Review by Sadonna

TITLE:  How to Elude  a Vampire

SERIES:  Vampire Related Crimes

AUTHOR:  Alice Winters

NARRATOR:  Michael Ferraiuolo

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  9 hours and 40 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  October 30, 2020

BLURB:

Finn 

When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life and decide that Marcus and I will move on.

We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it because I’m not going anywhere, even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires.

But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus

When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated.

I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn’t go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian’s love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way, and the possessive vampire who adores him.

REVIEW:

Note:  This is the second in a series and contains many spoilers for Book 1.  It is recommended to read the series in order.

Finn and Marcus have been going along with their life together after the events of How to Vex a Vampire.  Things seem to be settling down nicely and Finn begins to think that maybe the vampire who has stalked him is going to leave him be.  But of course that would be too good to be true.  Soon bodies start showing up and Finn and Marcus are calling onto the case.  The bodies seem to be staged though and while they think they are on the right track, things begin to go off the rails.

After multiple staged murders are found and Finn receives a missive telling him that he will have to change his life or else, it becomes apparent that this whole business is directed at him.  When he’s attacked on a seemingly innocuous ride to his father’s house things point more toward a different direction.  If he doesn’t give in, then more people will be in danger and more vampires as well.  Finn does, however, make a new friend who makes a play for him, much to his and Marcus’s chagrin.  But if Finn’s not interested, maybe he can get Carson’s attention.

While researching the business of who the vampire is that has been Finn’s nemesis his whole life, the VRC learns a great deal about the original vampires.  Finn also learns a lot more about Marcus and the life that he has lived and why he’s always steered clear of humans.  Despite Marcus’s normal reaction to any humans, he is completely devoted to Finn.  Finn, however, worries that he’s not enough for Marcus.  Whether it’s because he’s a fragile human or because Marcus is powerful and could have anyone, he doesn’t want to put Marcus in the crosshairs.  But Marcus is not going to be deterred and he will do everything in his power to keep Finn safe.  Luckily, he’s got some help, because when it all goes down, they will need all hands on deck.

While I did really enjoy this one, it’s a bit darker than the first book. But there is Claude to make up for that 😉  Carson is his usual hilarious self with his “dislike” of Finn, the only human in the VRC.  Brooks is still there to watch over the unit and TRY to keep Finn from doing something dangerous or reckless to expose himself to danger.  Oren and Aria keep Finn busy and safe, even though he hates relying on them.  The discovery of the villain was well done and I picked up the red herring so was a bit shocked.  As usual the narration is STELLAR!  You cannot go wrong with a Michael Ferraiuolo narration.  The balance of action, suspense and humor was spot on as it always is in an Alice Winter book.  Highly recommended for fans of humor, snark, action and adventure in a fabulous urban fantasy setting.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

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