Chiaroscuro: The Mouse and the Candle

A vampire laments and an innocent child inspires in Cox’s centuries-spanning philosophical exploration of duty, guilt, and faith. In 1885 France, Father Antonio Molinari is fresh off an exorcism of a young woman. Two priests approach him, claiming to have a chained-up vampire that he can study. Horrified to learn the vampire is an eight-year-old girl, Sabine Caillouet, he becomes protective of her and even lets her feed off him. When a priest disapproves and stabs Antonio, Sabine saves him by turning him into a vampire. Thus begins the paternal love story of Antonio and his young ward, whose soul he vows to save and protect against dark temptations. As they dodge Vatican vampire-hunters and vengeful vampires, Antonio has faith that God has a plan for them, a faith he carries to America and Canada, and into the 21st century. Cox’s world is elegant, the characters are sympathetic, the vampire lore is traditional, and the writing is engaging and descriptive. However, the second half lags, themes become repetitive, and plot threads unravel. Nevertheless, vampire enthusiasts will devour this solid and emotional story. (BookLife)