Set in 2007, 20 years after the events of 2009's Bite Marks
, Taylor's adrenaline-laced sophomore effort finds the once-evil Adam Caine practicing psychotherapy as Dr. Abel Lazarus; Lori trying to finish writing a biography of Zora Neale Hurston before succumbing to cancer; her former lover Steven struggling with a stalled career; and their daughter, Joie, filming performance art. They form a ragtag band of commandos with vampire Prenelle de Marivaux to combat the twin threats of the antivampire organization Clean Slate Global and supervamp Christopher Ross. Fascinating flashback sequences explore the Harlem Renaissance and prewar Berlin, and a powerful romance between young Joie and aging voodoo-practicing vampire Turner will melt readers' hearts. Taylor keeps readers enthralled while setting the stage nicely for the next installment in this complex, fascinating world. (Apr.)
