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Pale Immortal #1
Pale Immortal
The sleepy town of Tuonela, Wisconsin, is known for one thing: the killer who stalked its streets one hundred years ago, drinking the blood of his victims. And when the drained corpse of a young girl is found, the citizens fear their past has risen from the grave--and point their fingers at one man....
Evan Stroud can never see the light of day. The prisoner of a strange and terrible disease, he lives in tragic solitude, taunted for being a "vampire"--until the son he never knew he had shows up in Tuonela and is drawn into its depraved, vampire-obsessed underworld. Then Evan must rely on coroner Rachel Burton, his childhood friend, for help. But the evil that they face is powerful and elusive and about to take them to the very brink of madness.
Evan Stroud can never see the light of day. The prisoner of a strange and terrible disease, he lives in tragic solitude, taunted for being a "vampire"--until the son he never knew he had shows up in Tuonela and is drawn into its depraved, vampire-obsessed underworld. Then Evan must rely on coroner Rachel Burton, his childhood friend, for help. But the evil that they face is powerful and elusive and about to take them to the very brink of madness.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 5, 2006
886 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Anne Frasier
39 books2,290 followersAnne Frasier is the New York Times, #1 Amazon Charts, and USA Today bestselling author of the Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries, the Elise Sandburg series, and the Inland Empire novels. With more than a million copies sold, her award-winning books span the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, and memoir. The Body Reader received the 2017 Thriller Award for Best Original Paperback Novel from International Thriller Writers. Other honors include a RITA for Romantic Suspense and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Paranormal Romantic Mystery/Suspense. Her thrillers have hit the USA Today bestseller list and have been featured in Mystery Guild, the Literary Guild, and Book of the Month. Her memoir, The Orchard, was an O, The Oprah Magazine Fall Pick; a One Book, One Community read; and one of the Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Visit her website at www.annefrasier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 25, 2017
I found the story interesting and creepy, but it gets a low score from me for too much bad language and a cheesy sex seen in a morgue, of all places! At least it was on the floor and not the autopsy table! There was a bit more gore than I want to read as well.
December 11, 2017
I enjoyed this one, but it is a little different. Although there is somewhat of a relationship, it is definitely a mystery story, albeit a creepy one.
I like Ms. Frasier writing style and voice and definitely look forward to other books by her.
I like Ms. Frasier writing style and voice and definitely look forward to other books by her.
October 2, 2021
Bwahahahahaha - It's October and time for some spectacularly spooky tales. As you may already know I absolutely LOVE Anne Frasier's books but I realized that there are stop gaps in her writing. First she wrote under a completely different name and those books are a genre I don't read. Then, under Anne Frasier she wrote more paranormal/horror books before settling into the Anne Frasier who writes the crime/suspense and touch of paranormal that I've come to love. I thought I would go back and pick up some of her horror and discovered a town where people still believe in vampires (yes, this town really exists!) When it comes to the town of Tuonela, WI, believing might not be a bad thing!
If you are looking for a quick but shiveringly frightful tale to read under the moonless skies, Pale Immortal is one I highly recommend.
If you are looking for a quick but shiveringly frightful tale to read under the moonless skies, Pale Immortal is one I highly recommend.
January 3, 2021
Well, this was....um, different. I’m still not sure how I feel about the three main characters and some of their actions as well as the consequences of their questionable actions, and I did feel the story/characters kind of imploded about mid-way through. Those were the two issues I had which kept this from being 4 stars. Oh and one more: the sex in a morgue was a bit creepy. Just sayin’. However, it’s a unique take on the old vampire myth so that was a plus. And, I was interested enough in those ‘questionable’ characters to want to read Garden of Darkness.
I do like Anne Frasier’s voice and style, but sometimes in PI I felt she was in too much of a hurry to get to the denouement to really delve into the characters’ psyche. Onward...
I do like Anne Frasier’s voice and style, but sometimes in PI I felt she was in too much of a hurry to get to the denouement to really delve into the characters’ psyche. Onward...
July 31, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was captivating and the whole vampire back story was very intriguing. The Pale Immortals (a group of teenagers who want to be vampires) are doing really bad things and are led by a man in the town. He's a total whack job. This is the first book I've read from Anne Frasier and I will be reading more. Apparantly there is a sequel to this book. I have to figure out what that is and continue the story. I liked the "vampire" Evan Stroud and the coroner Rachel Burton. The romance was very light and almost not there at all. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this.
June 18, 2009
Far less supernatural than I'd hoped and expected, without any real vampire action, so to speak - if you're looking to get a vampire fix, look elsewhere. I consider this more 'standard horror', a genre that has never interested me much. That said, Frasier writes well; I enjoyed the book for what it is, laughed several times at dialogue and certain character's thoughts, and found I could consume the book rapidly & easily. The overall tone and focus on characters reminded me of Stephen King's writing, though Frasier doesn't have quite the same emotional impact.
May 30, 2020
Not what I’ve come to expect of Anne Frasier
Perhaps it is the paranormal aspect of the story that I wasn’t crazy about. I liked the characters but the plot seemed to be all over the place. Much prefer Ms Frazier’s Elise Sandburg and Jude Fontaine series.
Perhaps it is the paranormal aspect of the story that I wasn’t crazy about. I liked the characters but the plot seemed to be all over the place. Much prefer Ms Frazier’s Elise Sandburg and Jude Fontaine series.
March 16, 2017
Had I known what this book really was, I would have read it a lot sooner, rather than letting it wither as one of the oldest members of my very-backed-up TBR.
I thought this was about vampires, of the Edward and Bella variety. While I belong to the group who LIKED Twilight (at least until Bella's bizarre pregnancy), I just wasn't in the mood for more sparkly vampire romance.
THIS was not that. Although this was not great literature, it was great fun.
The opening scene with Evan Stroud wandering Tuonela's streets by night, was immediately atmospheric and riveting. Evan Stroud - isn't that a great name for a supposed vampire?
The history of Old Tuonela is equally engrossing, with the mass murderer, Richard Manchester, also supposedly a vampire, killing until the "streets ran red with blood."
Like I said, this was a fun read, if you're a twisted individual like me. There's a sequel, which I'm not sure is necessary, but we'll see.
True Rating: 3.75 stars (for editing oversights)
Cost to Me: Free
I thought this was about vampires, of the Edward and Bella variety. While I belong to the group who LIKED Twilight (at least until Bella's bizarre pregnancy), I just wasn't in the mood for more sparkly vampire romance.
THIS was not that. Although this was not great literature, it was great fun.
The opening scene with Evan Stroud wandering Tuonela's streets by night, was immediately atmospheric and riveting. Evan Stroud - isn't that a great name for a supposed vampire?
The history of Old Tuonela is equally engrossing, with the mass murderer, Richard Manchester, also supposedly a vampire, killing until the "streets ran red with blood."
Like I said, this was a fun read, if you're a twisted individual like me. There's a sequel, which I'm not sure is necessary, but we'll see.
True Rating: 3.75 stars (for editing oversights)
Cost to Me: Free
September 2, 2020
Vampire
There are cults that believe they are vampires and I just don't understand but this book gave me the creeps. She has written a great story and should be proud. But Evan should really get some professional help. Believing he has changed because of a tea is ridiculous. He has just been drinking some kind of drug. Surely he sees that. Can't wait to read the next book of his life. Ms Frasier has out done herself is this book of horror. Because Evan is not the only one that believes. He needs to start communicating with his son because that child needs help too. Wouldn't hurt for Rachel to talk to someone about seeing and talking to the dead. Everyone should read this book and the next. You will have ice running down your spine so be careful. Can't believe that they thought if they ate the heart of a vampire they would becoming immortal. Kudos for the lessons on serial killers 100 years ago. Makes it seem even more real when you read the story.
There are cults that believe they are vampires and I just don't understand but this book gave me the creeps. She has written a great story and should be proud. But Evan should really get some professional help. Believing he has changed because of a tea is ridiculous. He has just been drinking some kind of drug. Surely he sees that. Can't wait to read the next book of his life. Ms Frasier has out done herself is this book of horror. Because Evan is not the only one that believes. He needs to start communicating with his son because that child needs help too. Wouldn't hurt for Rachel to talk to someone about seeing and talking to the dead. Everyone should read this book and the next. You will have ice running down your spine so be careful. Can't believe that they thought if they ate the heart of a vampire they would becoming immortal. Kudos for the lessons on serial killers 100 years ago. Makes it seem even more real when you read the story.
January 11, 2017
Graham was running. He had to get away. Away from his mother who beat him senselessly, from a town he hated and from people that didn't care. He ran to the man he was told was his father. A man who was known by many in Old Tuonela. Known for being mysterious and dangerous.
Evan couldn't believe it was happening. After more than 16 years he was supposed to believe he was someone's father? He avoided everyone and everything since he'd taken ill. Not able to out during the day or anywhere where there was light. But could he avoid Graham? The boy who was lost and alone?
Soon Graham was tested and Evan chased. One running with the wrong crowd in order to save his life and the other running from the police who want to arrest him for murder.
~ slow to get going. I started really enjoying it at about 60% in. But once it became interesting, I was hooked!
Evan couldn't believe it was happening. After more than 16 years he was supposed to believe he was someone's father? He avoided everyone and everything since he'd taken ill. Not able to out during the day or anywhere where there was light. But could he avoid Graham? The boy who was lost and alone?
Soon Graham was tested and Evan chased. One running with the wrong crowd in order to save his life and the other running from the police who want to arrest him for murder.
~ slow to get going. I started really enjoying it at about 60% in. But once it became interesting, I was hooked!
December 16, 2019
When you have a skin disease making you allergic to the sun of course everyone's reaction is that you are a vampire. Add into that you being the author of the retelling of your town's sordid history and you are what kids think go bump in the night. Then you have this kid come out of nowhere right as murder's start happening in your little town.
If you have a son what will change? What if hes 16 and you never knew he existed or if he's even yours? Does he have anything to do with these murders?
Flit through the night with Evan as he searches for the answers to his town's dark secrets.
This is a really good book. The murderer is one of the last people I expected and I think that makes it even better. The book is easy to follow and hard to put down. If you stumble across this book definitely go for it.
If you have a son what will change? What if hes 16 and you never knew he existed or if he's even yours? Does he have anything to do with these murders?
Flit through the night with Evan as he searches for the answers to his town's dark secrets.
This is a really good book. The murderer is one of the last people I expected and I think that makes it even better. The book is easy to follow and hard to put down. If you stumble across this book definitely go for it.
July 21, 2022
This book was very strange.
May 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Big fan of Anne Frasier. While I enjoyed the book it's not one of my favorites. This book stretches human survival beyond the limits. We aren't made to survive days and days without water. And then to perform as superhuman. Perhaps I've been spoiled by previous works that are very believable. I respect artists trying different genres, so I will read the sequel, and hope for something more? Better? Believable? Also, several typos in this book. Not typical for this author's books.
Big fan of Anne Frasier. While I enjoyed the book it's not one of my favorites. This book stretches human survival beyond the limits. We aren't made to survive days and days without water. And then to perform as superhuman. Perhaps I've been spoiled by previous works that are very believable. I respect artists trying different genres, so I will read the sequel, and hope for something more? Better? Believable? Also, several typos in this book. Not typical for this author's books.
July 12, 2018
Decent read, fairly well written with interesting, albeit a little formulaic, characters. But I hate hate hate books that are written with a "cliffhanger" ending, or left essentially unfinished so you'll read the next book in the series. Not good enough for me to continue reading the series. When did this become a thing? I love books that are in series, but complete on their own (eg Dave Robicheaux series). Not a fan of this type of writing/series.
October 18, 2020
I liked this story a lot and can't wait to read the next one. Evan and Rachel are great characters, Graham and Isobel. Its an excellent quick read and very interesting. I feel as though I know these people and can't wait to know more. I like the author. I normally don't read vampire books but I had read another book by her so decided to try this one too. Its definitely unique and the lore about the town of Tuonela is incredible. It just sucks the reader in. Four stars!
November 21, 2021
As Always
One of the best reads out in Kindle-land.
I thought it was going to be a horror story, so it took awhile to get up the nerve to read it. A story about vampirism , Ms Frasier has managed much of the tension found in Bram Stoker's *Dracula*. Maybe not quite on the mark, especially with the editing errors (not that many). Still, it's something that will get you hooked and keep you up at night.
One of the best reads out in Kindle-land.
I thought it was going to be a horror story, so it took awhile to get up the nerve to read it. A story about vampirism , Ms Frasier has managed much of the tension found in Bram Stoker's *Dracula*. Maybe not quite on the mark, especially with the editing errors (not that many). Still, it's something that will get you hooked and keep you up at night.
June 3, 2019
This isn't your usual vampire type story. I have read most of the authors other books and loved them all. Although different than her other books, this book did not disappoint. It had good twists and turns in and kept me reading and guessing about what was going on.
I felt the characters were well written and the relationships well thought out.
I can't wait to read the second in the series.
I felt the characters were well written and the relationships well thought out.
I can't wait to read the second in the series.
March 22, 2020
A spooky thriller/horror. Very good. The characters were well drawn and very interesting. Great premise and execution. In a spooky town, where a mass murderer rumored to be a vampire used to live, there are those who think a vampire is still active. The search is on for the living and for the dead. I really liked it and am heading straight into the next book in the series.
March 8, 2012
this book had my interest on the first page, but it was the title and the front cover that caught my attention. while i got into the book i started to really grasp the conflict . i mean if i was a character in the book i would be rachel and that would mean that i would get the pale immortal ;)
March 23, 2017
Bizarre!!!
Intense - I sometimes had to put the book away until I could face what I feared would happen next ... in that, my reading made me part of the story. Then, near the end, the story was so engrossing I could not put the book down!
Intense - I sometimes had to put the book away until I could face what I feared would happen next ... in that, my reading made me part of the story. Then, near the end, the story was so engrossing I could not put the book down!
May 19, 2020
Truly a Good Book
I found this book to be full of suspense and a bit disconcerting, however I really liked it. It had good characters and a fascinating plot. I have downloaded book 2 and looking forward to reading it.
I found this book to be full of suspense and a bit disconcerting, however I really liked it. It had good characters and a fascinating plot. I have downloaded book 2 and looking forward to reading it.
August 3, 2020
Pale Immortal
Pale Immortal is a totally different book from all of the rest of Fraisure's books. If you do not believe in vampires she will make you question why. As much as you would like to read a new book of hers, you have to read book two.
Pale Immortal is a totally different book from all of the rest of Fraisure's books. If you do not believe in vampires she will make you question why. As much as you would like to read a new book of hers, you have to read book two.
November 20, 2020
Wow
The old tales about an evil town have and still haunt people. Strange things go on there...but is it real or just some messed up sick fantasies? Then new blood comes to town.....
The old tales about an evil town have and still haunt people. Strange things go on there...but is it real or just some messed up sick fantasies? Then new blood comes to town.....
October 7, 2011
exciting from the first page.. new author for me and will definitely read alot more..!
November 8, 2012
Interesting take on vampire lore, set in rural Wisconsin. I liked it well enough that I have already bought the second book in the series. Loves me some Anne Frasier...
March 27, 2017
Very good
I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down. I am anxious to read her next book in this series
I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down. I am anxious to read her next book in this series
April 8, 2017
Interesting
I'm not into vampires, but this was a good story...not really about vampires, more the suspicion of them. Well done!
I'm not into vampires, but this was a good story...not really about vampires, more the suspicion of them. Well done!
July 24, 2020
Vampirism
A story of wannabe vampires, a man with a strange medical condition and a son he never knew existed, and a town with a bloody past. Entertaining.
A story of wannabe vampires, a man with a strange medical condition and a son he never knew existed, and a town with a bloody past. Entertaining.
August 13, 2020
Good book
Enjoyed this book with twists and turns. Look forward to your next book and a new adventure. Love to read and have enjoyed discovering your books
Enjoyed this book with twists and turns. Look forward to your next book and a new adventure. Love to read and have enjoyed discovering your books
August 26, 2020
Strange, yet compelling
Not my kind of book, but still couldn't stop reading. If I was more into the vampire or not dead it probably would have been a great read
Not my kind of book, but still couldn't stop reading. If I was more into the vampire or not dead it probably would have been a great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews