"exhilarating paranormal police procedural romance"

Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives Harry Quinn and his partner Samantha Brown discuss the case of the drowned woman who both believed she was not swimming when she died; the nearby heavy medieval cross with the name Lucan adds to the overall sense that murder has occurred. However, Sam's biggest concern is not what appears to be the homicide of a tourist, but that her partner is retiring in two weeks; he knows her secret that ever since she was shot twelve years ago when she touches the blood of a victim she envisions the last moments of their life.

Still loyal to the Darkyn chief Richard, enforcer Lucan is tired of his role so he has opened up a Goth club in Fort Lauderdale. However, instead of a deserved respite he realizes someone is killing those who visit him. The former enforcer knows what he must do even as Richard and his superior Michael head to Southern Florida to confront him and Samantha investigates a serial killer leaving behind the Lucan cross. When Lucan meets Sam, he believes she is the reincarnation of his only love Frances while she wonders if she is falling in love with a killer.

The latest Darkyn tale is an exhilarating paranormal police procedural romance that never slows down from the moment that Harry and Sam discuss the first homicide until the final lethal confrontation. The tale is fast-paced while focusing on the deadly abuse of power. However, what makes the tale superb is the relationship between the Darkyn cop and the Lauderdale cop as she wonders whether her heart could be wrong as her brain insists he is the killer. Lynn Viehl provides a fabulous supernatural thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 29, 2006

Summary

AN ACHING EMPTINESS...

Homicide detective Samantha Brown is a tough, highly decorated cop. But for the past twelve lonely years, since she nearly died of a gunshot wound, she has felt a deep inner longing.

A LONG-LOST LOVE...

The mysterious Lucan, with his timeless ability to seduce women, is focusing on the emotionally battered Samantha, who has awakened his wild memories of a long-ago love.

A PASSION THAT WILL BE FULFILLED...

As Samantha pursues a deranged killer, her only clue is a medieval cross inscribed "Lucan"—the name of a man who owns a nightclub near the murder scene. Drawn into a seamy underworld, Samantha falls for Lucan, who believes that he's a vampire and that Samantha is his reincarnated first love. Now she must save this man who seems beyond redemption—and who fulfills her deepest, darkest desires....