Highland Beast

Misunderstood vampires roam historic Scotland (12th century in one story, 16th in the others) in three novellas. Each of the authors builds a credible paranormal world and sets up a satisfying confrontation. Howell starts off with “The Beast Within,” wherein passion flares when Gybbon MacNaughton, trying to find lost members of a dying vampire tribe, finds near-feral Alice Boyd hiding in the woods. In “The Vampire Hunter,” Grothaus (The Warrior ) presents a strong heroine in a likable witch and tavern keeper, Beatrix Levenach, who fights ravening vampires to protect unappreciative villagers. Dahl (To Tempt a Scotsman ) introduces serving-wench Kenna Graham, saved from a demon by a laird who then demonstrates a few devilish qualities of his own, in “Laird of Midnight.” Fans of Howell's Highland Thirst and Highland Vampire will find this equally enjoyable. (Sept.)