Merrick

Die-hard fans of Anne Rice will likely prefer the full text of this novel, which straddles the Vampire Chronicles and the Mayfair Witches, but this abridgment serves its purpose and leaves no obvious gaps. Sir Derek Jacobi narrates with intensity and sensitivity. He presents his characters with distinct voice and inflection, as well as personality. He never deviates from the clear narrative voice, which he embues with a restrained formality that suits the character who tells this story of magic and intrigue. Jacobi's voice is sensual and warm, cold and detached, and anything in between that the story calls for. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

October 2, 2000
Talbot, a vampire familiar to Rice readers, though now inhabiting a different body, relates this eerie tale about an "octoroon of exceptional beauty" named Merrick, a Mayfair witch with whom he has been obsessed for an eternity. The narrative weaves through time--from present-day New Orleans, to Talbot's first meeting with Merrick, to an adventure they shared years ago in the jungles of Guatemala. Flashbacks aside, this story focuses on Talbot's attempt to convince Merrick to use her voodoo magic to conjure up the vampire daughter of his friend and fellow vampire Louis. Fans will recognize characters from past books, including Louis and Lestat. Rice offers a haunting look at the separate but equally intriguing worlds of witches and vampires united here through Merrick's witchcraft on Talbot's behalf. Jacobi's reading of the tale is spellbinding. His refined British tone--with the slightest trace of a classic Transylvanian accent--fits Talbot's character perfectly, and he flavors the narrative with verve and mystery accordingly. Simultaneous release with the Knopf hardcover (Forecasts, Aug. 14).