Stake

In this diverting mystery from Anderson (Death Warmed Over), told with wit and brio from the viewpoints of three main characters, Det. Todd Carrow, of the Colorado Springs PD, seeks a rational explanation for the stake-through-the-heart murders he’s investigating. Alexis Tarada, the creator of a website that posts items that might be true (bigfoot sightings, conspiracy theories, and, of course, vampire speculation), desperately seeks proof of the paranormal. Alexis finds the contributions of one of her dedicated followers, Simon Helsing, “careful, rational compilations of subtle evidence,” despite their disturbing intensity. Simon believes he has found a kindred spirit in Alexis. Meanwhile, Lucius, a minor player who leads a mysterious commune in the Pike National Forest, has his own agenda. As the number of macabre deaths rises, Alexis, who forms an uneasy alliance with Carrow, comes to realize that perhaps “the only way to stop a bad guy with fangs... is a good guy with a stake.” Fans of lighter vampire fare will want to check this one out. Agent: John Silbersack, Bent Agency. (Aug.)