Vampire Literature

I see in the paper that people are going crazy for the new vampire movie and books (Stephanie Meyers Twilight series). I am absolutely going to read that, as soon as I've read all the other good books on my list ahead of it. This list is fluid and rankings change frequently depending on when I get lucky at the library and what I'm in the mood for.

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I have read a great deal of vampire literature. (I warned you about finding out how odd I am) I was shocked to find out how much of it was out there. Some it it is really good and some is absolute garbage, like any genre, I suppose. Here's a list of what I've read on the subject:

Sunshine by Robin McKinley - Really excellent writing. This was the first vampire book (except for Anne Rice's) I stumbled on and it was so good that I just kept looking for more.

Anne Rice's Vampire Series - I actually found a little boring.

Charlaine Harris's Vampire series (starts with "Dead until Dark) is really good. This is the one made into a series on HBO called "Trueblood". It features a clairvoyant waitress named Sookie Stackhouse and is set in Louisiana.

Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series ( starts with "Guilty Pleasures", I think) is one I am torn on recommending. It started out great, good characters, believable setting, strong writing, but after the first couple of books, it gets really smutty. I mean downright pornographic, and throughout the whole book. I've read them all, because I like the characters and I want to find out what happens to them, but I am uncomfortable reading such graphic descriptions of sex. You have been warned. The author's other series about Merry the fairy princess is likewise porn.

Tanya Huff's "Blood" series (Blood Debt, Blood Lines, Blood Trail, Blood Pact) is very good. It is about Victoria, a cop with failing eyesight who is helped in her cases by Henry the vampire. Good believable characters and good mystery plots.

Mary Janice Davidson's Betsy Taylor series is very enjoyable. These are light and fluffy quick reads. They move right along and are funny, too. Being set in Minnesota makes them even more fun to read.

Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series - This is great, I eagerly await each new book. The book titles are all based on Clint Eastwood movies: "Dead Witch Walking", "The Good, the Bad and the Undead", etc. Rachel is a witch and her best friend is Ivy the vampire. This world includes demons, elves and pixies, too.

Katie MacAlister (The only romance writer I have ever liked) writes vampire romances, too. These are okay, but some are so convoluted and stuffed with mythical creatures that they become confusing.

Other paranormal (but vampire-free) books I like are Julie Kenner's demon hunting soccer mom series (Deja Demon) and Delores Stewart Riccio's "Circle of Five" series about Wiccans.

In my defense, I read a lot and quickly. I do mix up the fun books with books that are chewy and good for me. It's all about balance, eh?

I am so excited because tomorrow I am going to see "Wicked" with my sister. I will wear lipstick and heels and try not to act like a rube in front of her co-workers. I' ll let you know how it goes!