Fantasy Book Review of Vampire Sunrise

Carole Nelson Douglas has written the third installment in her Delilah Street: Paranormal Investigator series and I am thrilled to say – it does not disappoint.

Her latest novel, Vampire Sunrise, once again features strong, smart, vintage clothing fashionista Delilah Street as she continues to work to find her doppelganger named Lilith while also planning to take revenge on the evil Egyptian vampires who nearly killed her boyfriend, Ric. On top of all this, she is learning about new powers that have developed after receiving a Brimstone Kiss – the kiss that puts women into an orgasmic frenzy – from the mysterious rock star, Snow.

This book starts out with Delilah struggling with the aftermath of saving Ric from certain death at the hands of two psychotic vampire pharaohs who live under a popular Las Vegas casino. She made a bargain with Snow to save her man – earning her a Brimstone Kiss – and that bargain is going to have strange consequences that make themselves known as the story unwinds. With Ric lying in a coma in the bridal suite in Snow’s casino, Delilah racks her brains on how to help him. Realizing that her new powers can bring Ric back, she sets about reviving him, not realizing until it’s to late that Snow has to bear the burden when she uses those powers….what revenge will he inflict on Delilah for her actions? It likely won’t be another kiss…

With Ric back in fighting form, Delilah and Quicksilver – her dedicated and spookily sentient hound – decide to exact revenge on the two evil pharaohs who kidnapped not just Ric, but who also abduct tourists from the Strip and keep them in pits as blood slaves. Along the way they team up with some unusual partners – from werewolves to daylight vampires to magicians – as they work to extinguish a sinister underworld that wants to make slaves of them all.

The almost staccato-like style of Ms. Douglas’ writing keeps you engaged and entertained. She makes a lot of pop culture as well as vintage movie references that fit in perfectly with Delilah’s unique style. I haven’t read another mystery quite like this one, the paranormal element keeps it new and fresh, yet Delilah is still solving a good, old-fashioned mystery. Additionally, questions about the true identity of her parents and information on the mysterious twin who revealed itself in the first book are addressed. But you’ll have to read the book to get the answers!

As I continue reading the books in the serious I continue to develop respect for Delilah. Her street smarts, intelligence and self-assurance make her a female heroine that you’re sure to love. You can read more reviews of Vampire Sunrise here.