The series gets better and better through each novel. Lunatic Cafe is the fourth novel in the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton using the same characters, but you never get tired of them. Hamilton knows how to develop characters and a running plot so that you are still interested by the 4th, 5th and yes even 6th novels and beyond. I would recommend if you haven't read the three prior novels that you do so before reading this one. Many characters have a history that starts with first novel. These novels usually contain death and descriptive violence so be prepared.
The background for these novels is that in this version of our world, vampires and other supernatural creatures have been given rights as citizens--that means no killing vampires without an execution warrant, Lycanthropy(werewolf, etc.) is a disease that you cannot discriminate against, and necromancy is a job. You can raise the dead for a living--zombies are raised to settle disputes like a will or the lack thereof. The novels take place in St. Louis, MO and there are so many supernaturals that the police have created a "spook squad" to handle supernatural crimes.
Anita Blake is the main character for the novels. She is a necromancer, vampire executioner, and the supernatural consultant for the "spook squad." Although she is 5'3 and petite, She is a tough, take nothing from no one girl. She has a hard time controlling her mouth and her dark sense of humor is often her undoing. She carries two guns filled with silver plated bullets (will kill a shapeshifter and slow down a vampire), and silver knives. She has more scars than a person who is alive should. To make her life more complicated, she is dating Richard(otherwise great guy--a softie who teaches school) who happens to be an Alpha male in a werewolf pack. She also begins dating the sexy master of the city vampire, Jean-Claude (each supernatural creature society has their head, a master vampire for each city or area and a alpha male for each Lycanthrope pack). This is no normal human girl.
The plot for this story mainly deals with Lycanthropes, although Jean-Claude (my favorite character) makes an appearance or two. It seems that several Lycanthropes (about 8) have gone missing. The Packs do not want to involve the police and they think that Anita can help. With a little bit of threatening and an event that results with Anita becoming dominant(has to do with pack hierarchy--you beat someone up--you become their superior) to some of the pack, she agrees to help. There are several side stories which Anita gets tangled up in that explain some of the disappearances. And her romances with Jean-Claude and Richard become rocky and unclear. Its terrible when either of your boyfriends could kill you or each other--makes life interesting. There are also a couple of murders that involve her having to cooperate with a police force outside of the spook squad that do not want her to interfere. The plot is involved, running in different directions at any given moment, but is never confusing.
Hamilton has a great style, she has excellent character(you really feel as if you "know" the characters) develop, and plot develop. Her novels are never boring or confusing. She has an easy to read, flowing style that is witty and humorous (although often darkly so). These novels will catch you and you will find yourself flowing right through the series anxiously awaiting the next novel. This is my favorite supernatural series, and my favorite writer (peroid).
Recommended:
