Rose Panieri

I'm an avid reader - and no exaggeration - this book is one of the best thrillers I've read in a very long time. Many female authors who write similar stories - Anne Rice included - obsess over the physical perfection or flaws of their characters, ad nauseum. When writers brandish terms like "slender, soulful blue eyes, long shapely legs, flowing blond tresses, etc.," I dump the book. Like Alfred Hitchcock, this author understands the power of imagination. She provides guidelines, but you'll have to "paint by number" to see the picture clearly. It's far more satisfying than having everything spelled out. Speaking of imagination, don't expect the author to explain the mysteries. You're a grown up, figure it out. Were Melissa's experiences with John and Henry real, or was she dreaming? Was she anemic because her blood was being drained, or was she typical of many malnourished teens? Were Melissa's fantasies part of her grieving process? How could one of her teachers also be a vampire? You'll swear you've figured it out... until the next chapter. Yet, unlike classic mysteries, you don't feel the author is playing games to deliberately muddy the waters. And skipping to the last page won't help. The symbolism is rich, satisfying and sometimes frustrating. There are myriad psychological twists and turns that ultimately make the utmost sense. Read the book through once at face value. Then, go back for a second read to seek out the hidden meanings. Each character - even the animals - are something more than they appear to be. They're ordinary, but they're also archetypal. There is much Jungian psychology hidden between the lines that transform a seemingly simple story into something dangerously deep. In addition to Bryony, Unland wrote two other books as part of a trilogy - Visage and Staked. She also write a 5-book prequel: "Before the Blood." I've read each book at least twice.