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Laura Caxton #4
23 Hours
In the next 23 hours, there will be no reprieve,
no mercy, and no time off for good behavior.
When vampire hunter Laura Caxton is locked up in a maximum-security prison, the cop-turned-con finds herself surrounded by countless murderers and death-row inmates with nothing to lose . . . and plenty of time to kill.
Caxton’s always been able to watch her own back–even when it’s against a cell-block wall–but soon she learns that an even greater threat has slithered behind the bars to join her. Justinia Malvern, the world’s oldest living vampire, has taken up residence, and her strength grows by the moment as she raids the inmate population like an open bar with an all-you-can-drink supply of fresh blood. The crafty old vampire knows just how to pull Caxton’s strings, too, and she's issued an ultimatum that Laura can’t refuse.
Now Laura has just 23 hours to fight her way through a gauntlet of vampires, cons, and killers . . . 23 hours to make one last, desperate attempt at protecting the world from Justinia’s evil.
no mercy, and no time off for good behavior.
When vampire hunter Laura Caxton is locked up in a maximum-security prison, the cop-turned-con finds herself surrounded by countless murderers and death-row inmates with nothing to lose . . . and plenty of time to kill.
Caxton’s always been able to watch her own back–even when it’s against a cell-block wall–but soon she learns that an even greater threat has slithered behind the bars to join her. Justinia Malvern, the world’s oldest living vampire, has taken up residence, and her strength grows by the moment as she raids the inmate population like an open bar with an all-you-can-drink supply of fresh blood. The crafty old vampire knows just how to pull Caxton’s strings, too, and she's issued an ultimatum that Laura can’t refuse.
Now Laura has just 23 hours to fight her way through a gauntlet of vampires, cons, and killers . . . 23 hours to make one last, desperate attempt at protecting the world from Justinia’s evil.
305 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
21 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
David Wellington
74 books1,152 followersDavid Wellington is a contemporary American horror author, best known for his Zombie trilogy as well as his Vampire series and Werewolf series. His books have been translated into eleven languages and are a global phenomenon.
His career began in 2004 when he started serializing his horror fiction online, posting short chapters of a novel three times a week on a friend’s blog. Response to the project was so great that in 2004 Thunder’s Mouth Press approached David Wellington about publishing Monster Island as a print book. His novels have been featured in Rue Morgue, Fangoria, and the New York Times.
He also made his debut as a comic book writer in 2009 with Marvel Zombies Return:Iron Man.
Wellington attended Syracuse University and received an MFA in creative writing from Penn State. He also holds a masters degree in Library Science from Pratt Institute.
He now lives in New York City with his dog Mary Shelley and wife Elisabeth who, in her wedding vows, promised to “kick serious zombie ass” for him.
His career began in 2004 when he started serializing his horror fiction online, posting short chapters of a novel three times a week on a friend’s blog. Response to the project was so great that in 2004 Thunder’s Mouth Press approached David Wellington about publishing Monster Island as a print book. His novels have been featured in Rue Morgue, Fangoria, and the New York Times.
He also made his debut as a comic book writer in 2009 with Marvel Zombies Return:Iron Man.
Wellington attended Syracuse University and received an MFA in creative writing from Penn State. He also holds a masters degree in Library Science from Pratt Institute.
He now lives in New York City with his dog Mary Shelley and wife Elisabeth who, in her wedding vows, promised to “kick serious zombie ass” for him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 9, 2018
I do love this series very much. I do like this Nosferatu meets 30 Days of Night type of vampire, as well as Luara Caxton the protagonist of this series. This was a good book. I would have given this book four stars but, it was a little weird this time around and the twist ending was a little hard to swallow.
As punishment for what she did to Carboy in Vampire Zero, Caxton is sent to prison and soon sent to the SHU. The SHU program (pronounced "Shoe") is considered one of the harshest prison sentences in America. I watched some YouTube videos on it, I have to agree. Locked down for 23 hours a day with only one hour of exercise and one shower per week. Which also ties into the book's title.
Laura Caxton has to fight murderous cons, half-deads, and vampires after Justina Malvern takes over the prison. The one part of the book I literally almost dropped the book because I started laughing so hard. I was laughing hysterically for almost ten minutes it was so bizarre picturing it in my head. I kept wondering, "is this supposed to be funny???!!!".
And that twist ending, I like it and I don't. I like it because it allows for a fifth book, I don't like it cause I was like "Oh come on, really?". No, I get it, can't have this thing end in a prison. And that whole premise is weird. I thought it was cool with the Gettysburg story arc, but why a prison??? And I'll agree with the people whose reviews I read on here that said this thing seemed a little drawn out.
It's not a bad book, I did enjoy reading it. Just not worthy of four stars.
Well, now it's onto the last book in the series for me...
I want to see how Wellington plans to end this thing.
As punishment for what she did to Carboy in Vampire Zero, Caxton is sent to prison and soon sent to the SHU. The SHU program (pronounced "Shoe") is considered one of the harshest prison sentences in America. I watched some YouTube videos on it, I have to agree. Locked down for 23 hours a day with only one hour of exercise and one shower per week. Which also ties into the book's title.
Laura Caxton has to fight murderous cons, half-deads, and vampires after Justina Malvern takes over the prison. The one part of the book I literally almost dropped the book because I started laughing so hard. I was laughing hysterically for almost ten minutes it was so bizarre picturing it in my head. I kept wondering, "is this supposed to be funny???!!!".
And that twist ending, I like it and I don't. I like it because it allows for a fifth book, I don't like it cause I was like "Oh come on, really?". No, I get it, can't have this thing end in a prison. And that whole premise is weird. I thought it was cool with the Gettysburg story arc, but why a prison??? And I'll agree with the people whose reviews I read on here that said this thing seemed a little drawn out.
It's not a bad book, I did enjoy reading it. Just not worthy of four stars.
Well, now it's onto the last book in the series for me...
I want to see how Wellington plans to end this thing.
June 10, 2018
"The teeth seem to spread outward, to grow even larger, to grow even in number. Malvern’s grin could draw blood all on its own."
It’s an action packed face off between Malvern and Caxton in a woman’s prison... that left me wanting.
No one enjoys prison, it’s a smelly dehumanizing place. It’s limiting, especially after the world building done in Vampire Zero. And my eyes glazed over several times.
The final nail on this coffin was that I’ve read a trapped-in-prison-hunting-vampires book that was awesome: Spectre’s Rest
So this is getting two stars but the series has enough credit with me to finish it up next month with 32 Fangs.
May 10, 2011
This review is not only for 23 hours, but for the whole Laura Caxton series.
This series had to be one of the best vampire series that I read in a long time. Lately, with the YA vampire craze, the ‘goody little two shoes’ vampires have been running ramped through the book market. There are really only two ways to write a vampire book. The first, make them cuddly, and little sense of humanity left, or the second, make them the monsters that they are, and the motive is to destroy them. David chose the latter, which we are seeing less and less of these days.
What made this series even better was David’s take on the vampire. We’re not talking about the same old song and dance here. His vampires are unique, not the same old over romanticized vampires that we see over and over. They are not beautiful in any way. They are hairless, pointed ears, red eyes, albino, and have rows and rows of pointed shark-like teeth. The exchange of the vampire trait was new and different as well. There was no blood exchange, but a curse that was passed through the vampire and to the human by eye contact, and a process of hypnotizing the victim. Throw in some hordes of zombie like minions for the vampire, and the story gets creepier.
I liked Laura Caxton. She is a head strong woman that will stop at nothing to do what she believes it right. Even if the right thing involves breaking the laws, which is gutsy for a law officer. Although she never asked to be a vampire hunter, it was just thrown in her lap; she scooped it up and took responsibility for it. The fact that it destroyed her personal life, and all of the relationships in it, never kept her from doing what she thought was best for the people. Don’t you wish all law officers were like this?
The series was action packed and there was never a dull moment. Whether or not David is done writing this series, I do not know, but he really left some room to keep going.
This series had to be one of the best vampire series that I read in a long time. Lately, with the YA vampire craze, the ‘goody little two shoes’ vampires have been running ramped through the book market. There are really only two ways to write a vampire book. The first, make them cuddly, and little sense of humanity left, or the second, make them the monsters that they are, and the motive is to destroy them. David chose the latter, which we are seeing less and less of these days.
What made this series even better was David’s take on the vampire. We’re not talking about the same old song and dance here. His vampires are unique, not the same old over romanticized vampires that we see over and over. They are not beautiful in any way. They are hairless, pointed ears, red eyes, albino, and have rows and rows of pointed shark-like teeth. The exchange of the vampire trait was new and different as well. There was no blood exchange, but a curse that was passed through the vampire and to the human by eye contact, and a process of hypnotizing the victim. Throw in some hordes of zombie like minions for the vampire, and the story gets creepier.
I liked Laura Caxton. She is a head strong woman that will stop at nothing to do what she believes it right. Even if the right thing involves breaking the laws, which is gutsy for a law officer. Although she never asked to be a vampire hunter, it was just thrown in her lap; she scooped it up and took responsibility for it. The fact that it destroyed her personal life, and all of the relationships in it, never kept her from doing what she thought was best for the people. Don’t you wish all law officers were like this?
The series was action packed and there was never a dull moment. Whether or not David is done writing this series, I do not know, but he really left some room to keep going.
March 7, 2018
This one had a feel of a sort of buddy movie with Caxton and her 'celly' Gert. Clara got a bit more page time which was nice to see and we saw Malvern a bit more in depth than previously.
Its a bit of a bleak story overall with Caxton being imprisoned and treated badly and then the whole Vampire takeover on top is the last straw. Caxton (and Clara) get beaten up, there's broken bones electric shocks, half dead attacks, vampire attacks and to top it all off the US marshalls after her.
Its a good story and the ending is great once again leading into the next chapter.
Its a bit of a bleak story overall with Caxton being imprisoned and treated badly and then the whole Vampire takeover on top is the last straw. Caxton (and Clara) get beaten up, there's broken bones electric shocks, half dead attacks, vampire attacks and to top it all off the US marshalls after her.
Its a good story and the ending is great once again leading into the next chapter.
March 8, 2021
Unfortunately on my side, it's been ten years since I finished VAMPIRE ZERO. Needless to say, I pretty much lost all momentum and thrill from the previous books before I started reading 23 HOURS. On the plus side, I was able to pick it up again pretty quickly.
As best as I can remember and as revealed in the book opening, the story continues not long after the last book. Laura Caxton is in prison for her actions from before and is now peacefully serving her time with the hopes of getting out quickly. However, Justina Malvern, the world's oldest living and last surviving vampire, wants revenge on Laura. Through careful planning, Justina is set to get it. While Laura is still in the prison.
The story is fast paced and vicious. I was engrossed the whole way through. I constantly had questions of how was an unarmed Laura going to start killing the undead and vampires? Or how was Justina planning on getting away? What's going to happen after the climax of the story? Of course all was revealed while reading and I was not displeased! The story seemed compact but I'm sure that since the setting of most of the book was the prison, that helped. It made things more confining and limiting. At the same time though, it sped the pace up; every action was a room away from more guards, undead, and/or vampires. I've already learned from my previous mistake and have started the final book in the Laura Caxton series.
As best as I can remember and as revealed in the book opening, the story continues not long after the last book. Laura Caxton is in prison for her actions from before and is now peacefully serving her time with the hopes of getting out quickly. However, Justina Malvern, the world's oldest living and last surviving vampire, wants revenge on Laura. Through careful planning, Justina is set to get it. While Laura is still in the prison.
The story is fast paced and vicious. I was engrossed the whole way through. I constantly had questions of how was an unarmed Laura going to start killing the undead and vampires? Or how was Justina planning on getting away? What's going to happen after the climax of the story? Of course all was revealed while reading and I was not displeased! The story seemed compact but I'm sure that since the setting of most of the book was the prison, that helped. It made things more confining and limiting. At the same time though, it sped the pace up; every action was a room away from more guards, undead, and/or vampires. I've already learned from my previous mistake and have started the final book in the Laura Caxton series.
December 21, 2012
Wow, This was the final book in the 4 book series and it was nonstop action from start to finish. These vampires are so delightfully gruesome. I wasn't 100% happy with how the book ended..let's just say Wellington left the option to come back and write a 5th book. I would have liked for the story to have ended with a tidy neat bow. No such luck! There was no closure with the main character or the main Vamp. The story was very entertaining, but what was the point of it all if the head Vamp continues to slip through all traps. Uhg, Very frustrating.
Review Update: I just discovered that the fifth book of this series, 32 Fangs
Review Update: I just discovered that the fifth book of this series, 32 Fangs
July 13, 2010
It was good, but I have to wonder how much longer this battle between Caxton and Malvern can really continue. I was excited at the idea of finally getting some closure, but that didn't happen.
As far as the prose itself goes, it's not one of Wellington's best. Very early on it's easy to see the plot twist that is unfolding for the ending and I would have liked a bit more mystery before the final twist. The new, and short-lived, character 'Gert' was entertaining, but it felt like he rushed in trying to develop her background. And I didn't really buy the 'celly' connection that she develops with Caxton.
Wellington also hints at some jealousy on Clara's part when she meets Gert, and I think that would have been something interesting he could have built on in a sequel. But with Gert's death, that doesn't seem likely happen. *insert sarcasm*
The other difference between this book and his others in the series is that the others could be stand-alone reads. This one almost makes it necessary to read Vampire Zero first, because so much of the story doesn't make sense without it: Clara and Caxton's relationship, Fetlock's character, Caxton's imprisonment...understanding these things all depend on reading the previous novel in the series. Does this make it a bad book? No. But if you're just starting the series, then avoid this one until you read Vampire Zero.
As far as the prose itself goes, it's not one of Wellington's best. Very early on it's easy to see the plot twist that is unfolding for the ending and I would have liked a bit more mystery before the final twist. The new, and short-lived, character 'Gert' was entertaining, but it felt like he rushed in trying to develop her background. And I didn't really buy the 'celly' connection that she develops with Caxton.
Wellington also hints at some jealousy on Clara's part when she meets Gert, and I think that would have been something interesting he could have built on in a sequel. But with Gert's death, that doesn't seem likely happen. *insert sarcasm*
The other difference between this book and his others in the series is that the others could be stand-alone reads. This one almost makes it necessary to read Vampire Zero first, because so much of the story doesn't make sense without it: Clara and Caxton's relationship, Fetlock's character, Caxton's imprisonment...understanding these things all depend on reading the previous novel in the series. Does this make it a bad book? No. But if you're just starting the series, then avoid this one until you read Vampire Zero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 8, 2011This book had great potential. Vampires loose running around in a jail, i'd be scared. But It was way too drawn out, it seemed like there wasnt much he could do in a jail so he kept having to think up different obsticals that were just unbelievable. Why would anyone wait until the sun went down to come in to fight the vampires? I dont care how much they want to do it by the book they wouldnt do that. Also Laura randomly knew things that she shouldnt have known yet. I liked that this one had a nice twist but i dont know if i have it in me to read one more vampire book if its gonna be like this one. I will because i want to see how it ends up but i just hope its not as annoying as this one was. The first half was decent but then it just got tedious.
February 7, 2011
Wow not the ending I expected but I guess I should have known better. Laura Caxton is "safely" in prison away from vampires. But it doesn't take Justinia long to come to her. Great thriller with a great ending.
June 15, 2013
Very good read in this series.It has been a while since I read the last book in this series, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of this book!
The ongoing battle between Laura and Justinia is reaching it's climax and I can not wait to read more.
The ongoing battle between Laura and Justinia is reaching it's climax and I can not wait to read more.
March 23, 2017
Unlike the previous books in the series, this one was too drawn out.
March 15, 2014
Vixens & Vampires Brawl Inside A Women’s Prison.
Author David Wellington has crafted one of my favorite horror serials and, as we hit book four in the series, the story of reluctant vampire hunter Laura Caxton shows little sign of losing momentum or the author any of the originality that has set this series apart from more standard vampire fare. Jailed for her actions at the end of the last book, Vampire Zero, 23 Hours opens with Caxton incarcerated within the walls of the Marcy State Correctional Institution (where ex-cops aren’t exactly welcome), pushed both literally and figuratively into a concrete corner with few friends and fewer options. With Laura isolated and at her lowest, it’s a perfect time for the series’ last remaining vampire, the insidious Justina Malvern, to come a-calling and take her revenge.
Wellington certainly flirts with exploitation genre, blending female convicts with vampires and half-deads inside a women’s prison, but the environment within the Marcy prison is much more gritty than sleazy – more akin to HBO’s Oz than Caged Heat. In fact, unlike other books in this series that were moody and a bit more supernatural, 23 Hours is an action thriller – fast-paced and explosive – more like Clint Eastwood’s Escape from Alcatraz than Fright Night.
Even Wellington’s writing style feels different in this one; (mostly) missing are the vivid imagery that I savored in previous books – stripped down to a leaner style that focuses less on description and more on time and action. The change works (at least in the context of this book) as Wellington reinforces the feeling that Marcy is tortuously bleak and barren – unworthy of intricate similes – and, perhaps just as importantly, that there’s little time to stop and admire the sights. The plot is timed to a 23-hour deadline that burns like a lighted fuse and keeps the character (and the reader) rushing forward.
Despite these high points (and the introduction of a number of great new characters ranging from Caxton’s celly Gert to antagonists Guilty Jen and Warden Bellows), 23 Hours is unfortunately the weakest of the novels in the series -- chiefly because, while the tension and twists in the middle of the book are riveting, the final plot twist is wholly transparent and doesn’t quite cash us out with a huge payoff. Wellington still delivers far better than the majority of other authors on my horror book shelf, but this one is a bit less than its predecessors in terms of the final punch thrown.
Regardless, this is one series that you can’t stop reading. Count me in for book five and the final fate of Laura Caxton!
March 9, 2011
I read 23 Hours--the fourth Laura Caxton novel--with zero exposure to previous novels in this series, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover the story measured up to expectations despite not having read the earlier books. This novel was recommended to me based on similar purchases, and the fact that I read Wellington's Frostbite: A Werewolf Tale, which I enjoyed.
The loose plot summary: cop-turned-con fights her way through vampire-infested prison, immediately perked my interest. Since I am not familiar with Laura Caxton's history, I have no basis for comparison, but as a vampire aficionado, I thought this stand-alone story was a tightly-written, fast-paced, and unique departure from the glamorous, seductive vampire stereotype that has recently flooded the market.
The plot is straightforward with no tangential side-plots to distract from the main focus. Laura Caxton is imprisoned in Pennsylvania's Marcy State Correctional Institution on a bad rap for torturing someone (apparently a bad guy) in order to catch a vampire. When a riot erupts during mealtime, Laura is immediately targeted by Guilty Jen, fellow convict and marital arts expert, who intends to make a name for herself by beating the famous Laura Caxton to a pulp, but this action-packed first sequence is only the beginning to a serious bad day that sees Laura transferred to solitary confinement by the warden before Justinia Malvern, the oldest living vampire and Laura's former foe, takes over the prison from the inside. Malvern's intricate revenge plot forces Laura into a diabolical game of hide-and-seek on a 23-hour timeline. Stuck in close quarters with her speed-talking new "celly," Laura seems to be the only person who understands what's going on when the prison goes into sudden lockdown and Half-deads (zombies) infect the COs and gain control.
I was amazed at the level of research that must have gone into chronicling Laura's incarceration. The technical minutiae of prison procedures definitely enhanced the story and was skillfully written into the action without the annoying "let me stop and explain how this works" style of narration that is always a risk in police procedurals. Combined with Wellington's characterization of Caxton as a tough-but-flawed gay heroine--a distinctive and welcome departure from Female Badass characters that seem to proliferate this genre--I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
In short, if you're looking for new vampire fiction featuring scary, evil, bad-guy vampires, then definitely give this series a try. I now have to go back and read the earlier books to catch up.
The loose plot summary: cop-turned-con fights her way through vampire-infested prison, immediately perked my interest. Since I am not familiar with Laura Caxton's history, I have no basis for comparison, but as a vampire aficionado, I thought this stand-alone story was a tightly-written, fast-paced, and unique departure from the glamorous, seductive vampire stereotype that has recently flooded the market.
The plot is straightforward with no tangential side-plots to distract from the main focus. Laura Caxton is imprisoned in Pennsylvania's Marcy State Correctional Institution on a bad rap for torturing someone (apparently a bad guy) in order to catch a vampire. When a riot erupts during mealtime, Laura is immediately targeted by Guilty Jen, fellow convict and marital arts expert, who intends to make a name for herself by beating the famous Laura Caxton to a pulp, but this action-packed first sequence is only the beginning to a serious bad day that sees Laura transferred to solitary confinement by the warden before Justinia Malvern, the oldest living vampire and Laura's former foe, takes over the prison from the inside. Malvern's intricate revenge plot forces Laura into a diabolical game of hide-and-seek on a 23-hour timeline. Stuck in close quarters with her speed-talking new "celly," Laura seems to be the only person who understands what's going on when the prison goes into sudden lockdown and Half-deads (zombies) infect the COs and gain control.
I was amazed at the level of research that must have gone into chronicling Laura's incarceration. The technical minutiae of prison procedures definitely enhanced the story and was skillfully written into the action without the annoying "let me stop and explain how this works" style of narration that is always a risk in police procedurals. Combined with Wellington's characterization of Caxton as a tough-but-flawed gay heroine--a distinctive and welcome departure from Female Badass characters that seem to proliferate this genre--I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
In short, if you're looking for new vampire fiction featuring scary, evil, bad-guy vampires, then definitely give this series a try. I now have to go back and read the earlier books to catch up.
July 10, 2009
the last novel in this series ended with vampire hunter laura caxton killing off her former mentor/friend detective arkley since he had become a vampire to save her in 99 coffins. now she is in prison for questioning a witness with extreme measures. in prison she is forced to lose some of her humanity as she goes through the daily routines of cell life. in there she meets a new friend, gerty, a fellow inmate who has a huge set of baggage. unfortunately while caxton took down arkley, she wasn't able to get her hands on the ultimate goal, justine malvern, the vampire who started it all! malvern has hatched a plot and it involved the prison caxton is at. what follows is another wild ride as caxton, gerty, and clara attempt to do the impossible, escape the clutches of the evil malvern and take her down. another bloody, entertaining novel by wellington.
November 4, 2018
Prison settings are difficult for all but the best due to the constraints in location to assist in moving the plot along. Sadly 23 Hours succumbs to this trap. Prison limits the interactions of characters as it is designed to. The book suffers from cliche archetypes and failed attempts to create drama/suspense. I enjoyed the rest of the series so far, but this one felt lackluster.
May 23, 2017
IT JUST KEEPS GETTING WEIRDER AND WEIRDER, IT DOES.....
Hello, this is a story about a lesbo cop and a vampire and/or vampires fighting it out in a maximum security prison. Thanks.
Hello, this is a story about a lesbo cop and a vampire and/or vampires fighting it out in a maximum security prison. Thanks.
March 19, 2017
I love this series and am going to be very sad when it ends!
August 6, 2024
Is an electrifying addition to the Laura Caxton series, delivering relentless action and high-stakes drama that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. This fourth installment takes the vampire hunt to a claustrophobic new setting, intensifying the suspense and danger in ways that feel fresh and exhilarating.
The novel centers on Special Agent Laura Caxton's desperate race against time as she navigates the treacherous confines of a maximum-security prison. Wellington's decision to set the story within the prison walls adds a unique twist to the vampire thriller genre, creating a pressure-cooker environment where every moment is fraught with tension.
Caxton's character continues to evolve, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Her vulnerability and relentless drive make her a relatable and inspiring heroine. Wellington delves into her psyche, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of her relentless pursuit of the undead, which adds depth to her character and makes her struggles all the more compelling.
23 Hours is tightly paced, with the titular timeframe serving as a ticking clock that drives the narrative forward. Wellington expertly balances heart-pounding action with moments of quiet suspense, ensuring that the reader is constantly on edge. The confined setting of the prison enhances the sense of urgency and claustrophobia, making every encounter with the vampires feel immediate and dangerous.
The vampires remain terrifyingly monstrous, a far cry from the romanticized versions often seen in popular culture. Their brutality and cunning are on full display, making them formidable adversaries for Caxton. The action sequences are vividly described, with a kinetic energy that makes the reader feel as if they are right in the middle of the chaos.
23 Hours is a masterclass in suspense and horror, with David Wellington once again proving his skill at creating compelling, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. It’s a thrilling ride that fans of the series and the vampire genre will thoroughly enjoy.
The novel centers on Special Agent Laura Caxton's desperate race against time as she navigates the treacherous confines of a maximum-security prison. Wellington's decision to set the story within the prison walls adds a unique twist to the vampire thriller genre, creating a pressure-cooker environment where every moment is fraught with tension.
Caxton's character continues to evolve, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Her vulnerability and relentless drive make her a relatable and inspiring heroine. Wellington delves into her psyche, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of her relentless pursuit of the undead, which adds depth to her character and makes her struggles all the more compelling.
23 Hours is tightly paced, with the titular timeframe serving as a ticking clock that drives the narrative forward. Wellington expertly balances heart-pounding action with moments of quiet suspense, ensuring that the reader is constantly on edge. The confined setting of the prison enhances the sense of urgency and claustrophobia, making every encounter with the vampires feel immediate and dangerous.
The vampires remain terrifyingly monstrous, a far cry from the romanticized versions often seen in popular culture. Their brutality and cunning are on full display, making them formidable adversaries for Caxton. The action sequences are vividly described, with a kinetic energy that makes the reader feel as if they are right in the middle of the chaos.
23 Hours is a masterclass in suspense and horror, with David Wellington once again proving his skill at creating compelling, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. It’s a thrilling ride that fans of the series and the vampire genre will thoroughly enjoy.
November 2, 2018
Summary:
The quote by Mike Mignola on the cover says it best: "(this is a) great, fast-paced, modern, PULP-ACTION' book! Do not try to make it more than that, just sit back and enjoy the ride! Vampire outbreak in a maximum security woman's prison... 'nuff said.
Review:
About half-way through this book - which I confess at first I was just more confused by than anything else - I had my 'eureka moment'. I finally began to see what Wellington was doing and it was a marvelous epiphany! The Laura Caxton series books are each a piece of a much more extravagant pentaptych (look it up kids), with each one teaching us a little more history, a little more scary facts and leading us to what I'm sure is going to be a major kick ass conclusion.
So far we've gone from a 'routine' vampire battle to the scene of America's bloodiest battle and beyond. We've witnessed countless friends and family be slaughtered or changed into something worse than death while all around us the metaphors or similes or whatever the hell they are put us in mind of even greater battles to come! This stuff is just fun as hell!
Still, if you're like me, about half way through this book (pre-eureka if you will), you'll be asking yourself why a vampire battle in a woman's prison, where literally 95+% of the book takes place? Well, if you blink, you're going to miss getting to know how truly devious and manipulative our last vampire - Malvern - truly is! What a perfect setting, especially when you realize you're pulling for some really nasty folks to come out ahead of the old bitch!
Look kids, this is a pulp book. Enjoy it and don't get upset because it IS a quick and far too short of a read. But get ready to rub your hands together in glee as it just sets up not only the conclulsion but brings the first three books together as well. Heck, I even went back and gave '99 Coffins' another star just because I realized what I had overlooked!
And now, for our exciting conclusion...
The quote by Mike Mignola on the cover says it best: "(this is a) great, fast-paced, modern, PULP-ACTION' book! Do not try to make it more than that, just sit back and enjoy the ride! Vampire outbreak in a maximum security woman's prison... 'nuff said.
Review:
About half-way through this book - which I confess at first I was just more confused by than anything else - I had my 'eureka moment'. I finally began to see what Wellington was doing and it was a marvelous epiphany! The Laura Caxton series books are each a piece of a much more extravagant pentaptych (look it up kids), with each one teaching us a little more history, a little more scary facts and leading us to what I'm sure is going to be a major kick ass conclusion.
So far we've gone from a 'routine' vampire battle to the scene of America's bloodiest battle and beyond. We've witnessed countless friends and family be slaughtered or changed into something worse than death while all around us the metaphors or similes or whatever the hell they are put us in mind of even greater battles to come! This stuff is just fun as hell!
Still, if you're like me, about half way through this book (pre-eureka if you will), you'll be asking yourself why a vampire battle in a woman's prison, where literally 95+% of the book takes place? Well, if you blink, you're going to miss getting to know how truly devious and manipulative our last vampire - Malvern - truly is! What a perfect setting, especially when you realize you're pulling for some really nasty folks to come out ahead of the old bitch!
Look kids, this is a pulp book. Enjoy it and don't get upset because it IS a quick and far too short of a read. But get ready to rub your hands together in glee as it just sets up not only the conclulsion but brings the first three books together as well. Heck, I even went back and gave '99 Coffins' another star just because I realized what I had overlooked!
And now, for our exciting conclusion...
September 21, 2025
I finished “23 Hours” by David Wellington.
Laura Caxton is in prison because she tortured an acolyte of a vampire to get information from him. Of course, she isn't safe there because, for starters, she is an ex-cop, and second, she has a mighty enemy who can track her down very easily there.
In this world, the vampires are in no way those beautiful, romantic beings like those in Twilight or in the novels by Anne Rice, but ravenous, vicious, hideous monsters. The novel takes place in the 00s. The existence of vampires is confirmed and known, and it is only allowed to kill vampires if they have committed a crime. The cops don't often get the support they need because the danger from vampires is deemphasized by the population and the government. It is like the issue of climate change. The people acknowledge the fact, but they think that it isn't so urgent right now. That leads to the fact that there are certain cops with a mission who don't get the support and have to fight for it. They look for allies, have to negotiate, and sometimes have to bend the rules. Even worse, the vampires look for allies in the government bodies too. As a result, we have a fight between two beings, or a little team of one or two cops with friends or not against a team of vampires at the end. I read in an interview in a German zine, that Wellington was inspired by the characters in noir and hard-boiled novels. I, for one, say the novel has some elements from these genres with rule-breaking cops and prisoners who surprisingly become allies. Besides, it is often read about prisoners, why they are in prison, and what motives they have. That way, the writer smuggles some social studies into the novel.
The novel is fast-paced, easy to read, and comes up with some twists. The dialogs are also cool. Even after 14 years, I came back into the story very well because I could often find little paragraphs that helped me remember. I daresay you can even read the novel as a standalone.
Laura Caxton is in prison because she tortured an acolyte of a vampire to get information from him. Of course, she isn't safe there because, for starters, she is an ex-cop, and second, she has a mighty enemy who can track her down very easily there.
In this world, the vampires are in no way those beautiful, romantic beings like those in Twilight or in the novels by Anne Rice, but ravenous, vicious, hideous monsters. The novel takes place in the 00s. The existence of vampires is confirmed and known, and it is only allowed to kill vampires if they have committed a crime. The cops don't often get the support they need because the danger from vampires is deemphasized by the population and the government. It is like the issue of climate change. The people acknowledge the fact, but they think that it isn't so urgent right now. That leads to the fact that there are certain cops with a mission who don't get the support and have to fight for it. They look for allies, have to negotiate, and sometimes have to bend the rules. Even worse, the vampires look for allies in the government bodies too. As a result, we have a fight between two beings, or a little team of one or two cops with friends or not against a team of vampires at the end. I read in an interview in a German zine, that Wellington was inspired by the characters in noir and hard-boiled novels. I, for one, say the novel has some elements from these genres with rule-breaking cops and prisoners who surprisingly become allies. Besides, it is often read about prisoners, why they are in prison, and what motives they have. That way, the writer smuggles some social studies into the novel.
The novel is fast-paced, easy to read, and comes up with some twists. The dialogs are also cool. Even after 14 years, I came back into the story very well because I could often find little paragraphs that helped me remember. I daresay you can even read the novel as a standalone.
June 15, 2019
Very entertaining.
This was one of the better books in the series. It was very entertaining. Great drama, excellent plot with a great twist in the ending.
This is definitely not a book for the faint of heart. It has a lot of violence and violent dialog.
The ending sets the continuation of the Laura Caxton/Gustinia Malvern saga.
My only complaint is that there's a lot of typos in the kindle version. But to me that is a minor inconvenience when the story is a good one like this one.
I highly recommend this book but you have to read the first and second books first to get a good grasp of the dynamics, history and struggle between Laura Claxton and Gustinia Malvern.
This was one of the better books in the series. It was very entertaining. Great drama, excellent plot with a great twist in the ending.
This is definitely not a book for the faint of heart. It has a lot of violence and violent dialog.
The ending sets the continuation of the Laura Caxton/Gustinia Malvern saga.
My only complaint is that there's a lot of typos in the kindle version. But to me that is a minor inconvenience when the story is a good one like this one.
I highly recommend this book but you have to read the first and second books first to get a good grasp of the dynamics, history and struggle between Laura Claxton and Gustinia Malvern.
June 12, 2024
David Wellington has done it again! A fantastic pulse pounding, action packed, and well researched novel!!! This time our main character (Laura Caxton) has to fight off the under hordes of Half-deads, and survive long enough to end Malvern's long reign of terror. She has 23 hours to last but can she survive the day with prison gangs, half-dead fiends, and a sociopath warden hunting her? I love this well researched, and ultra violent thriller of a novel, and recommend it to anyone who needs a good edge of your seat read!!!!
December 26, 2021
As much as I love Laura Caxton, she ultimately ends up aggravating the hell out of me. I generally chalk that up to the author being a man writing a female character. Other than that, we're back to Laura being the only voice of reason where Vamps are concerned and no one listening. Once Malvern makes her presence known, all bets are off and the shitshow is epic. Fair warning, there is no happy ending and one big WTF moment at the end.
May 29, 2022
Novela de acción de 352 páginas, publicada en 2009, en la que la protagonista, una ex policía encarcelada, debe enfrentarse a una vampiresa, que junto a sus espectros, han atacado la cárcel para matarla. Se trata de la cuarta entrega de una saga juvenil donde abunda más la acción que el género vampírico.
Ha sido una lectura entretenida, sin profundidad ni giros espectaculares. Tan solo acción y matar vampiros. Para una sola lectura.
Ha sido una lectura entretenida, sin profundidad ni giros espectaculares. Tan solo acción y matar vampiros. Para una sola lectura.
October 10, 2017
Holy mackerel! I thought the other books were intense! Buckle up...you’ll be on the edge of your seat, flipping through pages as fast as you can read. The setting is a prison and everyone is plotting and looking out for themselves. Lots of twists and turns I didn’t really see coming. Great book. Ready for the next and last of the series.
January 21, 2021
This book was my favourite of the series so far. Set in a women's prison, Caxton (sentenced to five years) must fight off not just her fellow prisoners, but Malvern - the old vampire queen. The book takes place over a day. It is is full of action and gore.... and all sorts of prison antics. A goody.
August 5, 2021
Good old fashioned vampire story along with a determined, female vampire killer on the hunt for the last surviving resident vampire. This one takes place inside a female prison, where the vampire killer, who is also an ex-cop, is being held for crossing the line during her last battle with the vampire. Fun read and worth the short time it takes to get through.
July 1, 2025
I feel like I gave this book more stars than it deserved. I slogged through the majority of it with little interest. After four books, I still don't like the main character. All of the characters I do like either get killed off or just fade into the background. One more book to go in the series and all I can say is "thank the Lord!"
December 28, 2018
When I checked out "23 Hours" from the library, I didn't know if was book 4 of a series. I just knew I liked David Wellington's work. Though it did seem to run on in spots, I did enjoy this vampires as viscous monsters book. I will read the series.
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