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JUST BEFORE DAWN: a NOCTURNAL novel
It has been five years since the events of NOCTURNAL, and life has settled back to normal. The Vampire continues his quiet existence and visits his beloved granddaughter, Lottie. Reggie Downing is now Lead Detective, and Nick Castle is his lieutenant after Morris Horn's retirement. Reggie is Nick’s most trusted confidant.
But a twisted killer stalks San Diego’s Vampire Goth club scene, leaving kills that mimic vampirism. Desperate to stop this evil, Reggie asks for his ancestor's help once again. Reluctant to involve himself in “the affairs of man” and yet deeply offended by the killer’s methods, the Vampire uneasily agrees.
As they track this human monster who always keeps one step ahead, a dark and powerful entity from the Vampire’s past emerges in the present, determined to send him to his Final Death and slaughter his descendants, thereby severing the Vampire's bloodline for all eternity.
With time his most implacable enemy, the Vampire must face both threats simultaneously and defeat them to protect what is left of his family. Events barrel headlong to the inevitable, gruesome climax on one fateful night when the Vampire once again digs down within himself and makes a stand to show the worlds of both mortals and monsters why he, a walking corpse named Edwin Thaddeus Marx, is one of the most ruthless and deadliest creatures that has ever lived, died, and then lived again.
No one threatens the Vampire’s family and lives.
But a twisted killer stalks San Diego’s Vampire Goth club scene, leaving kills that mimic vampirism. Desperate to stop this evil, Reggie asks for his ancestor's help once again. Reluctant to involve himself in “the affairs of man” and yet deeply offended by the killer’s methods, the Vampire uneasily agrees.
As they track this human monster who always keeps one step ahead, a dark and powerful entity from the Vampire’s past emerges in the present, determined to send him to his Final Death and slaughter his descendants, thereby severing the Vampire's bloodline for all eternity.
With time his most implacable enemy, the Vampire must face both threats simultaneously and defeat them to protect what is left of his family. Events barrel headlong to the inevitable, gruesome climax on one fateful night when the Vampire once again digs down within himself and makes a stand to show the worlds of both mortals and monsters why he, a walking corpse named Edwin Thaddeus Marx, is one of the most ruthless and deadliest creatures that has ever lived, died, and then lived again.
No one threatens the Vampire’s family and lives.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
51 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Mark Allen
270 books20 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile contains books from multiple authors of this name.
This profile contains books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 22, 2025
This sequel delivers intense suspense and brutal momentum from start to finish. The return of Edwin Thaddeus Marx is chilling and powerful, blending police procedural tension with supernatural horror perfectly. The vampire mythology feels fresh and menacing, the stakes are deeply personal, and the villainous forces both human and ancient keep the pressure relentless. Gritty, fast-paced, and emotionally charged, this is a gripping continuation that proves why no one should ever threaten the Vampire’s family.
March 15, 2024
Nocturnal
I love the ending of this book but won't give away any spoilers. Mark Allen is a brilliant author. I loved Blyth books in this series and the characters you get to know. I definitely recommend these books to horror fans. They are different to stories of this genre. Enough to keep your interest. I will definitely read more by Mark Allen. If he writes more in this series I would love it
I love the ending of this book but won't give away any spoilers. Mark Allen is a brilliant author. I loved Blyth books in this series and the characters you get to know. I definitely recommend these books to horror fans. They are different to stories of this genre. Enough to keep your interest. I will definitely read more by Mark Allen. If he writes more in this series I would love it
October 11, 2023
Great book
I did like reading these two books. Great characters, great story, what more can you ask for. Give it go.
I did like reading these two books. Great characters, great story, what more can you ask for. Give it go.
June 5, 2024
I loved this book! It has a dark noir vibe. The plot is fast paced and the twists and turns are delicious. A great read indeed.
March 14, 2025
great story
This was a very good story following the first. It makes you feel like your right in-there with the characters. Compliments to the author.
This was a very good story following the first. It makes you feel like your right in-there with the characters. Compliments to the author.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews