|
|
|
Deadly Obsession
By Patricia Rasey
Published by Hardshell Word Factory
Copyright June 2003
Genre Subgenre: Romance Suspense
Detective Cole Kincaid is pursued by a very attractive reporter Laurie Michaels, on her first big story since graduating journalism school. She is determined to get the inside story about a series of gruesome murders that Cole is investigating, while Cole is just as determined to avoid her, despite the obvious attraction they feel for each other.
Cole plans to trap the murderer at the funeral of one of the victims and uses Laurie to bait the trap by asking her to write a story for her newspaper. She agrees, but the plan fails and Cole has nothing to go on until another body turns up.
Laurie's research leads her into Cole's past, and her curiosity causes her to continue to search for the truth about Cole, even when Cole makes it obvious that her doing so may destroy any chance for a relationship.
In true romance tradition, raging hormones and unbridled lust bring Cole and Laurie together only to pull them apart, until finally Cole is able to admit that Laurie has broken down the walls he built around himself.
Bite marks on the victims' slashed necks indicate this murderer is drinking their blood. When against his better judgment, Cole gives that information to Laurie and she writes an article that characterizes the killer as a monster and a vampire, the violence escalates. He leaves taunting quotes from Bram Stoker's Dracula at the crimes scenes, making it clear that he considers this a game between Cole and himself.
Then Laurie becomes the target of the murderer and Cole risks losing her unless he can find the killer.
There are no vampires in this story. But there is Damien Vincent, the hypnotically handsome lead singer of a hard rock band with a craving for blood and a chilling sense of evil worthy of any Dracula. According to the author, the character Damien Vincent was inspired by a real person, now in prison. "He had a taste for human blood. This man was no murderer, but more of a vampire of sorts. Being in a heavy metal band and easy on the eyes, he had little trouble getting women to cut themselves and allow him a taste of their blood. A real life vampire of sorts."
And there is "the Soul"-Patricia Rasey gives the reader chilling glimpses into the dark psyche of a serial killer obsessed with hunger, blood and Satan.
There is a sharp, gritty edge to this romance that will intrigue and haunt the reader.
Reviewed by Linda Suzane July 17, 2001
Review and interview first appeared in Vampire Books and Authors at
Suite101.com
http://suite101.com/article.cfm/10636/75025
Available in eBook from Hardshell Word Factory
http://store.fictionwise.com/servlet/mw?t=book&bi=13954&si=42
|
|
The Hour Before Dawn
By Patricia Rasey
Published by Hardshell Word Factory
Copyright October 2003
Series: Sequel to Deadly Obsession
Genre Subgenre: Romance Suspense
Just separated from his wife, Officer Tev Zaber accepts an undercover assignment to infiltrate Chicago's Goth scene and it's underground Vampyre Covens to find a serial killer who slashes women's throats and drinks their blood.
Krys Braxton ran away from a sexually abusive father at 15; now 18, she never expected to want a man to touch her until she meets
Tev. The sexual attraction is mutual. Despite his resolution to leave the young woman alone, Tev finds himself increasingly entangled in the lives of
Krys, Azzo, and Raven. Krys lives with Azzo, who is Krys' protector, a mysteriously wealthy gay man, who is also one of the elders of the Vampyre community. Her other roommate, Raven, lives the vampyre life style, dresses in Goth fashion, claims to be a psychic
vampyre, drinks blood, and sleeps in a coffin. He provides Tev entrance into the world of
Vampyres.
The author, Patricia Rasey, gives a fascinating and nonjudgmental look into the world of the real
Vampyres, from the exotically attired and made-up wannabes and game players, to those who have a genuine craving for and a need for blood, from the ordinary everyday real people to the dark and sometimes secret covens of
Vampyres. She looks at the sense of alienation and longing to belong of those who live the lifestyle and those who find companionship on the Internet and in the clubs. It is a view into a world that is far beyond the imagination of most, a world that exists not in the imagination, but in reality. There are no supernatural creatures that will live forever, but there are real
Vampyres.
When Tev learns of a similar string of murders, he contacts Cole Kincaid and Cole and Laurie come to Chicago and join the hunt for the killer. The hunt takes Tev in an unexpected direction when his loved ones are threatened. Then the killer finds Laurie, once again plunging her into deadly jeopardy.
This book gave me a look into a world that has long fascinated me, but I never dared enter, the world of those who for whatever reason choose to call themselves
Vampyre. It is exceptionally well-written story with lots of ups and downs, ins and outs, that make for a good mystery. The story deserves to be classified far beyond Romance, although it certainly has its romantic elements. It is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time.
Reviewed by Linda Suzane July 21, 2001
Review and interview first appeared in Vampire Books and Authors at
Suite101.com
http://suite101.com/article.cfm/10636/75025
Available from Hardshell Word Factory
http://store.fictionwise.com/servlet/mw?t=book&bi=17790&si=42
|
|
Candace Robb's series features Owen Archer, a former of Captain of
Archers, who was blinded in one eye. His Duke decided to make use of his
skills as a spy and taught him to read. When the old Duke died, he had
his choice of going to work for the new Duke or Thoesby, the Archbishop
of York and Chancellor of England. He chose Thoesby, a decision he isn't
at all sure was the right one. His first assignment is to
investigate the death by poison of two men. His cover is to become an apprentice to
the local Apothecary, who happens to be a suspect, along with his young
wife. Owen goes on to solve the mystery and discover that he enjoys
being an apothecary apprentice. He also falls in love with Lucie, the
Apothecary's wife. At the end of the first book, the Apothecary dies,
leaving Lucie his widow and the master Apothecary. Owen decides to
remain her apprentice and in later books Lucie and Owen
marry. Owen continues to work for Thoesby solving mysteries.
This is an excellent medieval series. It takes place during the end
of the reign of King Edward III, in the late 1360s and makes use of real
historical characters and their little mysteries.
Candace Robb writes very complex, leisurely paced books, that are
surprisingly rich in detail and never easy to guess what is happening
and why. The storylines are intricately woven, the hidden reasons behind
the actions complex. These are not mysteries where you know what
is going to happen before it happens. These are puzzling riddles.
Books I've read so far:
- The Apothecary Rose ~~ Owen journeys to York to solve the mystery
of the death of two men by poison. He becomes apprenticed to the Apothecary
and his beautiful wife Lucie, an Apothecary in her own right. It is
a complicated puzzle he solves. [The Apothecary Rose ~ St.
Martin's Press 1993 ISBN: 0312097824]
- The Lady Chapel ~~ Two wool merchants are killed and a plot
uncovered that goes all the way to the throne. [The Lady Chapel ~
St. Martin's Press 1994 ISBN: 0312114095]
- The Nun's Tale ~~ A runaway nun who supposedly died is resurrected
with a claiming to have been given the Virgin Mary's mantle. The confused
woman is unable to explain where she has been or the trail of
bodies she has left behind her. Owen and Lucie must discover
the truth. [The Nun's Tale ~ St. Martin's Press 1995 ISBN:
0312135734]
- The King's Bishop
~~ King Edward is in a battle with the Pope over
the appointment of his chosen favorite William of Wykeham as Bishop
of Winchester. Owen is sent to lead a mission to convince several
abbots to go against the Pope and support Wykeham, joining the
mission is his friend Ned Towley. When Ned is accused of murdering a
friar, whom he claims attacked him, the situation becomes confusing.
Ned, distraught with grief over the death of his beloved Mary and
determined to exact retribution, only makes it more difficult for
Owen to save his friend. [The King's Bishop ~ St. Martin's
Press 1996 ISBN: 0312146388]
- The Riddle of St. Leonard's
~~ The plague has come to York, killing
the old and the infirm, inciting fear. At the hospital of St.
Leonard, people are dying, murdered. St. Leonard is accused of
killing off their corrodys (the medieval version of social security
and retirement community). When Bess' Uncle dies, Archer is drawn
into the investigation. [The Riddle of St. Leonard's ~ St.
Martin's Press 1997 ISBN: 0312169833]
- A Gift of Sanctuary
~~ Owen leaves behind Lucie and the children to
return to his Welsh homeland on a mission with Chaucer for the Duke
of Lancaster. Inspecting garrisons and recruiting archers is just
the cover for his real mission, to determine if the Duke's steward
is a traitor, having married a traitor's daughter. As in all Owen's
cases, things become complicated with mysterious pilgrims, returning
friends, and joining Owen is his father-in-law and Michaelo, Bishop
Thoesby's secretary in a pilgrimage to St. David's looking for redemption. [A
Gift of Sanctuary ~ St. Martin's Press 1998 ISBN: 0312192665]
- A Spy for the Redeemer
~~ While Owen is still in Wales, he must
deal with the death of the stone mason he hired to carve his
father-in-law's tomb and temptation to join the forces of the rebels
to fight for Wale's freedom from the English. At home, Lucie,
feeling lost and abandoned, must deal with her own mystery as her
father's estate is attacked by bandits and her Aunt becomes
increasingly confused looking for a missing document. Lucie finds
herself putting her trust in the wrong men and tempted in her
loneliness. [A Spy for the Redeemer ~ St. Martin's Press 2002
ISBN: 0892967625]
- This is the end of the series so far. According to Amazon.com the
next book in the series, The Cross Legged Knight is due out Jan.
2003. She has also started a new series.
Candace M. Robb
Series: Margaret Kerr of PerthThe first in Candace Robb's new series, A Trust
Betrayed, focuses on a young wife whose merchant husband
has gone missing. In seeking him, she becomes entangled in politics and intrigue.
Candace Robb writes very complex tales. There is no guessing where her
books will turn out. There is a slow revelation of information rather than
an active investigation, and though the books lack the dramatics of either
cloak and dagger or thrilling chase, they are engrossing. Her books
make use of real history and have a sense of authenticity to them. This
book reminded me of another series that I have enjoyed by Kathy Lynn
Emerson, Susanna Lady Applegate. Susanna is an herbalist whose husband, a
rogue and a spy, deserted her, just as Margaret's husband does. This
looks to be a series well worth reading.
-
A
Trust Betrayed ~~ Margaret Kerr's is a young newly married
woman whose merchant husband, Roger, long absences distress her. Now
he has been missing for months without a word and Margaret is getting
worried. Roger's cousin Jack goes to Edinburgh in search of Roger and
his body is returned, the victim of a brutal murder. Margaret journeys
to Edinburgh determined to find her husband and the truth about Jack's
death. Her favorite uncle gives her a cold welcome as does Edinburgh,
a town now controlled by the hated English. When by chance she sees
her husband, he flees from her. Then she learns that he has been
keeping a beautiful woman, and Margaret is heart broken. Her search
for the truth leads her into the dangerous and complicated world of
politics and treason that is the conflict between King Edward and the
various claimants to the throne of Scotland. In the end she finds the
truth, not all pleasant to hear, and she sets out to follow her own
path. [A Trust Betrayed ~~ Warner Books 2001 ISBN: 0892967080]
|
|
Adam and Evil
By Gillian Roberts
Published by Ballantine Books
Copyright 1999
ISBN: 0-345-42934-6
Series: "An Amanda Pepper Mystery" #9
Genre: Mystery
This is book was my introduction to Gillian Robert’s entertaining
series about a Philadelphia High School English teacher, Amanda Pepper.
The opening sentences of the book establish the author’s sense of
humor. "Odd is not a useful definition when referring to
adolescents. It’s hard differentiating between a teenager with
problems and one whose only problem is being a teenager." The
author a former English teacher captures much of the humor and the
heartbreak of trying to teach today’s teens.
Amanda is worried about one of her students Adam Evan, whose behavior
is becoming alarming. When she tries to express her concerns to the
parents that Adam should be evaluated for mental problems, it backfires.
The parents threaten to sue her and go to the principal, who hints that
unless she keeps a low profile she will be fired.
Then on a school class trip to the downtown library, a librarian is
strangled and Adam disappears. Because of her previous comments about
Adam to her boyfriend cop and his scarf and book bag being found near
the body, Adam because the prime suspect. Amanda is concerned about his
welfare and feels that he couldn’t commit murder. She begins to look
at other suspects, with the help of her sister, who turns out to be
friends with the murdered woman.
Problems with her boyfriend, a scandal at school, the threat of
getting fired, and a couple of near brushes with death, make Adam and
Evil and exciting mystery set in the rarefied atmosphere of an old and
elegant Free Library.
Reviewed by Linda Suzane, October 1, 2002
Available from Amazon.com
|
|
As a young person I was fascinated by Egyptian history and dreamed of
being an archeologist and exploring the pyramids and uncovering tombs
filled with treasure. Although my dreams of being an archeologist faded,
the interest in Egypt remained.
While there are quite a few Medieval mysteries, finding one set in
Egypt, is a lot rarer, especially one set in ancient Egypt. Lynda S.
Robinson has made the time of King Tutankhamum come alive. It is rich in
detail, the clothes, the customs, the temples, the court of Pharaoh, the
politics all are vividly described.
Some of these books are out of print, but check your library, they
may have the series. I know that mine does. Or shop online through the
used book series. If you enjoy Egyptian mysteries, this series is well
worth owning.
Murder in the Place of
Anubis 1994 (Out of Print)
Murder at the God's Gate 1995 (Out of Print)
Murder at a Feast of Rejoicing 1997 (Out of Print)
Eater of Souls 1997
Drinker of Blood 2001
Slayer of Gods 2003
Her website is www.meren.com
She has a free Meren short story.
She also writes historical romances under the name of Suzanne
Robinson.
|
|
Murder
in the Place of Anubis
By Lynda S. Robinson
Published by Walker and Company
Copyright 1994
ISBN: 0-8027-3249-6
Series: "Lord Meren"
Genre: Mystery (Egyptian)Lord Meren is the Eyes and Ears of the Pharaoh. It is his job to
protect the Pharaoh and preserve peace in the Realm. He is the ancient
version of Top Cop. Together with his adopted son, Kysen, he sets out to
solve the murder of a scribe at the Place of Anubis, where the bodies
are mummified.
Meren discovers an over abundance of suspects, for everyone hated
Hormin, especially his family members, wife, two sons, and a concubine.
But more deaths follow, and some unusual treasures are uncovered, that
baffle Meren.
Lynda Robinson’s characters are especially real. Meren, who
secretly juggles to relieve stress and struggles with the demons of his
past, and Kysen, who must face his past, when he confronts the father
that beat him and sold him into slavery in the village of the Tomb
makers. Tutankhamum is a young man, burdened with responsibilities, who
still manages to act like the teenager he is at times.
The mystery was complex and intriguing. The setting beguiling. All
around an excellent historical mystery. Well worth reading.
Reviewed by Linda Suzane, August 27, 2002
This book is out of print but may be available from Amazon.com
|
|
The
Vampire’s Violin
By Michael Romkey
Published by Del Rey Books
Copyright 2003
ISBN#: 0-345-45208-9
Genre Sub-genre: General Fiction Vampire
Once there was a violin maker who at the end of his life went blind.
Instead for ending his career, God granted him a miracle. His other
senses more attune, he continued to make violins using hearing and touch
to craft such exquisite instruments they were called Angels. They were
almost magical. He only made 13 such violins.
Dylan Glyndwr, a Welsh violinist and a vampire, heard tales of the
Angel violins and began his search. Finally after years, he obtained an
Angel. The music brought peace to his soul, but only for a short while.
Until the violin was lost when the ship he was sailing on was attacked
and sunk by the British. Dylan obsessed with the Angel violins searchs
for over 200 years for another.
Maggie O’hara is a struggling student violinist. When her
grandfather dies, she inherits a violin. Her grandfather bought the
violin during World War II from a German officer who sold it cheap. It
has laid almost forgotten in an attic for 50 years. When she takes the
violin for repair, she discovers a remarkable set of coincidences. The
old luthier at the repair shop is familiar with the instrument, having
worked on it during the War. He is able to restore the instrument. When
Maggie picks up the instrument, all the doubts and fears that have held
her back are dispelled and something magical happens. Not only does she
pass her recital to get into the conservatory program but wins the
coveted place as a soloist for the Mozart concert.
Dylan Glyndwr learns that the Angel has been found and comes to claim
his violin even if he has to kill to get it.
THE VAMPIRE’S VIOLIN is the latest in David Romkey series of
interrelated Vampire novels. In his world, vampires can be ruthless,
cruel creatures. Dylan Glyndwr certainly is, an arrogant, selfish
killer. But they are often creatures of great creativity. Certainly many
famous names, especially in the area of music, exist among the ranks of
Illuminati. But you can’t consider David Romkey’s stories as a
series. Each story is a stand alone. THE VAMPIRE’S VIOLIN focuses on
something that greatly interested the author, violins. In his biography,
Michael Romkey says that he plays the violin in band that plays
traditional Irish folk music. This love of violins and music certainly
shows in the story. It is a gentle read, a character driven story, a
story of obsession and passion.
Reviewed by Linda Suzane May 15, 2005
You can visit Michael's website at www.thevampire.com
The series includes:
I, Vampire
The Vampire Papers
The Vampire Princess
The Vampire Virus
The Vampire Hunter
London Vampire Panic
The Vampire’s Violin
American Gothic
This book is available from Amazon.com
|
|
Team
of Darkness
Publisher Hard Shell Word Factory
www.hardshell.com
Copyright 2002
ISBN#: 0-7599-0011-6
Genre: Suspense Sub-genre: Military / Vampire
The Team of Darkness is a different kind of vampire story. This is no romance or a story where the vampires are the
heroes. This is a war story about soldiers. When a civilian come to Camp Bondsteel, near the town of Urosevac, in the southern region of Kosova, to complain of creatures who have killed his two daughters, a team is sent to investigate. Ignoring the civilian's warnings, the leader stays too long and darkness falls. He is brutally killed and the rest of the team barely escapes. The report is noticed by General Stone, a slightly crazy military mind who perceives these creatures as the perfect killing machine. General Stone issues orders that send a group of Navy Seals and Captain John Reese, who happens to be an expert in myths and legends, to capture these creatures and find a way to use them.
The Team of Darkness is exceptionally detailed story that puts you right into combat. It is the military versus the vampires, and yet since the vampires themselves were also at one time soldiers, military against the military. The frequent shifting in time and viewpoint bothered me, but I am not sure how else Ruggerio would have told the story which goes from World War I to present day and on to the future war against the drug lords.
I'm not a fan of war stories, but I think if you like them, you would find plenty to keep your attention. I am a fan of vampire stories and I really enjoyed this radically different approach to vampires and to vampire stories. Tony Ruggerio has managed to create chillingly inhuman vampires and yet despite of that you end up rooting for them as they battle against the cold inhumanity of the military. He raises some interesting questions of morality, both among the vampires and the military that would use them.
Tony's homepage
http://hometown.aol.com/aruggs/TonyRuggiero.html
Reviewed by Linda Suzane, December 6, 2002 This book is
available from www.hardshell.com
|
|
|
|
