Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details
of this and other vacancies.

- Guilty Pleasures -
- Laurell K Hamilton -

Anita Blake is an animator working for 'Animators Inc' which means that with her
intuition and a little voodoo charm, she can raise the dead but only long enough
so that they can sort out the life they left behind. She is also a preternatural
expert called in to help the police's preternatural unit, which also gives her 
the title of 'The Executioner', as she is licensed to kill vampires. 
This is a world where vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, ghouls and zombies 
live amongst the living. 
The Supreme Court has even granted the undead equal rights. 
When a serial killer makes the vampires of St Louis, his victims, the master of 
the city, Jean Claude, asks Anita for help. 
Can she swallow her pride and help the vampires or will she raise the total of 
dead vampires?
The background plot screams out 'Buffy' but similarities stop here. 
'Guilty Pleasures' is just the first in a long series of 'Anita Blake' books that
are not aimed at kids. 
This first book does the series justice. 
With strong loveable characters such as Anita, Jean Claude, Edward and Dolph. 
The supernatural elements live up to their reputation of blood and guts.
The police side of things make you believe there really is a team of police trained
to fight the supernatural. 
There is even a little romance in the air where Jean Claude falls in love with 'the
executioner' but will he ever get the girl? 
A great easy to read novel that blends the occult, vampires and a whodunit into one.

Reviewed By Zilliah.

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