Alex Abbott is Undead: The fang-tastically funny diary of a reluctant vampire aged 11½

by Louise Austin

Wednesday meets A Bad God's Guide to Being Good in this fang-tastically funny new adventure series from debut author Louise Austin. Illustrated throughout by Katie Kear and perfect for readers of 8 to 12.

I'm Alex Abbott. I was a completely ordinary kid until I accidentally got turned into a vampire. I have cool powers, but they’re seriously not worth it, because I have

1. Keep the powers secret, even from my best friends (nightmare)
2. Still go to school every day (thanks, Mum and Dad)
3. Never eat chips or ice-cream ever again (the WORST)

Actually, that’s not the worst. Trying to find a cure, I blundered into the supernatural world, broke an ancient pact and extinguished 32 tiny fire sprites (my bad). Now I’m on an epic quest to right those wrongs and make a deal with an ancient Sicilian fire demon to get my life back. What could possibly go wrong . . .?

Genres: Humor, Fantasy, Middle Grade

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is loads of fun! Poor Alex becomes a vampire and ends up having to make a deal with a demon. What follows is not what he expected, obviously! Gorgeously illustrated by Katie Kear - I love the drawings of the different supernatural creatures in particular. Another brilliant diary style book to add to the growing collection!

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my audiobook copy.

Snorting out loud and giggling were common features as I listened to this book. Witty and accessible, this audiobook was a surprise delight for me. I'd expected it to be funny but not for just how much I adored it. I could easily listen to it over and over.

The main character Alex was fantastic, completely relatable to younger audiences and adults alike, he made mistakes but also had empathy and tried his best to rectify them. He presented everyday problems that cropped up when you're a newly made vampire and his simple wishes for wanting to taste ice cream again were really sweet.

I loved the magical world hidden amongst the human one and the glamours hiding things from sight - that explains the pigeons!

Alex goes to fetch a ball back when it goes over the fence and unfortunately ends up dead. Undead that is, he's now a vampire! Piecing everything together Alex finds there is a whole other world of mythical creatures hidden within the human one and trying to navigate his way around it proves to be a little tricky and often slightly disastrously. With the aid of his friends, new and old, and family he sets off to put things right and hopefully find a way to become human again.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, ok, I know that I'm really not the target audience here, but you know, I blooming loved this book!

 

Poor Alex has ended up becoming a vampire, but the rules are tough and they really want to find a way to become human again.

 

This adventure was so much fun and we travel to far off places and discover all kinds of supernatural beings along the way.

 

I really liked the diary style of writing which took me back to my youth, reading Adrian Mole books - this really creates a connection to our main character and is so easy to read.

 

Alex was a great character who I think will appeal to younger readers as (despite being a vampire) I think many will relate to lots of the things happening through the story.

 

I really liked the way the author mixes the supernatural adventure with the everyday happenings like going to school and homework along with friendships and home life too.

 

This sets off running and is packed with action and silliness throughout.

The chapters were a good length for those younger readers to pick up and put down without losing momentum - but of course, I raced through this in one sitting and had the best time.

 

I really hope we'll see more from Alex and friends in future books.

 

 

 

 

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧛‍♀️ 😈 Alex Abbott is [Un] Dead Diary of a reluctant vampire (aged 11 1/2)

🤦🏻‍♀️ Follow Alex, a walking disaster, on an epic quest to fix the series of problems she singlehandedly unleashed on her hometown Draihampton. How she turned into a vampire actually made me laugh out loud because it was so unexpected… I’ve used it as a warning to my class not to go over the fence for a football. 🤭

💜 What I really loved about this book was how Alex ended up uniting so many characters as they fought back against Vulcan, the power-hungry demon. The book is crammed full of supernatural beings and the story teaches us not to judge others on face value.

🤣 This book will have you laughing out loud, shouting at Alex (who is so gullible) and laughing some more.

😍 My favourite character was Mr Tilbury, especially when he was disintegrated a few times and how he re-formed 🤣🤣🤣 It really tickled my tummy!

My class are going to love this book 📕

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by my 11 year old.

Dear reader,
This book was an amazing diary. This reluctant vampire seems to find himself in a lot of monstrous danger. In my opinion, the author could have added more of a background into Alex, his parents, Susan and Guidian as I had many questions whilst reading this book such as, how did his parents give him blood? What were Mr and Mrs Abbott's names?

My favourite parts about this book:
1. It was in diary form
2. The illustrators illustrations 4.4/5
3. Louise Austin's enthusiasm towards this piece
4. You could relate to the characters and their feelings

I really enjoyed being a part of Alex Abbott's adventure. Overall this is a fantastic book for adventure readers 8+

[JAYNE MARRIOTT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this audiobook, the narrator is brilliant at expressing the storyline with depth, just the correct manner and expression.. The adventures that the young vampire gets to do, because of his error of dying and being reborn as such. are funny especially when he learns he is a vampire now. From this, he learns that there are other magical creatures living along side him that he has never seen or noticed before, and this is entertaining.
A children's audiobook as stated, however for those with a sense of humour and young at heart it is a captivating and entertaining audio book for all ages., I would recommend, one for all the family.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Rachael Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book which delivered on a lot of fronts: humour, mild horror/terror, life lessons (being wary of people not being who they say they are online, not making rash decisions, the importance of frienship, looking after mental health) and big issues (moral choices, death and dying). I think it would appeal to pupils who are needing to move on from Wimpy Kid (widely-spaced text, plenty of illustrations, variation of text-types) but still want a humorous read.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in one sitting!!

Such a fun book, I liked how there were little lessons like about good contract hygiene and internet safety, and how there were so many characters that started out scary but became friends once they were shown some kindness.

Fun formatting makes it feel like a real travel journal, very in character. Speaks to my inner child without treating me like a child, this book walks that fine line expertly.

You can bet I’m looking forward to the sequel x

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun children’s audio book. Alex, heart in the right place, but has a habit of messing things up. Going into the wrong garden means he is turned into a vampire. And his disasters continue and increase.

Sure to keep children happy, and good enough in a slightly cheesy way to entertain adults who are forced to listen too.

Thank you to Macmillan Uk Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given

[Steve Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny story from debut author Louise Austin. The diary format works perfectly, the characters are incredible, and the whole thing mixes supernatural chaos with friendship and responsibility. Alex Abbott is Undead is a sure-fire summer success for kids and their parents.

[Christopher Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure chaos in the best possible way. Monsters, demons, were-wolves, dragons and an 11 year old vampire who desperately wants to be human again, Alex Abbott is Un-Dead is full of laughs, some really cool supernatural creatures and a hero who's his own worst enemy. An exceptionally fun read!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and original.

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and engaging, this diary-format book with its b&w illustrations and different font styles is sure to be a hit. Will appeal to fans of DOAWK.

[Jackie Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to get into!

Great start, got me into it on the first page, which is always a plus! Very different, but well explained. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narration for this audiobook was a lot of fun! Quick, easy listen with so many twists, turns, and lots of laughs. So glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this one!