The newest volume in Hamilton's "New York Times" bestselling series finds Anita less interested in vampire politics than she is in an ancient, ordinary dread shared by women through the ages: she may be pregnant. Includes an excerpt from Hamilton's upcoming hardcover, "The Harlequin."

Reviews

The uniquely complicated life of Anita Blake, the St. Louis-based necromancer, gets even more complicated when Anita discovers she may be pregnant in the 14th novel in bestseller Hamilton's vampire hunter series (Micah, etc.). Her sexual magic powers require multiple lovers, so there are six potential fathers. One possible dad, werewolf Richard, has trouble understanding that, baby or not, Anita's still a federal marshal who raises the dead and executes vampires. In addition, terrifying, life-threatening obstetrical challenges are involved, since the maybe-mommy has to deal with vampirism and several strains of lycanthropy coursing through her veins. That Anita has no detecting to do may disappoint some fans, but playing hostess to a gathering of North American vampire Masters of the City, ostensibly in town for a performance by a vampiric ballet troupe, keeps her plenty busy. When the vampire ballet takes the stage toward the end, several new plot elements emerge. The very lack of a finale suggests that there's no end in sight for this fabulously imagined series. (July) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

The latest episode of the Anita Blake "Vampire Executioner" series finds her outside of her law enforcement role. Her vampire master, Jean-Claude, has invited a group of vampire leaders to a ballet performance in St. Louis. On the side, Anita is conducting auditions for at least one new lover to "feed" her "ardeur." But as the story opens, Anita is concerned that she may be pregnant by one of her paranormal partners. While trying out new lovers, she is also fighting not to shift into one of at least three dangerous animals. The mother of all vampires seems to be awakening and appears all too interested in Anita. Despite the length of this book and the potential subplots, there is very little story and little character development. A listener not familiar with the series might have trouble understanding the large cast of characters and overall setting. The violence level is less than in some of Hamilton's novels, but it is erotica: the graphic sex involving groups of men and Anita will be distasteful to many. Cynthia Holloway is a joy to the ears, but the listening quality is not enough to redeem this work. Not recommended.-Janet Martin, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, NC Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Erotic and evocative. ("Best Reviews")