Horror Books

There is not much plot to Vegetation. It is a tale of the vengeance taken against Bertram Luce for the murder of his wife, pure and simple. Except that the avenging party is not a bereaved family member, is not even human, but rather happens to be the collective flora of the world. Even so, it is apparent from the start exactly where Vegetation is headed.

So the pleasures of Vegetation do not lie in intricate plotting, although the plants devise many clever means of attack. Rather, the fun -- and there is much fun to be had -- comes from two sources. First, there is author Mark LaFlamme's dry, darkly humorous writing. LaFlamme's omniscient narrator is almost another character in the novel, stepping in to further belittle Bertram and almost giving a voice to the plants who, of course, are unable to actually speak for themselves. For example, when Bertram feels wronged by a bank teller early in the novel, he longs to drive away dramatically after verbally harassing her. But as the narrator makes clear, Bertram is not quite up to the task: "He was so angry, he even considered squealing his tires to add exclamation to his dissatisfaction. Sadly, he did not know how it was done." And again, the narrator laughs with us (and with the plants) in setting the stage for another floral assault in Bertram's own bathroom: "Two things he learned very quickly: the rigid, pointed leaf of a Mother-in-Law's Tongue was as capable of piercing flesh as a combat knife. And a cactus does not belong in the bathroom."

Vegetation's other amusement, while perhaps more base, is no less genuine. For Vegetation is a novel for those of us who can admit that, on some level, we enjoy seeing evildoers suffer. Sure, some might argue that finding amusement in the torment of another, regardless of whether that person can be said to "deserve" his fate, only deadens the soul and begets more violence. And perhaps those people are right. But regardless of whether it is ennobling, the desire for vengeance is powerfully present in the human psyche. Watching it played out, even (or perhaps especially) in a fictional context (where no one is truly harmed), can be very cathartic. And seeing the pompous, amoral Bertram Luce increasingly harassed by the plants -- the novel makes clear that they are proponents of playing with their victims -- on the road to his ultimate punishment is, to be frank, emotionally satisfying.

But Vegetation actually is not quite so simplistic. LaFlamme goes out of his way to give us the background of Bertram's wretched childhood, so we can better understand the man (and the murderer) he grows up to be. As a result, we are not allowed the unfettered glee of uncomplicated justice. We know how Bertram came to be a monster, and so, even while applauding the plants' revenge, we also sympathize with the boy he used to be.

Yet LaFlamme's sympathy for Bertram, in turn, also is not quite so simplistic. LaFlamme comments on one occasion (after an incident during which Bertram has been brought especially low) that, if Bertram could only maintain the fleeting feelings of empathy and contrition he has been forced to experience, the plants might back off of their retribution. Bertram, however, is incapable of real change. So perhaps we are meant to understand that Bertram is beyond redemption after all, and that his punishment truly is deserved. I don't know if there is a right answer. But I credit Vegetation for being smart enough to raise the question, and nimble enough not to let it detract from the novel's overall fun.

I read the Pink Room, so when I found out that Mark LaFlamme had another novel out, I promptly whipped out the credit card, then waited by the mailbox. The excitement spent on waiting for this book was not wasted because this book was worth every penny! Just like the Pink Room, Vegetation had me on edge from the first page to the last. Yes, LaFlamme has done it again and once more, I'm impressed. A man who has murdered his plant loving wife and the plant kingdom is after him for revenge? Now that is genius! And these plants are unrelenting as their pursuit of the main character, Luce, intensifies by the page. The things these plants do to him will have you giving any form of vegetation some cautious glances. The part that affected me the most out of this novel was when Luce was in one of his countless violent battles with the plants, and he was fighting with an African violet. "The African violent, still anchored to it pot, was...pulling itself across the floor." The visual it gave me was stunning, vivid, and quite unsettling. Vegetation had my adrenaline pumping and I loved it. Thanks for another good read, Mark LaFlamme!

Cosmic justice has many faces, and this time it has the face of plants...

For egotistical, arrogant Bertram Luce, life couldn't get any better. He's a famous author. He's rich. He lives in a gorgeous mansion and drives luxurious, expensive cars. Oh yes, and he's also gotten away with murdering his kind, plant-loving wife. That is, until the world of vegetation decides to avenge her death and make him pay; and pay he will, in the most bizarre, unusual way possible...

In the beginning, Luce believes the strange incidents to be coincidences, but it's not too much later when he realizes the 'accidents' he's been suffering have a lot more to do with premeditated acts than with mere chance. But is he going insane? For how can a tree branch or an orchid mean him any harm? Is there such a thing as a unified, vegetative consciousness? Or is this simply his own guilty conscience playing tricks on his psyche?

Vegetation is an unusual, enjoyable read, one filled with bizarre and sometimes downright hilarious scenes. The writing is crisp and vivid and the pace flows well. In spite of the attacks of plantlife on the protagonist being a bit repetitive at times, the author keeps a strong sense of suspense and, to be fair, it takes ingenuity to create so many segments where Luce is attacked by the various plants and flowers. Since the protagonist is such an unsympathetic character, the reader will perversely enjoy all that befalls him until the very satisfying, surprising ending.

LaFlamme continues to prove his talent and skill as a horror writer. His first novel, The Pink Room, which I also had the chance of reviewing, makes for compelling reading as well.

---Mayra Calvani, The Dark Phantom Review

After watching most of my plants die from my black thumb over the years, I am not sure I'll ever be able to own another live plant again after reading Vegetation. What a SUPERB read. I was lured into this from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what would happen to Luce next. It was like a roller coaster for Luce that we all got to ride along with him. Brilliant writing, must like LaFlamme's first book, Pink Room. Keep them coming, I can hardly wait for the next book to come out.

or whatever it is that plants use to kill people.

The plot line is simple: rich, successful, arrogant Bertram Luce kills his wife and gets away with it. Bertram's wife was an important environmentalist. Like all of us, Bertram was surrounded by plants, all intent on vengeance for her death.

LaFlamme did intensive research on the plant kingdom, more challenging research he says, than he needed on string theory for his first book, The Pink Room. LaFlamme did his research well. It's astonishing how many ways plants found to exact their vengeance: gardens, trees, food, clothing, you name it, Bertram learns about them first hand.

LaFlamme calls this is a comic book thriller (albeit without graphics). It is tightly written, and LaFlamme creates a terrifying world. At least it terrified me, and it may terrify you as well.

I read about LaFlamme in a Review by an Amazon Friend. There are no LaFlamme books in the entire 62 library Bergen County system. If this book is any indication, that oversight will soon be corrected.

This was the most amazing, touching book i have ever read. I was in English class and forgot my book, they happened to have a copy lying around and I liked the cover. For the rest of the day I couldn't stop thinking about it and I finished it the same night because I just couldn't put it down. I had to give it back the next day and have regretted it ever since. I can't find it anywhere and Amazon.com was my last hope. Unfortunatley it is out of print and extremely hard to find even for the experts. If you can find a copy I urge you to read it. It is simply the best book. Ever.

Pity on Portland. I can't imagine being without my copy of the ABOMINATION, and yes one of the best books ever written. Like a favorite wine I go back to it again and again.

HAVING READ THIS BOOK WHILE ON LOAN FROM THE LIBRARY, MY BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS RETURNING IT, NINE YEARS LATER I STILL SEARCH FOR MY OWN PERSONAL COPY, ONE OF THE MOST MEMORIBLE HORROR NOVELS I HAVE EVER READ, MY SEARCH CONTINUES.

I had this book some years back and read it about 50 times.........it was ,and still continues to be one of my favorite books.I think about things that happened in the book very often.My only sadness is having lent the book to a friend and never getting it returned .

I've been looking for this book for years! The author wrote this book in my hometown, based on my hometown and I bought it when it first was published. Unfortunately, I loaned it to my mom's friend who knew the author and it was never returned. I'm so glad too see that other people have enjoyed it as much as I did. Hope to get a new copy real soon.

This book is amazing. You will find yourself peering at every full-color nook and cranny for days. There are so many historical, book, and film references, you'll find yourself taking endless notes for things to look up later.
If you consider yourself even the slightest of sci-fi/fantasy/horror fans, you will cherish this book.
It is quite a tome, however. Be sure to work up your bicepts before trying to lift it.

First off I think you should know that this wonderful book's 768 pages weigh a bit over ten pounds. It is a reprint of three very popular Collectors Press 20th Century series, Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy. I bought this copy because I'm interested in visual popular culture and I was very impressed with the historical scope of the subject matter, the 1300 colored illustrations include not only book jackets but covers of magazines, comics and nicely, film posters.

With so many illustrations you can search out your favorites, I like the work of Hannes Bok, Kelly Freas and Jeff Jones and there plenty of examples of their work. Running through all the images the three authors contribute a popular history of each genre but it is the huge collection of covers that make this a knockout book for me.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

BTW, I bought this big book at a huge discount and I suggest you take the trouble to check the title out on the comparison shopping book websites, you'll be surprised at price variations.

If ever there was a book that's a treasure trove of images and information, this is it. An incredible array of pulp, comic, paperback and other art of 20th century science fiction, horror, fantasy and the like. The production values of this mammoth book are great, with familiar and totally obscure titles shown and explicated. Buy this book!

Being a professional artist, and a mondo horror fan, I was craving to get my pencil smudged paws on this book. Over 700 pages of lavishly illustrated science fiction and horror history. Art of Imagaination brings to attention the works of the great artists who have worked in this field for over a century. Anyone with even a minor interest in thsi subject would find this text a true page turner. Highly Recommended.

This book is a must have for anyone who is creative. If you've lost your sense of wonder, this book will bring it back. You cannot help but be inspired by this fine tribute to the illustrators and art directors of fantastic art. You will not be disappointed buying this book. No cheap black & white stroll through memory lane here. It's a full color journey spotlighting the creative talent of imaginative artists from days gone by to today. High quality paper and binding are the icing on the cake. A tip of the hat to the authors and publisher for such an authoritative volume on a thinly treated subject.

Beasts was a very interesting and enjoyable take on this subject. The story flowed quite well and I thought the character development was well thought out and executed. I was able to connect on an emotional level with each of the major characters. I can't wait for the sequel.

BEASTS is the first adult novel I read completely through, and got me interested in reading. It was just in manuscript form when I read it many years ago, the author is my mother.

I have gotten positive reviews from the other soldiers in camp where a copy of this book has been donated.

Thanks Mom!

I thought this book was excellent!! It had a great pace and kept you wanting to read. The character(all of them) had good backround information, just enough about them to let you know where they where coming from and why they were who they were. If you like to be kept on edge, read this book! I can't wait for the next one!

"Beasts" takes an unusual look at werewolves, and pulls no punches with the grisly details. While not for the squeamish, anyone who enjoys a good scare will love this book. There isn't a dull moment, and the characters are carefully developed so that the reader cares about them. The dialog is excellent. More importantly, there are unexpected twists and turns that make it impossible to figure out the ending without cheating. In particular, the Native American lore is fascinating and makes sense, which contributes to the goosebumps and the reader's tendency to jump at shadows! This isn't a thick book, which is just as well, as it is impossible to put it down once it is started! The ending is totally unexpected, and leaves the reader hoping for a sequel. This is an excellent first novel by a very promising writer.

This is an original and satisfying ghastly yarn about serial killers who are human part of the time...they turn into werewolves. A star detective gets on the case and ends up...well, that would be telling! The offbeat characters of the identical twins -of the Havasupai Indian tribe- add to the mystery. The author knows her Indian ways, and comes up with some wild twists and turns under Sister Moon. Eeeek!!
Author Arthur Myers

The witch in this book takes you through a world that existed in history but seems strange and unfamiliar because you are seeing it through her eyes. I felt like I had rediscovered a period in time that I thought I knew quite a bit about. The love story in this is bizarre but touching. I really wanted the couple to have a happily ever after ending(and I am usually not like that). I got so involved with the story line that I got mad when the book was finished. The heroine is kind of a modern day feminist by accident. She can't help the fact that when the men who choose to behave in a animalistic sexual way toward her get what is coming to them. I liked the immediate karma of that. It had the feminist in me smiling. All I can really say is: READ IT!

Because I was 14 when I read my uncle's book, I had obviously not a great appreciation for good literature. However, when I started, you'd have to incinerate me to stop me. I read it in about a month(!) It was totally worth it! Graphic, and stupendously original and unique. I look to it for help on my future novel, and always will until it's complete. I'm fortunate to say that this was not H. C Turk's only book, and though I have not read anything else published, his non-published manuscripts are extraordinary. Everything he's written is extraordinary...settle down. A trajedy is that I haven't seen him for 5 years now. The only way to know what terrific literature your missing is to read BLACK BODY; again, and again and again. Sometimes when I see or hear things, very rarely, I can relate those to Alba; that just shows you how real H. C. Turk made her. Her attitude and fluent speech make her a radical babe, er...young woman. Books are the best way to absorb the excuisite deatil of the novel, but I think that allowing them (whoever 'them' is) to make it into a movie would be a fair idea to consider. I'm sure the other readers would understand... While you read it (one does and will) you can imagine what the things that happen to her, effect her paradigm of the 'sinners' and their lifestyle, 'tis romantic!

My review is consummated...

iiiiiiiiiiii and again!

I enjoyed this book for its sensual treatment of the subject of wiches, its beautiful phraseology, and the unusualness of the author's perspective.

The writing style is teriffic . . . sentences that are detailed enough to bring the reader deep into the thinking of the author make this book special.

I lost a valued copy of this book and regret that it is no longer in print.

I bought my first copy of this at an airport to help pass the time on a cross-country flight. That was over ten years ago, and in the intervening time I have read and re-read the novel about 12 times. I am an avid reader, yet it is difficult to find anything that is truly satisfying--hence my many returns to this beautiful piece of literature. The only modern works that I have enjoyed nearly as much are Foucault's Pendulum and The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. It is unfortunate that the work of H.C. Turk has not received the attention that is deserved. I am amazed at the people who hold up Hemingway and his ilk as the last writers of "Literature," when their tales cannot hold a candle to the writing of Mr. Turk. Luckily for me, I managed to locate a hardcover edition (I was told it was the last copy from the publisher). It is one of my most carefully guarded possessions! Please note: while the novel is out of print in standard format, it is available as an e-book from Mr. Turk's website (the e-book has the added benefit of Mr. Turk's original artwork accompanying the text).

A million years ago when I worked in a mall bookstore, I got to bring home tons of stripped paperbacks. This one sat in a bag for ages because I didn't see how it could be interesting. Boy was I wrong. Black Body is a treasure. When I finally cracked it open and read this gorgeously great-humored and lovingly imagined story of witches, I couldn't put it down. My generic superlatives can't convey the sense of excitement and delight that I felt as I became immersed in the story of Alba the witch. Part of the fun of the novel is its historical and quasi-scientific plausibility. H. C. Turk's singular vision shouldn't be out of print. If you should run across a copy (and according to these reviews they seem to show up in the strangest places), pick it up, read it and cherish it.

I have to confess that when it comes to science fiction or fantasy books I am somewhat of a snob about what I will read. When a friend turned me on to these books, I absolutely fell in love with them and hated to put them down to do anything!

They have everything you could want, witches, werewolves, vampires, dragons, all very intricately woven around Poppy Z's family. I know he is rather conceited, but Romo the Immortal was very funny to me as well as the cat! I have done some research and have found out that there are going to be some more books in this series. I can't wait! If you want an excellent read, buy these books. I assure you that you will hear a lot more from these authors. Some day soon the whole country anyone who loves this type of book will know the names Gaither and Canada! --Lynn S. South Carolina

When I first started reading Black Moon, I was blow away. Finally a book that took everything supernatural that this world has to offer and mixed them into one fine read. Meet Poppy Z. A two thousand year old witch making a small community in Arkansas her home. Her life is turned upside down when an Immortal who is slowly losing his power comes to her doorway asking for help. Dark humor, suspense, and horror all weave together to make this book. Very wonderfully written. If you havne't read this yet then shame on you. Shame indeed.

From the first chapter these wonderful new authors suck you into a perfectly balanced world of horror and fantasy. Poppy Z. and her crazy crew take you along on a thrill filled dimension jumping mystery ride that you won't want to end. Vampires, Werewolves, Immortals, Dragons, Witches and a sharp tongued talking cat,... this book has it all and more. S.J. Gaithers and Micheal Canada cleverly combine just the right amount of suspense, action, scares, humor and passion to make this book a truly enjoyable book. They masterfully bring together these many different realms and beings without losing or confusing the reader. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times...holding my breath at others. The characters so real you get completely caught up in their lives and experiences.

I loved this book and can NOT wait to get my hands on the second part of this series... Blood Moon!!

Ok, take a witch who is on the far side of her second century, an immortal who is having a few problems with power loss, a horde of vampires out for blood (pun intended), and a local deputy who needs a serious attitude adjustment. Now throw in a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, dark powers churning for revenge, side-splitting humor, and a loveable but scathingly funny talking cat, and you have yourself a great story.

Canada and Gaither credit Laurell K. Hamilton as one of their influences, and it is easy to see that influence in Black Moon. But don't walk away thinking that this is a copy-cat of Hamilton's creations. Black Moon stands firmly on its own as a fun, engaging, creepy, and action-packed story. The characters are well developed, and I found myself literally laughing out loud over their dialogue and inner thoughts. Midnight the talking cat is a hoot, and the fact that he is a cat who also talks actually works quite well in this story.

I am so impressed with this debut novel that I have recommended Black Moon to numerous people. I have also read this book twice, which is the ultimate compliment coming from someone with hundreds of unread books sitting around the house. The world of Poppy and her friends--and some not quite friends--is amazing and well developed considering the fact that this is only the first in what I hope will be a long series of books. I look forward to the next in the series, Blood Moon, which is now on the shelves (and on my nightstand!). I hope to see much more of Poppy, Romo, Rush, Danny, Raven, Midnight, and Jean-Tou. I wonder what has happened to the young girl who fled into the woods after "meeting" Romo? I also wonder if my favorite character Nicolas might somehow make a future appearance?

This is a first-time novel by new authors that you should not pass up. Black Moon is dark fantasy at its best and has the right mixture of snappy humor as well as chills and thrills.

Immortals and dragons and vampires, Oh my! I whipped through this fast paced new novel by the immensely talented S.J. Gaither and Michael Canada in two days. I literally could not put it down. Thefirst tale of adventures of Poppy Z, a two thousand year old witch who's a magnet for danger. When Romo The Immortal appears unexpectedly at Antique Bookz, her metaphysical store, Poppy knows she's in for a ride. Romo and his reluctant sidekick Caffee are in trouble, having incurred the wrath of an ancient being with powers that rival their own. Halloween Jack and his minions make life a living hell for Poppy, the immortals and her beloved talking white cat Midnight, as time runs short for Romo. This is the introductory novel in the Witching Moon series. Filled with intriguing characters, sidesplitting banter, and plot twists that will keep you spellbound. Don't start this book at night if you plan on getting any sleep.

I read a review of this book, and thought it would be quite interesting to read a book that combines so many atypical characteristics and themes for gay literature. At seven years old, Juan Ramon Fuertes watches his mother be raped and killed, sees his father shot dead, and is cast aside by the murderer, a man he can name and remember, but who has enough power to pass by the police. This boy grows, and plots revenge from the cold horrible orphanages he endures through adolescence.

He sees that the man who killed his parents has a son, Bernardo. Bernardo is entering a monastary to become a monk, and the plan for revenge begins. Juan Ramon will find a way to use the son to get to the father, and is willing to first pass through all the steps of becoming an ordained monk himself to do it.

The story alternates between Juan Ramon and Bernardo, the son of the murderer, and is absolutely packed with sexual tension, erotic prose, and dark emotion. Juan Ramon can sense the attraction Bernardo has for him, and slowly realizes his own feelings for Bernardo are growing to be more than usery, but with so much blood on everyone's hands, is the innocent Bernardo doomed? Written with some deep theological internal debate in Bernardo's voice, and even darker violent anger in Juan Ramon's, the libidinous charge that saturates this novel is just nail-biting. Ultimately, where the end of the novel goes is a sharp shock, and the characters are definitely true to themselves, though not in a way you might think. Good for fans of thrillers of any sort, but definitely a solid choice for fans of the gay genre written at its most sensual.

'Nathan

I was looking for some new authors and after reading the customer reviews decided to try this one. Excellent, starting Vampire Now, as a result of reading Blood Brothers, and even thinking about going to Spain....lol...
The writing is amazing, the depth of characters and the visual images he creates in such a short work captured me.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did...
Thanks..
Wolf

I found this book during one of my walks through listmania, and decided to buy it when I read the reviews. It was a great decision, because I have read a very well crafted book. The only criticism I have is that it is too short :)

The premise of the book has been explained in other comments, so I will not get into that, but I do want to say, that if you are longing for a good, very well crafted, book, then look no further. I really hope there is going to come a sequel to this one, because I want to read more on these characters.

I have been trying to get this book forever, and finally I got it and read it in one day. It's only about 200 something pages, which is very short in comparison to other books I read.

Though short, this novel is very interesting and present us with, if not the secrets, the hidden thoughts of monks. How they think and struggle and what they have to sacrifice for faith. In the book we see the extremes of the two monk heroes: Bernardo, who is extremely pious and tries despretly to abstain from even touching himself at night, and when he does he prays and confesses like no other; and Juan Ramon, for whom any piece of ass would do just fine.

The two get tangled up together in lies and deceipt. Bernardo loves Juan Ramon, but uses him to get the monk's father back for kiling his family. Juan Ramon is delibretely rough during sex and hurts Bernardo in his frenzy, but Bernardo takes it without complaint. Poor Bernardo is still a saint, in the sense that he submmits like a quiet puppy all in the name for love.

When everything seems to fit his plan perfectly, Juan Ramon falls in love with Bernardo and has second thoughts about everything. Now things are not so clear anymore, but the ending got me wanting to read more. It was too short, I thought.
I really hope that Michael will write a sequal as he did for "Vampire Vow".

A word of caution: this is not a book for everyone. The homosexual sex is very explicit and the author's ideas about religion are very peculiar and might sound extremely disturbing for believers.

The first problem of this book is its cover pic which, though pleasant in itself, is hardly related to the content.
As I mentioned above there is a lot of explicit sex but this is hardly a porn. As is the case in his vampire trilogy Mr Schiefelbein's main interest is (catholic) religion. He focuses on monastic life to underline his spite for the traditional catholic vision of religious life. He makes his dislike very clear but gives us very few hints about what his personal opinions might be to let us think for ourselves instead.

The plot in itself is not particularly original for those readers who have already read "Vampire Vow": Juan Ramon is clearly Victor's younger brother; his rage, his iconoclastic fury are much the same. The sweet Bernardo is the twin of the two innocent monks of the other trilogy.

What makes this short novel worth reading is the astonishing quality of the writing: much the same you find in "Vampire Vow" with the addition of the stylistically most interesting shifting between the two narrators you find in the later "Vampire Thrall". Not a word wasted, every turn of phrase deceivingly simple.

Mignon DuPlessis is `a woman scorned' personified! Although a man didn't scorn her in the traditional way-she was transformed into a vampire after her slave owner, Charles Rabelais, sold her children to a brothel. And hundreds of years later Mignon is still pissed!

Charles is obsessed with Mignon and is determined to win her back. To get Mignon's attention and to satisfy his lust for power Charles has broken the Praetorium's rule and has sold vampire secrets to the United States government under the pretense of helping them create a vampire army to fight terrorists.

The Venators are responsible for keeping the peace between vampires and humans and as one of them, Mignon now has another reason to hunt Charles down and kill him. It has been discovered that Charles is transforming criminals into vampires in the hopes of building his own army. This sends Mignon to the morgue, where the dead bodies of the criminals have been shipped. Her job is to kill the criminals again before they are reborn as vampires.

Ryan Lattimore is a New Orleans detective assigned to the case of discovering who is beheading the already dead people in the morgue. When he interrupts Mignon in her attempt to wipe out Charles' vampire army, he's introduced to a world he never thought existed.

J.M. Jefferies weaves a wonderful tale of the dark life of vampires, entwining it with human morals and tribulations. I thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks into Mignon's life from the time she rescued her children up until the time that she met Martin Luther King, Jr. This tale was told in such a way that it had me looking twice at people on the street wondering if they too were vampires! Even if you are not into vampires or romance, for that matter, this is a great read as it keeps your mind so busy that you can hardly tell where one plot ends and another picks up. I would definitely recommend this book for your keeper shelf.
Reviewed By: AC Arthur, Black Butterfly Review

This is a really great story with much potential for a even greater series. I look forward to reading what she does with the other male vampires in this book. It one of those books that was hard for me to put down!!!

Mignon was a slave who was turned into a vampire. Her master, Charles Rabelais, changed her a couple of centuries ago, and she's never forgiven him nor forgotten it. In BLOOD LUST by J. M Jeffries, we find her in the present time, still as angry with Charles as she was when he owned her. She's angry that he sold her children and that he has turned her into the undead. Charles has not changed over the centuries; indeed, if anything, he's worse. Mignon and her fellow vampires attempt to find Charles because they know he's doing evil.

New Orleans police detective Ryan Lattimore is searching for a serial killer in New Orleans' warehouse district when his path crosses Mignon's. Sparks fly as he admires the beautiful young woman, and she returns the lustful feelings. It is a star-crossed situation if there ever was one.

J. M. Jeffries has created an exciting novel that combines the natural with the supernatural. It is full of suspense, unexpected twists and turns, and even as you acknowledge that it is pure fantasy, you find yourself becoming a true believer in vampirism. This book makes you sit on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages, wondering what on earth can possibly happen next. Even those who are not big romance fans will find this a delightful, suspenseful read.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Vampire Mignon Du Plessis is on a mission. She is hunting rogue vampire Charles who has been on a killing spree in New Orleans. Mignon has a personal stake in this hunt as well. Charles is the vampire who turned her, 250 years ago when she was his slave, and who stole her children away and sold them to a brothel.

Ryan Lattimore is the police detective investigating a rash of murders that leave the bodies drained of blood and the heads cut off. When staking out the local morgue, Ryan never expected the latest set of bodies to rise up from death, or to be a witness to a woman beheading them!

Soon Ryan learns that what has only ever lived in nightmares is in fact real, and he teams up with the mysterious, and sexy as all get out, Mignon, to get to the bottom of the murdering spree. Neither expected that a love strong enough to defy even death would bond them.

Then there is the fact the government seems a lot more interested in this case than they should be....

Mignon is good at what she does, working as a venator (assassin) for the Vampire Praetorium, the tribunal that makes and upholds the laws to protect vampires from being discovered by human society. She is also a nurturer, holding on to her old ties to humanity through generations of her descendants. This makes for quite a fascinating contrast in her personality. When she meets Ryan, all her beliefs go out the window as she struggles with her attraction to him, knowing they can never be together and wars with the belief of the Praetorium that the number of humans who know about the vampires should be kept at a minimum and accidental discovery means death for the humans.

Charles is a truly evil vampire, warped by centuries of undead life and getting worse by the day. When his plan is discovered and we finally learn why he is slaughtering so many humans, the horror of it is tremendously shocking. His schemes cause a strong sense of urgency as we know time is counting down to destroy him before he can destroy the human race.

Blood Lust would not be complete without the exceptional cast of supporting characters. I too came to adore Elder Turi, as Mignon did, for his quintessential charm and the wisdom gleaned from his thousands of years as a vampire. Max and Solomon make the perfect companions for Mignon, and these three together are absolutely unstoppable. Women reading this book will be falling in love with these two and eager to learn their stories.

I've been reading writing duo JM Jeffries' work for several years and know that I am guaranteed a good story no matter what they write. Blood Lust is exactly what I've come to expect of them. Engaging characters, fast paced stories, vivid details, and a passionate love story - what more could you ask for? How about a sequel? Lucky for us Blood Seduction is already available as well!

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2008. All rights reserved.

In 1745 Martinique, Master Charles Rabelais informs his slave Mignon Du Plessis that he sold their two preadolescent children. Distraught, but unable to do anything about his atrocity, Mignon is forced to endure the sexual needs of her owner who reveals fangs and bites her neck.

In present day New Orleans, police Detective Ryan Lattimore his superior and another cop stake out the city morgue in an attempt to capture the "Vampire Slayer". Suddenly a beautiful woman enters with an axe. He tries to intercede, but stops when he sees corpses begin to rise. She decapitates them before trying a chanting spell on the cop that shockingly fails. She drives away from the area while Ryan remains stunned.

Mignon is upset that he had not caught Charles because of the cop's involvement, which interfered with her assignment from the Vampire ruling Praetorium council to kill him. As she continues her work, Ryan catches up with Mignon who takes him into an underworld he never imagined existed even as the mortal and the vampire are attracted to one another, an impossible scenario.

This action-packed vampire romantic police procedural thriller rotates between the present and the 1740s with most of the emphasis on today though the past provides deep insight into the motivation of the heroine and the lunacy of Charles. The story line moves at a lightning fast-pace, but the key cast members are fully developed including the ruling pro-life council; readers especially can feel the desire between the mortal cop and the bloodsucker, seemingly forbidden fruits. Readers will believe that vampires exist in this fine tale that makes the supernatural species seem genuine as they live amongst us life short-timers.

Harriet Klausner

So often reviews do not live up to their rating. Blood Tears is truly excellent! Events take place in Europe during WWII and just prior. The action flows from Eastern European mountain ranges to England, to the heart of the Nazi war machine. Superstition, prejudice, obsession, love, honor, loyalty, the tragedy and horrors of the war itself. Psychics, dark kind (vampires), empaths, do these beings really exist? Are there humans with paranormal abilities? In Raven Dane's alternate reality there are. Read and enjoy!

I loved this book. It is a different kind of Vampire story.
The time and places and descriptions are wonderful.
You feel you are experiencing them as you read.
The character and courage of each individual keeps you
captivated till the end.
I can't wait for the next book.

I just finished reading this book yesterday and I'm devastated I didn't get the sequel at the same time as the first book. I'm soo pleased I stumbled upon this book. Its soo gripping and vivid I just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a rich and unforgettable tale of dazzling scenes and vivid personalities. I have read many Vampire stories, never thought I'd be this surprised...

This book is so different to the normal (yawn) vampire stories, you know, garlic and crucifix.... these vampires - or Dark Kind - to give their real name - are so believable! They kill to survive, but then so does a tiger or a cat or a wolf .... and they have a code of honour and ... oh Azrar is wonderful and Jazriel... what can I say??? Swoon.....!

I can't believe this story was made up. I totally believe vamps really did help us humans in the war!

Is there going to be another novel about the Dark Kind? The author says yes. Oh good!!!!!!!

I thought this was a good book for these reasons. This book is about a girl named Melanie who is new to a town. She needs a job and gets one reading to a named Lisa who is handicapped. Melanie soon finds out the horrible thing that happenens and tries to find out what Lisa is trying to say.

This book interesting from the first page on. from the moment Melanie started her new reading job, till the moment when the mystery was almost revealed. I couldn't put it down. A very suspensefull mystery.

This was a great mystery book from Carol Ellis. I almost never read, and I couldn't put it down. I kept reading because I needed to know who did it!

Seventeen-year-old Melanie Jacobs is new to Clifton, Massachusetts, and looking for part-time summer work besides just baby-sitting. When she answers a newspaper ad to read to an invalid for an hour a day, Melanie expects the person to be an elderly person; instead, it's a young girl her age. Lisa Randolph was paralyzed in a fall shortly before Melanie arrived in town. It's a sad outcome for such a young, popular person, but Melanie soon learns there's more to it than just a tragic accident. While reading "Jane Eyre" to Lisa, Melanie notices Lisa motions with her hand at certain parts in the book. This, Melanie realizes, is Lisa's way of communicating with her without anyone else finding out. But what secret does Lisa want to tell Melanie and no else? And why has Melanie been threatened lately not to pursue the incident? What exactly happened to Lisa when she fell? Was it just an accident--or did Lisa find out too much herself?

"The Body" is another great teen suspense thriller by Carol Ellis. Fast-paced and easy to read, it'll definitely appeal to teens who enjoy Scholastic's Thriller books.

I am actually sixteen now, but I read this book when i was 13 or so. This is the best book i have ever read. i don't do much reading, because i don't really like to read. But this kind of book makes me want to read. it's not very scary at all, but it sure is interesting!