The Radleys, a family living in the countryside and going by their business like any other family, but there`s a hitch. They are vampires! They try to fight their instincts and live peacefully amongst humans, but after an unfortunate "accident" everything changes. The story has many turns, surprises, twists, hidden secrets, romance and amazing characters and with all that it was difficult to put the book down. I loved this book from page one!

I'm a fan of vampires (no surprise) and was a bit dubious about reading this. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I adored it. It has made it's way to my top ten.

This is quite a unique book in its own right, from the first sentence: it is a quiet place, especially at night. There are no chapter numbers only different headings which denote a new chapter. It starts off as being a traditional story as a 2.5 traditional family, mother and father, daughter and son. The prinicipal characters are Rowan Radley, tall, thin with an ongoing rash which requires Factor 60 sunblock and is constantly hungry at all times. Clara Radley his younger sister, who is planning to be vegan and has poster of anti-animal testing spread all around her room. Peter Radley is a middle-aged GP who has a permanent headache. Helen Radley is a typical middle-class wife, who runs her life on a daily basis i.e. book group etc. But as a family they are hiding a terrible secret, in 17 Orchard Lane, a secret which Peter and Helen have been hiding from the children for the past seventeen years. They are lieing to their children and trying to live day-to-day in middle class suburbia. This book can be seen as a crossover, from teenager to adult, which works quite well. The plot of the book can seem a bit far-fetched at times, the fact that there are special list and a special task force unit, if anyone divulges the task force units whereabout they are made to undergo mental health treatment as a result. The book also touches on the following themes: bullying and racism - Rowan gets buliied and pinched at school, Clara not to such a large extent, becuase of the way they look. They are not part of the in-crowd and there are subject to abuse. All in all, a good book to read and well worth the four stars that I have given to it.

I’m a massive Matt Haig fan but have never read The Radleys. I wanted to read it before the film came out so now was the time and anything vampires is a must for me! I found the whole book very fun and full of comedy genius! A very different take on a family of vampires who are trying to abstain from drinking blood etc. I found the short chapters meant I flew through it and I loved it.

My first Matt Haig book and I am impressed! Haig seems to be able to fit so much into a relatively short story. I loved how it was out of my comfort zone (vampires!) but still managed to touch on human issues.