Vampire Fiction, August 2011 

Vampires come in many guises. Most, but not all, are of the neck-biting, blood-sucking variety. They rule the night and sometimes the day. They can be romantic, murderous, or both. The following books will show that these supernatural creatures are not always easy to classify.

Blood and Other Cravings. Tor. Sept. 2011. c.320p. ed. by Ellen Datlow. ISBN 9780765328281. $25.99. HORROR
This collection of horror stories selected by an award-winning sf/fantasy editor shows that a wide assortment of fiends share vampiric cravings. Several stories will leave readers feeling uncomfortable, even queasy. But for those stout of heart and eager to sample brilliant writing, this is a terrific anthology. Kaaron Warren’s “All You Can Do Is Breathe” tells of the horrifying fate of a lone miner who survives a cave-in disaster. Children mysteriously vanish whenever the protagonists of Barbara Rodin’s “Sweet Sorrow” move into a neighborhood. Disquieting love is the theme of Melanie Tem’s “Keeping Corkey.” Two old friends remember the heyday of the Nightkind, both in their own way, in “Blood Yesterday, Blood Tomorrow” by Richard Bowes. These 17 mesmerizing tales, each one creepier than the next, will delight vampire and other horror fans.

Ellis, Leanna. Plain Fear: Forsaken. Sourcebooks. Aug. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9781402255403. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Rumspringa allows Jacob, an Amish youth, to visit New Orleans. Jacob loves his family, but he needs to explore the world he has read about in books. He also loves Hanna and promises to come back to her. He does return but dies, only to arise as a vampire. A murder in New Orleans leads a detective to investigate another one in Lancaster County, PA, where Hannah lives and mourns Jacob. Incorporating poetry and scripture, popular CF author Ellis ( Facelift) weaves an engrossing, dark romantic tale about love, sacrifice, and faith. This series debut will appeal to both urban fantasy fans and readers who enjoy Christian-centered fiction.

Jaffarian, Sue Ann. Baited Blood: A Madison Rose Vampire Mystery. Midnight Ink. Sept. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780738723129. pap. $14.95. FANTASY
In this second “Madison Rose Vampire” mystery (after Murder in Vein), our protagonist discovers two bodies in a swimming pool. The victims are vampires. Madison, a human who works for the handsome chairman of the Los Angeles Vampire Council, taking care of the vamps’ daytime business while they lie in a corpselike sleep, races to stop a killer who may be framing another vampire. Jaffarian’s tantalizing, tangled mystery and well-drawn characters will keep readers interested in the action. For fans of urban fantasies and paranormal mysteries.

Murray, Lynne. The Falstaff Vampire Files. Pearlsong. Sept. 2011. c.282p. ISBN 9781597190381. pap. $18.95. FANTASY
In modern-day San Francisco, Sir John Falstaff, the charming rogue made famous by Shakespeare in his play Henry V, is a centuries-old vampire who has lost none of his captivating manner, especially where ladies are concerned. Seeking his assistance is widowed psychologist Kristin, who has stumbled into a vampiric quagmire through the machinations of her two-timing boyfriend, who wants desperately to become a vampire and have the power to change the world. At his side he wants the young Mina, rather than the older Kristin, who happens to be Mina’s shrink. Then there is Violet, the carefree neighbor who writes vampire romance novels and feeds the neighborhood’s stray cats, and Bram, who spends his time researching vampire cults. Murray ( Bride of the Living Dead) combines rich storytelling with humor to spin a fun, exciting tale.

Painter, Kristen. Blood Rights. Orbit: Hachette. Oct. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780316084772. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Chrysabelle is a camarré, a human chosen for the pure, exquisite blood she can provide the vampire Lord Algernon. She despises this slavish existence and finds a means of escape. But someone murders Algernon, and Chrysabelle is the primary suspect. Soon she is captured by Mal, an undead who has vowed never again to drink from the vein, a difficult task since he finds Chrysabelle attractive on many levels. Meanwhile, the powerful Tatiana vows to the dark one that she will find the camarré and the ring that she is believed to have stolen. More supernaturals round out the ensemble: a were-leopard who is cursed to turn into a kitty when not in human form; Fiona, a ghost who haunts and cares for Mal; the Preacher, a rare vampire who can walk in daylight. Prophecy, curses, and devilish machination combine for a spellbinding debut of dark romance and pulse-pounding adventure. Two more novels will follow: Flesh and Blood (Nov.) and Bad Blood (Dec.).

Rardin, Jennifer. The Deadliest Bite. Orbit: Hachette. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780316043816. pap. $13.99. FANTASY
Jaz Parks ( Bitten in Two) and her vampire lover, Vayl, are taking a break from destroying nasty, terrifying creatures for the CIA, but their idyll does not last long. An assassin appears, bent on destroying Vayl. Before an angry Jaz can annihilate the young man, she discovers that he may be the reincarnation of one of Vayl’s missing sons. It’s time to regroup and research, but the demon Brude, whom Jaz carries buried inside her mind, is ready to burst out, claim Hell as his kingdom, and destroy Jaz’s body and soul. Jaz and Vayl’s assorted pals and coworkers come together to help save the day in another fast-paced adventure told with huge dollops of humor. As planned by the author, this is the concluding volume to her eight-book paranormal series. Sadly, Rardin died last September. Her lively, imaginative voice will be missed.

Scott, Kathryn Leigh. Dark Passages. Pomegranate. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780938817833. pap. $14.95. HORROR
Scott uses her background as an actress on the original 1960s TV series Dark Shadows and a stint as a Playboy Bunny for the setting of her rather bland debut novel. Meg Harrison, born a vampire, heads for New York City to try her hand at an acting career. She takes a job at the local Playboy Club until, as fate would have it, she is offered a part in the new daytime soap Dark Passages. Supernatural events begin happening both in the script and in real life. A villainous witch, it turns out, has a very old grudge against Meg’s family. What could have been an engrossing story is instead boring and uncomplicated. Some of the behind-the-scenes making of segments are interesting but not enough for a reader to pick up this book. Strictly for fans of Dark Shadows and of the author. [Scott recently shot a cameo for Tim Burton’s forthcoming Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp.—Ed.]—Patricia Altner, Biblioinfo.com, Columbia, MD