So, this is pretty stylized, with the "vyrus" and "vampyres" and dialogue without tags or quotation marks - I wasn't super into it, but it does create an immediacy and a certain tone. If you like all of the theorizing about what these vampires are and why, and how the different factions relate and who's manipulating things to what end, etc, then this is probably a fun series for you. The main character is a loner with a bad attitude (but a soft enough heart to be in love with a troubled lady, of course) who smokes a lot and cracks wise no matter how bad the situation gets (and never really has to suffer for it, of course). What mostly happens is a lot of talking and making threats and figuring things out and reflecting on what has happened, but there are also moments of action and some tussling.

This was the book that sealed the deal. If New York detective noir (with a vampire twist) is the kind of description that piques your interest, I strongly recommend this book. It's completely unlike most UF, nary a sparkle or wolf to be found, and owes most of its atmosphere to the Sam Spade tradition of the cold-hearted loner trying to retain some thin shred of his ideals. The plot appears to be a relatively straightforward investigation but has a whiz-bang reveal that floored me. When I realized what was going on--about the same time Joe did--it was like a slap upside the head.

It starts with a fight. First the physical kind (a plate glass window is involved, naturally), then the girlfriend kind (the things we do for reassurance). Day in the life of Joe Pitt. Joe's been scrambling for work since the last book, as events covered therein have negatively impacted his employability. Eventually he heads downtown to hit up Terry and the Society for work, but Terry's right hand man, Tom, gives him the bureaucratic run-around. Terry comes through, and Joe goes to work looking for the source of the new Vampyre drug on the street. Philip, the Renfield snitch, provides information and a contact. Joe stops at the Enclave, then hits the A train up to Harlem (cue the Duke), right through Coalition territory. From there, he's just trying to survive in a hostile land as he tries to uncover the source. As usual, Joe's technique doesn't consist of asking questions as much as being beat up while everyone conveniently explains themselves.

There's an interesting parallel to modern drug culture in the Vampyre world Huston has dreamed up, and the organization of a culture built around its distribution and control. Huston uses many of the traditional routes people get exposed to drugs to excellent effect: those that fell into it; the counterculture deviant; the hoodlum just struggling to survive; the accidental dose; the transformation-seekers; the runaway; the victim; the upper-class dallying in extremes; the sycophants. It works for me.

While it's a violent book, I never seem to think of it as despairing. Perhaps it's Joe's affection for Evie tempering his dispassionate violence. Perhaps it's his stubborn independence in the face of powerful factions. Whatever it is, it has me drawn in to the series and already onto the next book.


Cross posted at: http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...

It found this book at a local library book sale. I have never read any books by the author or in this series.

I was happy I did not have to have read the previous books to understand the story line.

It was a different take on the typical vampire novel. Joe Pitt reminds of the lone detective trying to do what is right. He's a tough guy with principles in some instances.

I am curious about the rest of the series, but I am not going to tackle it right now. It will just go in my mountain sized to-read pile.

Oh, Joe! You have a totally unenviable life. I'm not sure I know another fictional character that gets abused as badly as you.

These books are gritty, full of twists and turns, and just plain fun. I know what you're saying: "I'm sick and tired of vampires." Well, tough. And, he's not that type of vampire.

The vampire aspect is just part of the scenery. The real fun is the plotting and the characters in this pulp/noir story. Get past your vampire prejudice and just enjoy the ride!