Review by M Zee -- Undead Redhead by Jen Frankel

M Zee · Post by **M Zee** » 23 Nov 2018, 22:10

[Following is a volunteer review of "Undead Redhead" by Jen Frankel.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A refreshing blend of horror and comedy, Undead Redhead is a paranormal romance written by Jen Frankel. While Frankel is no stranger to urban fantasy, this book is a standalone novel and her first foray into the undead. The zombie genre is typically known for horror. However, this book bucks trends by centering the story on a hapless, newly turned zombie and her path of self-discovery. Sharon Backovic - cheerful, optimistic twenty-something - wakes up in the back of a hearse after a bizarre post-wedding bouquet accident. Buried in an unflattering bridesmaid dress with only vague recollections of how she ended up there, Sharon learns to navigate her new afterlife and discovers her past.

In life, Sharon was a doormat. All the people in her life – friends, boyfriend, and even family – never consider her as more than an afterthought. Now that she’s dead, she’s not entirely sure that things are any different. It’s only after she recognizes there is no going back that she decides to make a change to find a brand new self. But first, she has to figure out what it means to be a vegan zombie.

Undead Redhead isn’t the standard romance novel, despite the book’s subtitle. There are definitely romantic elements in the story but they aren’t the focus of the narrative. Instead, readers are treated with a tale about self-discovery and finding inner strength even after hitting rock bottom. The characters are quirky and enjoyable to read about. The story is filled with plenty of laugh-out-loud funny moments. The mystery of Sharon’s undead origin, the injustice of her death, and her own self-doubts all come to a head through the course of the story, leading to an unusual – and explosive – ending.

The point of view shifts among a number of characters, though only two of them make up the bulk of the narration. Frankel took a risk with this dynamic but it pays off, allowing the reader to see events beyond Sharon’s awareness. These events become important as the characters collide in the novel’s conclusion. The choice is confusing at the beginning, however, once I settled into the plot, I didn’t find it distracted from the story.

Overall, there were very few errors and the book was well-edited. There’s a vague mention of some decay-related hi-jinks but generally, the book didn’t have overt horror aspects to it. This worked perfectly for the candid narration and overall tone of the story. Humor holds the book together, taking the absurd premise to a wonderful conclusion.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. A delightful blend of comedy and hint of romance, Undead Redhead surpassed expectations and delivered a truly enjoyable story. It’s perfect for fans of Mary Janice Davidson’s Undead and Unwed or Kate McAlister’s You Slay Me. The book appeals to any fans of comedic paranormal fiction.

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Undead Redhead
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Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 25 Nov 2018, 15:09

You are right - the premise is absurd! I like the self-discovery and finding inner strength even after hitting rock bottom angle of the book, plus the humor of course! Thanks for the great review!

Natalie Charlene · Post by **Natalie Charlene** » 25 Nov 2018, 15:33

Great review! This book is getting added to my list!

M Zee · Post by **M Zee** » 26 Nov 2018, 21:08

Natalie Charlene wrote: ↑25 Nov 2018, 15:33 Great review! This book is getting added to my list!

I’m really glad I read this one - I enjoyed it a lot and was pleasantly surprised! Thanks for stopping by!

M Zee · Post by **M Zee** » 26 Nov 2018, 21:09

Cotwani wrote: ↑25 Nov 2018, 15:09 You are right - the premise is absurd! I like the self-discovery and finding inner strength even after hitting rock bottom angle of the book, plus the humor of course! Thanks for the great review!

I loved the absurdity in this book. The humor gave the story a lot of life and it made it fun to read. Thanks for stopping by!

Post by **Kajori Sheryl Paul** » 27 Nov 2018, 09:11

I have read and reviewed this book as well. It is a great read.

Thank you for the great review.

M Zee · Post by **M Zee** » 08 Dec 2018, 11:02

Kajori50 wrote: ↑27 Nov 2018, 09:11 I have read and reviewed this book as well. It is a great read.

Thank you for the great review.

I really enjoyed this book. I’m glad you did too! Thanks for stopping by!

fernsmom · Post by **fernsmom** » 14 Dec 2018, 09:21

Great review!

Sounds like a well rounded story with "A refreshing blend of horror and comedy, Undead Redhead is a paranormal romance written by Jen Frankel." I like the comedy thrown in for good measure as well!