TITLE: Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 20)
AUTHOR: Laurell K. Hamilton
REVIEWED BY: PrincessLadyBug
BRIEF SUMMARY: “A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect “monsters” are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, US Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.
But some monsters are very real. The Harlequin have been the bogeymen of the vampire world for more than a thousand years; they are a secret so dark that even to speak their name can earn you a death sentence. Now they are here in America, hunting weretigers…and human police.
The Harlequin serve the Mother of All Darkness, the first vampire. She was supposed to be dead, but only her body was destroyed. Now she needs a new one, and she’s decided that Anita Blake’s is the body she wants. Edward thinks the serial killings are a trap to lure Anita closer to the most dangerous vampire they’ve ever hunted. The vampires call Edward “Death,” and Anita the “Executioner,” but Mommy Darkest is coming to kill one and possess the other, and she doesn’t care how many others have to die along the way.” (Summary from the published book)
WHY I PICKED IT UP: I have read ALL of her books. In 2000, my sister had just finished reading the first book in Laurell’s Merry Gentry series, A Kiss Of Shadows. After I devoured it in just over a day, she says, “You know she has a vampire hunter series, right?” And an addiction/obsession was born.
WHY I FINISHED IT: I love all of Laurell’s books but the last few in this series have gotten a bit off track. But with this book, Anita is back in fighting shape. She’s kicking butt and not even bothering to take names. Plus, Edward is along for the very bumpy ride and that suits me just fine. I also love that Anita continues to redefine what a family is. Showing that sometimes your family consists of loved ones you “collect” along the way. Family is about love and not blood.
WHO I’D GIVE IT TO: My sister for sure. Anyone who likes books with a strong female lead character, vampires, weres, & other supernatural beings.
OTHER NOTES AND CONTENT WARNINGS: While there is still violence & adult language, there is far less sexual content than her previous books.
