Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, but it also has many interesting books. In this series, we are sharing some of the books we like from Minnesota, or Minnesota authors.

We are mapping our literary journey around Minnesota, so you can see all the interesting places where our books are set. Follow our progress on our Google Map, accessible by clicking that link or searching for the title CMLE Reads Across Minnesota!

Undead and Unwed (Queen Betsy, Book 1), by MaryJanice Davidson “It’s been a helluva week for Betsy Taylor. First, she loses her job. Then, to top things off, she’s killed in a car accident. But what really bites (besides waking up in the morgue dressed in a pink suit and cheap shoes courtesy of her stepmother) is that she can’t seem to stay dead. Every night she rises with a horrible craving for blood. She’s not taking too well to a liquid diet.

Worst of all, her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious, power-hungry vampire in five centuries – a badly dressed Bela Lugosi wannabe, natch. Frankly, Betsy couldn’t care less about vamp politics, but they have a powerful weapon of persuasion: designer shoes. How can any self-respecting girl say no? But a collection of Ferragamos isn’t the only temptation for Betsy. It’s just a lot safer than the scrumptious Sinclair – a seductive bloodsucker whose sexy gaze seems as dangerous as a stake through the heart…”

I really like MaryJanice Davidson’s books! This series is fluffy fun, in the best way. Betsy is a reluctant, but incredibly powerful, vampire. She surrounds herself with really fun characters – all of whom are smarter and more talented than she is. And despite her ditzy actions, and obsession with expensive shoes, she is ready to defeat bad guys and save the day when the situation arises! And yes: it arises pretty often in these books. Thank goodness Betsy is on the scene and ready to kick butt!

This series takes place in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She has another series, starring Fred the Mermaid, set in Boston; and yet another one with werewolves that is set in Cape Cod. All the series are fun, and they intersect with each other – which is always fun to read!

If you need a happy, funny book – with vampires – to help you through the week, I suggest you check out any of these books. You may not experience much intellectual stimulation, but you will laugh and have a good time with your new vampire friends!