New Orleans Police Department Homicide Detective Ryan Lattimore was investigating the series of murdered well-known felons whose bodies had been beheaded in the morgue after their autopsies. His captain figured the serial murderer was going to the morgue to behead his victims in some sort of ritual. That's why Lattimore was on stake-out inside the cold storage room in the morgue when Mignon came strolling in with her axe. He was immune to vampire enchantment, high frequency sound waves emitted to project a barrier to keep mortals unaware of the vampires' existence. He delayed her long enough that the just-turned vamps were able to rise before she could behead them. He saw the five dead bodies get up and attack them. He saw Mignon save his life by beheading the biker trying to eat him. He saw her fight them off and behead them all. Mignon didn't know what to do about him. She'd never known a human to be immune to the enchantment before.

But what would he do when he discovered she was also a vampire? Would he turn on her and try to kill her too once he realized what she was?

I loved how well the mystery part of the story is written and how many things are not what they seem. Mignon and Ryan make such a wonderful team, with their fast-paced banter setting the mood for each scene. I identified with the characters early on and was hoping Mignon and Ryan would get together. They were obviously perfect for one another.

To my knowledge, I've never read anything by J. M. Jeffries before, but I'll be watching for the name from now on. I loved the author's style and rhythm. I would be thrilled if this became a series. I'd love to read more about this story-line and these characters.

Blood Lust by J. M. Jeffries is exciting and satisfying. Don't miss it.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Karen H.
January 29, 2006