‘Raising a Vampire’ by Jacky Dahlhaus

Raising a Vampire

Set ten years after the events of Black October when a virus transformed ordinary people into ‘suckers’, Kate and Charlie are trying to get on with their lives. However, raising their daughter throws up new challenges – like how to keep Sue’s thirst for blood a secret. When a colleague of Kate’s turns nasty, the family are forced into a detention centre, where the surprises come thick and fast.

Following on from book 1 (Living Like a Vampire), Jacky Dahlhaus manages to notch up the action even more. Her heroine, Kate, is particularly well-drawn as she negotiates her way through several difficult relationships while trying to protect her daughter. There are some clever twists and I found myself actually gasping out loud at one particular revelation. Though I’m not usually a big fan of vampire tales, Ms Dahlhaus reinvigorates those old bitey routines with a bit of smart storytelling, while managing to make insightful comments on our society.

Though there are a few blood-and-guts scenarios, the author’s humour adds a nice touch to what could easily have been a run-of-the-mill paranormal romance. More Vincent Price than Anne Rice, this one should heat the blood of vampire fans everywhere.