The Dark Sleep

This book was written like the first 6 and it was awesome! It was great to finally find out about Escott's past. It made everything come together. Definitely a MUST READ!

I love P.N. Elrod's "The Vampire Files" series (beginning with Bloodlist and most recently, Lady Crymsyn) mainly because they contain one of the most fascinating characters I've ever encountered--Charles Escott.The series in a nutshell: It's 1930's Chicago. Private agent Escott has joined forces with vampire Jack Fleming to rid the world (or at least, Chicago) of evil. The story moves along at a quick pace, and Elrod's characters are wonderful. My only complaint is that before The Dark Sleep, there simply wasn't enough Escott! I know, I know! It's the VAMPIRE files, not the Escott Files, but still!Charles Escott is, well, basically Sherlock Holmes of 1930's Chicago! The steely gray eyes, the brilliant feats of deduction, complete with Sherlockian habits and characteristics are here--even the insomnia! In the first five books of the series, Elrod drops hints here and there about Escott's background, but we never really find out what he's all about. Why is he in Chicago? Why did he become a private agent? He's an enigma. In The Dark Sleep, we finally get an entire novel focusing on the mystery behind this man and his motives. You won't be disappointed.

Another good read from PN Elrod. Fans of "lighter" vampire reading will enjoy this entry to the series. I look forward to the next.

This book was a wonderful addition to the Vampire Files, chronicaling the unlife and times of vampire journalist/P.I. Jack Fleming. I was really intrigued by Escott, and I am happy that we found out more about him in this book. The story was superb, though for some reason, reviewers seem to be hooked on overplaying the whole "case" that Jack and Escott are on. I found Jack and comp. personal problems much more interesting, although, I must admit, the case WAS...funny. As the writing, which is as always superb, I have to say it here. This book, and all Elrod's books have such a wonderful flow to them. The lines don't sound rehearsed and characters do have little problems they must address,just like the rest of us, such as parking, which some books/shows/movies always ignore. Wonderfully written! Brava!

In 1937 Chicago, vampiric private investigator Jack Fleming finds his form of the afterlife filled with worries and concerns. His girlfriend Bobby Smythe is getting closer to her dream of making it in Hollywood. However, Jack wonders if radio star Archy Grant is tossing Bobby a line to get her in his boudoir. Jack has not figured out how to pay taxes and Uncle Sam is not noted for patience.However, it is not his personal life that concerns Jack as much as the current case. Wealthy Mary Sommerfeld hired Jack's partner Charles Escott to steal back letters that she insists that Jason McCallen stole from her. Jason was once her lover, but Mary is now engaged to European Prince Ravellia. She implies that those letters could end her engagement because they place her in a bad light. However, the simple case of the dumb socialite suddenly turns dark when someone shoots Charles, who ends up in the hospital. Now that case is personal for Jack, he plans to use all his otherworldly powers to attain justice for his human friend.The latest Jack Fleming vampiric historical mystery is an entertaining tale that fans of the series and the sub- genre will enjoy. The who-done-it story line of THE DARK SLEEP seems a bit on the light side, but the characters, especially Jack, add intelligence, dark humor, and depth that brings focus to 1930's Chicago. P.N. Elrod's Vampire Files continues to be enjoyable, offbeat sleuthing tales.Harriet Klausner