This side of the grave

In bestseller Frost's action-packed fifth Night Huntress novel (after 2009's Destined for an Early Grave), vampire spouses Cat and Bones return to Cat's native Ohio in response to unprecedented ghoul attacks on Masterless vampires that foreshadow an all-out war between the two undead species. Cat, the former "Red Reaper," has transformed from a half-vampire to a full one, but retains some unique qualities that haven't been seen since Joan of Arc. Ghoul rabble-rouser Apollyon claims that Cat's existence is a sign of vampires subjugating ghouls, and fellow ghoul Marie Laveau's allegiance is uncertain. Cat's new powers, her mother's recent transformation into a vampire, and her uncle's impending death add to her worries and responsibilities, but she's heartened by her tender relationship with Bones, which offers a refreshing change of pace in a genre where romantic conflicts are the norm. New and returning readers alike will enjoy this warmhearted and often hot-blooded adventure. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.