Blood Groove

February 9, 2009
First published by Night Shade in 2006, this dark tale of vampires in 1970s Memphis is marred by racial stereotypes and grim perversions. Baron Rudolfo Vladimir Zginski, stabbed with a crucifix in 1915, reanimates 60 years later when pathologist Patricia Johnson withdraws the cross from his mummified corpse. The racist and self-absorbed Zginski kills his African-American resurrector and heads out into the world. He joins up with a gaggle of young vampires, including lecherous black teens Olive and Leonardo, who speak almost entirely in clichéd blaxploitation patois (“Don't be a jive turkey, sweetheart”) and use telepathy to seduce and kill unsuspecting humans. Coroner Danielle Roseberry almost becomes the pair's latest prey until Zginski realizes they all need her help to trace the origin of a mysterious vampire-killing dust. Bledsoe (The Sword-Edged Blonde
) employs a suave, creepy style that suits the story but can't mitigate his appalling treatment of female and minority characters.

March 15, 2009
Baron Rudolfo Zginski awakens after 60 years inside a coffin with a gold crucifix wedged into his heart. He has been transported from a small town in Wales, where he had been judged to be a vampire, to a morgue in Memphis, TN. The year is now 1975; an unsuspecting medical examiner pulls the crucifix from his chest. Bad move. The hungry vampire is now awake and must find sustenance immediately. Zginski needs prompt help understanding modern life. His fortunate discovery of a group of naive young vampires (their knowledge of their undead status coming mostly from movies) helps him navigate this bizarre new world. Zginski and his new cohorts must track down the source of a street drug that kills vampires. Note to readers with delicate sensibilities: there are a few gory scenes, but only a few, and sexual seduction, because it is a primary vampire power, is often employed. Bledsoe's debut urban fantasy is an intoxicating brew of mystery, humor, and horror. This edgy, enthralling, entertaining tale is recommended for all fantasy collections.Patricia Altner, BiblioInfo.com, Columbia, MD

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