Oct 31, 2008

WINNERS - Scary Book Contest!!



Here is the list of
WINNERS for the SCARY BOOK CONTEST!!

Winners! Please send your mailing address to me at paltner@verizon.net





rb
- Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 6)
by Charlaine Harris

Raonaid Luckwell - Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 14)
by Laurell K. Hamilton

Tezmiller - Child of the Night: Power of the Blood World (Power of the Blood)
by Nancy Kilpatrick

bbricke - Renfield: Slave of Dracula
by Barbara Hambly

robin titan - Dracula (Norton Critical Editions)
by Bram Stoker

LadyVampire2u - A Whisper of Blood : A Collection of Modern Vampire Stories
edited by Ellen Dallow

Tanya - THE HISTORIAN A Novel by Elizabeth Kostova
by Elizabeth Kostova

Caitlin Hoy - Women of the Night
edited by Martin H. Greenberg


Hachette Book Group Winners
see list of titles here

(Reminder: winners must have a US or Canadian address. No PO Box addresses)


ARkieRN

80slady

Jeanette J

bison61

Wanda Maynard



My thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. It's been a lot of fun!



Oct 30, 2008

Last Day for Scary Book Contest


It's October 30th and the last day to enter the Scary Book Contest. If you haven't done so already let me know what is the scariest book you have ever read.

Post your comment HERE

Prizes: Hachette Book Group Giveaway
five lucky winners will each win a box containing 10 books
THE HERETIC'S DAUGHTER By Kathleen Kent $24.99, 0316024481
Also available as an audiobook

ISOLATION
By Travis Thrasher $13.99, 0446505544

THE 13 BEST HORROR STORIES OF ALL TIME By Leslie Pockell

THE MONSTERS: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein By Dorothy Hoobler , Thomas Hoobler

THE MYRTLES PLANTATION: The True Story of America's Most Haunted House
By Frances Kermeen

GHOSTLY ENCOUNTERS: True Stories of America's Haunted Inns and Hotels
By Frances Kermeen

THE TERROR
By Dan Simmons

DRACULA
By Bram Stoker

WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits By Mary Ann Winkowski

THE HISTORIAN
By Elizabeth Kostova

There is a caveat for the Hatchette Books. Winner must have a US or Canadian address, and no P O Box address.

The drawing for the five book offered by yours truly do not have these restrictions. Those books are:

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton

Child of the Night by Nancy Kilpatrick

Renfield: Slave of Dracula by Barbara Hambly

Dracula
by Bram Stoker

And I have decided to add 3 more books!

A Whisper of Blood : A Collection of Modern Vampire Stories
edited by Martin H. Greenberg

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Women of the Night edited by Ellen Datlow

Oct 28, 2008

Bond of Darkness - Review


Bond of Darkness (Texas Vampires, Book 3)
by Diane Whiteside. Berkley Sensation, 2008.

I must say, right from the beginning, that I found the sex scenes between Steve (Stephanie) Reynolds and Ethan Templeton to be hotter than a scalding steam bath. A reading of certain passages will keep you burning on a cold night.

Steve is a tough gun toting Texas Ranger ready to go after whatever nasties are around. There is, however, another side to her. Steve has dreams of a nice little house with a white picket fence and little kiddies running around the yard. Here's the problem. She is madly in love with Ethan a hot, hunky, sexy guy who is also a vampire. That means no little house, or little kids, and absolutely no picket fence. In a moment of madness she breaks away from Ethan and marries Fred, much to her regret. The marriage didn't last, of course, and as soon as she is once again available Ethan let her know he is ready to take up where they had left off. So is she! Their get-togethers are to die for.

But Bond of Darkness is more than erotic fantasy. It is also a gritty tale of justice seen mainly through the eyes of Steve and Ethan. Steve hunts down dangerous drug dealers and then goes after a serial killer that makes the viciousness of the drug lords look like child's play. Ethan owes allegiance to Don Rafael, a 600 year-old, powerful vampire who rules Texas and Oklahoma. The Don is furious because of the horrific murders that have taken place in his territory. It will be up to Ethan and his men to hunt down the killer.

Steve and Ethan do love one another but Ethan's poor impulse control, even when in Steve's defense, causes a serious breech. Not to worry! This is a romance after all, and a darn good one.

Winners - Gail Z Martin Contest


There are two winners for the Gail Z Martin Contest.

A signed final copy of The Blood King (Chronicles of the Necromancer, Book 2)
goes to darbyscloset

A signed ARC of The Blood King (Chronicles of the Necromancer, Book 2)
goes to crystal

Congratulations!

Please contact Gail at gail@chroniclesofthenecromancer.com and send her your mailing address.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Oct 27, 2008

Gail Martin - Interview


Patricia's Vampire Notes is proud to be a part of author Gail Z. Martin's Halloween Days of the Dead Blog Tour. Gail is the author of the complex and engrossing series The Chronicles of the Necromancer.

Dark Haven, book 3 in the The Chronicles of the Necromancer, will be on shelves in early 2009




The Blood King (Solaris, 2008) is Book Two in the series. It is the sequel to The Summoner, and picks up the action one day after The Summoner ends.


Gail, thanks so much for giving this interview. It's great to have you here!

PVN
What are the characteristics of your vampires? And what is behind the name vayash moru?

GM So far, what we know about my vampires is that they have the potential to exist for hundreds of years unless they are destroyed by fire, beheading, complete obliteration or a stake through the heart (for younger vampires). Vampires who are several hundred years old can withstand some sun exposure although it does burn them. New vampires are easily destroyed by exposure to the sun. Newly brought across fledglings share a close bond to their makers. This bond can include being privy to each others thoughts. A new fledgling is dependent upon its maker. Within the first few lifetimes after being brought across, if the maker is destroyed, so is the new fledgling. After that bond weakens, many fledglings escape the enslavement of their makers, and may do so violently.

In the Winter Kingdoms, tolerance for the vayash moru differs by kingdom. Nargi is highly intolerant and has a history of organized persecution. Trevath does not actively hunt vayash moru, but it is intolerant and an unfriendly place for Those who Walk the Night. Dhasson, Margolan, Isencroft and Eastmark do not persecute vayash moru, but they do not completely welcome vayash moru among mortals. In these kingdoms, vayash moru are sometimes unwelcome at social occasions, infrequently hold positions of authority and do not intermarry with mortals. Dark Haven is a holding in Principality. It is the traditional sanctuary for vayash moru. In Dark Haven, vayash moru openly live among mortals and may intermarry or remain with a spouse after they are brought across. They hold high positions and do not need to hide the Dark Gift.

For hundreds of years, peace between mortals and the vayash moru has been managed by the Truce, an agreement that mortals will not hunt vayash moru in exchange for a promise that vayash moru will be selective in their kills. As a result, criminals are often provided to vayash moru as a form of execution, and vayash moru select mortals for kills who are wrongdoers.

As for the name, I was looking for something that could create its own meaning. “Vampire” comes with a lot of baggage—good books, bad movies, and plenty of clichés. I wanted a name that would let the reader evolve their own impression of the beings without a lot of preconceptions. “Vayash moru” sounded right. (Sorry, it’s not more scientific that that. When I need a word I sit down and play around with sounds until the right thing happens.)


PVN Tell us about the ghosts in your novels. How did they come to be? What role do they play?

GM I’ve loved ghosts and “real” ghost stories since I was a kid. So it only makes sense that when I get to build my own world it would have haunted houses and ghosts.

As for how the ghosts in the Winter Kingdoms came to be, it’s in the usual way—they died. But in the Winter Kingdoms, ghosts—like magic and the vayash moru—are an accepted fact. It’s just that most people can only see ghosts that are strong enough to show themselves. The other spirits, the ones who aren’t strong enough to make themselves be seen at other times, can be seen at Haunts, the fall equinox.

Ghosts in my world are just part of the extended family. You’re only as dead as you think you are, and death is just another phase of life. There’s old age, and “after age.” So ghosts continue to be part of their families—if they were a positive influence in life, they remain so after death. If they were meddlesome and trouble in life—well, things don’t change.

That’s where a Summoner comes in. A Summoner has the ability to intercede between the living, the undead and the dead. He or she can help restless spirits find their rest, help lost spirits make the passage to the Lady, and resolve disputes. If you think about all the people who wish they could ask a recently dead relative where the key is to the safety deposit box or who wish they could say a final good-bye, you can see the importance of a Summoner in the society. A good Summoner stores balance.


PVN The Chronicles have a wide variety of characters, do you have a favorite? why? or why not?

GM I’m partial to a number of my characters, but I think that Tris and Jonmarc are my favorites. I identify most with them—Tris has to come to terms with having a gift that is often misunderstood and that makes him different, and Jonmarc has to deal with some significant loss and disappointment in his life ands decide who he wants to be.

PVN Bava K'aa, sorceress and summoner fascinates me. How would you describe her?

GM I hope to get the chance to write her story someday, the story of how a love triangle almost destroyed the Winter Kingdoms. She was from a common family without noble birth, but her powerful gift made her the equals of kings and her daughter, Serae, married Margolan’s King Bricen. At the time of the Mage Wars, she is a young woman, just in her early twenties, and she is forced to imprison the soul of the man she loves because he has become the Obsidian King. So she’s a woman who is able to make hard choices, and she has a strong will. Tris remembers her as an indulgent grandmother, but she was also able to be crafty and navigate court politics. She’s a remarkable woman, and I hope to be able to tell you all the details someday.

PVN How do you keep track of so many characters?

GM I do make notes to myself from time to time, and particularly on minor and incidental characters, I often have to go back and look up details. As far as the main characters go, it’s like keeping track of your friends. You do it because they’re real to you and they’re very clear in your mind. I spend a lot of time with these guys, so keeping track of them isn’t that hard for me!

PVN What stories or authors have most influenced the intricate fantasy world you have created?

GM Some of the other authors I’ve enjoyed who create intricate and long-running fantasy worlds include Katherine Kurtz, Mercedes Lackey, Piers Anthony, David Drake, Christopher Stasheff, Anne Rice, Joel Rosenberg, and many others. I really enjoy it when I can feel like I could just step into their worlds. And I hope to provide that kind of experience for my readers.

PVN What is your writing environment like?

GM Wow….I guess I should tell you that I write in an ancient haunted castle, but the truth is, I have a converted attic in a house in the suburbs. I do, however, have a lot of dragon paintings surrounding me and some nice feng shui elements. I have my iPod in a speaker that glows with the music, and I enjoy calming new age or Celtic music to write by, although I’m just getting into Midnight Syndicate for some creepy mood music. My screensaver is the cover from The Summoner (available for free download from Solaris Books) and I have copies of the books nearby in case I have to look something up.


PVN Without giving too much away would you tell us what can we expect in book 3 Dark Haven?

GM
In Dark Haven, the effects of Jared the Usurper's reign of terror strike at the stability of the Winter Kingdoms. Undead forces align against Lord Jonmarc Vahanian of Dark Haven in a struggle for power between mortals and the vayash moru. Magic has become a dangerous and unpredictable force. As King Martris Drayke prepares for his wedding, he must also prepare for war against rebels still loyal to Jared. Isencroft is on the brink of civil war over the looming reality of a joint kingdom. Only one thing is certain—the Winter Kingdoms will be changed forever, and innocence is the first casualty.

GM I would like to add that if people pre-order through this page, they also get virtual bonus items from eight of my author friends, since I know my readers read a lot of books each year! Go to www.TheWinterKingdoms.com



PVN Sounds like a great offer, thanks!
You have created such an imaginative world. Thank you for sharing it with everyone through this interview!

Be sure to catch up with Gail on the rest of her blog tour this week.


Oct. 28 Boris Legradic (Bulgaria) http://borislegradic.blogspot.com
Wayne Kelly (Canada) www.onairpublicity.com/blog

Oct. 29 Shelfari.com (US)

Oct. 30 Speculative Horizons (UK) speculativehorizons.blogspot.com
AsIf DreamHosters (AU) www.asif.dreamhosters.com

Oct. 31 Chronicles of the Necromancer Blog.

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Now for the contest information.

Two lucky commenters will win either a signed final copy of The Blood King or a signed advance review copy of The Blood King.

For a chance to win do one (or more) of the following:

*Comment on any subject from the interview. Each comment on a different subject counts as an entry.

*Ask Gail a question. Each question counts as an entry.

*Link to Patricia's Vampire Notes and send me the URL. Each link counts as an entry.

Be sure to include enough email information so that I will be able to contact you.

This contest ends at 11:59 pm, tonight, Oct. 27, 2008.

Winners will be announced later in the week.




Oct 25, 2008

Scary Book Contest EXTRA!! REMINDER

The Scary Book Contest just got scarier. Thanks to a spooktacular Hachette Book Group giveaway offer five lucky winners will each win a box containing 10 books - all of the spooky, scary variety.


Spooktacular Hachette Book Group Giveaway. In each box you will find:


THE HERETIC'S DAUGHTER By Kathleen Kent $24.99, 0316024481
Also available as an audiobook

ISOLATION
By Travis Thrasher $13.99, 0446505544

THE 13 BEST HORROR STORIES OF ALL TIME By Leslie Pockell $21.99, 9780446679503

THE MONSTERS: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein
By Dorothy Hoobler , Thomas Hoobler $14.99, 9780316066402

THE MYRTLES PLANTATION: The True Story of America's Most Haunted House
By Frances Kermeen $7.99, 9780446614153

GHOSTLY ENCOUNTERS: True Stories of America's Haunted Inns and Hotels
By Frances Kermeen $7.99, 9780446611459

THE TERROR
By Dan Simmons $14.99, 9780316017459
Also available as an audiobook

DRACULA
By Bram Stoker $10.99, 0316014818
Also available as an audiobook

WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits By Mary Ann Winkowski $24.99, 9780446581189

THE HISTORIAN
By Elizabeth Kostova $9.99, 9780316067942
Also available as an audiobook


There is this caveat from Hatchett: shipping is restricted to the US and Canada only and no PO Box addresses are accepted.

If you do not have a US or Canadian address or have a PO Box, please contact me at paltner@verizon.net


The drawing for the five book offered by yours truly do not have these restrictions. Those books are
:

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton

Child of the Night by Nancy Kilpatrick

Renfield: Slave of Dracula by Barbara Hambly

Dracula
by Bram Stoker

Now with 10 prizes (5 from Hatchett and 5 from me) there's even more reason to let me know what is the scariest book you have ever read.

Leave your comments here.

Remember this contest will run until 11:59 pm on Oct 30. The 10 Winners will be announced on Halloween!

Best of luck to everyone!!

Oct 24, 2008

Internet Sites of Paranormal Interest October 24, 2008


Now through October 31 you can get a free copy of The Reincarnationist by M. J. Rose. The author says:

"I want you to discover the worlds I'm exploring in the Reincarnation series so much, I'm offering you the first in the series - THE REINCARNATIONIST - free.

"No strings, just the free book — all you have to do is click on either of the links above and download the entire novel and start reading THE REINCARNATIONIST (which has just been released in paperback) now! Readers and reviewers say it's 'un-put-downable.'

"The series continues with The Memorist (which is out now) - and early reviews and reader reactions is the same - it seems I've tapped into a universal interest with these books that explore who we were and who we are while at the same time giving you a page turning read. I hope you'll agree. "

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As part of St John's Storytelling Festival Storyteller host Dale Jarvis' is telling a rather exciting cat and mouse story. I'm not much of a Tweeter but I do follow Dale on Twitter. That's where you'll find the serialized tale.






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New book coming up Oct 28 is All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 5)
by Kerrelyn Sparks. And it has its own video.




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I found a short interview with author Scott Bowen author of The Vampire Survival Guide: How to Fight and Win Against the Undead (Skyhorse, 2008). See my Vampire Notes for details about the book.

BTW alert reader Vickie tells me that there is such a thing as The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks.

No more need for sleepless nights, folks!



Scott Bowen

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There is an interesting interview at Literary Escapism with reader/writer/blogger Tez Miller. She answers the question on how to hone your TBR list. At least how she does it. Living in Australia seems to have built in limitations. A contest asks the questions "what efforts have you made to shorten your wishlist? Do you find it easy or difficult to cross stuff off? How do you go about deciding which books you’ll purchase, and which ones you’ll get from the library?". You have until Oct. 28 to enter.

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Holidays bring out the artist in many of us, but for Melissa Valeriote, a true professional in the field, seasons like Halloween can be loads of fun. Be sure to visit her blog The Holiday Queen
to see some delightful creations.

This item is called Pumpkin Ghost. I love it. The photo on the blog site is larger and shows the details better.

And it's edible!


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It's not cheap being an author. Mark on The League of Reluctant Adults rants a bit on the cost to an author in publicizing his/her book. No wonder few writers can afford to depend on writing as their full time job.

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Bleeding Vampire Cupcakes for Your Halloween Party




Oct 22, 2008

Gail Martin - Upcoming Event


On Monday October 27 Patricia's Vampire Notes will be interviewing author Gail Martin as part of her Days of the Dead Halloween Blog Tour. It's a real pleasure to have Gail join us. She has graciously offered 2 prizes. Stop by on the 27th to see what they are and how to enter the contest.

Gail is the author of the multi-faceted medieval fantasy series The Chronicles of the Necromancer. Dark Haven book 3 in the series will be on shelves in early 2009.

Oct 21, 2008

Review of Heather Graham's Deadly Night


Deadly Night by Heather Graham. Mira 2008.

This is the first novel of the prolific Heather Graham that I have read and it is book one in a trilogy about the Flynn Brothers. They have inherited an old plantation house in New Orleans from an aunt they did not even know existed. The oldest, Aiden, is a former FBI agent who left the agency after the death of his wife. His introduction to the Big Easy is an unnerving one. While walking along the muddy banks of the Mississippi he finds a human thigh bone with pieces of flesh clinging to it. He imagines the coroner will be interested in such a find, but not so. Aiden is remind in no uncertain terms that not long before, right after Katrina, bones and bodies could be found everywhere. His find means nothing. Or does it?

Until the death of Amelia Flynn, Kendall Montgomery had cared for the elderly lady who had spent her entire life at the plantation. This is where she wanted to die. Kendall was with her to the very end. The old house had it's legendary ghosts although Kendall thought such things nonsense. This despite the fact that she runs a small tea shop in town where she and her 2 employees Vinnie and Mason offer tarot card readings, claiming to clients that they can connect to the spirit world. It's all pretend on their part.

When the Flynn brothers arrive at the plantation house Kendall is making sure she has removed all of her possessions. As she was leaving through the doorway they meet. She finds Aiden to be rude, but the other two brothers, Jeremy and Zachery are quite pleasant company.

The brothers have formed their own private investigation agency. One case in particular dominates Aiden's thoughts, the disappearance of a young teen. He fears she is dead and perhaps the victim of a serial killer.

Kendall's skepticism about the paranormal starts to change. While giving a tarot card reading the skeleton on the Death card comes to life, or so it looks to her. She has dreams of Amilia who warns her of an evil that stalks New Orleans and Kendall is a particular target.

A series of frightening events bring Aiden and Kendall together; at first reluctantly and later much more agreeably. This suspenseful paranormal mystery has plenty of chilling moments and a nice touch of romance.





Book 2 Deadly Harvest will be available in November




Book 3 Deadly Gift will be available in December

Oct 19, 2008

Vampire Book Notes

Here are books, of the vampire variety, that I've come across recently.



Do you spend too much time and energy worrying about vampire attacks? Fear no more! The Vampire Survival Guide: How to Fight and Win Against the Undead by Scott Bowen (Skyhorse, 2008) will tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more.
For example you will learn:
How to tell if someone you know is turning into a vampire
How to fortify your home in times of vampire uprising
The best tactics and techniques for fighting off multiple vampires
And what to do in the most terrifying situation of all - when YOU have been bitten by a vampire.
I for one feel much safer having this handy book available!





The Vampire Brat (Exhibit A Press (November 15, 2001).
From the publisher: "In this graphic novel collection of Supernatural Law issues, Lash pokes fun at pop culture icons from Buffy to Ally McBeal, from horror movies to the Hulk. Attorneys Alanna Wolff & Jeff Byrd represent such clients as a teenage vampire who believes he's being harassed by Myrtle the Vampire Hater, the wife of Vincent Price-style mad scientist, and a time travel who crashes their office party."
I honestly don't know much about graphic novels, but this one caught my eye while browsing the shelves of my public library. The idea of lawyers representing creatures of the night was very appealing.






Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson ( Berkley, 2008).
From the publisher: "With her trademark 'sassy dialogue, lusty lovemaking [and] irreverent humor' New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson delighted fans with her wickedly sexy and wildly funny anthology, Dead and Loving It-stories in which the worlds of the Wyndham Werewolves and Undead Queens collided. Now she returns to that sensual and irresistible after-dark realm of werewolves, vampires, and mermaids in three more original novellas--including an all-new Betsy Taylor novella."
So far I've read the novella Undead and Wed. Betsy and Sinclair (queen and king of vampires) have finally tied the knot and are in New York City for their honeymoon and, naturally, things go wrong from the beginning. Very funny. Exactly what you would expect from Davidson.





Dark Harvest by Lynda Hilburn (Medallion Press, 2008). The sequel to The Vampire Shrink (Medallion Press, 2007).
From the publisher: "Denver psychologist Kismet Knight counsels vampires. Her life changed forever when she discovered a dark preternatural underworld and became involved with gorgeous, eight-centuries-old Devereux, the powerful leader of a vampire coven. Still adjusting to her new role as an expert on all things paranormal—as well as her unexpected notoriety and new clientele—she schedules what she believes is simply another radio interview. She couldn’t be more mistaken. Not only does the radio host behave very strangely, but an ominous, on-air call turns Kismet’s world upside-down—again. Meanwhile, Luna, Devereux’s hostile, femme fatale personal assistant recognizes a perfect opportunity to throw a wrench into her boss’s blossoming relationship with the human psychologist and, to complicate matters further, Kismet’s old boyfriend, self-absorbed psychologist Tom Radcliffe, shows up with his own outlandish request."
I haven't read this book yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed The Vampire Shrink. Click here for my review.



A reprint of Vampire$ by John Steakley (Roc, 1990) has been issued only this times it is titled Vampires (Roc, 2008) without the dollar sign. Which is a real shame. I thought the original was very clever.
From Vampire Readings: "Jack Crow leads a team, backed by the Vatican, which hunts down and kill vampires in the modern-day world. It is a terrifying and often deadly job, but this group of adventurers never backs away from its assignment to stamp out the evil undead." What I failed to mention in this annotation was the X-rated language the guys use to communicate with each other. This is a hard-hitting no-holds-barred kind of book. Be prepared for a wild ride.





In The Blood by Adrian Phoenix. Pocket, January, 2009. A thrilling sequel to A Rush of Wings (see my review for Rush here).
From the publisher: "While still struggling with nightmares and seizures, vampire rock star Dante Baptiste continues to search for the truth about his past. And when he and his band Inferno come to Seattle on tour, FBI Special Agent Heather Wallace can't help but be drawn back to the beautiful, dangerous nightkind, even though she now know the extent of the Bureau corruption that surrounds them. But what neither realize is that new enemies lurk in the shadows... Shadowy government forces are eliminating loose ends from Project Bad Seed - and Heather and Dante are first on the list. Elsewhere, the Fallen gather, intent on finding their long-awaited savior. And a damaged and desperate adversary, with powers as strange and perilous as Dante's own, plots to use Dante as a pawn for violent revenge. But only one of these lethal forces holds the key that could finally unlock the secret of Dante's birth and the truth of his existence...or destroy him completely."

Oct 14, 2008

Internet Sites of Paranormal Interest Oct. 14, 2008


At Bitten by Books look for information on TheBloggy Carnival
and keep checking back as more prizes are added.


Here is just one of the offered prizes - Compaq iPAQ 3955 Color Pocket PC
offered by author Ciana Stone

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Eat Your Heart Out Book Collectors

Take a look at the SciFiGuy's personal Library

Go here for more photos and info.

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Chris Howard author of Seaborn has been interviewed on Abmerkatze's Book Blog.. There is a contest, which runs until Oct. 19, at 4 PM. Prizes include a copy of Seaborn of a watercolor by Howard.

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HAUNTED NEW ORLEANS
News, events & tales from the dark side the Crescent City
Countdown to Halloween: 26 Must-Watch Vampire Movies

"It's vampire season in New Orleans, and the Coven is breaking out the satin and velvet, sharpening its fangs, and preparing for the annual party with Lestat and Louis.

To get in the mood, we've scrounged through our video shelves and compiled a list of 26 Must-Watch Vampire Films for a movie marathon counting down to the Witching Hour"...

No. 23 Love at First Bite is my favorite.


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Parahub Radio
Join Ruffhouse along with PaulaJedi with the latest paranormal news, co-hosts Pete Haviland and Anthony Simonetti plu
s our resident psychic Catz each week fohot classic rock and fascinating paranormal talk!

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The Great Tor.com Halloween Throwdown of 2008
"Halloween is the most SFnal of holidays, of course, and one that particularly encourages craftiness and creativity. So, in honor of All Hallows’ Eve, this is the place for the Tor.community to show off their pumpkins, the kid they costumed, the house they decorated (or egged), their pimped-out office, cards they made, cookies they baked, parade photos... anything Halloween-related, really. No gesture is to grand or to stupid. So fire away! Embed your images, post links, recount anecdotes, anything and everything Halloween-related goes!"

Tor.com - that fantastic publisher of fantasy and SF is inviting its readers to go crazy. Here is where to join the fun.

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Oct 11, 2008

Scary Book Contest Reminder


The Scary Book Contest runs until Oct. 30 at 11:59. Go here to comment and name the scariest book (or 2) you have ever read.
You will be entered in a book giveaway drawing.

BEARCULA

Underdead by Liz Jasper - Review


Underdead (Cerridwen Press, 2007) is a clever funny novel featuring Jo Gartner a science teacher of 8th graders who is bitten one night by a handsome blue-eyed vampire. Unfortunately he doesn't finish the job of bringing her over because Jo manages to fights him off. Then she suffers the consequences, big time. She develops a terrible allergy to the sun. No ray of the stuff must touch her fair skin or she breaks out in a awful rash. Jo acquires a penchant for raw meat and her beloved shrimp scampi would never pass her lips again! Naturally she has no idea that she was attacked by one of the undead. She thinks this guy, Will, was some stupid jerk trying to pick her up at a bar.

Enter Gavin a police detective who knows about the underworld of vampires, and has a heck of a time convincing Jo that they really do exist. Jo's a stubborn young woman (age 22), but after enough encounters with the undead even she cannot deny their existence. Because her transformation was interrupted she never actually became a vampire. She is instead underdead. The ramifications of this are one of the many difficulties in her life.

To complicate things even further the Machiavellian faculty intrigue at the private school where she teaches is enough to make anyone's head spin. Roger, the science department chief, has a special knack for stirring up problems. As for Jo's personal life let us not forget Will, the hunky vampire who still hasn't given up on enticing her to come over to his side.

No erotica or explicit sex to be found in this delightful paranormal mystery. There is however a hint of romance.

Read and excerpt here





The sequel Underdead In Denial is now available in e-format from Cerridwen Press. Read an excerpt here

More Blog Loving

Sidhe Vicious Reviews has nominated this site for the "I Love Your Blog Award" Many thanks, Judi.

Since this is my second time I am going to name seven more blogs. There are so many great ones.

Judi, Amber, and Marta Acosta are in the Hall of Fame
Now for the new Love List of 7 (still too limited)

Magia Posthuma


Booklorn

Suburban Vampire

The Anything Blog

Urban Fantasyland

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Lovin' Book Reviews

Words to Mouth


Rules for I Love Your Blog

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!