Bloody Good is the first in the new Brytewood series by Georgia Evans (a pseudonym for experienced vampire-favoring author Rosemary Laurey). Following swiftly on the heels of this newly released title are the second two titles, Bloody Awful and Bloody Right. This series opener is definitely of a lighter nature than the average novel that falls within this genre, but it is no less enjoyable for the less graphic nature of its approach.

Drawn into the harried nature of those small rural villages located at safe distances from the major London boundaries, children and women are bused and sheltered away from their homes, families, and the dangers of the enemy’s bombs. WWII is in full swing, and the impact is no smaller among the small villages.  Bombings take their toll: evacuees needing so much, shortages in crucial supplies, and only one doctor to care for a very large population.

When a couple of unexpected deaths and unusual events start to occur within the village, it will require some very open-minded individuals to grasp the serious nature of their foe. Luckily for Alice — the young, sexy, single local doctor — prayers for her work and inspiration for her Pixie powers are answered in the form of Peter. While she may not believe in what she is, Peter’s faith in the existence of Others is enough to get her thinking.

In joining forces with Others of unusual ancestry but good morals, Alice and Peter have to accept the true nature of their adversary and do what it takes to prevent his plans from taking shape. Germany stretches out its talons but may find much more of a whopping challenge in the small, rural English villages than ever anticipated.

Bloody Good is written with an interestingly prudish quality toward the violent and bloody aspects normally attributed to this type of theme. There is a minimal influence by way of vampire on the death toll around the village, and most of the novel concerns itself on building characters, relationships, and outing Otherness. Oddly enough (or perhaps thanks to expert skill), the complete novel - from plot to characters to murder - exude very 1940s-era English morals and strictures. Most authors, when placing a story in a particular period, are not able to embrace that era in the novel’s entirety.

The storyline leaves several open-ended issues unresolved prior to wrapping up. One is left with the impression is that this story, and the two following, were actually written as one but split for the creation of a series.

The plot—at least what is known of it — and the storyline are enjoyable, with interesting character types and good progression. The best reviews will probably come with the completion of the series’ saga. In the meantime, the anticipation to get the next installment is high.