BLOOD SECRETS

Author: Vivi Anna ISBN: 0373617585 3/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: SILHOUETTE

A young human woman is found ritualistically murdered in a downtown Necropolis hotel. It is up to Caine Valorian, a 200-year-old vampire, and his Otherworld Crime Unit to solve the unusual crime, and quickly before the human press can jump onto the story and cause a panic. To add to their already tough case, a new member, Eve Grant, transfers to their lab at the request of the mayor. Not only is she green and eager to impress the boss, but she’s human. The first human ever to work in an Otherworld unit. The mayor thought it would be great press especially now with the strange human murder. Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don’t appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he’s unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

BLOOD SECRETS is a March release from Silhouette Nocturne, and is the beginning of a new series called Valorian Chronicles. Caine Valorian (inspired by CSI actor Gil Grissom) is a vampire (born 1711) who financed and now runs a CSI-type crime-fighting group called Otherworld Crime Unit in the paranormal city of Necropolis, near San Antonio.

Humans aren't allowed in the city, but somehow, one young woman got in, only to get herself murdered. Valorian's team arrives at the scene and finds puzzling evidence of a demonic ritual. They decide they need to team up with humans on this one, and after fighting considerable politics, Eve Grant is allowed to come into Necropolis and join the team.

Eve Grant is a lab rat with limited practical experience, as well as a yen for men in power. She and the vampire Valorian are instantly attracted, but fight their need to be together as they solve the crime. Eve is lucky to have a powerful vampire on her side, because it is extremely dangerous to be human in a city where most consider your species food.

BLOOD SECRETS is a lot of fun as both a crime drama and a vampire tale. Anyone who enjoys crime shows, mystery novels or vampire/werewolf/witch-themed works will love this one! I thought some of the lore was a fresh take on the genre, and the bad as well as powerful characters are interestingly creepy.

Heather Hiestand