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The Thirteenth Vampire
From Alice Hemming, the bestselling author of The Dark Unicorn series, comes a brand-new story filled with vampires and a mystery only one girl can solve. The town of Valesti was once rumoured to be the home to a family of twelve vampires who wreaked havoc on the towns people. Until, that is, hunters came to kill them all. At least, they thought they'd killed them all . . .
Years later, the rumours are mostly forgotten but some persist - especially those around Castle Bezna , where a mysterious countess lives. Over the years, the countess has enlisted village girls to be her companions, but none of the girls have returned. But when a girl named Vivi decides that the promise of an education and boarding is too great an opportunity to turn down, she packs up her belongings and starts work in the dusty old castle.
But soon Vivi starts to wonder if the legend of the thirteenth vampire could be true. Can she prove the vampires existence, or will she join the long list of girls never to return from Castle Bezna . . . ?
Years later, the rumours are mostly forgotten but some persist - especially those around Castle Bezna , where a mysterious countess lives. Over the years, the countess has enlisted village girls to be her companions, but none of the girls have returned. But when a girl named Vivi decides that the promise of an education and boarding is too great an opportunity to turn down, she packs up her belongings and starts work in the dusty old castle.
But soon Vivi starts to wonder if the legend of the thirteenth vampire could be true. Can she prove the vampires existence, or will she join the long list of girls never to return from Castle Bezna . . . ?
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2023
10 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Alice Hemming
94 books97 followersAlice Hemming is the author of over fifty books for children, including the bestselling Dark Unicorns series (Scholastic), and picture book, The Leaf Thief with illustrator Nicola Slater (Scholastic 2020), which has sold across the world and been translated into nineteen languages. Alice lives in Hertfordshire, UK with her husband and two children, and works in a writing shed at the top of her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 3, 2025
A very solid 3 stars.. Almost a 3.5
A good book if you like vampires and atmospheric settings.
A good book if you like vampires and atmospheric settings.
February 8, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4.
Overall this book wasn’t too bad. I enjoyed the gothic vibes and the ode to Dracula with the epistolary elements. Vivian the main character was feisty and adventurous and I loved trying to figure out the mystery of the 13th Vampire. Ending was a tad predictable but a solid story with some very likeable characters.
Overall this book wasn’t too bad. I enjoyed the gothic vibes and the ode to Dracula with the epistolary elements. Vivian the main character was feisty and adventurous and I loved trying to figure out the mystery of the 13th Vampire. Ending was a tad predictable but a solid story with some very likeable characters.
October 29, 2024
3.75/4 🌟
A simple vampire story suited for the YA community. It was very easy to read and had a fast pace that flowed well. It keeps you guessing until the end, but there are hints to guide you to the conclusion. The book sets out the story in real time, so we see the unfolding of the truth through Vivi's eyes, the main character; a fearless girl who takes risks. One line at the end suggests Castle Bezna may have more secrets to reveal! I am interested in more of this authors work, Alice Hemming has an easy way with words that are effortless. This a delightful read for Halloween!
A simple vampire story suited for the YA community. It was very easy to read and had a fast pace that flowed well. It keeps you guessing until the end, but there are hints to guide you to the conclusion. The book sets out the story in real time, so we see the unfolding of the truth through Vivi's eyes, the main character; a fearless girl who takes risks. One line at the end suggests Castle Bezna may have more secrets to reveal! I am interested in more of this authors work, Alice Hemming has an easy way with words that are effortless. This a delightful read for Halloween!
February 5, 2024
Such a thrilling and tension building book! I half guessed who the 13th vampire was by thinking it was Kurt and just before the book said who it was i thought it was the housekeeper.
I have never read a vampire themed novel before and i thoroughly enjoyed this one, i will be looking for more of this author’s books. 😊🧛♀️
4.5⭐️
I have never read a vampire themed novel before and i thoroughly enjoyed this one, i will be looking for more of this author’s books. 😊🧛♀️
4.5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
It was a really fun book with loads of twists and turns. If you like reading vampire books then definitely give this one a go. It’s one of my favourite books and it’s a very fun read.
May 30, 2024
Such a great book. I regret Kurt's death. I wish we got his back story. Like how is he 20 or more years old??!! This book has hypnotized me. And who would have guessed the 13th vampire was madam Varney. A plot twist for me. Though I suspected Vivi was the 13th vampire 🧛♀️ but never countess marozny she is great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
"The thirteenth vampire" is a creepy, atmospheric, supernatural mystery suitable for adolescents and teens. But there's no reason adults can't enjoy it as well.
The story centres around an orphan girl called Viviana who is sent to live with her aunt and cousins and work at the local launderette. One day she sees a notice from the reclusive Countess Marozny requesting a teenage girl for companionship for a year. She sees this as an opportunity to escape her humble lifestyle and decides to run away from her family and accept the countess's offer of employment. Despite warnings from her family and fellow villagers that the castle the countess lives in was once home to a family of vampires.
This is an ideal book for Halloween. It's creepy and atmospheric in parts but also has fun and levity as well. It's not particularly gory and is more of a supernatural mystery than an out and out horror with little nods and homages to classic vampire literature such as "Dracula" and "Varney the vampire". I also really liked the main character Viviana. All in all it's well worth a read.
The story centres around an orphan girl called Viviana who is sent to live with her aunt and cousins and work at the local launderette. One day she sees a notice from the reclusive Countess Marozny requesting a teenage girl for companionship for a year. She sees this as an opportunity to escape her humble lifestyle and decides to run away from her family and accept the countess's offer of employment. Despite warnings from her family and fellow villagers that the castle the countess lives in was once home to a family of vampires.
This is an ideal book for Halloween. It's creepy and atmospheric in parts but also has fun and levity as well. It's not particularly gory and is more of a supernatural mystery than an out and out horror with little nods and homages to classic vampire literature such as "Dracula" and "Varney the vampire". I also really liked the main character Viviana. All in all it's well worth a read.
July 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book (even if it did scare me!). I have previously tried one of Alice Hemming's books, and I didn't enjoy it, but this book was excellent!
For me, what I enjoyed most was the mysteries Vivi had to solve, the sense of friendship and the descriptions. The character descriptions helped me build up a good image of what was happening and how the different people looked and felt at different points in the story.
For me, what I enjoyed most was the mysteries Vivi had to solve, the sense of friendship and the descriptions. The character descriptions helped me build up a good image of what was happening and how the different people looked and felt at different points in the story.
May 25, 2024
We loved this. I was being nagged constantly for the next chapter by the last few and had to just put the evening aside in the end. We had a great time making up our theories about the twists and reveals, no one was wrong, but I was pleased to be the most right! XXxxx
November 1, 2023
An extremely enjoyable Halloween read! So glad to have stumbled across this on a visit to my local library. I'd certainly recommend for the dark autumnal evenings!
August 31, 2024
I'm 43 years old and for a kids book this was pretty darn good.
October 8, 2024
Nice middle grade Dracula-esque book. Ending was quite predictable but I still enjoyed it
December 17, 2024
YA reading with my kiddo - super great challenging book for his age
February 7, 2025
I didn't like it I dnf it halfway the writing was confusing it was written in 3rd person it wasn't my cup of tea
January 3, 2025
Vampires. They are a part of our history thanks to tale after tale which continue to tell us ever-more about these fascinating creatures, or should we consider them people? The question remains open, but the stories continue to flow and not just for teen, YA, and adult readers, we have reviewed a couple of other vampires stories this week for younger readers, showing how versatile they are, how many tales can be created from their legends and the imagination. Alice Hemming, one time librarian and website editor is now a children’s book author, and she seems to love writing stories with a dark edge… The Thirteenth Vampire is her latest and we loved it! The story is filled with vampires and weaves in a mystery too. This is a mystery that only one girl can solve, if she can stay alive for long enough… Be prepared to be drawn in by outstanding writing, a mystery that will compel and a story which is incredibly addictive.
There is a rumour in the town of Valesti. It is said that the town was once home to a family of twelve vampires. It may not be a surprise to learn that these legendary vampires wreaked havoc on the town and its people. At least they did until vampire hunters came to kill them all. Well, the rumour insists that they were all killed… The rumours have been nearly forgotten, as many are when they are considered too old to be worthy of consideration other than in stories. But one persists. The one about Castle Benza, home to a countess who enlists local girls to be her companions. None of the girls have ever returned. The perfect material for rumours but when Vivi decides the countesses promise of an education and boarding is too good an offer to resist she packs up and starts work. It’s not long before she wonders about the legend of the Thirteenth Vampire. Can she prove the existence of vampires, or will she become one of the poor girls on the list…?
Merged review:
Vampires. They are a part of our history thanks to tale after tale which continue to tell us ever-more about these fascinating creatures, or should we consider them people? The question remains open, but the stories continue to flow and not just for teen, YA, and adult readers, we have reviewed a couple of other vampires stories this week for younger readers, showing how versatile they are, how many tales can be created from their legends and the imagination. Alice Hemming, one time librarian and website editor is now a children’s book author, and she seems to love writing stories with a dark edge… The Thirteenth Vampire is her latest and we loved it! The story is filled with vampires and weaves in a mystery too. This is a mystery that only one girl can solve, if she can stay alive for long enough… Be prepared to be drawn in by outstanding writing, a mystery that will compel and a story which is incredibly addictive.
There is a rumour in the town of Valesti. It is said that the town was once home to a family of twelve vampires. It may not be a surprise to learn that these legendary vampires wreaked havoc on the town and its people. At least they did until vampire hunters came to kill them all. Well, the rumour insists that they were all killed… The rumours have been nearly forgotten, as many are when they are considered too old to be worthy of consideration other than in stories. But one persists. The one about Castle Benza, home to a countess who enlists local girls to be her companions. None of the girls have ever returned. The perfect material for rumours but when Vivi decides the countesses promise of an education and boarding is too good an offer to resist she packs up and starts work. It’s not long before she wonders about the legend of the Thirteenth Vampire. Can she prove the existence of vampires, or will she become one of the poor girls on the list…?
There is a rumour in the town of Valesti. It is said that the town was once home to a family of twelve vampires. It may not be a surprise to learn that these legendary vampires wreaked havoc on the town and its people. At least they did until vampire hunters came to kill them all. Well, the rumour insists that they were all killed… The rumours have been nearly forgotten, as many are when they are considered too old to be worthy of consideration other than in stories. But one persists. The one about Castle Benza, home to a countess who enlists local girls to be her companions. None of the girls have ever returned. The perfect material for rumours but when Vivi decides the countesses promise of an education and boarding is too good an offer to resist she packs up and starts work. It’s not long before she wonders about the legend of the Thirteenth Vampire. Can she prove the existence of vampires, or will she become one of the poor girls on the list…?
Merged review:
Vampires. They are a part of our history thanks to tale after tale which continue to tell us ever-more about these fascinating creatures, or should we consider them people? The question remains open, but the stories continue to flow and not just for teen, YA, and adult readers, we have reviewed a couple of other vampires stories this week for younger readers, showing how versatile they are, how many tales can be created from their legends and the imagination. Alice Hemming, one time librarian and website editor is now a children’s book author, and she seems to love writing stories with a dark edge… The Thirteenth Vampire is her latest and we loved it! The story is filled with vampires and weaves in a mystery too. This is a mystery that only one girl can solve, if she can stay alive for long enough… Be prepared to be drawn in by outstanding writing, a mystery that will compel and a story which is incredibly addictive.
There is a rumour in the town of Valesti. It is said that the town was once home to a family of twelve vampires. It may not be a surprise to learn that these legendary vampires wreaked havoc on the town and its people. At least they did until vampire hunters came to kill them all. Well, the rumour insists that they were all killed… The rumours have been nearly forgotten, as many are when they are considered too old to be worthy of consideration other than in stories. But one persists. The one about Castle Benza, home to a countess who enlists local girls to be her companions. None of the girls have ever returned. The perfect material for rumours but when Vivi decides the countesses promise of an education and boarding is too good an offer to resist she packs up and starts work. It’s not long before she wonders about the legend of the Thirteenth Vampire. Can she prove the existence of vampires, or will she become one of the poor girls on the list…?
February 15, 2024
I think this is my kind of book because i really love reading about vampires
April 19, 2024
Since I have read this book I didn't even know that it was the housekeeper who was the vampire. I thought that it was the lady who owned the property.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
This is the best book I have ever read! The characters were so well-written! And those little clues of suspisions of who the vampire might be? The prologue was also AMAZING! I love Vivi so much!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews