Customer Reviews

The Dark Sleep (Vampire Files, No. 8)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

The Dark Sleep is indeed an excellent addition to The Vampire Files. I've read them all and really thought the last few before The Dark Sleep were getting a little stale -- they seemed to have the same story line over and over. Now we get to learn a good deal more about Escott and see the friendship between the somewhat bumbling Jack and Escott grow deeper. Escott has a big secret and something terrible to live with from his past and it all comes out here.

And lots not forget Bobbi!!

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.

Jack Fleming works a lot better when the focus on his detective work is a lot narrower. Unlike "A Chill in the Blood," where he tries to stop a gang war, this time around our Vampire Detective is involved in a more traditional mystery involving a young socialite. Meanwhile, Jack's gal pal is trying to advance her career through a slick radio star. Just because Jack is dead does not mean he doesn't have feelings. As always, Elrod does a nice job of combining genres. Why are we surprised that vampires and noir go so well together?

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

I read the other books in this series and although they were a bit bland, I did find them somewhat enjoyable. That was a few years ago. I picked up The Dark Sleep two days ago and attempted reading it. I made it to page 90. I normally can finish a book in a day, sometimes two. By the time I reached page 90 of this one I was asking myself "So what's the conflict?" I found no major conflict in this story. How can you have a story without conflict? Perhaps something will come up later on, but I'm just too bored with it to read on and find out. As far as I'm concerned, every great author knows you should introduce the problem early on to hook the reader. I'm SO not hooked!

Sorry, but I can't imagine myself ever returning to this series or author.

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!

Another enjoyable installment in the unlife of Jack Fleming, Vampire, thought given his tendency to get staked it may not be a long one!

It's good to see the author has given some thought to the character's future development, and this time around we get to see more of Escott's past. Looking forward to the next installment.

I got the chance to hear P.N. Elrod herself read a small portion of Dark Sleep before it was done, and it sounds just as good as the rest! If you liked all the books before in the series, you will probably like this one as well, if not more. I shan't reveal any specific info, but this book will not lack action.