Review: Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw (Dr. Greta Helsing #2)

Dreadful Company (Dr. Greta Helsing #2)
Vivian Shaw
Published: July 31, 2018 (Orbit)
Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Beth

Rating (out of 5): 4 stars

Dr. Greta Helsing is in Paris, presenting at a supernatural medical conference, having recovered from the events in book one. Her plan? To present and head back home to London. Unfortunately, during a night out at the opera with Edward Ruthven, she comes to the attention of an enemy of Ruthven’s—a vampire named Corvin. Greta will need some luck, her wits, and her friends (old AND new) to help her stay alive and fix some problems in the City of Lights.

While the story takes place in Paris, most of it actually occurs under Paris—in the catacombs. It’s a dark and gloomy place, livened up by a coven of vampires…sort of. I mean, maybe “livened up” isn’t exactly the correct term when discussing the undead, but…it works. Especially when those undead have BODY GLITTER. But you must read to find out more.

Thankfully, even though Greta is in Paris rather than London, characters from the first book make appearances. Ruthven, obviously, but also Francis Varney and Fastitocalon (who, if you remember, has been in Hell). We also make the acquaintance of some new supers: a couple of gentleman who help spirits pass on, a werewolf who guards Paris (usually…), a minor demon who loves to bake, and of course—more vampires. I very much enjoyed these new characters, as well as those who returned. They were interesting and well developed–though my favorites might be the new wee beasties that play a large part in the story.

As for the story itself, I must confess that I enjoyed this one better than book one. Don’t get me wrong, I liked book one, or I wouldn’t have read book two. But Greta seemed more relatable in this one, and I really did enjoy the addition of the new characters that popped up in Paris—a couple of whom appear likely to stay (though I won’t give any spoilers, no matter HOW much you beg!). It does get pretty dark at times, though there’s always a bit of snark or humor around the corner to offset a little bit.

Dreadful Company is a fun, quick read that ramped up the action a little bit from book one. A little romance, a little death, a bunch of undead and a couple of demons from Hell—I mean, what’s NOT to like here? I’m definitely looking forward to book three, and what further adventures Dr. Helsing and her companions might find themselves in!

Sexual content: none