The Laughing Corpse

Laurell K. Hamilton

Anita Blake returns for the second book in the immensely popular series, and I have to say, I've started wondering why the series is called Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter. There are very few vampires to be found within these pages, not that that makes it any less of a guilty pleasure.

Anita's company is approached by a very rich, very eccentric man who wants Anita to raise a very, very old zombie-- one old enough to require a human sacrifice, something Anita isn't willing to do for any amount of money. The guy shows no signs of backing down, however. At the same time, there's a nasty series of murders that looks paranormal going on, and the police want Anita's help trying to figure out who, or what, is committing the murders. Anita and co-worker Manny have little choice but to start asking around with the head voodoo priestess of the Midwest, a woman who has little love for, but a good deal of curiosity about, Anita and her powers.

Everything there was to say about the first book in the series there is to say here-- it's well-plotted, interesting, fun. Anita is a richly-developed character, though her narrative voice can get a bit grating at times. If you liked the first book in the series, you'll like this one.