cover image Vampire Maker

Vampire Maker

Michael Schiefelbein, . . St. Martin's, $24.99 (228pp) ISBN 978-0-312-36319-2

The fourth Victor Decimus vampire tale picks up four years after 2005's Vampire Transgression . In post-Katrina New Orleans, troubled new priest Charles Boisvert tries to purge his homosexual feelings with the help of therapist Dr. Beauchamp. The appearance of distressed yet beguiling young stranger Kyle at Charles's church jeopardizes the success of the treatment. Charles's family and even his immortal soul are endangered when vampire Victor begins a tug of war for Kyle's attentions while the Dark Kingdom, a sort of vampire government, tries to keep Victor from becoming a rogue vampire maker. Scenes of mostly tame gay sex have less of a chance of offending than the intimations that Jesus, called Joshu, was once Victor's lover. Vampire fans will enjoy familiar tropes with a few tweaks, and flashbacks make the episode so accessible to newcomers that returning readers may get a little bored. (Jan.)