Publisher's Weekly Review
In this diverting mystery from Anderson (Death Warmed Over), told with wit and brio from the viewpoints of three main characters, Det. Todd Carrow, of the Colorado Springs PD, seeks a rational explanation for the stake-through-the-heart murders he's investigating. Alexis Tarada, the creator of a website that posts items that might be true (bigfoot sightings, conspiracy theories, and, of course, vampire speculation), desperately seeks proof of the paranormal. Alexis finds the contributions of one of her dedicated followers, Simon Helsing, "careful, rational compilations of subtle evidence," despite their disturbing intensity. Simon believes he has found a kindred spirit in Alexis. Meanwhile, Lucius, a minor player who leads a mysterious commune in the Pike National Forest, has his own agenda. As the number of macabre deaths rises, Alexis, who forms an uneasy alliance with Carrow, comes to realize that perhaps "the only way to stop a bad guy with fangs... is a good guy with a stake." Fans of lighter vampire fare will want to check this one out. Agent: John Silbersack, Bent Agency. (Aug.)
Booklist Review
In Colorado Springs, David Grundy, a former NATO medical corpsman who now calls himself Simon Helsing, is hunting down vampires and killing them. He's part of a secret global organization called the Bastion, which is dedicated to eradicating vampires from the world. Or is he? Is it possible he's a serial killer with a serious case of the crazies (even more than most)? What will Detective Todd Carrow and online journalist Lexi Tarada find when they follow the trail of bodies to its source? The great thing about Anderson is that he's comfortable writing in a variety of genres (thrillers, space opera, horror with a lightly comic twist, sword-and-sorcery, historical fantasy, etc.), and that he adjusts his writing style to suit the material. Stake has its own voice, different from, for example, the author's books about zombie PI Dan Shamble. It's a freshly told tale that effectively incorporates elements of mystery and horror, with a trio of central characters who, each in their own way, command the reader's attention. A fine new novel from a writer who consistently delivers the goods.