The series focuses on a medley of characters occupying the village and how they one-by-one become victims of this spreading vampire virus. We follow an introspective look into their everyday lives and how the storm of this strange illness fractures relationships and destroys the community.
That is where the focus and heart of Shiki lies and does well. The problem is the pacing in which this mystery unfolds. For the majority of series we the audience are privy to what is actually happening but the characters themselves remain clueless. This is turn can be frustrating to watch if you're not a fan of this kind of storytelling structure. Overall it's the characters that keep you invested.
--Minor spoiler-- The series does do well in turning the tables toward the end and making us feel for some of the vampires. There are some feels in there.
