FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 I read The Dead Game by Susanne Leist back in 2016 (see my review here) Although this can be read as a stand-alone I highly suggest you read the first in this series–you will somewhat need the background to understand how it all came about!
Oasis is overrun by Vampires, hybrid vampires and of course, there are also humans who haven’t a clue. One group of Vampires is trying to kill off the other group and I was hard put to figure out who was truly trying to protect the town and who wasn’t. Talk about twists and turns–this novel has MANY.
Then you have two human females who actually do know what is going on–and one of them is being romantically pursued by 2 of the hybrid vampires. She really likes them both–but does she really want to get into a relationship with any kind of vampire?
Lots of action which will keep you wondering and reading until you have finished the book!
About the Book: (from Amazon)
A long-buried secret emerges from the ruins of End House…
Five years of peace has ended for the residents of Oasis. Evil returns to wreak havoc on the seaside resort.
Linda Bennett’s dreams of happiness have always eluded her. Five years ago, she moved to Florida from New York to escape heartache. The Dead vampires and their leader, Wolf, had ruined any hopes of peace for her and her friends. Surrounded by vampires and hybrids–human vampires, Linda finds solace in her bookstore. Then one morning, the lights go out and an explosion rocks her shop and any future dreams for a happy ending.
Have The Dead and Wolf returned to exact their revenge on Oasis?
Linda and her close friends–Shana, David, and Louise–race to where lightning converges on an isolated spot behind the town. A sinkhole replaces End House’s former site. Around the hole stand The Watchers–the vampire police, the group of five hybrids, and The Elders–the local vampire leaders. Echoing from inside the dark pit are the voices of Father John, the vampire hunter, and Abe, the head Watcher. Trapped with them in the tunnels below Oasis is the magical door that controls time.
From this moment, Linda and Shana become embroiled in the twisted escapades of Todd, Sheriff Sam, and The Elders as they search for The Dead at an exclusive club in Disney World. Death and mayhem follow their every step. A masquerade ball and a romp through the tunnels lead to a showdown in the swamps of southern Florida.
Can Linda choose between Gregg and Todd–the two hybrids who compete for her heart and are at war on opposing sides? Will she find her happy ending?
Will Oasis survive the battle between good and evil?
About the Author: (from Amazon) I have always loved to read. Agatha Christie, Alistair Maclean, Robert Ludlum, and many other authors filled my young imagination with intrigue and mystery. When I wasn’t reading late into the night, the TV shows–Murder She Wrote and Columbo–entertained me with tales of murder and suspense.
Over the years, my taste in TV expanded to include such shows as Supernatural and The Originals. I searched for paranormal, murder mysteries but found few at the library or bookstore. So, I wrote one.
The Dead Game, Book One of The Dead Game series, brings fantasy and the surreal to the classic murder mystery with dead bodies, suspects, and clues. It offers vampires, vampire derivatives, and a touch of romance to spice the motley mix.
The story continues in Book Two, Prey for The Dead, as The Dead vampires use an exclusive club in Disney World to infiltrate the rich and famous. As The Dead grow in power, not even the bright sunshine of Florida can weaken them. Linda, my main character, and her friends join forces with human vampires–known as hybrids–to defeat the evil threatening to control Oasis. A masquerade ball and a romp through the tunnels beneath the town lead to a showdown in the swamps of southern Florida.
A career in writing has been a big leap for me. Accustomed to the number-crunching field of budgeting and the hectic commodity markets, I left my first career and M.B.A. in Finance behind to pursue my dream. I do not regret my foray into literature for one moment. Fellow authors helped me make my way through the competitive field. I write every day and even tried my hand at poetry. If someone tells you it’s too late in life to try something different, they are wrong. It is never too late to follow your heart.
Look through the palm trees. Past the sanded beaches. Beyond the swimming pools. And you will see the truth. Hear the raging winds. Feel the spray of the tall waves. Taste the salt in the air. And you will know Oasis, Florida. For what it really is. A town living on the edge. In fear of the nights. Of the dark shadows.
LOST IN END HOUSE
Do you love mazes? Being lost in the dark. Searching for an exit. Only to find more hallways. More traps. More illusions. What if a house was a maze? Guests trapped inside. Searching for doors. Doors leading to more horrors. Welcome to End House and The Dead Game.
~~ EXCERPT ~~
Linda was passing the empty tables by the tall windows when she felt her arm being tugged—very hard. Before she could react, she found herself being forcibly dragged through the open patio doors and onto the isolated garden path. She came face to face with the mighty Wolf and his trusted companion, Hayden. The grounds were deserted. Everyone had left the gardens, and she was all alone with the two evil vampires.
Wolf glared at Hayden. “Please let go of her arm; we are not animals. We never force ourselves on women.”
“Chivalry among demons—I’m very impressed. Too bad your table manners and choice of dishes leave a lot to be desired,” Linda said. Her hatred of Wolf had just caused her to forget her low position in the food chain; she closed her mouth to stop herself from talking. In the future, she must remember that he was a vampire—the strongest one in the world—and that he could destroy her at any time.
Wolf didn’t seem the least bit focused on her. “I didn’t come here to play parlor games with you. I need you to convince Todd to join us. He can never be human or will ever be accepted by them. He belongs to us. He must stick with his own kind.”
“He’s not like you in any way at all: he cares too deeply for people and is loyal to his friends. On the other hand, you and your kind enjoy killing too much and have no feelings whatsoever.”
“Todd will never be accepted by humans or by his own kind. He will be an outcast with nowhere to go. He must join with us.”
“Todd is human and will always be accepted by humans.”
“Let’s kill her now, boss. She’s going to be trouble. I could take her away, and no one will ever see her again,” Hayden said, grabbing hold of her arm again.
Oops, she did it again. Her big mouth had now sealed her fate. She had to learn how to be more assertive without getting herself into trouble.
Wolf strolled over to her with a wicked gleam surfacing in his eyes.
“I have a much better use for her in the future. When she finally comes to her senses, she’ll realize that she will be better off with a real vampire with unlimited powers than with a pathetic human. She’ll learn about intoxicating love and passion—not the games that humans play that pale in comparison.
Here comes the human. Let her go for now.”
Linda was horrified to find herself wrapped in Wolf’s strong, muscular arms. She became hypnotized by his black eyes and tempted by his deep voice. He seemed perfect in every way. She only wanted to be with him.
“I’ll be back for you.” Wolf held her tight against his body and whispered in her ear. “I love the way you stand up to me with your flashing blue eyes. Soon you’ll be mine, my beautiful ice queen.”
Linda couldn’t move her body. She was stuck in some kind of trance…she couldn’t leave; didn’t want to go if given a choice. His voice soothed her and made her think of love, passion, and great need: a need that could be satisfied only by him with his expert hands and mouth. She knew that one day she was going to be with him, to be joined with him.
He lowered his mouth to hers and drew her into a swirling haze of unexpected feelings and desires. His mouth covering hers introduced her to a new realm of pure pleasure. His powerful form enveloped her, making her feel feelings that were foreign and untried for her. She couldn’t get enough of him. She tentatively began touching his face and then his body with an eager and unrelenting hunger. She didn’t know what she needed, but she knew that she wanted and desired this beautiful man standing right before her. Her past life was washed out of her mind, never to be considered again. She begged him to take her with him tonight. In response, Wolf lifted her in his arms, as if she weighed nothing, and turned to leave the party. His beautiful face looked victorious and happy. His black eyes filled with passion. She hoped that it was because of her. He looked down into her small face and gave a hearty roar.
While Wolf carried her in his powerful arms, a dark shadow swooped out of the house and flew directly at them. Linda was knocked out of his arms, and Wolf was thrown across the patio.
She looked up to see who had attacked them. It was Todd, his eyes a deadly shade of green, standing there panting.
Linda backed away in horror. Todd’s eyes cleared and returned to their original dark color. Then he looked at her. “Don’t ever be afraid of me. I’m here to protect you.”
Then he was struck down by Wolf.
They began circling each other like two wild animals. Todd thrust his body at Wolf, causing Wolf to lose his balance, and they crashed together to the ground. Wolf pushed Todd aside and stood back up. He lunged at Todd, who sidestepped his maneuver. Todd retaliated by lifting him high up in the air and flinging him through one of the glass doors to the house. Wolf rose up and dusted glass off his clothing.
He said to Todd, who stood before him, “We are not anywhere near finished, my dear friend. The next battle between us will be more private—without so many witnesses. If I were you, I would watch your back…and your pretty little girlfriend.” Wolf stalked away with Hayden following close behind. Todd quickly followed.
Linda was left standing alone outside. She felt bereft without the touch of Wolf’s lips on hers and the solid strength of his arms holding her. Linda had felt the unmistakable pull of him on all her senses. In his arms, she’d felt weak and needy—as if she needed him to live. Todd and Wolf were extremely powerful, and both had taken hold of her senses.
