“The thing about being a vampire, you see, is that it's all about control. Or the lack thereof. Especially when you're new.”
— Pip reflecting on the nature of vampirism.
Archivist's Choice
The Reformed Vampire Support Group
Catherine Jinks (2009)
Genre
Fantasy / Mystery / Young Adult
Reading Time
368 min
Key Themes
See below
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A snarky, perpetually fifteen-year-old vampire, begrudgingly attending a support group for the undead, finds herself embroiled in a hilarious and heartwarming murder mystery when one of her fellow reformed bloodsuckers is mysteriously staked.
Synopsis
Nina Harrison, a fifteen-year-old vampire, is bored with her weekly Reformed Vampire Support Group (RVPSG) meetings. Vampires, she discovers, are not the sexy, powerful creatures of myth; they're dead, addicted to blood, and must follow strict rules to avoid staking. Her dull existence is shattered when one of the group members, the ancient and eccentric Jean-Luc, is mysteriously destroyed by a silver bullet. Determined to prove that vampires are not useless, Nina, along with the charming punk-rocker vampire Dave (who secretly harbors feelings for her), investigates. Their initial investigations lead them to uncover a dangerous hunter, a werewolf in danger, and a conspiracy that threatens not only their own kind but also the balance between the supernatural and human worlds. The RVPSG, a group of reformed bloodsuckers, must band together, using their unique abilities to track down the culprit, save their new werewolf ally, and disarm the threat posed by the fanatical Reverend, who believes he is on a divine mission to eradicate all supernatural beings.
Reading time
368 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Humorous, Quirky, Mysterious, Lighthearted, Adventurous
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy humorous murder mysteries with a quirky cast, a fresh take on vampire lore, and a strong dose of young adult angst.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer serious, dark, or romantic vampire stories, or dislike a more comedic and self-deprecating approach to the supernatural.
Plot Summary
The Tedium of Reform
Nina Harrison, a fifteen-year-old vampire, resents her mandatory attendance at the Reformed Vampire Support Group (RVPSG) meetings every Tuesday night. She finds the group, led by the perpetually cheerful Father Ramon, incredibly dull, filled with uninspiring vampires like the ancient, forgetful Lady Mary and the perpetually anxious Josh. Her only solace is Dave, a former punk rocker turned vampire who shares her cynical humor. This particular evening, a new member, Nigel, a self-proclaimed 'vampire of the old school,' joins the group, injecting a brief moment of tension with his disdain for their 'reformed' lifestyle. Nina dismisses him as just another pompous old vampire, but his presence subtly shifts the group's dynamic.
A Silver Bullet and a Missing Member
The following week, the RVPSG meeting is thrown into chaos by Father Ramon's grim announcement: Nigel has been destroyed, not by a stake, but by a silver bullet – a weapon typically used against werewolves. The group is stunned, as vampires are generally immune to silver. This unprecedented event suggests a deliberate, targeted attack. Father Ramon urges caution and advises them to stay safe, but Nina, feeling restless and underestimated, sees this as an opportunity to prove that reformed vampires are not entirely useless. Dave, concerned for Nina's safety but also intrigued, agrees to help her look into Nigel's death, despite the inherent dangers.
Initial Investigations and Unlikely Allies
Nina and Dave start by visiting Nigel's last known address, a dilapidated house. They find evidence of a struggle and a lingering scent of silver, confirming the nature of his demise. Their amateur detective work leads them to Nigel's old haunt, a seedy bar where he was known to associate with various unsavory characters. There, they meet a nervous human named Arthur, who seems to know more than he lets on about Nigel's activities and expresses fear for his own safety. Arthur provides a cryptic clue about Nigel's involvement in something dangerous, hinting at a connection to a mysterious 'organization' and a valuable 'package' Nigel was trying to acquire or protect.
The Werewolf Connection
Following Arthur's vague leads, Nina and Dave stumble upon Sam, a young werewolf who is also being hunted by the same mysterious entity that killed Nigel. Sam is initially distrustful of the vampires, given their historical animosity, but the shared threat forces a fragile alliance. Sam reveals that Nigel had been trying to acquire a powerful artifact that could grant immense power to its wielder, and that Nigel had stolen it from a dangerous group. Sam was trying to retrieve it and had witnessed Nigel's destruction. Sam also explains that the hunter uses silver bullets because they believe werewolves are involved, or perhaps to frame them.
The Hunter Revealed: The Reverend
Through a combination of Sam's information and Nina's persistent digging, they identify their primary antagonist: a fanatical human known only as 'The Reverend'. The Reverend is not just a monster hunter, but a zealot who believes all supernatural beings are an abomination and must be eradicated. He uses his religious platform to gather followers and justify his violent acts. His methods are brutal and his resources surprisingly extensive. The Reverend has been systematically tracking down and eliminating supernatural creatures, and Nigel's death was part of his larger crusade to cleanse the world. The artifact Nigel possessed is also a key target for The Reverend, who believes it will aid his holy war.
The RVPSG Takes Action
Realizing the gravity of the situation and the threat posed by The Reverend, Nina and Dave present their findings to the RVPSG. Initially, the group is reluctant, their reformed nature making them averse to conflict. However, Father Ramon, recognizing the existential threat to their kind and the injustice of Nigel's death, rallies them. Even the more timid members like Josh and Lady Mary agree to contribute their unique (if sometimes eccentric) skills. The RVPSG transforms from a passive support group into an unlikely alliance of misfit vampires determined to protect themselves and stop The Reverend.
A Heist for the Artifact
The stolen artifact, a powerful ancient relic, becomes the central focus. The group learns that The Reverend has secured it and plans to use its power to amplify his abilities and accelerate his cleansing mission. Nina, Dave, and Sam, with the strategic input of the RVPSG members, devise a daring plan to infiltrate The Reverend's stronghold and retrieve the artifact. The plan is fraught with danger, as The Reverend's compound is heavily guarded by his fanatical followers. The vampires must use their unique abilities, albeit in their reformed, non-lethal ways, to succeed.
The Confrontation
The RVPSG, along with Sam, executes their plan. They manage to bypass The Reverend's security, using their stealth and some surprising distractions provided by members like Lady Mary's old-world charm and Josh's nervous energy to create chaos. They confront The Reverend, who is in the process of attempting to activate the artifact. A tense struggle ensues, with The Reverend proving to be a formidable and ruthless opponent. His followers, though human, are zealous and dangerous, making the confrontation a true test of the vampires' commitment to their reformed ways.
Disarming the Threat
During the climactic confrontation, Nina, drawing on her latent vampiric strength and newfound courage, directly engages The Reverend. Dave, always protective of Nina, provides crucial support. With surprising agility and a touch of luck, they manage to disarm The Reverend and separate him from the artifact before he can fully harness its power. The rest of the RVPSG members, including a surprisingly brave Josh and Lady Mary, contribute to neutralizing The Reverend's followers. The artifact is secured, preventing its misuse, and The Reverend is apprehended, though his ultimate fate remains somewhat ambiguous.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
In the aftermath, The Reverend is exposed, and his network dismantled. The artifact is safely hidden away, and Sam is no longer hunted. The RVPSG members, having faced true danger and emerged victorious, find a newfound sense of purpose and camaraderie. Nina, once bored and resentful, now sees her life and her fellow reformed vampires in a new light. She has proven her worth, not by fanging people, but by protecting them. Her relationship with Dave deepens, moving beyond shared cynicism to genuine affection and respect. The group continues their meetings, but with a renewed sense of community and the knowledge that they are capable of extraordinary things.
Principal Figures
Nina Harrison
The Protagonist
Nina transforms from a jaded, passive participant in her own life to an active, brave leader who embraces her unique abilities for the greater good.
Dave
The Supporting
Dave moves from a passive observer of Nina's life to an active partner, openly expressing his feelings and proving his unwavering commitment.
Father Ramon
The Supporting
Father Ramon maintains his core beliefs but adapts his approach to leadership, allowing the group to take more active roles in their own protection.
The Reverend
The Antagonist
The Reverend remains steadfast in his fanaticism, serving as a static, unyielding force of opposition.
Sam
The Supporting
Sam learns to overcome ingrained prejudices, forming an unlikely bond with vampires for mutual protection.
Lady Mary
The Supporting
Lady Mary, despite her age, finds renewed purpose and a chance to contribute her unique 'talents' to the group's cause.
Josh
The Supporting
Josh, through facing his fears, discovers a hidden well of courage and contributes meaningfully to the group's efforts.
Nigel
The Mentioned
Nigel's arc is cut short; his death serves as a plot device to propel the protagonists into action.
Themes & Insights
Redemption and Second Chances
The RVPSG is about vampires seeking redemption for their past actions and embracing a second chance at a non-violent existence. Nina's journey, in particular, highlights this as she learns to use her vampiric abilities not for predation, but for protection. The struggle of characters like Josh to overcome their inherent nature and fears, or Lady Mary's commitment to reform despite her age, shows the ongoing effort required for genuine change. The group's ultimate success in stopping The Reverend without resorting to lethal force reinforces the idea that even 'monsters' can choose a better path.
“We are not monsters, not anymore. We are simply… trying to be better.”
The Nature of 'Monsterhood'
The novel challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a 'monster.' While the vampires are supernatural beings with predatory instincts, they are striving for morality and community. In contrast, The Reverend, a human, is the true monster, driven by hatred and fanaticism, actively seeking to destroy others. This theme is explored through Nina's initial self-loathing and her eventual acceptance of her identity, realizing that her true nature is not defined by her vampirism but by her choices. The alliance between vampires and a werewolf further blurs these lines, suggesting that shared humanity (or shared struggles) can transcend species differences.
“It's not what you are, it's what you do.”
Finding Purpose and Belonging
Nina's initial boredom and sense of uselessness are central to her character. She feels stuck in a mundane existence, longing for purpose beyond simply 'not fanging people.' The mystery surrounding Nigel's death gives her an opportunity to find that purpose, leading the investigation and ultimately saving lives. The RVPSG, initially a dreary obligation, transforms into a true community where each member finds a sense of belonging and value, contributing their unique skills to a common goal. This journey highlights that purpose can be found even in unexpected places and among unlikely allies.
“Maybe being reformed doesn't mean being useless.”
Prejudice and Acceptance
The novel explores prejudice on multiple levels. Humans like The Reverend harbor extreme prejudice against all supernatural beings. Within the supernatural community, there is historical animosity between vampires and werewolves, exemplified by Sam's initial distrust of Nina and Dave. The RVPSG itself represents a group struggling for acceptance, both from the human world and from their own pasts. The resolution of the story, where different supernatural species work together against a human antagonist, highlights the importance of overcoming prejudice and finding common ground for survival and mutual respect.
“We're all just trying to get by, aren't we?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Inciting Incident: Nigel's Destruction
A mysterious death that propels the reluctant protagonists into action.
Nigel's sudden and violent destruction by a silver bullet serves as the primary inciting incident. It shatters the mundane routine of the RVPSG and forces Nina, Dave, and the rest of the group out of their complacency. The unusual nature of his death (silver being typically for werewolves) immediately raises questions and establishes the central mystery, setting the stage for the investigation and the eventual confrontation with The Reverend. Without Nigel's death, the group would likely remain passive and bored.
The MacGuffin: The Ancient Artifact
A powerful, sought-after object that drives the antagonist's actions.
The ancient artifact that Nigel was trying to acquire, and which The Reverend later obtains, functions as a classic MacGuffin. Its specific powers are somewhat vague but understood to be immense, capable of amplifying the wielder's abilities. Its importance lies not in its intrinsic details, but in its ability to motivate both Nigel's initial actions and, more critically, The Reverend's fanatical quest. The race to retrieve or neutralize the artifact provides a clear objective for the protagonists and heightens the stakes of the conflict.
The Reluctant Hero
A protagonist initially unwilling or unsuited for the heroic journey.
Nina Harrison embodies the reluctant hero archetype. She is initially bored, cynical, and feels useless as a reformed vampire, far from the traditional image of a powerful hero. She is dragged into the mystery out of a sense of frustration and a desire to prove herself, rather than an inherent heroic drive. Her reluctance makes her eventual bravery and leadership more impactful, as she grows into the role rather than being naturally suited for it. This device allows for significant character development throughout the narrative.
The Unlikely Alliance
Disparate groups or individuals forced to unite against a common foe.
The formation of the alliance between the Reformed Vampire Support Group, a collection of timid and reformed vampires, and Sam, a hunted werewolf, is a key plot device. Traditionally, vampires and werewolves are enemies. Their forced collaboration against The Reverend highlights the shared threat and breaks down long-standing prejudices. This alliance not only provides diverse skills and perspectives for solving the mystery but also reinforces the novel's themes of overcoming prejudice and finding common ground.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It's not about being 'good' or 'evil,' it's about making choices. Every single day. And some choices are harder than others.”
— Merlin offering guidance during a support group meeting.
“Humanity. It's a messy business. Even when you're not technically human anymore, it still clings.”
— Anthea musing on the lingering aspects of her past life.
“You can't outrun your past, not really. It always catches up, one way or another. Especially when it's literally chasing you.”
— Pip realizing the consequences of a past action.
“The truth, like garlic, has a very particular smell. And it tends to make some people very uncomfortable.”
— Merlin making a wry observation about uncovering secrets.
“Sometimes, the biggest monsters aren't the ones with fangs. They're the ones who smile.”
— Pip's growing understanding of human deceit.
“Support. It's not about fixing anyone. It's about being there while they try to fix themselves.”
— Merlin explaining the core principle of the support group.
“Fear is a powerful motivator. It can make you do terrible things, or incredibly brave ones.”
— Anthea reflecting on her own actions under duress.
“A good cup of tea can solve almost anything. Or at least, make you feel like it can, for a little while.”
— One of the vampires finding solace in a simple human pleasure.
“We're all just trying to navigate this existence, aren't we? Undead or otherwise.”
— Pip's realization of the shared struggles among the group.
“Forgiveness isn't just for the person you're forgiving. It's for you too.”
— Merlin discussing the importance of letting go of grudges.
“The night holds its own kind of beauty. And its own kind of danger.”
— Pip observing the world from a nocturnal perspective.
“You don't stop being who you are just because you've changed. You just learn to adapt.”
— Anthea discussing the challenges of her transformation.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The book reimagines vampires not as glamorous beings, but as undead individuals struggling with an addiction to human blood. They attend a weekly support group to reform their ways and avoid staking, focusing on mundane issues like eternal adolescence and living with their human families, providing a humorous and grounded take on the supernatural.
