Eye Killers

Filmmaker Carr probes his Navajo and Pueblo roots in this accomplished first novel. In a clever turn, two very different mythologies cheerfully collide as the author imagines the meeting of European vampires and American Indians. Not only is young Melissa Roanhorse in constant conflict with her alcoholic mother, she's also been chosen as the new bride of Falke, one of the undead who is just awaking from a long sleep in the dry New Mexican climate-a selection that does not sit well with Falke's other two consorts, Elizabeth and Hanna. After her first bite with Falke, Melissa erupts at school and then disappears. With the help of the girl's grandfather, Michael Roanhorse, her teacher, Diana Logan, sets out to find her. But if the old man is to save his granddaughter, he must also save himself by remembering the songs and ways of his people that he has long forgotten. Skillfully blending the Native American oral tradition with gothic thriller, Carr delivers a fast-paced novel that will grab readers by the jugular. His story sizzles with erotic excitement, as Elizabeth and Hanna battle each other for Falke's attention while fighting for him against Michael and Diana. The novel makes a fine addition to the publisher's American Indian Literature and Critical Studies series. (Apr.)