Spike And Dru: Pretty Maids All In A Row

This was the first novel I read by Christopher Golden, and I enjoyed it so much that I was inspired to search out his original fiction (which is also excellent). Like so many, I loved the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show; Spike was my favorite character. So, when I saw this book I decided to delve into the Buffy novels. I have read several books in the Buffyverse, but I think this is by far the best. First, Golden perfectly captured the spirit of Spike and Dru as portrayed by James Marsters and Juliet Landau. While reading, I could easily envision the two actors carrying out the story. Their dialog, actions and thoughts were spot on - and the cover is fantastic. Second, the story was believable as part of the Buffy canon, especially show more taking place decades before the show's time line. Spike and Dru set about killing all the "slayers-in-waiting" (those next in line for the power should the current slayer be killed) who are being hidden and trained by the Watchers. The idea that, eventually, a new slayer would arise who doesn't know what she is, and so would be easy to kill and so on. The novel is fast paced, with lots of action, as the two vampires track and kill their targets, all the while moving toward a showdown with the current slayer. The book is a little gory at times, but the action and the final battle are exciting and kept me turning the pages

(Minor spoiler) Astute Buffy fans will note that the novel contradicts a fact from the show - namely the number of slayers Spike has killed. I heard the author discuss this and it turns out the novel was mostly complete before that fact was revealed in the show. I didn't feel this was an issue at all. Buffy learns about Spike from the Watchers, and it's entirely credible that they didn't know everything he had been up to.

Though readers not familiar with Buffy could read and enjoy this, they would miss a lot of material aimed at show fans. Overall, I thought this was excellent and highly recommend it. show less

Spike wants to give Drusilla a present and agrees to kill of all the potential slayers to get it. Sounds very much like the final season of the TV show in that respect. It was not bad---high praise for a series that even I realize is not great literature---but I don't need to keep it. I would not recommend it to children.

‘Spike & Dru: Pretty Maids All in a Row’ is a novelization using two characters from the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ television show. It’s written by prolific author Christopher Golden, who has also written for the Hellboy, X-Men, and Angel publication series, among others.
I’ve never watched the Buffy show, but I loved this book!
Spike and Drucilla are vampires who have made a deal with Skrymir (a demon), that if they kill off the girls in training to be Slayers, and then the reigning Slayer herself, they will get Freya’s Strand, a powerful necklace that lets vampires be shape-shifters.
The non-stop action is great – lots of bloody fighting – and the descriptions of surroundings such as Skrymir’s cave can’t be show more beat.
This is a fabulous story to escape into. It’s a fast read and after the first couple of pages you’ll be hooked in.
Thanks, Christopher, I needed this! show less

This was fun! Spike and Dru trekking about the world killing off potential slayers during world war two. This was a nifty use of established characters in a new setting - and interesting new characters added in for extra goodness.

this author has a terrific grasp of these characters, especially Drusilla.

Not too terrible--quick read--very interesting in that in came out in 2001 and in some ways prefigures season seven of Buffy. Defies cannon in a way which might give away a plot point but i guess that's forgivable--overall worthwhile.

Hardcover edition