Chase after Sam...
I'm an enthusiastic vampire fan. It's fair to say that I've loved them long enough. I've seen many an iteration of the children of the night; from mindless beasts to those who sparkle and subscribe only to animal blood.
It's been a while though, since I found vampires that follow the cardinal rule: a balance between reason and savagery that allows a monster to pass for human before our very eyes.
R.K. Close gave me those vampires, and a little more. "Red Night", the first book of the Vampire Files introduces us to Samantha Chase. Sam is smart, independent and blessed by both common sense and the initiative to sign herself up for an adventure, if needed be. That serves her well, since she is a private detective.
Used to cases that mostly involve infidelities and other relentless pursuits of the careless, Sam seemed to keep a steady schedule of cases solved and new clients walking in... Until she stumbled upon the impossible.
Vampires. They are real, and in no way what she expected.
In comes Adam, tall, dark and deadly. For any other woman, this might spell doom. But being Samantha Chase... Well, our vampire ends up signing in for more the he bargained for.
The book is a fast paced, entertaining read that paints a believable picture of the other side of existence as supernatural elements weave themselves into the mundane. Soon our Sam will discover that there is more than meets the eye. Friends and neighbors reveal unexpected secrets and those handsome new acquaintances with dead cold stares are bent on dragging her into a centuries old vendetta that can only be settled in blood.
There is a natural flow of dialogue and action that helps along suspense of disbelief. To read "Red Night" is to instantly connect with its main characters, their reasons, and motives. (If you are the kind of person that likes their bad guys plenty, be happy. I'll let you in this one: Adam is a "good guy" you need to be wary of and Zachariah... Well, that one you'll just love to hate.
In summary, if you love your paranormal with a dash of thriller, a bit of romance and well crafted monsters... If you are not much into a damsels in distress and rather have a woman who won't hesitate about rescuing herself... If you are willing to step into a world that promises more than just blood suckers (the vampires are superb, but there is so much more!)... Then this book is for you!