Jeanne Stein - Interview and Contest

Jeanne C. Stein author of the fabulous Anna Strong series, is no stranger to PVN. It is always a pleasure to have her visit. Recently Chosen, Book 6 in the series was published and as usual readers are in for a real treat when reading the amazing adventures of one of my favorite vampire heroines. This time Anna's life takes a huge turn. In the following interview Jeanne answers some questions about the most recent book. She is also offering special prizes to PVN readers.

[see contest details at the end of the post]

Thank you, Jeanne. It's so good to have you back on PVN!

In Chosen (Anna Strong Chronicles, Book 6) Anna complete one year as a vampire. What has been her most difficult adjustment over this time?

Besides giving up Italian food? The most difficult adjustment has been to hide what she’s become from her family and friends. No dinners with her family (can’t eat real food), no workouts with her partner, David (gyms have mirrors everywhere), hiding her supernatural speed and strength when she’s on a job. She’s afraid to establish a relationship with a mortal for obvious reasons and her track record with supernatural’s has been less than stellar. It hasn’t been easy.

Where is Anna' first lover FBI agent Max? Will he ever be a part of her life again?

Actually, he reappears in the seventh book, Crossroads. Whether or not he’ll ever be a permanent part of her life is still under deliberation—Anna’s and mine.

Do you need to do a lot of research for the Anna Strong books? Such as in the area of magic, paranormal, bounty hunting...

I have always been interested the paranormal and magic, so I’ve been reading about witchcraft and vampires forever. I also wanted to do a straight mystery series about bounty hunters once upon a time, so I did research it. I even met and had a couple of discussion with a real bounty hunter. He’s the man I patterned David after. I would have liked to retain contact with this man but he literally disappeared off the face of the earth. One day his telephone was working and the next, it was disconnected with no forwarding number. He even vacated his office. I know there’s a story there and if I ever have the time, I’d like to do some private detective work and track him down!


In your last interview with PVN you described Anna' s friend Culebra. Would you please do the same for researcher and shapeshifter Daniel Frey?

Daniel Frey has been the closest thing to a best friend Anna has. And their relationship develops in the next book. In Chosen, you find out he has a son by a Navajo woman. The plot of Crossroads has that son being threatened by one of the Tribe of Thirteen. Anna and Frey travel to Monument Valley to protect him and are drawn into a plot that has both mortal and supernatural repercussions. Anna learns more about Frey’s background and heritage, especially his role as a Keeper. Her respect for him turns into love and a cryptic message from a Shaman has her believing they have a future together. Of course, in Anna’s world, nothing is ever that easy, is it?


What is next for Anna?

After Crossroads? I haven’t fully plotted the next book yet. Since the first story arc was completed (more or less) with Chosen, Anna will face the continuing trials of being the Chosen One and her personal life will become more complicated. Max is back, Frey has a son that she’s fallen in love with, there will be a crisis with her family. How that will all come together has yet to be revealed to me! 

Will Anna ever get an iPhone or Droid?

Who knows? She probably should. I think I’ll have David get an iPhone first and drive her crazy with it. It’s been my experience that most new iPhone users can’t put them down!!!

If a movie or TV program emerged from your series who would you like to see play Anna?

I think Kate Beckinsale. Physically, she fits my image (unlike most of the models used for my covers but don’t get me started about that!)

You've done a lot of traveling recently for signings and con appearances. How do you work in writing time or is it possible?

It’s very difficult. I always bring my laptop intending to write, but after a day of being “on” and an evening of socializing, I’m pretty well beat. It’s one of the toughest parts of the job.


Have any interesting con stories you would like to share?

ComicCon two years ago. My daughter is a huge Battlestar Galactica fan and I had chance to get her a picture autographed by James Callas and Edward James Olmos. Being a dork, I rushed up to James Callas and said, “My daughter is a huge Stargate fan.” Without missing a beat, James said, “That’s lovely, dear. How does she feel about Battlestar Galactica?”  I fell in love with him that very minute!!!


Is there anything you would like to add?

Just a thank you to the readers who have been so supportive. Keep in touch with me through my blog or website or Facebook. And if we’re at a conference together, come up and say hello. The only thing I like better than hearing from readers is meeting them.

And thank you, Pat, for inviting me back!


Read the interview of Oct. 6 2009 

Read the interview of August 26, 2008

CONTEST

Two lucky readers will win a choice of an Anna Strong book, set of magnets, pens, a surprise or two.

Contest is international!


To be eligible do ONE of the following:

* Leave a comment
* Ask Jeanne a question

If your email is not associated with your ID, please put the address in your response.

Contest ends Oct 30, 2010

Retribution - Vampire Book Review

Retribution (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 5)
by Jeanne C. Stein
Ace (August 25, 2009)

In Ann Strong's most recent adventure she must use all of her intelligence and vampire strength to save her friend, the mysterious shapeshifter Culebra. Once before he and Anna had encountered the black witch Belinda Burke. Only her death would stop her path of merciless destruction. Without telling Anna, Culebra decides to track down Belinda and confront her on his own.

He never had a chance of course, but she doesn't kill him. For Belinda it's more fun to play with him and with those around him, like Anna and David Frey, a werewolf whose deep knowledge of magic could be the witch's undoing.

Anna is also forced to deal with her former mentor Williams, a powerful, older vampire who over a short period of time has become her adversary. The hatred between the two is palpable. Still he needs her help in investigating the deaths of several young, newly turned vampires. All are found with the blood drained from their bodies.

Anna Strong is aptly named. She has not only  super strength of body but also of her mind. She is continually alert to the vampire within and works to keep it in check and her humanity front and center. Thus her love of family and friends (supernatural or otherwise) is paramount. Anna's courage is unquestioned but that coupled with a strong independent streak sometimes causes her to take chances which almost end in disaster.

As in the previous four novels smartly drawn characters, a well plotted tale and page turning adventure keep the reader wanting more.  Fortunately Jeannie Stein promises that Anna's story will continue in future books. I truly love this series. If I could choose a fictional character as a friend it would be Anna!

Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles:

The Becoming (The Anna Strong Chronicles, Book 1)
 
Blood Drive (The Anna Strong Chronicles, Book 2)
 
The Watcher (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 3)

Legacy (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 4)





 

Jeanne C Stein - Interview and Contest

[The contest portion is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated!]

A very warm PVN welcome to Jeanne Stein who has taken time from her busy writing schedule to answer questions about her Anna Strong Chronicles and the writing life. Jeanne is also happy to answer questions from readers and respond to their comments.

Retribution (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 5) was published by Ace, on August 25, 2009.

Read the interview and then the contest information.

PVN: The mysterious Culebra - what is his story? And please tell us about Beso de la Muerte.

Jeanne: Culebra is a favorite of many of my readers. I’ve been asked to write an Anna Strong novella and decided to use Culebra’s story as the theme so you’ll have to wait for the details of his life. I will tell you he has an interesting past. Beso de la Muerte is a fictional town, the place in which Culebra sought refuge when escaping that past. It had to be a place with magical qualities—one supernaturals and mortals alike could be comfortable in.

PVN: Describe the hunky Lance. I love that fact that he is an underwear model.

Jeanne: That came out of nowhere, really. Well, not exactly. I was looking at an Abercrombie and Fitch catalog and suddenly, I was inspired. Anna needed someone she could let her hair down with, someone she could enjoy sexually as a woman and a vampire. She tried a human lover (Max). That didn’t work out so well. Lance fulfills her needs. At least for the time being!

PVN: Retribution is book five in the Anna Strong series. While writing it did you ever find yourself going off in a surprising direction?

Jeanne: Sometimes, although the next book in the series, Chosen, really took me in surprising directions. In fact, in that book, whenever I came to a fork in the plot, the original thoughts I had proved to be wrong. The story went in opposite directions to what I’d planned. It made it much more fun to write and I think it will be more fun for the reader because I expect they’ll be surprised by the twists, too.

PVN: Anna clings to her humanity and her love of her family only grows stronger unlike most other vampire in the series. Why have you made this such an important part of her character?

Jeanne: I wanted to give Anna vulnerability. A creature as strong as a vampire has few natural enemies. Immortality could make one
reckless. Having a family and attachments to the human community keeps her grounded and aware. Makes it less likely she’ll become a predator.

PVN: You have stated before that one of your favorite early Urban Fantasy novels is Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin. (It's certainly on my list of greats.) What is it about this story that appeals.

Jeanne: The realism of Rosemary’s Baby is what makes it so scary good.
It’s easy to believe in witches when you see Rosemary decorating a nursery and sewing curtains. It’s what I strive for in my books. Take readers on a trip in a real city (San Diego) with stops at real places (La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla), give Anna a real cottage (on Isthmus Court in Mission Beach.) Ground the reader in what’s real so they accept what isn’t.

PVN: As a writer are you a panster or are you someone who must have an outline?

Jeanne: A little of both. I don’t write a complete outline, but I usually have a synopsis—maybe a page or two—outlining the main plot points. Also, a paragraph or two about each secondary character and the role they play in the story.

PVN: What sort of daily writing goal do you set for yourself?

Jeanne: My daily goal is ten pages. If I write more than that, it’s great. But I don’t let myself stop until I’ve completed those ten pages!!

PVN: What do you like and not like about author tours?

Jeanne: What I like is easy—Meeting readers. Meeting other authors. Room service. What I don’t like is the time it takes away from writing. I bring my laptop but it’s hard to write on the road. In the morning, I’m usually preparing for the event. By the time I get back to my room at night, I’m tired. I don’t get much done away from home.

PVN: What other writing projects do you have in mind?

Jeanne: Next up is the seventh Anna Strong novel, as well as the novella I mentioned earlier. I’m also working on a novel with a co-author set during World War I—the theme involves Angel/Demon involvement with a war that truly changed the world.

PVN: Which conferences or conventions have you attended in the past year? How have you participated? Do you believe this is a necessary part of a writer's life?

Jeanne: Let’s see—I participated as a panelist in ComicCon, DragonCon, Amradillocon, Colorado Gold, RomanticTimes and coming up in October, MileHiCon. It is a necessary part of a writer’s life but you have to learn to choose which conferences give you the most bang for your buck. Since I pay my own way, it’s an important consideration. I look for cons that put me in touch with readers, reviewers, bookstore owners and managers. And cons that promise fun—like DragonCon. I think it’s my favorite.

PVN: Tell us about your love for San Diego, Anna's home town.

Jeanne: I lived most of my adult life in San Diego so it’s a city I know and love. It’s a city of contrasts. Being so close to the border makes the city a target for drug and human trafficking. It has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. It is home to the wealthy and the indigent—often sharing the same community. It is a place where anyone can be comfortable and individuality is welcomed. It’s also a place where developers have been allowed to run roughshod. Open space is disappearing and high rises literally block out the sun from two or three story buildings that once had panoramic views. The airport’s short runway is little more than a long driveway. It’s a big city that’s run like a small town. To everyone’s detriment.


PVN: Where can readers find you?

Jeanne: On my website: www.jeannestein.com

The blog I share with Mario Acevedo The Biting Edge

And now on Facebook. (I’m still learning about Facebook but it’s fun so befriend me)

You can find a new story, The Ghost of Leadville, in an anthology just released, The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2

And of course, in the new book Retribution just out.

PVN: Thanks, Jeanne for taking the time to do this interview!

Jeanne: Thanks for having me—again—it’s always a pleasure.

Now for the contest :

Jeanne: "I would like to offer 2 winners their choice of series books, magnets, pens and a surprise or two."

To be eligible do one or more of the following:

* Leave a comment
* Ask Jeanne a question
* Link this interview to your own site or a social network site, and be sure to let me know the URL

If your email is not associated with your ID, please put the address in your response.Contest ends Oct 8, 2009 at 11:59 PM

Interview and Contest with Author Jeanne C. Stein - Upcoming Event

On Tuesday October 6 Jeanne Stein author of the fabulous vampire series, the Anna Strong Chronicles, will be here at PVN for an interview and contest. Jeanne has visited before, and it's always a pleasure to welcome her back.

This time she is celebrating the publication of the 5th Anna Strong Book, Retribution (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 5). I've read it (review coming soon) and thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first four.

Mark your calendars! 

Read an excerpt from  Retribution

Read Jeanne's August 2008 interview

And here is her guest post on Urban Fantasy

Undead Update Sept. 10, 2009

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (Sourcebook, August, 2009) continues to gain attention. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but this one is definitely on the TBR shelf.

THE HISTORY BEHIND MR. DARCY, VAMPYRE

In the summer of 1816, Lord Byron and his personal physician, Dr. John William Polidori, were traveling in Switzerland and soon discovered Percy Bysshe Shelley and his lover, Mary Godwin (soon-to-be Mrs. Shelley) were staying nearby. The group became fast friends, each sharing a passion for the written word. One night, Lord Byron proposed they each author their own scary short stories to see who could conceive the most terrifying tale. Byron wrote “Fragment of a Novel,” and quickly abandoned his attempt. Shelley wrote “Fragment of a Ghost Story”—which wasn’t published until much later. Mary Godwin wrote what would eventually evolve into her masterpiece, Frankenstein. Dr. Polidori wrote The Vampyre, one of the first vampiric tales in English literature. For years it was attributed to Lord Byron, but soon enough, as the character of Count Dracula gained popularity and momentum, Dr. Polidori was given his due credit.

In Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, Darcy’s mysterious uncle, Count Polidori, serves as homage to the story’s place in history. And at the time that Darcy and Elizabeth take their wedding tour through Europe, Dr. Polidori and Mary Shelley would have been in Switzerland creating the beginnings of their terrifying tales!

“For two such enduring stories to come out of one evening is truly remarkable,” says Amanda Grange, on her blog, MrDarcyVampyre.blogspot.com.

Hope you had a chance to watch the premier of Vampire Diaries last night on CW. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Here is an article from the Boston.com about the series which as most of you know is based on the books of L. J. Smith.

I have posted a list of September Vampire Book releases on VampChix

Here are a few selected titles:

Hot for the Holidays
by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast
Allyson James
Jove (September 29, 2009)

Featuring four all-new novellas of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits, this collection includes a new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh and a return to the world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight.





Vampire a Go-Go: A Novel
by Victor Gischle
Touchstone (September 1, 2009)

Victor Gischler is a master of the class-act literary spoof, and his work has drawn comparison to that of Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Thomas Pynchon. Now, Gischler turns his attention to werewolves, alchemists, ghosts, witches, and gun-toting Jesuit priests in Vampire a Go-Go, a hilarious romp of spooky, Gothic entertainment. Narrated by a ghost whose spirit is chained to a mysterious castle in Prague, Gischler's latest is full of twists and surprises that will have readers screaming -- and laughing -- for more.

Retribution (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 5)
by Jeanne C. Stein
Ace, September, 2009

With her partner out of town, her family abroad, and her mentor estranged, newly-turned vampire Anna Strong is keeping a low profile.

But now young vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of their life force. And though Anna wants to say no when Williams, her former teacher and now leader of a supernatural enforcement squad, asks for her help, she can't. But soon, she'll wish she did.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. For the complete list visit VampChix




If you are a Twilight fan and plan to be in the UK at the end of September you might want to check out:

In the Shadow of the Moon

Twilight Proms

The guests for the event are: Kellan Lutz "Emmett Cullen", Chaske Spencer "Sam Uley" and Jose Zuniga "Mr. Molina". 

For more information got to Twilight Proms

I am currently reading:

By Blood We Live
by John Joseph Adams (Editor),
Stephen King , Kelley Armstrong, L. A. Banks, Neil Gaiman, Sergei Lukyanenko, Harry Turtledove, Anne Rice, Joe Hill, Tanith Lee
Night Shade Books (August 15, 2009)

"Vampires. They are the most elegant of monsters--ancient, seductive, doomed, deadly. They lurk in the shadows, at your window, in your dreams. They are beautiful as anything you ve ever seen, but their flesh is cold as the grave, and their lips taste of blood. From Dracula to Twilight, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to True Blood, many have fallen under their spell. Now acclaimed editor John Joseph Adams brings you 33 of the most haunting vampire stories of the past three decades, from some of today s most renowned authors of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

"Charming gentlemen with the manners of a prior age. Savage killing machines who surge screaming from hidden vaults. Cute little girls frozen forever in slender bodies. Long-buried loved ones who scratch at the door, begging to be let in. Nowhere is safe, not mist-shrouded Transylvania or the Italian Riviera or even a sleepy town in Maine. This is a hidden world, an eternal world, where nothing is forbidden...as long as you re willing to pay the price."

Most of the stories are reprinted from other sources. I am familiar with a few, but most are brand new to me. I just finished Sunrise on Running Water  by Barbara Hambly (one of my favorite writers) which is an amusing tale on a series subject, the sinking of the Titanic. The humor comes from a vampire, with a sarcastic turn of mind, who finds himself aboard the unsinkable ship.

Contest Results for Legacy

Rachel has won a copy of Legacy by Jeanne Stein.

Congratulations!

The subject of Urban Fantasy stirred up quiet a bit of discussion. My thanks to Jeanne and everyone who participated!

Jeanne Stein Writes on Urban Fantasy

Today I'm happy to welcome back Jeanne Stein, author of the popular Anna Strong series. Jeanne was interviewed at PVN on August 26. Today she is here to discuss the subject of Urban Fantasy. Most of us are familiar with the term, but how do you actually define it? Jeanne will answer this question for us.

She has also graciously offered a copy of her most recent book, Legacy (Book 4 in the Anna Strong series) along with a set of magnets to one lucky reader. [note: the contest portion has ended]

Urban Fantasy-- what is all the fuss about?

Thanks to Pat for the chance to share my thoughts. I recently finished teaching an online course about this very subject. About the same time, I attended DragonCon in Atlanta where it was a subject on every paranormal romance/fantasy panel. So just what is Urban Fantasy? Let’s see if we can figure it out The obvious place to start is what it isn't.


Until about two years ago, all paranormal works (and I’m using this term to refer to the type of book in which science or technology do not play a major role in the story) were categorized as fantasy, horror, or paranormal romance. Each was specific in its content and readers knew what to expect when they picked up a book from Carol Berg or Robin Owens (fantasy), Anne Rice or Stephen King (horror), J. D. Robb or Christine Feehan (paranormal romance.)

Paranormal romance, in particular, was (and is) a hugely successful genre. However, there are rules to be followed in any romance category. The most important is that by the end of the book (or story arc if it’s a series) the hero and heroine MUST end up together. Happily-ever-after is not only expected, it’s demanded. The romance is the driving force of the book whether the characters are human, otherworldly, or a mixture of the two.

Into this mix came a new type of book. Edgy, contemporary, set in an urban (or suburban or rural) setting, generally written in first person with a kick-ass hero or heroine who does not depend on a partner for protection or to save him or her when the going gets tough. The biggest distinguishing factor, however, is that at the end of the book, there will most likely be NO happily-ever-after for our protagonist. He or she may have a lover, may even end up in a committed relationship, But in urban fantasy, that relationship will be constantly challenged and will not define who our hero or heroine is or how they live their life. The romance, if it’s there at all, will play a minor role in the story.

The tag “Urban Fantasy” was coined specifically to differentiate these stories from paranormal romance. There’s nothing worse than buying a book with certain expectations and being disappointed when those expectations are not met. The interesting thing, however, is that readers of paranormal romance are making the shift to UF in record numbers. Not in place of paranormal romance but in addition to it. It’s a win/win situation.

UF appeals to a wide audience. More than any other genre, mystery, romance and fantasy combine to attract readers in a unique way. UF crosses genre boundaries. I’ve had many people tell me, for instance, that they usually don’t read “vampire books.” They like mine because there’s always a mystery to be solved as well as a world that they recognize—today’s world—with the twist that there are otherworldly creatures walking amongst us. Creatures who have integrated into society, hold down real jobs, might even be a neighbor, your child’s teacher or San Diego’s Chief of Police. The paranormal is the glue that binds the mix.

That’s my description of Urban Fantasy. Another can be found on the Wikipedia site. They also include a list of authors, which is by no means inclusive or complete. It just gives you some choices if you are looking for examples and a history of those who first wrote what we now call Urban Fantasy. To the list of pioneers, I would also add Ira Levin. Rosemary’s Baby, published in 1967, is UF through and through.

There are other UF sites as well. Urban Fantasyland at and Book Think at all offer their own interpretations and definitions. The one thing they all agree on, though, is the idea that UF offers readers a glimpse into a secret world within a world—our world.

Which is why I believe Urban Fantasy is here to stay. It’s the “what if” factor—what if there really are vampires and werewolves and fairies and shape shifters? What if that strange old man living down the block is a warlock practicing the black arts? What if there is a secret community of supernatural creatures trying to exist and survive in a world not ready to acknowledge its existence?

I know the popular theory is that if you write to what’s “hot” now, by the time the book is ready for publication, the wave has passed. I have a different take on the subject. If you write the book of your heart, if it’s well written and offers a compelling story, it will sell. The trick is to make it unique. Put your own spin on the Urban Fantasy phenomenon and watch what happens.

The genre is wide open.

If you have a question or comment, please feel free to send it along. You may win a copy of Legacy and a set of book cover magnets.

Jeanne C. Stein
www.jeannestein.com
The Anna Strong Chronicles


Jeanne, thanks so much for your insightful explanation of Urban Fantasy. You know the welcome mat is always out for you at PVN.

_______________________________________________

Contest information

For a chance to win a copy Legacy with a set of book cover magnets do one (or more) of the following:

*Comment or ask a question on Urban Fantasy, the Anna Strong Chronicles, the writing life, etc. Jeanne says "I'm up for questions about anything!"

*Each comment on a different subject counts as an entry.

*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 on September 16, 2008.

Winners will be announced later in the week.

Jeanne Stein Interview - Upcoming Event

On Tuesday August 26 there will be an interview with Jeanne C. Stein author of the Anna Strong Chronicles. Legacy, book 4, hits the stands the same day as the interview.

Jeanne has generously offered copies of Legacy with cover magnets to two lucky readers.

Click here for a review of the series.

The Anna Strong Chronicles

The Anna Strong Strong Chronicles by Jeanne C. Stein


The Becoming (Ace, 2006)

"Blood pounds in my ears. Adrenaline-laced fear propels me forward. It's the most exhilarating thing I've ever experienced. I've Never been much of a runner, but I feel like a gazelle, sure-footed and nimble and headed in the direction of the highway with nothing but instinct to guide me. Suddenly I'm not winded or afraid..."

These are the thoughts of Anna Strong bounty hunter recently turned vampire. The brutal attack that transformed her left few physical scars - vampires heal quickly. Psychological scars stay around longer. To help her in the various ways her life has changed is the handsome medical doctor Grant Avery. He treated her while she was in the hospital and followed up with home visits. Her boyfriend and DEA agent Max wasn't too happy when he noticed the good doctor hanging around. Besides being a vampire himself Avery is also a Watcher, one of several whose duty is to look out for new vampires and to go after rogue killers like Donaldson the man responsible for Anna's rape and her Becoming. Anna is a tough, smart, reluctant vampire-gal who, for the sake of survival, needs to quickly learn how to use her new found powers. On one thing she will not compromise - others of her kind tell she must not concern herself with the affairs of mortals. For Anna this would mean turning her back on Max, her parents, and her partner David something Anna's basic sense of decency will not allow her to do. The Becoming begins with a heart pounding build up and the adventure doesn't stop until the last page. Okay, there is some time taken for steamy love scenes but these are also heart-pounding.



The Anna Strong story continues in Blood Drive, (Ace, 2007) and it is here that Anna's devotion to family has such importance. The teenage daughter of her dead brother, one until recently unknown to the family, is missing. Worse, she may be involved in the murder of a classmate. Anna's strengths as a bounty hunter and vampire prove crucial in finding the unexpected truth. She also becomes aware that vampires are not the only paranormals who live hidden lives.




The Watcher (Ace, 2007) is the third book in the series. Anna now works closely with the San Diego chief of police who is himself a vampire. She is one of his Watchers. Her assignments often involve hunting down rogue vampires and dispatching them before they can do any more damage to the supernatural or human community. She is surprised to learn that her new job and old contacts will draw her into the hunt for her mortal boyfriend Max, a DEA undercover agent gone missing. Anna and Max have strong feelings for each other, but he does not know of her transformation and she wants to keep it that way. But by going to his aid she may need to show her true colors.



The next Anna Strong story will be found in Legacy (Ace, August 26, 2008).

Jeanne C. Stein has created a heady mixture or adventure, mystery, and the paranormal. Her characters and their stories are completely believable even in the extraordinary world of urban fantasy. Anna shows strong moral courage. She thinks about how her actions will affect those around her. Anna is an honorable person who wants to do the right thing although it's not always easy to figure out what that might be.