A Paranormal Book Review: Rachel Caine's The Dead Girls Dance, Morganville Vampires

Book 2 in Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampire Series is The Dead Girls' Dance . I have to say that Caine is merciless when it comes to her cliffhangers. I swear I couldn’t put these series down when I first laid my eyes upon them. READER BEWARE: SPOILERS will be mentioned in this posting.

After Book 1, Glass Houses , Caine suspended her readers into pandemonium and we all fretted as to whether the beloved Michael Glass was dead and gone for good. And thank god she didn’t kill him off or else this past winter I would’ve used the novel for kindling. More unique characters were introduced that lit up this dark realm of Morganville. Shane’s psycho father (and former resident) is back with one plight in mind: vengeance on the vampires. Dealing with grief from losing his wife and daughter at the hands of the vampires, he and Shane have a score to settle.

The ever present issue of protection continues to loom for the once independent Glass house residents. Since Shane stands accused of a vampire’s murder, Amelia threatens to pull her protection. And Oliver, among other chess players, demands Shane’s blood as payment for supposedly killing one of his own. Claire and Eve have their work cut out for them in this book as they attempt to save Shane.

Monica’s still around and still bitchy as ever. If you recall, she’s that mean girl /“wannabe a vampire” and I promise you, when you read this book, you’ll be pleased to see her get a thrashing. A few other characters were introduced like Sam, a distant relative of Michael and old flame of Amelia’s. And, of course, there’s the two-faced frat boy, Ian. All I have to say is thank God for Sam or else Claire would’ve been faced with the reality of rape instead of just vampires.

This book was a thriller. Claire is a diehard hero who, despite her naivety, has the wherewithal to play the game, pick a side when needed while always remaining faithful to her friends, especially Shane. Like most series, you really MUST read Book 1, Glass Houses first. It’s a killer book too and you won’t be disappointed. See my review of Book 1 here. The downside, as usual, is another gut wrenching shocker at the end – which then beckons you to read on to Book 3, Midnight Alley . It’s a deadly addiction, these Morganville Vampires, but then there are such things as good vices.

On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Rachel Caine’s The Dead Girls' Dance a 4.

Until next time…read about Morganville's Vampires.

Mina B.