Review: Midnight Harvest

This is the latest novel in Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Saint-Germain saga. In the mid 1930s, Ferenc Ragoczy, the Count of Saint-Germain, is living in Spain, with a profitable aircraft factory. However, the Civil War is brewing in Spain and the unrest forces him to leave and go to the USA. However, the Spanish generals do not want the Count to live and send an assassin after him. Will he survive?

This was the first novel in the Saint-Germain series that I had read and this did pose some problems for understanding the thread of the series, and the difficulties posed through being a vampire. For instance, anyone who has seen an episode of the TV series 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' will be aware that vampires cannot go into the sunlight. Saint-Germain, however, can, but not for extended periods. There are mentions of past events, but not enough to give the reader a clear picture of what went on before.

However, as a standalone novel, 'Midnight Harvest' reads very well. Yarbro brings the dangers of Spain and then, the changing face of California, alive with ease. The novel is full of descriptions and excitement. She also uses various devices to move the plot along, conveying some of the action in the epistolary form, rather than writing full scenes. Although we see this as a suspense novel, the actual threat against the Count moves very slowly and the reader wonders just when the mysterious assassin is going to make his move.

The Comte de Saint-Germain is an excellent character, well-spoken, interesting and generally likeable. Anyone that picks up one of these tales is certain to soon be hooked. I look forward to seeing Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's next novel and finding out where the Count is now, in his struggle to stay hidden in a world where modernisation is making it increasingly difficult.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: Midnight Harvest

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.