cover image Only the Dead Know Brooklyn

Only the Dead Know Brooklyn

Chris Vola. St. Martin’s/Dunne, $25.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-250-07907-7

Those who have read other books about vampires living in secret in the modern world are likely to find this unengaging supernatural thriller too familiar. Ryan Driggs, who passes for human, is actually an undead supersoldier who was created through a “genetic loophole” to protect a Native American tribe. He has not physically aged in almost a century and can only digest human blood. If he crosses the boundaries of his tribe’s former territory—now known as Brooklyn—he’ll become mortal. That restriction causes problems in his relationship with his current girlfriend, who can’t understand why he won’t spend time with her in Manhattan. Ryan has more serious issues to deal with as well, as the surviving members of his tribe are being identified and hunted down. There are some nice touches, such as Ryan connecting with willing blood donors on Craigslist, but they aren’t enough to sustain interest. (June)