I have read Ms. Henderson's work before and very much enjoy her style and characterizations.

I do have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Vampire novels or stories (other than "Dark Shadows") so this wasn't as easy a read for me as "The Burning of Her Sin." That said, I did enjoy "Blood Scent" much more than I expected.

The novel takes place in the present, but forces from the past are very much in the picture as what appears to be a Vampire collective (I imagine if I was up to date on Vampire terminology I'd know a better way to describe that) with a long history on a small town island off the coast of Maine.

Lara Karnov had been painted in a palette of rich, dark, vibrant colors. The image seemed to come alive with color, the intensity of the likeness flirting with Sam's eyes and senses. It was the portrait in the book, except that it was here, it seemed to envelop her till there was nothing in the room except her and the portrait.

Our heroine, Samantha Barnes, is drawn to the tales of the town's history which is intermingled with the Vampires.

Little does she know that her curiosity will turn to obsession, and her obsession will lead her on a path from which there might be no escape.

I wish readers were provided with a bit more history of the Vampires, and perhaps some more direct contact with what remains of their group, in addition to the interplay between our heroine and some of what remains, and the mortal world in which she resides.

The novel, however, is the first of a trilogy, and I assume that more of the back story will be forthcoming as Samantha uncovers it.

I know I'll enjoy reading about the further adventures of Samantha as the past continues to unfold into the present and all is revealed.

Deborah Levinson
Community activist and Web Maven of Gay/Lesbian Issues