"Anita Blake has done it again!"

Vampires, werewolves and other preternatural creatures share the same civil rights as human beings, but when one commits a crime, licensed executioner and federal marshal Anita Blake kills them. Her lovers are Jean-Claude, the Master Vampire of St. Louis, and Micah, her co-leader of the loyal shape-shifting leopards that look to her for protection.

The Regional Preternatural Investigation Team asks Anita to help on the case of a murdered man nailed to the wall in a mockery of the crucifixion with Nordic Runes painted nearby. Anita is positive that this is not a magical murder. When a woman is ripped apart, Anita knows that this is the calling card of a shape-shifter. Meanwhile, Belle Morte -- the woman who turned Jean-Claude and his second-in-command Asher into vampires -- sends the sadistic Musette to town to learn why her boys are so infatuated with Anita. Anita knows she must do something to stop Belle and Musette from taking vengeance upon her loved ones, but whatever she decides will leave her in peril...

Anita Blake is a great character who has dramatically changed from a deadly vampire killer to a person who realizes that some non-humans are more humane than mortals. In CERULEAN SINS, Anita realizes she is more comfortable amidst the vampires but especially with her pack of shapeshifters than she is among humans. However, the key that makes this novel a standout in a tremendous series is Belle Morte -- as frightening a villain as one will find since even her own species fears her. Fans of Anita Blake will want to read this tale and see the direction Laurell K. Hamilton is taking her heroine and readers.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 12, 2003

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Summary

With her New York Times bestselling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels, Laurell K. Hamilton wraps readers up in stories of suspense and sensuality. Cerulean Sins is no exception. Now, Anita learns what it's like to be at the new end of a centuries-old bloodline-and just how far she'll let herself get pushed around by one of the oldest vampires alive...or should we say dead?