Recently I am finding things not intended to be comical, funny. This book is included in that category. In the book store it was under the Horror section, but that is not very accurate. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a wonderful mash up of a historical biography and a horror/fantasy book.
The book starts out with 6 old leather bound journals and various other old documents given to a young store owner in Illinois. These journals turn out to be Abraham Lincoln's account of his vampire hunting days.
When Abe was a young boy he watched his mother die. She was murdered by a vampire when given a small amount of vampire blood. Abe was furious. He was filled with a strong hatred for the creatures that murdered his beloved mother. While Abe grew so did his hatred. He researched, planned, and prepared to kill vampires. He first attempt was not successful. In fact if it had not been for the help of another vampire he would not have survived.
Abe was knocked out in the fight and when he awakes he finds himself in an underground house. Henry Sturges introduces himself. Abe finally puts two and two together and comes to the conclusion that Henry is a vampire he tries to move and escape but it too weak and also is restrained. Once well and in less of a rage Abe is released from his restraints. Henry begins to teach him the proper way to hunt and kill vampires. He sends Abe off with his new skills and promises to send him names of those how need to be visited.
When the first names come he sets off to kill. The names continue to come and Abe continues to hunt.
The book follows Abe through his life. He meets the love of his life, then she meets an untimely death. Again Abe falls in love. He is married. He also begins his study of law and politics.
The book follows Lincolns life very accurately with many events and actions explained by his drive to ride the world of the creatures that take so many loved ones from him. When Lincoln finally becomes president and begins the civil war it is explained that he is doing so to win the war against vampires who intend to take over the U.S. The vampires have allied themselves with the Southern Slave Traders with promises of freedom when they enslave humanity. Of course the book ends with Abe's murder, but it is explained that John Wilkes Both is a vampire.
This mash up of two genres that really should never work together is fantastic. Seth Grahame-Smith writes with such accuracy it makes you almost believe that Abraham Lincoln really could have been a vampire hunter.
Lindsey
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