What do you think?
Rate this book
Diary of an Unauthorised Vampire: Burkenswood Mysteries 1
Current Recently divorced. Recently deceased. Recently discovered vampirism requires forms in triplicate.
Woke up dead. Rather inconvenient – and with no paperwork, I’m now an illegal vampire who can’t hug my children without wanting to eat them.
The gothic vampire matriarch who insists on keeping me in her castle finds everything deliciously dramatic. She swears I need a supernatural guardian or my powers might detonate. After my divorce, the last thing I want is to be bound to anyone.
My new job at a supernatural law firm seemed like a step in the right direction… until a magical artifact went missing and everyone started pointing fangs. Now I’m hunting for the Twilight Concordat with a purple-haired mage whose idea of fun is “light breaking and entering.” Meanwhile, Clara Blackwood, the Council’s Chief Investigator, looks at me like I’m a puzzle she can’t quite solve. I can’t decide if that makes her my worst enemy or something infinitely more dangerous.
Woke up dead. Rather inconvenient – and with no paperwork, I’m now an illegal vampire who can’t hug my children without wanting to eat them.
The gothic vampire matriarch who insists on keeping me in her castle finds everything deliciously dramatic. She swears I need a supernatural guardian or my powers might detonate. After my divorce, the last thing I want is to be bound to anyone.
My new job at a supernatural law firm seemed like a step in the right direction… until a magical artifact went missing and everyone started pointing fangs. Now I’m hunting for the Twilight Concordat with a purple-haired mage whose idea of fun is “light breaking and entering.” Meanwhile, Clara Blackwood, the Council’s Chief Investigator, looks at me like I’m a puzzle she can’t quite solve. I can’t decide if that makes her my worst enemy or something infinitely more dangerous.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
147 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 27, 2025
I’ve been reading this author for a while, and I begin reading a new book by her without finding out anything out about it. I was reading, and since I read so much and so fast, it took me forever to realize this is a very minor character from another series. I was so pumped; I was enjoying it before, but when I realized that it made it even more enjoyable. (No, you don’t need to have read the previous series to read this one, obviously.) Gillian is a great character, and we get to see previous very minor events from her point of view, and we get to know other characters better, as well. Even with all that aside, this is a well-written, entertaining, action-packed book, and I am so excited to hopefully read the next one soon to see how poor Gillian continues with her new affliction. Highy recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 29, 2025
This isn’t your normal recent divorcee turned vampire without consent type of story. Gillian is turned by an unknown vampire on her way home from celebrating her divorce. She is prevented from eating her children when she arises by a family of vampires who take her and her children in and assist her through the turn. She may live at night but even as an undead being she’s more alive now than throughout her disastrous marriage. Gillian finds new friends and new problems in her new life.
I really enjoyed this mystery and new take on the newly undead, I cannot wait for the next installment. I’ve got questions.
I really enjoyed this mystery and new take on the newly undead, I cannot wait for the next installment. I’ve got questions.
October 20, 2025
Real feel good witty read!!
I loved this book!!. My first read of this authors books and I'm totally disarmed. She has the complete package!! The humour is right up my alley....self deprecating, dry, witty and acerbic. Not a page went by without me chuckling, giggling or outright laughing.
Just what the doctor ordered for a feel good engrossing read.
On top of that the plot is so interesting and the pace perfect. The characters especially the lead are not just believable but lovable too.
I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book!!. My first read of this authors books and I'm totally disarmed. She has the complete package!! The humour is right up my alley....self deprecating, dry, witty and acerbic. Not a page went by without me chuckling, giggling or outright laughing.
Just what the doctor ordered for a feel good engrossing read.
On top of that the plot is so interesting and the pace perfect. The characters especially the lead are not just believable but lovable too.
I highly recommend this book.
October 18, 2025
Good read but MANY errors
The story was good but I kept getting hung up on the absolute inconsistencies all over this. Most notably the inclusion of times that don't line up with her being a vampire as this continuously pointed out. How are they parading around the English country side at twilight? How does Clara get to the castle at 2:45 in the afternoon? Who the heck is Eva at the meeting at the sorrie? Could benefit using an editor!
The story was good but I kept getting hung up on the absolute inconsistencies all over this. Most notably the inclusion of times that don't line up with her being a vampire as this continuously pointed out. How are they parading around the English country side at twilight? How does Clara get to the castle at 2:45 in the afternoon? Who the heck is Eva at the meeting at the sorrie? Could benefit using an editor!
October 16, 2025
Finally the mysteries of Gillian
I’m a big fan of iris and her myrtlewood stories, particularly the ‘Crones’ (probably because of my age).
I’ve really enjoyed reading Gillian’s story and can’t wait for more. I hope she becomes more involved in the other series. I think she’d be a great addition to both.
If you’ve never read Iris’s stories before you’re in for a real treat.
Enjoy xx
I’m a big fan of iris and her myrtlewood stories, particularly the ‘Crones’ (probably because of my age).
I’ve really enjoyed reading Gillian’s story and can’t wait for more. I hope she becomes more involved in the other series. I think she’d be a great addition to both.
If you’ve never read Iris’s stories before you’re in for a real treat.
Enjoy xx
October 10, 2025
Earl Grey
Wow ! brilliant ! this book is a real pageturner the characters are fantastic and the storyline is exciting and at times ( a lot of times ) edge of your seat I recommend this book , a very big well earned 5 stars
Wow ! brilliant ! this book is a real pageturner the characters are fantastic and the storyline is exciting and at times ( a lot of times ) edge of your seat I recommend this book , a very big well earned 5 stars
October 12, 2025
excellent read
An excellent read, from an author I’ve come to expect to deliver a good tale.
Great attention to detail, enthralling, loved every word and can’t wait to read subsequent instalments!!
An excellent read, from an author I’ve come to expect to deliver a good tale.
Great attention to detail, enthralling, loved every word and can’t wait to read subsequent instalments!!
November 5, 2025
Interesting new character
Great take on Vampires, adding in the bureaucracy that would be sure to surface in a powerful Supernatural group, as well as a. Main character who shows intelligence and strength.
Great take on Vampires, adding in the bureaucracy that would be sure to surface in a powerful Supernatural group, as well as a. Main character who shows intelligence and strength.
October 2, 2025
Awesome
Great start to a new and i hope long series . It's a great read with solid characters and lots of twist. Hope more are written soon.
Great start to a new and i hope long series . It's a great read with solid characters and lots of twist. Hope more are written soon.
October 5, 2025
Loved this.
I loved this. Cannot wait for the series to continue. Was a bit reticent that a vampire series wouldn't hold my attention but it was brilliant.
I loved this. Cannot wait for the series to continue. Was a bit reticent that a vampire series wouldn't hold my attention but it was brilliant.
October 6, 2025
iris
Not read any of Iris’s books before, really enjoyed reading this. I’m looking forward to reading more. Thank you Iris.
Not read any of Iris’s books before, really enjoyed reading this. I’m looking forward to reading more. Thank you Iris.
October 8, 2025
Always entertaining
I have enjoyed all Ms. Beagleholes' novels without exception. They are a delightful escape from the mundane. I recommend reading.
I have enjoyed all Ms. Beagleholes' novels without exception. They are a delightful escape from the mundane. I recommend reading.
October 16, 2025
This book was a joy to read from start to finish. Looking forward to the next Crones book.
October 20, 2025
Totally different take!
Vampires and witches like never before and Snark hilarity all throughout!
Such a unique vision of magic mixed with kindness and crazy!!!
Vampires and witches like never before and Snark hilarity all throughout!
Such a unique vision of magic mixed with kindness and crazy!!!
October 28, 2025
Hooked Again
Delightful, intriguing, and a compassionate linking to an unauthorized vampire! Who would have thought? Iris Beaglehold is a master storyteller and a delight to read.
Delightful, intriguing, and a compassionate linking to an unauthorized vampire! Who would have thought? Iris Beaglehold is a master storyteller and a delight to read.
October 11, 2025
If you ❤️ woowoo!
I love all books about the supernatural with great stories! I’ve read all your books and eagerly await the next Ty! 🫶🏻
I love all books about the supernatural with great stories! I’ve read all your books and eagerly await the next Ty! 🫶🏻
October 16, 2025
Enjoyed Jillian's story. Interesting from start to finish. Do hope there is more to her story!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews