Merrick : Vampire Chronicles

In this follow-up to Interview with a Vampire, Louis de Pointe de Lac is consumed by torment for the death of the child vampire Lestat created. After many years, Claudia realixed that although her mind had matured with the passing of time her body never would. She would never grow into the lovely young woman she could have been; she would never be able to express her love for Louis in any way other than as his child. Finally, she and the vampire Louis had created for her as a mother die from the sun in a Parisian theatre. The image haunts Louis and her ghost cannot rest. Louis seeks help from the secret and ancient Talamasca organization who investigate the paranormal and keep a watchful eye on the activities of the vampire world. By employing the aid of Talamasca member David Talbot he approaches the beautiful witch Merrick to help him. Merrick uses her skills in the art of black magic to call up the ghost of Claudia, but there are no guarantees that this will solve Louis's problems. Encounters with the Brazilian jungle, voodoo and bloody set-pieces keep the plot on the edge of suspense. This novel sees Rice on top form as usual. Her mastery of language and characterization make her work a pleasure to read, and her evocation of place, especially colourful New Orleans, is brilliant. (Kirkus UK)