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Vegan Vamp #5
The Halloween Haunting
It’s bingo night at the retirement center!
It sounds tame enough to Mallory, except the residents of this particular community include a grandmotherly hacker, a retired witch, and, once upon a time, Mallory’s Great-Auntie Lula. Visiting her dead relative’s former abode brings back memories for Mallory, but it also rather unexpectedly brings back Great-Auntie Lula.
With her ghostly great-aunt’s help, can Mallory and her crew discover who’s burgled Bradley’s condo, and why everyone involved with the break-in keeps dying?
It sounds tame enough to Mallory, except the residents of this particular community include a grandmotherly hacker, a retired witch, and, once upon a time, Mallory’s Great-Auntie Lula. Visiting her dead relative’s former abode brings back memories for Mallory, but it also rather unexpectedly brings back Great-Auntie Lula.
With her ghostly great-aunt’s help, can Mallory and her crew discover who’s burgled Bradley’s condo, and why everyone involved with the break-in keeps dying?
223 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2018
196 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Cate Lawley
72 books406 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cate Lawley writes humorous, action-filled mysteries that frequently contain paranormal elements.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 29, 2018
*Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
Mallory and gang go with Bradley to his computer hacker contact at the retirement center. Um, what? First off, Bradley is a computer whiz. Why does he need a hacker helper? Secondly, said hacker is in a retirement center? Whoa. Ok, give me a minute to process this. … Ok, ready. Anyway, Bradley needs some info about the break-in at his condo and the hacker can help. But instead of answers we only get more questions and there seems to be something hinky going on in the background. Not, like, malware or anything, but Mallory’s Great-Aunt Lula is appearing as a ghost and that’s just weird enough to draw attention even if it is a few days to Halloween.
The gang’s all here and Mallory is adding a few more to her group of misfits and that’s never a bad thing. Because Mallory may be a detecting machine, but she certainly couldn’t do it all by herself. There’s humor, sexual tension, cuteness, and mystery as well as suspense all mixed together with the paranormal which makes for exciting entertainment. Well, in my opinion, it does. I love this series and this book is an excellent addition to it. I want more of Mallory and her super sleuthing crew!
Mallory and gang go with Bradley to his computer hacker contact at the retirement center. Um, what? First off, Bradley is a computer whiz. Why does he need a hacker helper? Secondly, said hacker is in a retirement center? Whoa. Ok, give me a minute to process this. … Ok, ready. Anyway, Bradley needs some info about the break-in at his condo and the hacker can help. But instead of answers we only get more questions and there seems to be something hinky going on in the background. Not, like, malware or anything, but Mallory’s Great-Aunt Lula is appearing as a ghost and that’s just weird enough to draw attention even if it is a few days to Halloween.
The gang’s all here and Mallory is adding a few more to her group of misfits and that’s never a bad thing. Because Mallory may be a detecting machine, but she certainly couldn’t do it all by herself. There’s humor, sexual tension, cuteness, and mystery as well as suspense all mixed together with the paranormal which makes for exciting entertainment. Well, in my opinion, it does. I love this series and this book is an excellent addition to it. I want more of Mallory and her super sleuthing crew!
March 29, 2018
This story picks up immediately after the events in The Nefarious Necklace. Mallory barely has a chance to catch her breath when she, Alex and Wembley decide to accompany Bradley to a retirement center for bingo night and a meeting with Dot, Bradley's friend. But the meeting, while eye-opening, results in bonding with a new retired witch, and worst of all, a dead body. Assigned to solve the mystery of this death, Mallory is having a difficult time coping with it all, as well as handling constant tweets from her friend, Gladys. This story had plenty of action, and introduced new characters, including Mallory's ghostly Great-Auntie Lula and Mindy. I look forward to future adventures with Lula and hope Alfred and Dot make another appearance. There were some great laugh out loud moments in this story. We also learned more about Star and her family, and the ongoing relationship between Alex and Mallory. And of course, her interaction with Tangwistl is always entertaining...stab, stab, stabby! Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this story.
February 3, 2020
Oh my goodness - the best one yet, certainly the thickest (though it went by just as fast).
One thing I quite like is that I think other than the 2nd book, they all seem to take place back-to-back. Finish one, go to the other, picks up right where the last one left off.
This one picks up heading to the retirement home and Bingo to see Dot, the hacker granny. And then of course, there are shenanigans. I don't know if I could say anything at all other than that without spoiling it.
One thing I quite like is that I think other than the 2nd book, they all seem to take place back-to-back. Finish one, go to the other, picks up right where the last one left off.
This one picks up heading to the retirement home and Bingo to see Dot, the hacker granny. And then of course, there are shenanigans. I don't know if I could say anything at all other than that without spoiling it.
April 29, 2024
good
A fun adventure with Mallory and Alex. Finally movement in their relationship. Some answers on what type of vampire Mallory may be, and with a heart for the under dog, Mallory just can’t help getting in the middle of magical mayhem.
A fun adventure with Mallory and Alex. Finally movement in their relationship. Some answers on what type of vampire Mallory may be, and with a heart for the under dog, Mallory just can’t help getting in the middle of magical mayhem.
February 7, 2021
3.5 🌟
FINALLY
FINALLY
March 11, 2019
I’ve really enjoyed these books, and I’m sad there’s no more available in this series. What I like most is there’s a clearly autistic character who is accepted, nay cherished, for who they are, despite (in spite?) of their social awkwardness. Yay for Bradley, who is awesome! ❤️
These are fluffy, light-hearted books, but they have a sweetness to them that’s very appealing.
These are fluffy, light-hearted books, but they have a sweetness to them that’s very appealing.
February 14, 2024
Three or four cases resolved and vegan vamp Mallory should be headed to bed, but she is too nosy and wants to accompany Bradley to his computer hacker contact meeting at the retirement center. There she meets Dot, sees more of Bradley than she bargained for, and gets a shady death warning from ghostly great-aunt Lula. Then she is confronted by an angry detective, feels like she failed to save a life, threatens her boss with a sword, and claims responsibility for Albert, a sweet refugee from Nebraska with malfunctioning magic. While trying to clean up the mess of her sleep-deprived decisions, the motley investigators realize that there is a pattern to the crimes over the last few months. The chaos has been intentional and now they have to identify the traitors. Mallory has to expose some of her special hidden powers as her blood seems the only way to break people from their mind control.
* * * * *-----------* * * * *-----------* * * * *
Be aware that this is the third book in a row with a direct continuing storyline. The banter and paranormal shenanigans do continue but I am disappointed that we are greying up most of the characters. If death is the punishment, I would prefer that my bad guys are guilty people who deserve it. Especially in a light hearted comedy. It’s also a bit disappointing that none of the characters (besides our protagonist herself) ever react to the weird and wonderful. Even the mundanes just go, yep magic is real and we’ve known. Some of the long-term plot elements finally come together and this entry is a bit longer than most. Still, the storyline overall seems rushed. Lawley seems to have underutilized the festive Halloween setting and the opportunity for using Ruiz for relationship shifting and scuttled him away, leaving Star to drive Alex and Mallory together. Long-term readers will be happy that the will they won’t they stage is done and probably overlook that. The characters are still quirky and a bit crazy.
* * * * *-----------* * * * *-----------* * * * *
Be aware that this is the third book in a row with a direct continuing storyline. The banter and paranormal shenanigans do continue but I am disappointed that we are greying up most of the characters. If death is the punishment, I would prefer that my bad guys are guilty people who deserve it. Especially in a light hearted comedy. It’s also a bit disappointing that none of the characters (besides our protagonist herself) ever react to the weird and wonderful. Even the mundanes just go, yep magic is real and we’ve known. Some of the long-term plot elements finally come together and this entry is a bit longer than most. Still, the storyline overall seems rushed. Lawley seems to have underutilized the festive Halloween setting and the opportunity for using Ruiz for relationship shifting and scuttled him away, leaving Star to drive Alex and Mallory together. Long-term readers will be happy that the will they won’t they stage is done and probably overlook that. The characters are still quirky and a bit crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
Thanks for the Memories
Austin continues to be a hotbed of magical maelstrom. Gladys falls for a guy she doesn't like & Bradley is calling bingo dressed only in a kilt! When Bradley does to collect is data from Dot at the retirement center, it unleashes more havoc than Mallory wants to handle. Dot has a boyfriend, Alfred. Asperger's from Nebraska but he's also a witch with the rare ability to see magical signatures. But since he didn't register with the Society because he wants to stay on need the radar Cornelius demands Star do a mind check of him. Reluctantly agreeing, Alfred is found to have had his memories tampered with from his time in Nebraska. When dead Great-aunt Lula shows up predicting Dog's murder everything snowballs into a race to find out what's going on in the Midwest. When Mandy goes berserk, it's all Mallory Alex and the rest can do to save her & find out who's behind these attacks & why.
Austin continues to be a hotbed of magical maelstrom. Gladys falls for a guy she doesn't like & Bradley is calling bingo dressed only in a kilt! When Bradley does to collect is data from Dot at the retirement center, it unleashes more havoc than Mallory wants to handle. Dot has a boyfriend, Alfred. Asperger's from Nebraska but he's also a witch with the rare ability to see magical signatures. But since he didn't register with the Society because he wants to stay on need the radar Cornelius demands Star do a mind check of him. Reluctantly agreeing, Alfred is found to have had his memories tampered with from his time in Nebraska. When dead Great-aunt Lula shows up predicting Dog's murder everything snowballs into a race to find out what's going on in the Midwest. When Mandy goes berserk, it's all Mallory Alex and the rest can do to save her & find out who's behind these attacks & why.
April 22, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
August 21, 2023
Curiouser and Curiouser
Rereading this delightful series, one of my favorites.
Mallory is a vegan vamp. She cannot stand blood and cannot feed on it as most vamps do. Plus she only has baby vamp fangs. And she can cry, even if her tears are acid and burn her cheeks. With each book in the series we learn more and more about what makes Mallory different from other supernaturals and vampires in particular.
Once again Mallory has to survive numerous attempts on her life while solving murder investigations and keeping her normal friends from memory wipes. She, Alex, Star, Wembley, Bradley and Cornelius all continue to try to figure out what all she is truly capable of. It just gets curiouser and curiouser.
Rereading this delightful series, one of my favorites.
Mallory is a vegan vamp. She cannot stand blood and cannot feed on it as most vamps do. Plus she only has baby vamp fangs. And she can cry, even if her tears are acid and burn her cheeks. With each book in the series we learn more and more about what makes Mallory different from other supernaturals and vampires in particular.
Once again Mallory has to survive numerous attempts on her life while solving murder investigations and keeping her normal friends from memory wipes. She, Alex, Star, Wembley, Bradley and Cornelius all continue to try to figure out what all she is truly capable of. It just gets curiouser and curiouser.
March 30, 2018
This is a ten star book! Excellent story which I highly recommend. Mallory is up to a mystery again. Her and Alex are helping Bradley get information on who broke into his place. You definitely have lots it mystery/action, humor and romance. You will meet Mallory's aunt,Lula Belle , who is a ghost, Glady will add another twist to the story. I will admit that Alfred and Dot add another component but such interesting people. Must not forget Star or Cornelius as there is lots of romance in the air. Question, will Alex and Mallory admit to the attraction that feel for each other or is this a to be continues? Read and find out the answer to the question and enjoy the mystery as it unravels.
April 29, 2018
Blood! - why is it always blood!
Terrific. Ghosts, vampires and so much more all entwined in a humorous read that you will fly through. Why did someone break into the apartment, why are death threats flying around, who is messing with people's minds and what on earth does Nebraska have to do with it all? Our favourite, blood fainting vampire is back! Can she help to solve the mystery and still get the man she wants? Humour, great characters, a wacky storyline all combined into an awesome read. Terrific!
Terrific. Ghosts, vampires and so much more all entwined in a humorous read that you will fly through. Why did someone break into the apartment, why are death threats flying around, who is messing with people's minds and what on earth does Nebraska have to do with it all? Our favourite, blood fainting vampire is back! Can she help to solve the mystery and still get the man she wants? Humour, great characters, a wacky storyline all combined into an awesome read. Terrific!
May 12, 2018
"The Halloween Haunting" is the fifth book in the "Vegan Vamp" series by Cate Lawley. Mallory and gang are back for another fun-filled adventure that takes place right after the end of the last book. Bradley enlists the help of a granny hacker named Dot. But when Dot becomes a target, it is up to Mallory and gang to get to the bottom of the crime.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The series needs to be read in order to appreciate it. I also like how the overall plotline of the series keeps moving forward with each new book.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The series needs to be read in order to appreciate it. I also like how the overall plotline of the series keeps moving forward with each new book.
October 6, 2018
Longer, and some long term plot elements come together
Finally we see some resolution to long standing hints we’ve been seeing throughout the series! This book, while technically able to be read as a stand-alone is far better read in publication order. We see some new characters that bring resolution to some outstanding plot elements from the first four books. A slightly more serious turn propels the story, but Mallory is just as fun and engaging as one would expect from her previous adventures. Looking forward to more books by the author.
Finally we see some resolution to long standing hints we’ve been seeing throughout the series! This book, while technically able to be read as a stand-alone is far better read in publication order. We see some new characters that bring resolution to some outstanding plot elements from the first four books. A slightly more serious turn propels the story, but Mallory is just as fun and engaging as one would expect from her previous adventures. Looking forward to more books by the author.
July 19, 2025
First things first… I’m relieved that Alex and Mallory have finally started a relationship. It was getting a little annoying that every other character could read the room, except them. The mystery was chaotic and a little rushed, in my opinion. As far as the culprit, I didn’t like Blaine in the previous book. He gave off bad vibes and I always felt like he was no good. Overall, I’m invested in the series so I’ll be looking forward to the next read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2018
I love this series
Mallory can't catch a break. Everyone heads off to meet Bradley's hacker grandma and things go awry from there. A new witch with control problems, and who can tell Mallory isn't like other vampires. This book is full of twists and so much fun. I can't wait for more.
Mallory can't catch a break. Everyone heads off to meet Bradley's hacker grandma and things go awry from there. A new witch with control problems, and who can tell Mallory isn't like other vampires. This book is full of twists and so much fun. I can't wait for more.
September 21, 2018
The Halloween Haunting Review
Best one yet! Even though it doesn't seem possible things just keep getting crazier for Mallory and her misfit crew. And I can't get enough especially that ending. Because boy it was about dang time and I do love me some Alex.
I can't wait to see what kind of crazy shenanigans they get into next and would definitely say this one is recommended.
Best one yet! Even though it doesn't seem possible things just keep getting crazier for Mallory and her misfit crew. And I can't get enough especially that ending. Because boy it was about dang time and I do love me some Alex.
I can't wait to see what kind of crazy shenanigans they get into next and would definitely say this one is recommended.
January 7, 2019
Excellent
Swords, singing swords, vampires, and witches!!! how can it get better? There are so many reasons this may be the best book in the series so far, but I can't pick just one. Gladys is back and hilarious as ever, Cornelius and Mallory may have a moment too funny or not, and then as always there is Alex and Mallory.
Swords, singing swords, vampires, and witches!!! how can it get better? There are so many reasons this may be the best book in the series so far, but I can't pick just one. Gladys is back and hilarious as ever, Cornelius and Mallory may have a moment too funny or not, and then as always there is Alex and Mallory.
December 9, 2021
Exceptional Citizen of Austin?
I have enjoyed Cate Lawley's books for several years. The Vegan Vampire Series is especially fun.
I love the way she developed her characters are well written & so far all 6 books in the series have been fast moving, funny and a generAl delight to read.....
I have enjoyed Cate Lawley's books for several years. The Vegan Vampire Series is especially fun.
I love the way she developed her characters are well written & so far all 6 books in the series have been fast moving, funny and a generAl delight to read.....
April 25, 2018
Began Vamp Love
When I stumbled up in the first book in this series, is as "iffy" . By the second chapter Mallory was my new best friend! I love Alex and Wembley and Star and and all my Society buds! Superb in every way! My hat is off to the most awesomest author
When I stumbled up in the first book in this series, is as "iffy" . By the second chapter Mallory was my new best friend! I love Alex and Wembley and Star and and all my Society buds! Superb in every way! My hat is off to the most awesomest author
July 22, 2018
4 stars
FINALLY THE ROMANCE. Fast read. Cute. Glad these are on kindle unlimited since I go through them so fast. The mystery isn't too heavy or overwhelming, but keeps you interested.
FINALLY THE ROMANCE. Fast read. Cute. Glad these are on kindle unlimited since I go through them so fast. The mystery isn't too heavy or overwhelming, but keeps you interested.
August 12, 2018
Outstanding!
I have loved every book in this series but the author outdid herself this time! The writing is fantastic and perfect so are all of the characters. The bad guy is finally revealed and dealt with and I finally get my romance I was waiting for!
I have loved every book in this series but the author outdid herself this time! The writing is fantastic and perfect so are all of the characters. The bad guy is finally revealed and dealt with and I finally get my romance I was waiting for!
December 31, 2018
A must read
Wow
Started reading this series after it appears on Facebook, have not been able to put it down.
Made me laugh and swoon, made me feel good about life and people.
A must read for all, a different twist on the magical world
Wow
Started reading this series after it appears on Facebook, have not been able to put it down.
Made me laugh and swoon, made me feel good about life and people.
A must read for all, a different twist on the magical world
January 21, 2019
More Vegan Vamp, please!
What a wonderful, clever and amusing series! It sounded goofy, but it's well-written and engaging. I can't wait for the next one; my happy took a hit when it wasn't out yet.
What a wonderful, clever and amusing series! It sounded goofy, but it's well-written and engaging. I can't wait for the next one; my happy took a hit when it wasn't out yet.
May 8, 2019
Great read
This a great series.i love the humor the author has in each books.this is a clean read .is so funny that a vanpaire is a vegetarian and upchuck seeing or smelling blood. Great who done it
This a great series.i love the humor the author has in each books.this is a clean read .is so funny that a vanpaire is a vegetarian and upchuck seeing or smelling blood. Great who done it
June 6, 2019
Great
I discovered this author in a anthology,which is one of the reasons why I read them, I have in the three days since my discovery read all five books in the series and enjoyed them immensely.I now plan to read more of her books and expect to get as much pleasure from them.
I discovered this author in a anthology,which is one of the reasons why I read them, I have in the three days since my discovery read all five books in the series and enjoyed them immensely.I now plan to read more of her books and expect to get as much pleasure from them.
October 17, 2019
One HUGE mystery birthing a plethora of tiny mysteries
The heroine keeps up an inner monologue to die for. If she can’t keep track of stray details how can I? So it’s a wonderful unpredictable ride.
The heroine keeps up an inner monologue to die for. If she can’t keep track of stray details how can I? So it’s a wonderful unpredictable ride.
December 8, 2022
Dang it I swear they just get better!
Book 5 and I'm not bored, I can tell you this one made me teary eyed but not in a sad kind of way. I'm so glad I've already purchased 6 and 7 because I'm ready to see where this relationship goes!
Book 5 and I'm not bored, I can tell you this one made me teary eyed but not in a sad kind of way. I'm so glad I've already purchased 6 and 7 because I'm ready to see where this relationship goes!
August 4, 2018
vv 5
Loved this book. I have been waiting for romance to bloom forever. This is such a great, cozy paranormal series
Loved this book. I have been waiting for romance to bloom forever. This is such a great, cozy paranormal series
August 31, 2018
Fun enjoyable characters
I am enjoying this series a lot! The characters are likable and as real as a vampire could be. Glad to have stumbled into it
I am enjoying this series a lot! The characters are likable and as real as a vampire could be. Glad to have stumbled into it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews