Mortal Touch - Vampire Book Review

Mortal Touch
by Inanna Arthen
By Light Unseen Media, 2007

It begins with a mystery. In recent months several people have been attacked in a similar manner. They are left with a large, swollen bruise on the neck and no memory of assault or the perpetrator. Hiram Clauson, psychologist acquaintance of Regan Calloway has been investigating these reports and believes that she can perhaps be of help.

What follows demonstrates how lives become intertwined in the most unexpected and sometimes tragic ways.

Regan is a psychic. Her gift allows her to hold an object or touch a person and see images associated with them. As she cautions, however, at times her psychic abilities don't work. She also reminds Hiram that after her last case she is reluctant to involve herself in anything that could bring media attention. Hiram persists and Regan reluctantly agrees to meet a recent victim on the chance the she might discover something other investigators have missed. And that is exactly what happens. In a strange twist Regan sees events through the attackers eyes which leaves her reeling, so much so that she cannot even speak about what she has witnessed.

To support herself Regan runs a junk/antique store. She knows many of the people in the small town of Sheridan, Massachusetts. Her closest friend is Veronica, an attractive, but unsettled young woman who desperately wants to connect with a man. Her current target is Jonathan, a writer, who recently moved to Sheridan. Veronica asks Regan to meet Jonathan, shake his hand, and get an impression of what he is really like - something Regan is loath to do. She begs off for the moment.

Jonathan is a bit of a mystery to people. He is affable and likable although he reveals little about himself. Like many writers he spends much time alone. At least that's the impression he wants people to have. In actuality he has a hidden life, and it's not giving anything away to say that he is the vampire behind the recent attacks - keep in mind none of the victims died or were severely injured.

Sean, a troubled teen from a dysfunctional family, finds a haven with Regan and Jonathan, and a new purpose for himself.

To tell anymore would give away the fascinating way the complex relationship of these individuals plays out.

Arthen gives each character a unique and compelling story. They become people you like and root for especially when circumstances contrive against them. This is an excellent, thoughtful, well written novel!