by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Grave Matters, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & supports an indie bookstore.

When I read the first book in this series, Night Owls, what drew me in was the fact that it features a bookstore run by a vampire–what a perfect combination! Grave Matters is the second book in this series and it is filled with the same great characters, wit, and action!

Elly is one of the few straight up humans in this book, but her fighting skills are on par with any supernatural being. She grew up training to kill supernatural creatures, and now finds herself working alongside some of them. The cast of characters connected to the Night Owls bookstore, whom Elly now considers friends, include vampires, Renfields, and succubi. However, now she has also taken on a job of guarding Boston’s most powerful vampire, and that has its drawbacks. Finding herself in the middle of a vampire turf war, Elly begins to suspect there’s more going on here than it appears.

Her brother, Cavale, is not thrilled that she works for a vampire, but is focusing most of his efforts on rebuilding their relationship, until both of their jobs put them all in the middle of major trouble with a vengeful necromancer. Add to the mix, the owner of the college bookstore Night Owls, a vampire named Val, who is starting to struggle with her vampire nature that she thought she had under control, and her Renfield Chaz, who is starting to feel more like a hindrance than a help. Chaz becomes determined to learn how to be a better fighter after almost being killed by a ghost. The group also includes new vampire, Justin, who is a student at the college, and is still adjusting to his new life. Oh and we can’t forget the succibi, who add greatly to the action and the comedy side of this story-Sunny and Lia-who are also an adorable couple.

Not only is this a fun, action filled, urban fantasy, but we get to see all of these characters as real people as well–such as Cavale trying to learn how to cook for his sister. This story did move a little slower than the first book, but was still very enjoyable and it was great getting to know the characters better. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

To enter to win a copy of Grave Matters, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Grave,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 30, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address.

Check out more fantasy book reviews in our fantasy and fangs section.

Use this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & it supports an indie bookstore:

Grave Matters: A Night Owls Novel

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.