Kelly’s action-packed second volume in her Sam Quinn series (after The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar) takes Sam and her vampire boyfriend, Clive, to New Orleans to face more mysteries and danger--and discover more about her powers. San Francisco bookshop proprietor Sam, still adjusting to her werewolf and magic abilities, finds herself confronted by a ghost who warns that Clive, the master of San Francisco’s vampires, is in danger: A group of vampires recently arrived from the Crescent City aren’t there for a friendly visit. After a battle, Sam heads to New Orleans with Clive and his two closest in command to finish the battle. There she learns there’s much more to her family history than she knows making her powerfully unique.Kelly’s continued development of characters and friendships from the previous book is a highlight, while the new friends introduced here, like the gorgon Stheno, bring abundant laughter. Meanwhile, perfectly vile new enemies will make readers’ skin crawl, especially the ancient vampire, St. Germain. Kelly’s vivid storytelling and immersive detail will draw readers into New Orleans, while her skill at capturing her cast’s hearts ensures that every emotion, injury, and struggle they face resonates.
The Sam Quinn series centers on a beautiful, loving relationship that strays from the trope of the tough vampire who saves an abused woman. In Kelly’s hands, the abused woman heals in her way, gaining her own strength, while the tough vampire is supportive only in the ways that she needs. Kelly has excelled at the difficult task of making this follow-up as exciting for new readers as it will be for those who enjoyed the first book. Both picking up where the story left off, and inviting readers to feel the essential core of each relationship, The Dead Don’t Drink at Lafitte’s offers precisely what readers look for in the second book of a series.
Takeaway: Urban fantasy fans looking for deep relationships, a strong female lead, and a great mystery will be quickly absorbed into Sam’s evolving adventure.
Great for fans of: Dannika Dark’s Keystone, Chloe Neill’s Wicked Hour.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
