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The Vampires of Crimson Cove #2
The Silver Dagger
Brother Against Brother
Life in Crimson Cove has been good to the Colter Brothers since Gretchen VanTreese was staked and her horde of vampires scattered. Brooks is once again human, and Cade, the rare Sire Gretchen had determined to take as her mate, is in love. Then the unthinkable happens: Gretchen rises from the grave, and the brothers are torn apart, their lives - and the peace between them - shattered.
A Trail of Blood
When Cade comes into possession of an ancient ceremonial dagger he awakens a power so deadly it defies comprehension. Meanwhile, a serial killer is stalking the little mountain town, leaving a trail of blood that leads to a truth Sheriff Ethan Hunter doesn’t want to face. And unknown to either of them, Gretchen is preparing to reopen her notorious nightclub, The Crimson Corset - and building an army to destroy her enemies and reclaim Cade Colter as her own.
A New Breed of Evil
The streets are no longer safe, nor are the forested paths, for a new and unknowable evil has come to Crimson Cove and everyone - vampire and human alike - must come together in order to survive.
Life in Crimson Cove has been good to the Colter Brothers since Gretchen VanTreese was staked and her horde of vampires scattered. Brooks is once again human, and Cade, the rare Sire Gretchen had determined to take as her mate, is in love. Then the unthinkable happens: Gretchen rises from the grave, and the brothers are torn apart, their lives - and the peace between them - shattered.
A Trail of Blood
When Cade comes into possession of an ancient ceremonial dagger he awakens a power so deadly it defies comprehension. Meanwhile, a serial killer is stalking the little mountain town, leaving a trail of blood that leads to a truth Sheriff Ethan Hunter doesn’t want to face. And unknown to either of them, Gretchen is preparing to reopen her notorious nightclub, The Crimson Corset - and building an army to destroy her enemies and reclaim Cade Colter as her own.
A New Breed of Evil
The streets are no longer safe, nor are the forested paths, for a new and unknowable evil has come to Crimson Cove and everyone - vampire and human alike - must come together in order to survive.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2019
22 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Alistair Cross
53 books195 followersAlistair Cross' debut novel, The Crimson Corset, a vampiric tale of terror and seduction, was an immediate bestseller earning praise from veteran vampire-lit author, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and New York Times bestseller, Jay Bonansinga, author of The Walking Dead series. In 2012, Alistair joined forces with international bestseller, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write - among other things - the successful Gothic series, The Ravencrest Saga. Their debut collaboration, The Cliffhouse Haunting, was a bestseller. They are currently at work on their next solo novels and a new collaborative project.
In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Anne Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.
In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Anne Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2025
Enter Crimson Cove at Your Own Risk!
Small backstory:
Brothers Brooks and Cade Coulter are back in this second installment as things escalated in book one as Brooks and Cade were tossed into a vampire nest with things taking a bad turn however the main vampire, Gretchen was supposed to have been laid to rest but vampires are not known for dying easily and Brooks and Cade are thrown right back into the mist of fighting for their lives!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this series!
Thoughts:
This second book just grabbed me and pulled me right back into this world of Crimson Cove. The story comes alive as vampires start emerging and the Colter brothers are tossed around inside a blender of emotions as both brothers end up on opposite sides as things begin to heat up in Crimson Cove.
There were some breath-hitching moments with this story as things happen quickly and I had a hard time putting the book down! The story stays at a steady pace throughout the book and really never slows down. The closer I got to the end the more things happened keeping me awake a few nights as the pace picked up speed! Looking forward to book three to see what happens next in the Crimson Cove saga! Giving this book five "Bloody Fangs" stars!
Small backstory:
Brothers Brooks and Cade Coulter are back in this second installment as things escalated in book one as Brooks and Cade were tossed into a vampire nest with things taking a bad turn however the main vampire, Gretchen was supposed to have been laid to rest but vampires are not known for dying easily and Brooks and Cade are thrown right back into the mist of fighting for their lives!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this series!
Thoughts:
This second book just grabbed me and pulled me right back into this world of Crimson Cove. The story comes alive as vampires start emerging and the Colter brothers are tossed around inside a blender of emotions as both brothers end up on opposite sides as things begin to heat up in Crimson Cove.
There were some breath-hitching moments with this story as things happen quickly and I had a hard time putting the book down! The story stays at a steady pace throughout the book and really never slows down. The closer I got to the end the more things happened keeping me awake a few nights as the pace picked up speed! Looking forward to book three to see what happens next in the Crimson Cove saga! Giving this book five "Bloody Fangs" stars!
December 2, 2019
My regular subscribers would know that I never, and I mean NEVER, read horror stories. I cannot watch such movies either. Let’s just say they are a bit creepy for me. You know, keeps me awake at night and makes me constantly looking out for shadows and such. It ain’t my cuppa tea.
But having read Alistair Cross before – namely Sleep Savannah Sleep (a thriller), I thought to give The Silver Dagger a try because I admire the author’s writing skills. And if you notice the rating, you’d get an idea of what I thought about it too.
So let’s get down to the review then, without further ado.
Summary
The book is a sequel to The Crimson Corset. Although it is a continuation, it feels like a standalone because of the thoughtful up-to-speed description by the author.
Two brothers, Cade and Brooks, live together along with Cade’s girlfriend Samantha in the small town of Crimson Cove. Having recently dealt with a dreadful vampire attack lead by Gretchen, the town seems to have got its pace back. But Gretchen and her assistants are planning a comeback and that too, very soon.
When Cade notices a change of behavior in Brooks, he brushes it off but soon realises that it is too late to do anything.
What I Liked
As you might have guessed by the title, it is a vampire story. Its my first time reading one and I just loved it! Yes, there are a few gory details but nothing that made me cringe and abandon the book. On the contrary, I just wanted the pages to keep turning!
I know the summary is very vague but trust me, this book is such a thriller, I didn’t want to give anything away.
Now, coming to the technicalities. As mentioned earlier, the writing skills of Alistair Cross – fantastic! One can just flow with the narration and experience the chilling details so aptly described by him. The plot sometimes toggles from the present to the past, and it is done impeccably. The story is taut and has enough twists and turns to excite the reader.
What I Did Not Like
Nothing as such. Of course, being a horror story there are bound to be some squeamish details but nothing too gross.
Other Details
This is the second book in the Crimson Corset series. I will be reading the first part and reviewing it too.
Would I Recommend It?
If you are a horror/vampire/thriller fan, the definitely! If, like me, you are a beginner at horror, then you can start with this. Don’t hesitate, it will only encourage you to read the genre more.
But having read Alistair Cross before – namely Sleep Savannah Sleep (a thriller), I thought to give The Silver Dagger a try because I admire the author’s writing skills. And if you notice the rating, you’d get an idea of what I thought about it too.
So let’s get down to the review then, without further ado.
Summary
The book is a sequel to The Crimson Corset. Although it is a continuation, it feels like a standalone because of the thoughtful up-to-speed description by the author.
Two brothers, Cade and Brooks, live together along with Cade’s girlfriend Samantha in the small town of Crimson Cove. Having recently dealt with a dreadful vampire attack lead by Gretchen, the town seems to have got its pace back. But Gretchen and her assistants are planning a comeback and that too, very soon.
When Cade notices a change of behavior in Brooks, he brushes it off but soon realises that it is too late to do anything.
What I Liked
As you might have guessed by the title, it is a vampire story. Its my first time reading one and I just loved it! Yes, there are a few gory details but nothing that made me cringe and abandon the book. On the contrary, I just wanted the pages to keep turning!
I know the summary is very vague but trust me, this book is such a thriller, I didn’t want to give anything away.
Now, coming to the technicalities. As mentioned earlier, the writing skills of Alistair Cross – fantastic! One can just flow with the narration and experience the chilling details so aptly described by him. The plot sometimes toggles from the present to the past, and it is done impeccably. The story is taut and has enough twists and turns to excite the reader.
What I Did Not Like
Nothing as such. Of course, being a horror story there are bound to be some squeamish details but nothing too gross.
Other Details
This is the second book in the Crimson Corset series. I will be reading the first part and reviewing it too.
Would I Recommend It?
If you are a horror/vampire/thriller fan, the definitely! If, like me, you are a beginner at horror, then you can start with this. Don’t hesitate, it will only encourage you to read the genre more.
August 29, 2019
Phenominally better than the first one. I connected with the characters so much more in this one and the author’s description of anxiety and depression was out of this world. Highly highly recommend.
April 18, 2023
4.5/5
Okay, it's official. I'm addicted to this awesome vampire series!
Continuing from the brutal happenings of The Crimson Corset, things seem to have calmed down. Cade loves his romantic relationship with Samantha, and he's enjoying the new chapter in his life. But while our protagonist appreciates this peaceful era something dark stirs, and when a shocking event decimates the happiness Cade has known and throws his life into ruin, another dark chapter begins that will test his sanity and resilience.
Everything that I loved in the first book continued through in this one, and this book had me hanging on the edge of my seat in every chapter.
Poor Cade! I'm not going to spoil anything, but I really felt for him throughout this book. His personal journey is dark but understandable given the circumstances. He really has to dig to pull himself out of this impossible dilemma, and I respect him more for it.
Other characters were really great. I especially enjoyed Winter's increased limelight in this one and the additional depth and backstory about Gretchen's past. There is also a new mysterious character that kept things interesting and unpredictable as well.
Plotwise I think this novel moved a bit faster than the first, which I enjoyed since I was already familiar with all the characters. It was also very chaotic and went in a direction I've never seen before in previous vampire novels I've read. If I had one complaint, it would be that the end of the book didn't feel like enough was wrapped up, but it makes sense where it stopped to prepare us for the next chilling chapter in Cade and the others in Crimson Cove's lives, and I already have the next book because I can't get enough.
If you're looking for an unforgettable vampire series, you've got to pick this up!
Okay, it's official. I'm addicted to this awesome vampire series!
Continuing from the brutal happenings of The Crimson Corset, things seem to have calmed down. Cade loves his romantic relationship with Samantha, and he's enjoying the new chapter in his life. But while our protagonist appreciates this peaceful era something dark stirs, and when a shocking event decimates the happiness Cade has known and throws his life into ruin, another dark chapter begins that will test his sanity and resilience.
Everything that I loved in the first book continued through in this one, and this book had me hanging on the edge of my seat in every chapter.
Poor Cade! I'm not going to spoil anything, but I really felt for him throughout this book. His personal journey is dark but understandable given the circumstances. He really has to dig to pull himself out of this impossible dilemma, and I respect him more for it.
Other characters were really great. I especially enjoyed Winter's increased limelight in this one and the additional depth and backstory about Gretchen's past. There is also a new mysterious character that kept things interesting and unpredictable as well.
Plotwise I think this novel moved a bit faster than the first, which I enjoyed since I was already familiar with all the characters. It was also very chaotic and went in a direction I've never seen before in previous vampire novels I've read. If I had one complaint, it would be that the end of the book didn't feel like enough was wrapped up, but it makes sense where it stopped to prepare us for the next chilling chapter in Cade and the others in Crimson Cove's lives, and I already have the next book because I can't get enough.
If you're looking for an unforgettable vampire series, you've got to pick this up!
July 29, 2019
Second book in the Crimson Series, page turner
The Crimson Dagger is the second instalment in the Vampires of Crimson Cove series, after the first book—The Crimson Corset. Fast paced and full on, I read this in two days and couldn’t put it down. It was a worthy and very entertaining sequel, and the characters were brilliantly developed. The introduction of the mysterious wasp woman (without giving too much away :-), was also a clincher for me. Beautifully written. Some great humour, but also some very touching scenes. And above all, badass vampires, need I say more aka Gretchen V. Looking forward to the next instalment. Highly recommended if you enjoy vampire novels, horror
The Crimson Dagger is the second instalment in the Vampires of Crimson Cove series, after the first book—The Crimson Corset. Fast paced and full on, I read this in two days and couldn’t put it down. It was a worthy and very entertaining sequel, and the characters were brilliantly developed. The introduction of the mysterious wasp woman (without giving too much away :-), was also a clincher for me. Beautifully written. Some great humour, but also some very touching scenes. And above all, badass vampires, need I say more aka Gretchen V. Looking forward to the next instalment. Highly recommended if you enjoy vampire novels, horror
August 31, 2019
This series keeps getting better. 5 star must read vampire fiction. Love the writing style.
July 26, 2021
So damn good
One of the best vampire books ove read in a long time. Slow appreciative clap for this book. The story grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go.
One of the best vampire books ove read in a long time. Slow appreciative clap for this book. The story grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go.
June 19, 2021
Not my favorite! 🤷🏻♀️
I’m a fan of Alistair Cross but I’m not a fan of this book. I felt like there were too many different side stories and I had a hard time keeping up. It’s possible that if I had started with book 1, then this book may have made more since. I’m also not a fan of the over-usage of the puns and catch phrases, some of which are quite funny, it’s just a bit much IMO. This book is also very long, and it seems like this book could have been broke down into smaller stories. This is all just my opinion and like I said, I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author but this one didn’t work for me.
I’m also a fan of Jamison Walker who has the ultimate creepy voice which is perfect for horror genres. IMO the narration was good but with so many characters, I sometimes had difficulty distinguishing some of the voices. Overall, if you love vampires, I recommend trying book 1 first. If you enjoy it then you may enjoy this book as well.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I’m a fan of Alistair Cross but I’m not a fan of this book. I felt like there were too many different side stories and I had a hard time keeping up. It’s possible that if I had started with book 1, then this book may have made more since. I’m also not a fan of the over-usage of the puns and catch phrases, some of which are quite funny, it’s just a bit much IMO. This book is also very long, and it seems like this book could have been broke down into smaller stories. This is all just my opinion and like I said, I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author but this one didn’t work for me.
I’m also a fan of Jamison Walker who has the ultimate creepy voice which is perfect for horror genres. IMO the narration was good but with so many characters, I sometimes had difficulty distinguishing some of the voices. Overall, if you love vampires, I recommend trying book 1 first. If you enjoy it then you may enjoy this book as well.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
September 17, 2021
This is one of my favourite books I've read in a very long time, there is never a dull moment and it moves at a super pace, gory, sexy and frightening, looking forward to reading chapter 3 now . Well done Alistair on another fantastic achievement, the guy is 1 talented dude. Easily a five star read , thanks Alistair.
January 26, 2023
Dissapointing
The author started multiple plots, and didn’t finish even one of them. What disappointment. This kind of ploy is designed to keep you buying books in the series and I choose not to do that. The characters are interesting, and some of the scene settings are nicely done; but I can’t get past the time I wasted in reading this.
The author started multiple plots, and didn’t finish even one of them. What disappointment. This kind of ploy is designed to keep you buying books in the series and I choose not to do that. The characters are interesting, and some of the scene settings are nicely done; but I can’t get past the time I wasted in reading this.
July 15, 2020
Edge of seat vampire series
Great vampire series,every page kept you on the edge of your seat, is there book 3 waiting with baited breath to read it.any vampire fans will enjoy this series.
Great vampire series,every page kept you on the edge of your seat, is there book 3 waiting with baited breath to read it.any vampire fans will enjoy this series.
February 16, 2022
This is book two in Alistair Cross' vampire series, The Crimson Cove, and I think it was even better than the first one. I highly recommend this series, especially if you love Anne Rice and Laurell K. Hamilton.
November 11, 2023
This one was better than the first. Still some stupid decisions & actions by the characters, but not like the first book. It set up several storylines for the next book...diving right in.
October 29, 2019
Oh what a perfect series, but I wan book three now! Please don’t leave me hanging and thirsty (pun intended) for more…I am hooked and and now my teeth are well and truly sank into this series I can’t stop thinking about what is to come next. But enough silly puns, here’s my views.
First book left me nice and warm inside, feeling as accomplished as Brooks, Cade and Ethan were feeling. We were all happy and living in a land of friendly vamps only and nothing could spoil the happy picture. We unless you are still a vampire in retrograde i.e. Brooks, and you maker gets a wake-up call. So yes, happiness over, please welcome feelings of fear, anger and misery all round.
Book two is so different. The author deals with a deep an dark depression of the main character Cade following just one tragic death too many and gosh does he deal with it. Anyone that has ever experienced depression either from themselves or from a loved one, will be familiar with everything Cade is going through.
And then we have the vampires. The goods ones (but are they) and the bad ones, that we were all hoping were asleep forever. Ethan is awesome by the way, he has a lot on his shoulders and tries to do right by all and it only gets him into more trouble. Brooks is dealing with his own guilt and transformation and suddenly I really like him – he has grown into a brilliant character that you just want to read about.
This book has it all: blood, death, tragedy, love, ex-wives, fiancés, hunger, revenge, depression, hope…the list could go on. It’s edge of the seat book and I really cannot wait for the next book brings. Please hurry!
Massive thanks to Alistair Cross for writing such a perfect series and his publicist for introducing me the books.
First book left me nice and warm inside, feeling as accomplished as Brooks, Cade and Ethan were feeling. We were all happy and living in a land of friendly vamps only and nothing could spoil the happy picture. We unless you are still a vampire in retrograde i.e. Brooks, and you maker gets a wake-up call. So yes, happiness over, please welcome feelings of fear, anger and misery all round.
Book two is so different. The author deals with a deep an dark depression of the main character Cade following just one tragic death too many and gosh does he deal with it. Anyone that has ever experienced depression either from themselves or from a loved one, will be familiar with everything Cade is going through.
And then we have the vampires. The goods ones (but are they) and the bad ones, that we were all hoping were asleep forever. Ethan is awesome by the way, he has a lot on his shoulders and tries to do right by all and it only gets him into more trouble. Brooks is dealing with his own guilt and transformation and suddenly I really like him – he has grown into a brilliant character that you just want to read about.
This book has it all: blood, death, tragedy, love, ex-wives, fiancés, hunger, revenge, depression, hope…the list could go on. It’s edge of the seat book and I really cannot wait for the next book brings. Please hurry!
Massive thanks to Alistair Cross for writing such a perfect series and his publicist for introducing me the books.
October 29, 2019
Better than it's predecessor
Cross pens a magnificently vampiric story in The Silver Dagger. It is the second book in the The Vampires of Crimson Cove, and its predecessor was The Crimson Corset. I liked this book more than the previous one, but I gave them both 5 Stars. It is another tantalizing and horror filled story taking place in Crimson Cove. I love the premise of the story, and having a new sense of evil, making everyone, humans or vampires on the journey for survival. I love the characters, and Cade is one of my favorite. There are more secrets and killings in this small town. Magnificent story. Cross writes very well, and shows a great, terrifying story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Cross pens a magnificently vampiric story in The Silver Dagger. It is the second book in the The Vampires of Crimson Cove, and its predecessor was The Crimson Corset. I liked this book more than the previous one, but I gave them both 5 Stars. It is another tantalizing and horror filled story taking place in Crimson Cove. I love the premise of the story, and having a new sense of evil, making everyone, humans or vampires on the journey for survival. I love the characters, and Cade is one of my favorite. There are more secrets and killings in this small town. Magnificent story. Cross writes very well, and shows a great, terrifying story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews