a bodice-ripping romance writer which gives you just a taste of the humor to be found, humor which had me (and a lot of friends) laughing out loud. Unfortunately, the series didn’t fare well so it ended after the fourth book but, ever since I’ve been on the lookout for something like it. Occasionally, I find a book that comes close but not quite.
An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody is another of my attempts and, while it doesn’t quite fulfill my quest, it’s quirky enough to grab and hold my attention. There are laughs to be had here and I really like Ms. Gardner’s assortment of characters that aren’t your usual evil, bloodsucking fiends. Think of Uncle Gerald, a half vampire-elf mix or of a woman who can turn living creatures to stone. Perhaps a gorgon?
A family as dysfunctional as it’s possible to be, a mansion that’s falling to pieces, a butler with tattoos and piercings…what better milieu for investigating an untimely death, that of Gerald’s father, a full vampire? In fact, did he really die? And when, or how, is Gerald going to get his next, er, meal?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this collection of creatures and the humans who live amongst them, not to mention the mystery of what really happened to Granddaddy Peadlebody. Will there be a sequel? I don’t know but I really do hope so 😉
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, November 2017.
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Video Trailer
Audiobook video excerpt:
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An Excerpt from
An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody
Ginger’s looking for a potion to relieve her and her son Raymond from the curse of vampirism, and she’s using the library as a resource.
Once she gained her composure, she looked the librarian square in the face. It wasn’t this young woman’s fault, but Ginger couldn’t hold back the angst.
“None of these books have any of the information that I’m looking for.”
The librarian, a young lady in a pink tailored suit, painted fingernails, and a hairstyle that would have put Sandra Dee to shame, raised her eyebrow as she stacked the books neatly, turning each one right side up. She read the titles aloud, one by one, as she pulled the dated cards from the inside covers.
“Dark Magic and the Evil Thereof
Alchemy for Dummies
Infusions 101
Science and the Supernatural
Vampires and their Victims?” She looked up. Ginger shrugged.
“The Night of the Stalker.”
When she had finished reading the titles, she gave Ginger a scowl.
“Just exactly what are you looking for?”
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About the Author
With a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she’s won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/author/DianneGardner/
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Amazon // Goodreads
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An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody Audiobook
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Buried Under Books 
I’m liking the idea of this book. Sounds like fun and that title is very catchy! Wouldn’t be surprised to see this optioned for a movie or show.
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I’m ready for a funny interesting book. This one would work.
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