Reviews

Times are tough in gangster-run 1937 Chicago, but for Jack Fleming, newsman turned vampire-hardboiled detective, lifeÄor rather deathÄcouldn't be better. In this latest entry in the Vampire Files (after A Chill in the Blood), vampirism's slight inconveniences (having to drink blood from cows at the stockyards, going comatose at dawn, etc.) are far outweighed by its blessings (invisibility, near immortality and so on). Jack's got a great girlfriendÄplatinum blonde singer/dancer bombshell Bobbi Smythe, who's opening in a new revue at the Nightcrawler ClubÄprotection from the mob and a tidy nest egg with which he hopes to launch his own nightclub. Jack's human partner, however, dapper Brit and former thespian Charles Escott, isn't faring as well. He's mysteriously troubled and going without sleep, although insomnia doesn't prevent him from taking on a case involving retrieving mysterious papers for a saltine-cracker heiress recently engaged to a European prince. Jack's on the case, too, but work takes second place to supporting Bobbi's bid for stardom. Somehow the plot twists into a dark, dangerous journey into Escott's past and the source of his troubled dreams, and only Jack and Escott's longtime pal Shoe Coldfield can save him. Winning characterizations and enough period detail for flavor enhance a clever and fast-paced detective story. Readers acquainted with the series will be particularly pleased to discover more about Escott's background and his connection to Coldfield. New readers will enjoy this one on its own, and gain a taste for earlier (and future) drafts from the same vein. (June)

This is the eighth novel in Elrod's popular "Vampire Files" series (e.g., A Chill in the Blood, LJ 6/15/98) featuring the adventures of the undead detective hero Jack Fleming. As with most of the stories in the series, the setting is 1930s Chicago, when mobster influence was prevalent. Jack narrates the tale in his usual wisecracking way. This time he is helping his friend, private investigator Charles Escott, recover some valuable papers stolen from a wealthy client. The endeavor turns out to be more complex than anticipated. Meanwhile, Jack's girlfriend, Bobbi, a singer, has a chance for a big break in show business. Unfortunately, this brings her into contact with rather shady, dangerous characters, and in such a situation it helps to have a vampire boyfriend. It must be said that Jack is not one of the evil undead, just an average guy who happens to be a vampire.This is an entertaining, nicely paced mystery with lots of period atmosphere. For mystery and fantasy collections.ÄPatricia Altner, Information Seekers, Bowie, MD Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.