Step into the snarky, shoe-obsessed world of the Queen Betsy/Undead series, where vampire royalty meets laugh-out-loud humor! Written by MaryJanice Davidson, this paranormal romance saga follows Elizabeth 'Betsy' Taylor, a former secretary who wakes up dead on her 30th birthday, only to discover she’s the prophesied queen of vampires. With its witty dialogue, subverted tropes, and a heroine who’d rather shop for designer heels than rule the undead, this series is a delightful escape for fans of humor and heart.
Betsy’s journey is anything but typical—think less brooding bloodsucker, more fabulous fashionista navigating vampire politics, love, and the occasional trip to Hell. From its 2004 debut to its 2016 finale, the series blends chick-lit charm with supernatural stakes, earning a loyal fanbase and critical praise for its fresh take on vampire lore.
How Queen Betsy/Undead Began
MaryJanice Davidson launched the Queen Betsy/Undead series with Undead and Unwed in 2004, driven by a desire to shake up the paranormal romance genre. Frustrated by clichéd, overly serious vampire tales, Davidson crafted Betsy as a relatable, irreverent heroine who defies the brooding stereotype. Published by Berkley Books, the series grew from a single novel into a sprawling 15-book saga, plus novellas, fueled by Davidson’s knack for humor and her Minnesota roots, which infuse the setting with local flavor.
The Heart of Queen Betsy/Undead
The series kicks off with Undead and Unwed, where Betsy, after dying in a car accident, wakes up as a vampire with unique powers—like not burning in sunlight—and a destiny as vampire queen. She reluctantly teams up with the smoldering Eric Sinclair, whom she finds equal parts annoying and irresistible. In Undead and Unemployed, Betsy juggles her royal duties with a job selling shoes at Macy’s, all while vampire slayers target her. Undead and Unfinished takes a wild turn with time travel, as Betsy and her half-sister Laura (the Antichrist!) visit Hell to uncover secrets about Sinclair’s past. The finale, Undead and Done, wraps up Betsy’s rule over Hell and vampires, tackling a vampire PR crisis with her signature sass.
Themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and defying expectations run deep. Betsy’s growth from a reluctant queen to a confident leader is paired with her obsession with fashion, making her both relatable and hilarious. The Minneapolis setting grounds the supernatural in a quirky, everyday world, while Davidson’s breezy style and absurd humor—think Hell as a mall with a Macy’s—set the series apart. Romantic tension, especially with Sinclair, adds steamy stakes, but it’s Betsy’s friendships with characters like Jessica and Marc that give the series heart.
Why Queen Betsy/Undead Resonates
The Queen Betsy/Undead series carved a niche in paranormal romance by blending chick-lit humor with vampire lore, influencing the rise of ‘paranormal chick-lit’ as a subgenre. Fans adore Betsy’s snarky voice, with reviews praising narrator Nancy Wu’s audiobook performance for bringing her to life. The series’ 2004 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award and consistent bestseller status highlight its impact. Its lighthearted take on heavy supernatural themes offers a refreshing escape, keeping readers hooked across 15 books.
Despite some criticism for later books’ complexity, the series’ loyal following and Davidson’s bold storytelling cement its legacy. It’s a testament to the power of humor and heart in genre fiction, proving vampires don’t always have to be dark and brooding.
- First Book Published: 2004 (Undead and Unwed)
- Total Books: 15, plus novellas
- Award: 2004 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award
- Setting: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grab Undead and Unwed and dive into the Queen Betsy/Undead series’ hilarious, heartfelt world of vampires, shoes, and supernatural sass!