(series)
Published by ACE Fantasy
Subject Fantasy
Review:
An alternate reality series where Vampires, Werewolves and Witches are not only real, but the Supreme Court ruled that they have equal rights too. Its 20th century St Louis and Anita Blake, Animator of Zombies, Consultant to the Police Supernatural Investigation Squad, and slayer of rouge vampires. Anita, known amongst the vampires as The Executioner, makes her living rasing zombies for clients that aren't quite ready to be separated from their dear departed. She also helps out the police from time to time as their resident expert on things that go bump in the night. Threading her way through a series of cases with a mixture of shear stubbornness, down right toughness and enough attitude to make even Mike Hammer or Sam Spade sit up and take notice.
The stories are well written and the plots are just twisted enough to keep you guessing. The characters are quirky and filled out just enough to give the story some life without getting distracted. The same goes for the background on the society depicted. You get the bits of you need as it goes along without it intruding on the story. All combined it makes for a well paced and enjoyable story
Guilty Pleasures: ISBN 0-441-30483-4
When someone starts killing vampires, the Mater Vampire wants it stopped. And who better to stop a vampire killer then the Execution herself. Only one problem, Anita doesn't work for vampires. But they won't take no for an answer.
The Laughing Corpse: ISBN 0-441-00091-6
Voodoo queens, killer zombies and a mobster that wants her to raise an ancient ancestor conspire to make Anita's life difficult in this second episode in the Not to mention the the new Master Vampire of the city wants to take her out on date.
Circus of the Damned: ISBN 0-441-00197-1
Anita becomes the center piece in the struggle for who will be the Master of the City. With Nicholas dead, Jean-Claude tries to consolidate his power as the new Master, but not everyone thinks he is strong enough to hold it, and his rivals plot to displace him. Meanwhile a rouge vampire pack is busy feasting on the local populace.
The Lunatic Cafe: ISBN 0-441-00293-5
In between winding her way through the complexities of the lycantrhope political power plays and a good ol'boy sheriffs dept that dosn't like anyone playing in their backyard, specialy some female civi. Anita has to try and keep her two jealous suitors, an up and comming Wearwolfe and the the Master Vampire of the city, from killing each other.
Blody Bones:
The Killing Dance: ISBN 0-441-00452-0