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The
seaside town of Whitby in the North East of England
plays host to a 'Goths' festival. When two particularly gruesome murder
occur rumours abound that Dracula is back to wreak havoc and distress in
his old haunt. The C.I.D.decide such a case would be a great first
test of their latest recruits famed skills and send Detective Clare
McKee to assist the beleaguered local police.
Reviews:
Detective Sergeant Clare McKee is a case closer, and as such, she has
earned her rank, and her assignments in spite of the prejudice against
women in the police ranks. She was not certain of what this case would
entail, but she was sure she could get the job done. What she faced was
a large amount of skepticism from the Super, the inability to believe a
woman could do what his locals could not. Superintendent Norris was
about to find out differently if Clare has anything to say about it. In
this case she did because when CID (Criminal Investigative Department)
was called in, she became the ranking officer, no matter what Norris
thought. She is uncertain of how to handle Sgt. Doakes, however, and
decides that to keep him by her side might be best. The old copper had a
head injury recently, and due to his pending retirement was put on desk
duty. Doaksie has other ideas, and gladly squires Clare around town. She
realized that the head injury didn't really impair his wit or his
ability to think, just scrambled his brain. His time on the force did
give him some wisdom, and if she can get around the apparent
absentmindedness, he could be, and will be a valuable asset. Clare was
completely unprepared for what happened...
Dracula was alive and well in Whitby. Yes, the old rumours said he fled
to Whitby from Transylvania, then went back when things became too
dangerous in England. By that time, things had cooled down in
Transylvania, but why was he back? It was the only explanation for the
bodies completely drained of blood. Two murders, two bodies and no
explanations for their condition and the lack of blood at the scene.
Clare wasn't buying into the vampire theory, yet she knew something was
behind the disappearing blood. She thought it was more than just murder,
she knew there was a reason behind it, and set her sights on the big
picture, not just the murders themselves. Any and all connections were
to be explored, but when a mysterious young man was found with slashed
wrists at the murder scenes...Things got dicey.
A tough cop, hardened from personal loss and the inevitable toll
exposure to crime takes on one’s psyche, is pitted against a smart ring
of thieves and murderers. Caught up in prejudice and a bit of
xenophobia, an innocent victim could be charged for the murders.
Something isn’t right, and Clare is certain this young man with a case
of drug induced amnesia could be the clue to everything. What will come
if it is still a puzzle, but there is plenty of excitement, a thrill of
danger, and a budding romance between Clare and the “Vampire” under
suspicion of murder. One can only wait the plot through, and as the
twists and turns ensnare the reader, Author Bill Haworth wins you to his
side. Whitby: Vampires Return? is a classic detective tale with all the
right stuff, and the hint of love to come as well. I hope he decides to
bring Clare around again, because she is one classy lady, as well as
being a good cop. This is must read, and whether you wait for the print
anthology, or if you get it as an ebook, Whitby is definitely on my must
keep list.
If these three stories, Armistice, Stonehenge, and Whitby: Vampires
Return?, are indicative of the fourth that is to be placed in this
particular anthology, then you are in for some excellent reading. They
are not your pure romances, but they are a well blended set of
extraordinary tales about human beings, and about the vagaries of love.
Whether it be for love of country, love of a woman, or love of the
truth, each is a successful story with memorable characters, and the
pull that will draw you back again and again. Well done, Bill, and
please may we have some more?
Rose
romanceatheart.com
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