Sabine Harper is the one her family turns to when things need sorting – or watching. This is why she finds herself at a cemetery late one night with her nineteen-year-old cousin, Lily, and Lily's friends. None of them really believed they would raise the dead – until they did. The shock and terror of seeing a body rise from the nineteenth century grave was only equaled by the shock and terror that came when Sabine found herself face to face with a vampire. Escaping the clutches of these monsters was no easy feat – and then the undead ghoul found his way into her home! What's a girl to do? Run screaming for her life or stay and stay and help good prevail over evil?

Murdered by his fiancée a hundred and twenty years ago, Willem Breaux has waited a long time to claim vengeance against his former best friend, vampire Richard St Ivraie, who claimed his fiancée for his own and turned her. Although he was granted only three days by the fates to claim his vengeance, Willem finds himself fascinated by the changes over a century has wrought – and is strongly drawn to Sabine. Can he follow through with his need for revenge, or does he find himself sidetracked by a developing love for Sabine?

Not Quite Dead is a witty and original novella that kept me reading with a smile. Sela Carsen has woven a tale where all is not as it seems. There are a few plot twists that I did not see coming, as well as the potential for an unhappy ending. Not Quite Dead is a beautifully crafted story, with tender love scenes, betrayal, vengeance, a spot of suspense and a growing though seemingly impossible love. The plot itself appears well thought out, flowing well with no bumps to mar the way. The characters and storyline were rather well developed. Sabine and Willem are drawn to one another almost from the first, though they know that the chances for anything between them are near nil. Thoroughly enjoyable, charming and unique, Not Quite Dead is a fabulous read that gives much cause to watch for more works from Sela Carsen.

Reviewed by: Elizabeth