Book Review: Second Sunrise

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Second Sunrise     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Aimee Thurlo , David Thurlo
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Fantasy   Supernatural   Native American   Vampire   FBI
Series: Lee Nez # 1
Forge, Nov 2002, $24.95, 384 pp.

During World War II in the Four-Corner region of New Mexico, state policeman Lee Nez got involved in a shoot-out with German spies intent on stealing plutonium. Lee was able to get the plutonium and bury it, but a German going by the name of Hans Gruber is intent of retrieving the stolen goods. When Lee refuses to hand it over, he kills Lee and then revives the cop as a vampire. Lee still refuses to give up what he buried and eventually Hans disappear.

Lee visits a shaman who uses magic to turn him into a half vampire so that with sun block he can walk outside in daylight. During the next fifty years, Lee tries to find Hans while fighting skinwalkers, Navaho witches who can assume the shape of an animal. They want his blood to gain immortality. Finally, Lee locates the former Nazi, using the name Major Wolfgang Muller who is assigned with other NATO officers at Ft. Wingate. Teaming up with a beautiful FBI agent, Lee intends to go after the major and make sure he kills him in a way that he won’t rise again.

Aimee and David Thurlo are well known for their mystery novels but fans of the authors should try SECOND SUNRISE because they write horror tales that are as good as their police procedurals. Likewise horror aficionados should read the mysteries as well. The hero gains instant sympathy for his plight and the audience will adore him because he tries so hard to be a good person. Based on actual Navaho legends, horror fans will be very pleased with this refreshingly unique work and hope there are future novels starring Lee.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner