Blood Red
James A. Moore
Earthling Publications, $40, 331 pages, ISBN: 0976633914
reviewed by Jim Brock

This book could have been more aptly titled BLOOD DRENCHED. The red stuff flows freely thanks to the machinations of vampire Jason Soulis. A good old drenching is what it takes sometimes to sate the horror fan, but it is the rare author who can combine such a feast and a love story without allowing the gore to overwhelm the woo. James A. Moore is that rare author.

As a kicker, Moore offers some new twists to the vampire genre with variations to the vampire nature and powers and also with the evil intentions of Soulis' Plot against the residents of Black Stone Bay. These residents include two police detectives, several college students, and some families who will quickly grab your attention and concern. One of the students, Maggie Preston, is also a prostitute and a key player in Soulis' plan. Maggie is one of the sexiest characters on any printed page – Moore truly has a talent with characterization.

Black Stone Bay is merely a new laboratory for Soulis and its people are the lab rats for his experiments in vampire making. While the detectives are trying to solve numerous disappearances and a murder by a rogue cop, Maggie's involvement with Soulis, her career in prostitution, and the infatuation with her of a neighbor and fellow student are all afloat in a sea of blood and violence.

There is so much to enjoy about BLOOD RED. Moore is powerfully descriptive – as adept as any author at painting an image. Personally, I liken him to Robert McCammon and consider that the highest of praise. On another note, place this book in the hands of George Romero or John Carpenter with the right budget and BLOOD RED would make a strong movie.