Dreadful Company

By: Vivian Shaw

Narrated by: Suzannah Hampton

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Contemporary fantasy in the world of Strange Practice, starring Dr. Greta Helsing, whose family has been keeping the supernatural community not-alive and well for generations.

When Greta Helsing, doctor to the undead, is unexpectedly called to Paris to present at a medical conference, she expects nothing more exciting than professional discourse on zombie reconstructive surgery and skin disease in bogeymen - and hopefully at least one uneventful night at the Opera.

Unfortunately for Greta, Paris happens to be infested with a coven of vampires - and not the civilized kind. If she hopes to survive, Greta must navigate the darkest corners of the City of Lights, the maze of ancient catacombs and mine-tunnels underneath the streets, where there is more to find than simply dead men's bones.

Dr. Greta Helsing novels

• Strange Practice
• Dreadful Company

©2018 Vivian Shaw (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Shaw's elegant writing make this series a standout in the genre." (Booklist)

MIXED FEEINGS!

Good writer. Narrator is great, however, she oddly pronounces the character name 'Fastitocalon' differently than in the first installment, "Strange Practice."

My overall opinion of BOTH installments ("Strange...," & "Dreadful...") aligns with that of an NPR Review of the first book:

"The story of Strange Practice— the actual plodding footsteps of the plot — is wholly secondary to the joys of
hanging out with Shaw's characters. Her true gift as a writer is not for the action, but for the quiet moments before.
It's not for the Eureka! conclusion, but for the shuffling papers, long nights and hundred cups of tea that precede
it..."

In essence, while the conclusion of "Dreadful..." was rewarding, the actual "plodding through of the plot" was even less enjoyable than in Book 1, due to the continual-absent interactions of this "family of characters," as introduced in "Strange..." where the reader is, in fact, deprived of the joy of these character interactions until "Dreadful's..." final chapters. As stand-alone figures, none of the characters (including Heilsing) are abundantly interesting. However, as a "family of odd-balls" who unconditionally accept each other, include each other, and interact with each other, without nastiness, harsh criticism, nor judgement --- in spite of each one's idiosyncrasies --- THIS makes for heart-warming story-telling related to character interactions. The absence of one of the initial "fab four" (Cranswell), besides Greta, introduced in Book 1, is also sorely noted. The new "family members" (little well-monsters, hairy creatures, and "Winston," included), are a joy, and welcomed additions.

Several implicit writing choices, (where character nuances are 'implied,' rather than stated, out-rightly), distract from, rather than add to the story's intrigue. For instance, the slang phrase "vada di omi palone" (see the homosexual man) is spoken in Chapter 1, "suggesting" the sexuality of one, if not two of the characters. Other references support these same ideas, and still, the characters' sexuality are never explicitly stated. Conversely, the nature of a set of female characters' relationship, (indicating sexual preference) is described, explicitly. Another implicit choice is that one character is described as having dread-locked hair, and dark skin, yet the writer never explicitly clarifies that the character is a Black person. The back story of a few of the characters also remained "mysterious.." hinted at, and/or referenced, repeatedly yet, never completely explained in full--- choices that are irritating, and therefore, distract from the story's listening pleasure.

Irritants aside, however, a read of the 3rd installment, "Grave Importance" is definite. The author has effectively etched this "family" of lovable-quirky characters into our hearts; therefore, the follow-up read is a must.

Really enjoy this series.

I work in the medical field and the I enjoy following Dr. Helsings character. It is believable and fun. I love the mixture of fantasy and magic mixed with logic. The characters are enjoyable and overall just pleasant listen to, You don't have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but It will give you some background and insight to the characters.

Another Great story

I enjoy this author's stories very much. I liked the first one somewhat more that this one, probably because it was new to me. I still recommend this one and hope there will be more.

rogue vampires

narrator was very entertaining. I enjoy this story, it's a totally different look at the demon life the vampire life and all the little creatures, that are thought as monsters but are just different. I'd give this book an A

love the audio version

After quickly falling for the audio of Strange Practise I was thrilled to get the audio book of Dreaded Company and enjoyed it very much.

Serviceable

This installment of the Helsing story was technically fine, and well read but was perhaps a bit too straightforward and felt no real urgency despite the main character being kidnapped and held hostage for most of the book.
Although several new creatures are introduced it was very superficial and lacked some of the medical charm of the first book.
Overall a bit undercooked but still acceptable.

Loving this series

One of those books where you can't wait to hear what happens next. You want to find out the end, but you don't want it to end.

excited to read the second, & not disappointed!

I loved Strange Practice, and was so glad to feel the same way about this book. Shaw's writing is artful and almost poetic, while never becoming pretentious or lofty. I'm in love with the world she has created, and the characters I have come to know. this was a true pleasure to read (well, hear!). the narrator was just as fantastic as before, and her voice has a richness that adds so much. bravo, and can't wait for the next one!

Delightful story and enjoyable characters

I enjoyed the voice actor's interpretation of the characters. the storyline is fun and I was able to follow along easily. I read Vivian Shaw's first book. listened to this second book and will listen to her third book too.

Wonderfully enthralling

The narrator is one of the best I've ever heard. This is such a good, heartwarming piece with all the mystery and adventure you want to cuddle up with!