Lady Crymsyn (Mass Market Paperback)

However, this book is different from previous books in some key ways. The main character, Jack, is changing. He does a few things in this story that he would never have done a few books back, and at times I wanted to whack him for being stupid and immoral at the same time. The changes are subtle, though, and Jack is still usually a good person. Although I enjoyed the book less because of the changes in Jack, I can not rate it poorly because it is clear that this is simply the author's decision, and the writing is nonetheless excellent.

Personally, I was not very interested in the plot of this book. The complex, twisting plot did not hold my attention as much as it could have. Also, the story was darker than previous tales, and I found the ending rather depressing.

I was pleased that mob boss Gordy was featured in this book, althought unfortunately Shoe Coldfield made only a few brief appearances.

All in all, it was an entertaining book, worth the [money]. Despite the darker aspects of the book, it had many humorous moments as well. And it is a sign of a healthy book series when the characters change, rather than becoming fossilized in recycled plots. I recommend this book highly, and only gave it 4 stars because at times the plot seemed a little convoluted and in one scene I thought that the author was trying a little too hard to make Jack seem like a good person.

In LADY CRYMSYN we find Jack Fleming - vampire, nightclub owner thrown into a mystery when he finds the remains of a woman who has been walled up in the basement of his nightclub. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Thumbs up.

I really enjoy this series. The characters are believable, the plot is engaging and the style is right out of the old gumshoe pulps. To me, the best part of the series is that the hero's vampirism is almost an afterthought. He has real ambitions and real concerns. And some supernatural abilities (and limitations) that both help and hinder him. If you like the old detective magazines, you'll love this twist.