Doc, Vampire-Hunting Dog
Five Stars from Rabid Reader
Original Review
There are lots of books written about vampires, humans, dogs and vampire hunters. There are many books written about dogs. There are so many books written from a vampire’s point of view, and many written from a vampire hunter’s point of view. But as far as I know, there is only one book written from the point of a view of a vampire hunter dog. Yep! that’s right. Doc is a border collie who has a special skill – to hunt vampires…
When I say written from the dog’s pov – it’s really from the dog’s pov – first person narrative. Campbell did a great job making the dog sound like a dog. Doc spoke in terms of dogs. Smells, his human, the obsessions that dogs can have – in Doc’s example, that would be sheepherding. His human is so cool about it that he puts on the t.v. so Doc can watch sheepherding games. Have you ever come across your dog or cat seemingly transfixed on a t.v. show? I have. There are times when I wonder what the dog or cat (of the moment) is thinking when they are staring intently at the t.v.
Doc is a novella – and stems from an online storyline that J.A. Campbell gifted her early fans with. After a while, she took some of the stories down and reworked them into this version. There are still a few shorts available online for free reads.
Doc has a human that has been a bit sad lately. Their lives have recently changed. Doc’s human has been going out at night and coming home tired. Almost by accident, Doc gets involved in his human’s night-time activties. This is when they find out that Doc has this special talent with vampires. Things are going along, when as things do,You-Know-What Hits the Fan.
If you enjoy vampires and vampire hunters, and dogs – if you enjoy mix of all three then you’re going to like this story. I enjoyed it a lot. As with all of her work, Campbell is able to instill a touch of horror, mystery and a bit of snark for a great mix. Her humor isn’t overdone, either. You know how sometimes the snark seems to be trying a little too hard? you won’t find that here. What you will find is a darn good story about dog who loves his human, and a human who loves his dog. The narrative is great – once you start reading it, you just want to go on reading. The dialog (which can be my pet peeve on any given book) is believable and fits the character. This means a lot to me – seriously a lot. There’s some great action scenes – one part when I – and I’m a jaded 50-ish woman now, felt like tearing up for the DOG! I don’t do that. Ever! well, hardly ever. 
There’s a satisfying end, and yet you know that it’s really just the beginning….
~~~~~
Review from Rusty Fisher, Zombie Author.
Five Stars on Amazon
“What an awesome take on the vampire/vampire-hunting genre! It was really refreshing to read a vampire story told from the dog’s POV; and “Doc” is much more than a simplistic, limited narrator. The world is very clearcut for him: good buys, bad guys; happy, sad; peace, danger. Loyalty is king and it makes the narration very clean and crystal clear. A great, fun and quick read that sticks wtih you, particuarly if you’re a dog lover!!!”
