What do you think?
Rate this book
Fred, the Vampire Accountant #4
The Fangs of Freelance
When Fred formed his own parahuman clan out of necessity, he understood that it was going to come with new responsibilities. Much as he hoped those tasks would center around extra paperwork and perhaps the occasional mandatory class, enough time around the supernatural has taught him to be ready for anything. Or so he thought.
As a freelance accountant for the Agency, Fred soon finds himself being tossed into new, unexpected, and perilous situations. From inventorying ghostly castles, to exploring unsettling amusement parks, to negotiating with dangerous mages, it seems there is no end to the uses for an accountant of Fred’s specialty. But dangerous as the new jobs are, the greatest threat may come from the past. An old enemy is making waves once more, an enemy who would go to great lengths to destroy Fred and everyone he loves. And this time, they've brought backup.
The fourth book in the hilarious series following Fred, the vampire accountant, and the misadventures he finds himself in.
Read the other books in this series:
#1: The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, The Vampire Accountant: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
#2: Undeath & Taxes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
#3: Bloody Acquisitions: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
As a freelance accountant for the Agency, Fred soon finds himself being tossed into new, unexpected, and perilous situations. From inventorying ghostly castles, to exploring unsettling amusement parks, to negotiating with dangerous mages, it seems there is no end to the uses for an accountant of Fred’s specialty. But dangerous as the new jobs are, the greatest threat may come from the past. An old enemy is making waves once more, an enemy who would go to great lengths to destroy Fred and everyone he loves. And this time, they've brought backup.
The fourth book in the hilarious series following Fred, the vampire accountant, and the misadventures he finds himself in.
Read the other books in this series:
#1: The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, The Vampire Accountant: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
#2: Undeath & Taxes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
#3: Bloody Acquisitions: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
217 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
September 14, 2017
Is it possible for Drew Hayes to write a bad book? Nope, don't think so. Still, I think Fred is and always will be my favorite. He's just so darn nerdy!
March 12, 2018
Book 4. More adventures in the life of Fred, the vampire accountant. Spoilers ahead for the earlier books.
And even more accounting than the earlier books. In fact, of the five episodes here, all brush on it.
Neil's birthday party gets interrupted for Fred to get interviewed by the Agency to work as a freelance accountant for them.. (He meets Krystal's ex-fiance. And talks with Albert about the need for undead to grow.) Looking for finances at a castle after the Agents have done their work has complications. So does assessing an abandoned carnival, and doing inventory for an Agency stronghold. Talking with a grand mage about Amy's contracts gets even more interesting.
All of this includes masks, burning a photo, a Ferris wheel run by dragon magic, interest rates, a mage who uses cooking to concentrate, another odd power of Albert's sword, and more.
And even more accounting than the earlier books. In fact, of the five episodes here, all brush on it.
Neil's birthday party gets interrupted for Fred to get interviewed by the Agency to work as a freelance accountant for them.. (He meets Krystal's ex-fiance. And talks with Albert about the need for undead to grow.) Looking for finances at a castle after the Agents have done their work has complications. So does assessing an abandoned carnival, and doing inventory for an Agency stronghold. Talking with a grand mage about Amy's contracts gets even more interesting.
All of this includes masks, burning a photo, a Ferris wheel run by dragon magic, interest rates, a mage who uses cooking to concentrate, another odd power of Albert's sword, and more.
June 23, 2025
Another solid entry to this series, although the stories felt a little more disjointed than previous entries. We still have Fred being Fred and everyone he encounters underestimating him, or thinking this whole Accountancy thing is just for show. We got to meet a couple new powerful characters, but this entry was definitely missing some of the expansion of previous ones, which hampered my enjoyment just a little.
It was nice to spend a bit more time with Richard and Gideon, although I feel like some of our usual supporting cast have taken somewhat of a back seat. Hoping to see more of them in the next entry!
This one ended on a very sweet note, which was lovely, and I do feel like some of the people we’ve met in the past won’t be gone for long.
Overall it was a good entry that feels more like a set up for future things to come, which makes it a touch weaker than some of the previous books.
The graphic audio was excellent, as always :D
It was nice to spend a bit more time with Richard and Gideon, although I feel like some of our usual supporting cast have taken somewhat of a back seat. Hoping to see more of them in the next entry!
This one ended on a very sweet note, which was lovely, and I do feel like some of the people we’ve met in the past won’t be gone for long.
Overall it was a good entry that feels more like a set up for future things to come, which makes it a touch weaker than some of the previous books.
The graphic audio was excellent, as always :D
March 15, 2019
Let's hear it for accountants, sweater vests, and people who do the right thing just because it's the right thing!
This is installment is comprised by a series of "adventures" or, as Fred calls them, accounting jobs that come his way, now that he's been approved to do work for The Agency. Each story is entertaining in itself, but also helps to further Fred's journey to fully embracing his station/nature as a vampire and now a clan leader. Some things remain elusive and there are some bittersweet, but logical, changes, some tantalizing revelations, particularly about Arch, and also dash of romance. What's not to love. Kirby Heyborne continues to do an amazing job.
This is installment is comprised by a series of "adventures" or, as Fred calls them, accounting jobs that come his way, now that he's been approved to do work for The Agency. Each story is entertaining in itself, but also helps to further Fred's journey to fully embracing his station/nature as a vampire and now a clan leader. Some things remain elusive and there are some bittersweet, but logical, changes, some tantalizing revelations, particularly about Arch, and also dash of romance. What's not to love. Kirby Heyborne continues to do an amazing job.
October 8, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
This is a pretty consistent series. Since the second book it has been exactly what I expect. I have had the same thoughts while listening through each of the last 3 books. Starts off slow. Takes me a while to get back into it. There is always one story that is a little boring and has nothing to do with accounting. Then it picks up again and I am engrossed. Action isn't the name of the game in these books. I wouldn't call Fred a coward though he does call himself that from time to time. I would say he knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He finds himself in situations out of his depth and it is always interesting how he gets out the situations. I will be continuing the series.
This is a pretty consistent series. Since the second book it has been exactly what I expect. I have had the same thoughts while listening through each of the last 3 books. Starts off slow. Takes me a while to get back into it. There is always one story that is a little boring and has nothing to do with accounting. Then it picks up again and I am engrossed. Action isn't the name of the game in these books. I wouldn't call Fred a coward though he does call himself that from time to time. I would say he knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He finds himself in situations out of his depth and it is always interesting how he gets out the situations. I will be continuing the series.
May 11, 2025
The fourth book in the Fred, the Vampire Accountant series, ‘The Fangs of Freelance’ was not as good as the preceding three fantasy novels, but I still enjoyed it. As usual, it initially gives readers an impression that the plot is strictly a cozy, but eventually there are some graphic violence scenes. However, it maintains what is basically a lighthearted tone with some humor developed because Fred is such a polite self-effacing guy despite some of the terrible critters he deals with. He only drinks blood-bank blood because of the violence of taking someone’s blood which is awful to him. But despite that he shrinks away from doing violence, he is able to put aside his scruples when he needs to do so to save his friends if needs must. He often jumps through a lot of hoops looking for another, non-violent, way, though. Because of this strong aversion to brutality, he has made unexpected friends. Fred has become respected in the paranormal community by most, even some of those who resort to cruelity, because he tries so very hard to be fair and just. At least, most respect him. Plus, he still is learning about the paranormal community.
I have copied the book blurb:
”When Fred formed his own parahuman clan out of necessity, he understood that it was going to come with new responsibilities. Much as he hoped those tasks would center around extra paperwork and perhaps the occasional mandatory class, enough time around the supernatural has taught him to be ready for anything. Or so he thought.
As a freelance accountant for the Agency, Fred soon finds himself being tossed into new, unexpected, and perilous situations. From inventorying ghostly castles, to exploring unsettling amusement parks, to negotiating with dangerous mages, it seems there is no end to the uses for an accountant of Fred’s specialty. But dangerous as the new jobs are, the greatest threat may come from the past. An old enemy is making waves once more, an enemy who would go to great lengths to destroy Fred and everyone he loves. And this time, they've brought backup.
The fourth book in the hilarious series following Fred, the vampire accountant, and the misadventures he finds himself in.”
I would begin with The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant because of continuing situations and characters. However, the books are each a collection of short stories about Fred’s paranormal world.
I am listening to the unabridged audiobooks available from Audible, except for this one, which was an abridged full cast narration. I don’t know why, but if you are an Audible member, all of the Fred, the Vampire Accountant unabridged narrations are available for no extra cost (or credit) except for two of the audiobooks in the series, of which one is this one. While I could not get ‘The Fangs of Freelance’ as an unabridged narration unless I purchased it, I could get the abridged full-cast version for no extra cost. Perhaps this is why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the previous three, but nevermind.
I have copied the book blurb:
”When Fred formed his own parahuman clan out of necessity, he understood that it was going to come with new responsibilities. Much as he hoped those tasks would center around extra paperwork and perhaps the occasional mandatory class, enough time around the supernatural has taught him to be ready for anything. Or so he thought.
As a freelance accountant for the Agency, Fred soon finds himself being tossed into new, unexpected, and perilous situations. From inventorying ghostly castles, to exploring unsettling amusement parks, to negotiating with dangerous mages, it seems there is no end to the uses for an accountant of Fred’s specialty. But dangerous as the new jobs are, the greatest threat may come from the past. An old enemy is making waves once more, an enemy who would go to great lengths to destroy Fred and everyone he loves. And this time, they've brought backup.
The fourth book in the hilarious series following Fred, the vampire accountant, and the misadventures he finds himself in.”
I would begin with The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant because of continuing situations and characters. However, the books are each a collection of short stories about Fred’s paranormal world.
I am listening to the unabridged audiobooks available from Audible, except for this one, which was an abridged full cast narration. I don’t know why, but if you are an Audible member, all of the Fred, the Vampire Accountant unabridged narrations are available for no extra cost (or credit) except for two of the audiobooks in the series, of which one is this one. While I could not get ‘The Fangs of Freelance’ as an unabridged narration unless I purchased it, I could get the abridged full-cast version for no extra cost. Perhaps this is why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the previous three, but nevermind.
October 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
Review:
Much like all the others so far, this was another enjoyable audiobook. Fred may be a quiet accountant who's better with numbers than people, but he's honest, sincere, caring, introspective, and self-aware, and I love him for it. He's also very loyal and, despite not liking confrontation, will step forward and put himself at risk if it means helping his loved ones. I will say though, I don't know if it was just because I listened to all four books one after the other, but I did get a bit bored during this one. I think part of the problem was that some of these memoirs (the books are told as kind of a grouping of short stories, referred to as memoirs, I think) just weren't very exciting. Overall though, it was still another light, touching book in the series!
Also, just a random note... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
Much like all the others so far, this was another enjoyable audiobook. Fred may be a quiet accountant who's better with numbers than people, but he's honest, sincere, caring, introspective, and self-aware, and I love him for it. He's also very loyal and, despite not liking confrontation, will step forward and put himself at risk if it means helping his loved ones. I will say though, I don't know if it was just because I listened to all four books one after the other, but I did get a bit bored during this one. I think part of the problem was that some of these memoirs (the books are told as kind of a grouping of short stories, referred to as memoirs, I think) just weren't very exciting. Overall though, it was still another light, touching book in the series!
Also, just a random note... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 16, 2018
This was just as enjoyable as the other books in the series. I really like how consistent the quality of the stories are. And the narrative voice of Fred is so soothing and relaxing - at least on audio. As I listened to the audiobook again. I can highly recommend them, so well done!
January 1, 2025
Book 4 ✔️
Just a really stellar series.
It's hard not to just binge this type of story. All about the characters, with lots of side missions and quests.
Recommend the audio 👌
Just a really stellar series.
It's hard not to just binge this type of story. All about the characters, with lots of side missions and quests.
Recommend the audio 👌
June 3, 2025
Five ~bloody~ stars. Honestly, I believe the world would be a kinder, brighter place if more of us were like Fred. WWFFFD: What Would Frederick Frankford Fletcher Do?
August 3, 2017
The Fangs of Freelance (Fred, the Vampire Accountant, #4)
by Drew Hayes
Awwww. Another fine adventure with Fred, Krystal, Arch, Bubba, Richard, Sally and the King of the West, Gideon.
I love the way Hayes told 5 separate adventures in this one book, all neatly packaged in nicely separated, clearly delineated sections. Just what one would expect from a highly competent accountant -- alive, undead or otherwise.
In Book 4, Fred becomes a freelance asset to the Agency, gets his first assignment for the Agency in the form of doing inventory of property and records at a castle where the agents have recently cleared away paranormal beings (well, sort of), inventories an abandoned carnival for his Therian friend, Richard, meets with Krystal's superiors and negotiates a better contract for her, and finally is sent on a dangerous mission to inventory one of the Agency's bases in a city where his sire, Quin, is located. Danger is around every curve (and you usually know it's coming by the preceding what-could-go-wrong type statement). And you have to read the book to get to the "awww" part!
The book is expertly written, edited and proofed. Characterizations are spot-on, consistent, yet show growth with every new adventure. Lots of danger. Lots of action. Lots of gore. A ton of humor!
That's it, folks. I have nothing to complain about except that now there is that inevitable wait until Fred's next adventure is published! For me, anyway, a perfect read.
by Drew Hayes
Awwww. Another fine adventure with Fred, Krystal, Arch, Bubba, Richard, Sally and the King of the West, Gideon.
I love the way Hayes told 5 separate adventures in this one book, all neatly packaged in nicely separated, clearly delineated sections. Just what one would expect from a highly competent accountant -- alive, undead or otherwise.
In Book 4, Fred becomes a freelance asset to the Agency, gets his first assignment for the Agency in the form of doing inventory of property and records at a castle where the agents have recently cleared away paranormal beings (well, sort of), inventories an abandoned carnival for his Therian friend, Richard, meets with Krystal's superiors and negotiates a better contract for her, and finally is sent on a dangerous mission to inventory one of the Agency's bases in a city where his sire, Quin, is located. Danger is around every curve (and you usually know it's coming by the preceding what-could-go-wrong type statement). And you have to read the book to get to the "awww" part!
The book is expertly written, edited and proofed. Characterizations are spot-on, consistent, yet show growth with every new adventure. Lots of danger. Lots of action. Lots of gore. A ton of humor!
That's it, folks. I have nothing to complain about except that now there is that inevitable wait until Fred's next adventure is published! For me, anyway, a perfect read.
July 25, 2017
And ... another winner.
Don't start with this book, though. By this time you really need to know the characters to keep up. Start with The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant.
So, since you've read the rest, all you need to know is that this latest instalment is just as inventive, just as funny and just as .... Fred.
Don't start with this book, though. By this time you really need to know the characters to keep up. Start with The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant.
So, since you've read the rest, all you need to know is that this latest instalment is just as inventive, just as funny and just as .... Fred.
October 13, 2020
It seems the more Fred the Vampire Accountant gets into the parahuman world, the more dangerous the adventures he encounters.
This time he has applied to become an official freelance asset to the Agency – the one Krystal and Arch work for. Once he has passed that test, he immediately becomes entangled with several dangerous new assignments. At one point he must deal with aliens. Another time, they have him acting as bait for his creator – a vampire Fred does not have a very good history with. During one of these encounters, Arch reveals an unsuspected superpower.
Some of his other jobs – not necessarily for the agency, in this case, include checking out an abandoned amusement park (what could go wrong, right?). It’s a good thing he has backup on that one. And he is asked to try to negotiate a better contract for Amy with her mage’s union.
But Fred, his clan, and his friends are changing, growing, and moving up. Both Fred and Albert have to make difficult decisions and face up to scary situations that have nothing to do with enemies.
Kirby Heyborne continues to be the perfect narrator for Fred.
This time he has applied to become an official freelance asset to the Agency – the one Krystal and Arch work for. Once he has passed that test, he immediately becomes entangled with several dangerous new assignments. At one point he must deal with aliens. Another time, they have him acting as bait for his creator – a vampire Fred does not have a very good history with. During one of these encounters, Arch reveals an unsuspected superpower.
Some of his other jobs – not necessarily for the agency, in this case, include checking out an abandoned amusement park (what could go wrong, right?). It’s a good thing he has backup on that one. And he is asked to try to negotiate a better contract for Amy with her mage’s union.
But Fred, his clan, and his friends are changing, growing, and moving up. Both Fred and Albert have to make difficult decisions and face up to scary situations that have nothing to do with enemies.
Kirby Heyborne continues to be the perfect narrator for Fred.
July 21, 2023
Incredible and amazing. I would have never expected it, but this series has become one of my favorite series ever. The universe in this series is so cool! It's really unique and well thought out. I'm so excited to continue the series and learn more about it (for instance, what type of parahuman is Arch???).
I loved all the stories in this book but my favorite was probably the one about Amy and her union. It was a perfect mix fantasy, friendship, and nerdiness about the law. Mage society sounds super interesting and I hope we hear more about it in later books.
I'm putting my wish out in the world that I really want this to be a TV show. I think it would be so good! Unfortunately, until then I'll have to deal with just having the books. I already have the next one out of the library but I'm going to try and wait a bit before reading it. I'm almost at the end of the series and want to savour it for as long as I can.
I loved all the stories in this book but my favorite was probably the one about Amy and her union. It was a perfect mix fantasy, friendship, and nerdiness about the law. Mage society sounds super interesting and I hope we hear more about it in later books.
I'm putting my wish out in the world that I really want this to be a TV show. I think it would be so good! Unfortunately, until then I'll have to deal with just having the books. I already have the next one out of the library but I'm going to try and wait a bit before reading it. I'm almost at the end of the series and want to savour it for as long as I can.
June 6, 2018
This has been a very nice entertaining series to read. Funny throughout with some interesting twists on the supernatural and the undead societies. Great afternoon read to make you laugh and enjoy a good story. Recommended
July 19, 2025
This book RIPS.
October 11, 2020
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! THE CHARACTERS ARE THE BEST!!!!
And the ending? aaaaaaaaahhhhh!!
I am genuinely thinking about reactivating my audible for a month just to listen to the next book!
And the ending? aaaaaaaaahhhhh!!
I am genuinely thinking about reactivating my audible for a month just to listen to the next book!
May 5, 2025
Wat een topserie blijft het toch!! Aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van ‘rare’ fantasy
September 10, 2017
Being an accountant, even if it is for the paranormal community should pretty much be a danger free calm job. Despite Fred's sweater vests and over all calm demeanor, trouble seems to routinely find him. Fred isn't the bravest vampire in existence but his strong sense of morality and concern for others has earned him friends and allies who are quite powerful. Now that Fred is the leader of his own clan, he has to become even more involved in the lives of his friends.
My constant criticism of this series is that each book is more like compilation of short stories rather than one long discernible novel with a beginning, middle, climax and end. It's almost as though Hayes had several good ideas and could not find a way to pick one and flesh it out until it became a standard length novel. What Hayes does instead is to pick an overriding theme and then write stories which fit whatever narrative he's chosen to fixate on.
The Fangs of Freelance is really all about how Fred adjusts to being the leader of his own clan and the new alliance he makes with the Agency. Fred may not be a brave vampire and is still relatively new to the supernatural in comparison to his friends but becoming the leader of the clan of Fred has given him remarkable power. Fred could choose lawfully to twist his friends to his will, or to make life altering decisions for them but instead, Fred chooses to use his powers to empower their autonomy. This manifests when Fred encourages Albert to spread his wings because Albert possess a weapon of destiny, even though this will take Albert away from Fred. It's Fred who sees the usury of Amy's contract and rather than enriching himself, not only gives Amy the ability to free herself financially, thus opening up new options, he turns down a bribe to maintain the status quo. Essentially, Fred is just a classic good guy.
Fred's basic decency has earned him the respect of his friends who have formed his clan. This decency has caused his friends to jump to his aid when he needs it and or risk their lives to protect him. Arch actually dies to protect Fred from his sire. Sure, Arch may have the ability to resurrect but being decapitated cannot be any fun.
The Fangs of Freelance is the fourth novel in this series and I have to say that the novelty is starting to wear a little thin. Yes, Fred is unique because of his passion for numbers, fairness, and sweater vests. Yes, Fred gets himself into interesting situations because of his unfamiliarity with the paranormal world and his skill as an account allows him to come up with unique solutions. The problem is that Hayes has hammered home on this to such a degree that it feels been there done that. The Fangs of Freelance doesn't really offer anything new to this universe or give us any new characterisation to make it a fun read. If you're going to go down a quirky road, it's something that you have to keep playing with in order for it not to grow old and tired.
Read More
My constant criticism of this series is that each book is more like compilation of short stories rather than one long discernible novel with a beginning, middle, climax and end. It's almost as though Hayes had several good ideas and could not find a way to pick one and flesh it out until it became a standard length novel. What Hayes does instead is to pick an overriding theme and then write stories which fit whatever narrative he's chosen to fixate on.
The Fangs of Freelance is really all about how Fred adjusts to being the leader of his own clan and the new alliance he makes with the Agency. Fred may not be a brave vampire and is still relatively new to the supernatural in comparison to his friends but becoming the leader of the clan of Fred has given him remarkable power. Fred could choose lawfully to twist his friends to his will, or to make life altering decisions for them but instead, Fred chooses to use his powers to empower their autonomy. This manifests when Fred encourages Albert to spread his wings because Albert possess a weapon of destiny, even though this will take Albert away from Fred. It's Fred who sees the usury of Amy's contract and rather than enriching himself, not only gives Amy the ability to free herself financially, thus opening up new options, he turns down a bribe to maintain the status quo. Essentially, Fred is just a classic good guy.
Fred's basic decency has earned him the respect of his friends who have formed his clan. This decency has caused his friends to jump to his aid when he needs it and or risk their lives to protect him. Arch actually dies to protect Fred from his sire. Sure, Arch may have the ability to resurrect but being decapitated cannot be any fun.
The Fangs of Freelance is the fourth novel in this series and I have to say that the novelty is starting to wear a little thin. Yes, Fred is unique because of his passion for numbers, fairness, and sweater vests. Yes, Fred gets himself into interesting situations because of his unfamiliarity with the paranormal world and his skill as an account allows him to come up with unique solutions. The problem is that Hayes has hammered home on this to such a degree that it feels been there done that. The Fangs of Freelance doesn't really offer anything new to this universe or give us any new characterisation to make it a fun read. If you're going to go down a quirky road, it's something that you have to keep playing with in order for it not to grow old and tired.
Read More
March 14, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
4.5 hearts
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Melanie has been listening to these and I just had to try them. Fortunately, I was able to get the three previous audiobooks in the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series at the library. I wasn't completely sure about them after the first book, The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, The Vampire Accountant. But as I continued, I found I love them.
And why not? I mean I do have an accounting degree, so that was an obvious point in favor. Vampires were my gateway drug into supernatural fiction. There is action, adventure, accounting and allies.
Fred is a great character and he develops throughout the series. He has more integrity than almost anyone. He's smart, hard-working, compassionate towards others and not greedy. As he builds his odd circle of friends and supporters, he also doesn't get an ego about it. This is the true mark of a hero to me; one who builds a set of friends in groups (or species) who don't always get along.
The books are series of short stories about specific adventures. Over the four I have read, they go chronologically as various things change for Fred personally over the series. The world-building is different and fun as we learn more about the parahuman world as Fred learns more. There are touches of humor and romance which is just the right tone for me. With the developments at the end of Fangs of Freelance, I hope there will be more.
Kirby Heyborne is fantastic on the audio narration. He brings Fred to life for me. The other characters are well performed also. I find a 1.25 speed is right for me on this audio series.
Listen to a clip here.
4.5 hearts
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Melanie has been listening to these and I just had to try them. Fortunately, I was able to get the three previous audiobooks in the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series at the library. I wasn't completely sure about them after the first book, The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, The Vampire Accountant. But as I continued, I found I love them.
And why not? I mean I do have an accounting degree, so that was an obvious point in favor. Vampires were my gateway drug into supernatural fiction. There is action, adventure, accounting and allies.
Fred is a great character and he develops throughout the series. He has more integrity than almost anyone. He's smart, hard-working, compassionate towards others and not greedy. As he builds his odd circle of friends and supporters, he also doesn't get an ego about it. This is the true mark of a hero to me; one who builds a set of friends in groups (or species) who don't always get along.
The books are series of short stories about specific adventures. Over the four I have read, they go chronologically as various things change for Fred personally over the series. The world-building is different and fun as we learn more about the parahuman world as Fred learns more. There are touches of humor and romance which is just the right tone for me. With the developments at the end of Fangs of Freelance, I hope there will be more.
Kirby Heyborne is fantastic on the audio narration. He brings Fred to life for me. The other characters are well performed also. I find a 1.25 speed is right for me on this audio series.
Listen to a clip here.
July 5, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes post to catch up--emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
---
Fred's move to become a freelance accounting consultant for The Agency really just opens the door for more adventures (as well as for more challenging accounting jobs). It frequently looks like he bit off more than he can chew, but with a little help from his friends... Fred's also dealing with the ramifications of starting his own clan in the last book—a move I thought was inspired and I'm enjoying watching that clan solidify.
This is probably the best of the series, really. Hayes makes some bold moves here. Heyborne's narration remains strong and entertaining.
This is really a nice, reliable "cozy" Urban Fantasy series. I'm glad I stumbled upon it.
---
Fred's move to become a freelance accounting consultant for The Agency really just opens the door for more adventures (as well as for more challenging accounting jobs). It frequently looks like he bit off more than he can chew, but with a little help from his friends... Fred's also dealing with the ramifications of starting his own clan in the last book—a move I thought was inspired and I'm enjoying watching that clan solidify.
This is probably the best of the series, really. Hayes makes some bold moves here. Heyborne's narration remains strong and entertaining.
This is really a nice, reliable "cozy" Urban Fantasy series. I'm glad I stumbled upon it.
May 5, 2024
5 out of 5. I dont think I can fault these books. Are they some fancy snazzy books with vast world building, detailed descriptions, and unique and new magic? No. But that by no means makes them bad books. Or even just ok books. These books go to show that you don't need all of that to be amazing stories. I love reading about this little mundane world that's not so mundane. It's like real life with some fun twists. It's easy to connect with, easy to read, and overall fun! Even stories about contracts and negotiations (ok I'm a lawyer so maybe my opinion of that one is faulty. He joked some people would enjoy the details about the negotiation that he skipped....I'm one of those people).
These stories could easily become a comfort for me. Like so many sitcom shows I put on in the background to have in the house like a friend hanging out. I could easily see myself listening to these books all over again - for comfort.
These stories could easily become a comfort for me. Like so many sitcom shows I put on in the background to have in the house like a friend hanging out. I could easily see myself listening to these books all over again - for comfort.
October 16, 2024
Another great installment.
I'll admit, if I were reading the print version, I might get a little annoyed with all the minute details Fred belabors over. The Graphic Audio dramatized version really helps bring the whole story to life and keep the humor in his commentary.
That said, every time I think the book is getting a little pedantic, something dramatic happens to get my blood going again. Hayes does a good job balancing the types of challenges and adventures Fred encounters. And the whole thing is still rooted in his character growth and in his and Crystal's relationship.
I'll admit, if I were reading the print version, I might get a little annoyed with all the minute details Fred belabors over. The Graphic Audio dramatized version really helps bring the whole story to life and keep the humor in his commentary.
That said, every time I think the book is getting a little pedantic, something dramatic happens to get my blood going again. Hayes does a good job balancing the types of challenges and adventures Fred encounters. And the whole thing is still rooted in his character growth and in his and Crystal's relationship.
December 15, 2017
Once again Fred has saved the day with a few obscure tax laws. This really is a fantastic series. It is so intelligently written but at the same time completely approachable even for a guy like me that has never actually used an accountant for any reason let alone to keep evil vampires in check. I have reviews for the previous books in this series up on my blog https://thebloggoblin.com/ and might get a more in depth one for this book up soon.
October 22, 2021
In dit deel keert Drew Hayes een beetje terug naar het opsplitsen van het boek in kleinere verhalen zoals bij de eerste twee delen. Ondanks deze keuze vloeien de verhalen nog redelijk over in elkaar, al zit er wel wat tijd tussen. Fred leert meer over zijn verantwoordelijkheden en de actie wordt enkel onwaarschijnlijker en spannender. Toch was dit deel iets minder aanstekelijk als de vorige 3, misschien dat dit bij het volgende deel weer beter wordt.
August 12, 2024
Set in Wnslow, CO. 348 pp. Cute addition to the series. More House of Fred!!
Also used audiobook
The Fangs of Freelance (Fred, the Vampire Accountant, #4) by Drew Hayes
Also used audiobook
The Fangs of Freelance (Fred, the Vampire Accountant, #4) by Drew Hayes
April 11, 2025
3.5 for this one but I’ll round up because the ending was cute! I do think this book overall was a lot more side story than anything; it felt like not much really happened and what did happen was pretty boring.
Hoping the next one picks up again!
Hoping the next one picks up again!
February 23, 2018
This series is just a wonderful the characters are like old friends. My only complaint is the book should have been longer.
November 4, 2019
Another entertaining collection of Fred stories. We listen to these on longer car rides and the entire family is entertained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews