Review of Straight Outta Fangton: A Comedic Vampire Story

Author: C.T. Phipps

Publisher: Macabre Ink (ebook)/ Crossroad Press (audio)

Release Date: April 15, 2017/ August 28, 2017 (audio)

Length: 196 pages/ 7 hrs, 27 minutes (audio)

Narrated by Cary Hite

Peter Stone, or just Stone as he likes to be called, is at a bit of a loss. Here he is, one of the mighty undead, who are finally out of the coffin after bailing out the US after a financial collapse, a Vampire and Iraq war vet, and he cant seem to catch a break. No fancy clothes, no riches, no sports cars or exotic models looking to be his thralls. Instead, he's working at a low paying convenience store, exiled from the vampire society, and his only thrall is David, who is no ones idea of a model. 

He's going nowhere fast, until one day his werewolf boss tells him that someone has OD'd in the bathroom of the store. Stone checks it out, and it's worse than that. Someone has dumped a newly changed vampire in the bathroom, mad with blood lust. Well, that can't be good. After attacking Stone, the fledgling vampire, Melissa, is subdued, and they discover she was an anti monster activist. They then  discover she was turned by an overpowered vampire who used to be a Templar Knight who is almost unkillable, and has been hunting vampires since the middle ages. Stone takes her to see Thoth, his Creator and one of the Masters of New Detroit. 

This starts a chain reaction of events, as a power play is taking place, with the Templar trying to take out the lead vampires and some lower rank vampires making moves of their own, which leads to Stone's and crew's final confrontation with the Templar and his expendable allies, with Stone being spectacularly outclassed but still struggling to win in the end.

This is the type of book I expect CT Phipps to write. Comedic, but with interesting characters, much deeper than you'd expect world building, great villains (a real strength of all his books) and a plot that just keeps racing along. Even the supporting characters are fleshed out, which is another strength of this writer. The pop culture references also fly fast and furious, everything from Twilight to Star Wars, again, something he does in all his books. 

The only thing I had any issues  with was the final battle with the Templar. While it had a satisfying conclusion, it was a bit quick. I suspect that might have been intentional, but it was something unusual for this author. Other than that minor point, this was one excellent novel. 

Cary Hite is a revelation as a narrator. He really brings the story to life, giving each character a life of their own. He has a great voice, and his use of accents and inflection is excellent. Definitely on my list of top narrating talent. 

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is into urban fantasy or likes a good supernatural romp. You wont be disappointed.