Second Sunrise: A Lee Nez Novel

This is the first book in a series of three--so far. Lots of Navajo culture and beliefs are incorporated into an exciting mystery based in New Mexico. Authors write in a pleasing manner. You forget about your problems when you become involved in this great read.

This book introduces us to a Navajo police officer who is turned into a vampire by an evil Nazi. His condition is mitigated by a "medicine man" who dilutes the "virus" that causes vampirism. This vampire detective follows the footsteps of such vampires as Nick Knight, but isn't burdoned with guilt. That is a nice change. His partner is a strong, competent woman, who is so without being "over the top" and unbelievable. Personally, this was one of the few books I have recently read that I had trouble putting down. I would recommend it. It had action, adventure, romance.

I enjoyed reading Second Sunrise. It introduced the characters, who are interesting, and set up the reader for the second book. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I really enjoyed Second Sunrise. The premise of the book -- that of a half-vampire Navajo searching for the Nazi vampires that made him that way -- is so fun that when I heard about it I simply had to get this book and read it.Thurlo and Thurlo don't disappoint. Instead of the slow and dreamy pacing of an Ann Rice vampire tome we get the clipped, staccato pace of a first rate detective story. When an attack happens it is over if you blink twice, and then the plot races on. There are some very scary and suspenseful scenes and some tender ones, too, building to a relentless finale with a twist I won't reveal here. It is a delicious twist and something you might see coming -- I didn't.I hope to see further adventures from Lee Nez, and I'll definitely look up other titles from the Thurlos.

During World War II in the Four-Corner region of New Mexico, state policeman Lee Nez got involved in a shoot-out with German spies intent on stealing plutonium. Lee was able to get the plutonium and bury it, but a German going by the name of Hans Gruber is intent of retrieving the stolen goods. When Lee refuses to hand it over, he kills Lee and then revives the cop as a vampire. Lee still refuses to give up what he buried and eventually Hans disappear.Lee visits a shaman who uses magic to turn him into a half vampire so that with sun block he can walk outside in daylight. During the next fifty years, Lee tries to find Hans while fighting skinwalkers, Navaho witches who can assume the shape of an animal. They want his blood to gain immortality. Finally, Lee locates the former Nazi, using the name Major Wolfgang Muller who is assigned with other NATO officers at Ft. Wingate. Teaming up with a beautiful FBI agent, Lee intends to go after the major and make sure he kills him in a way that he won't rise again.Aimee and David Thurlo are well known for their mystery novels but fans of the authors should try SECOND SUNRISE because they write horror tales that are as good as their police procedurals. Likewise horror aficionados should read the mysteries as well. The hero gains instant sympathy for his plight and the audience will adore him because he tries so hard to be a good person. Based on actual Navaho legends, horror fans will be very pleased with this refreshingly unique work and hope there are future novels starring Lee.Harriet Klausner