I read two books this past week (outside of the books I am using for research)

The first is Racing the Light by Robert Crais, number 19 of his long running Elvis Cole Joe Pike series.

Cole is hired by a wealthy woman to find her son, who has disappeared. He is a podcaster, investigating such topics as Area 51 and alien abduction. But when Cole begins his search, he discovers the story is not so simple. Josh has gotten involved in something serious and a gang of dangerous strangers are on his trail.

Fortunately, Cole has Joe Pike to help.

This series is neither cozy or noir. Although there are dark scenes, these are leavened with tender moments between Elvis, his lady love and her son Ben. Another winner.

I also read the eighth in the Jane Yellowrock series. This one is called Broken Soul.

Leo, the vampire master of New Orleans, has Jane checking security procedures in advance of a visit by the European vamps. He also has Gregoire teaching Jane the finer points of swordplay. During one such lesson, a creature made of light appears and attacks, not only Gregoire but Leo and Katie as well. What is this strange creature?

In the hunt for answers, Jane discovers Leo is hiding an important and dangerous secret in the lowest level of his compound.

Why do I enjoy these books so much? The closest I can come is that they hold the same appeal as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Like Buffy, the Jane Yellowrock is part supernatural, part mystery, part romance and of course, lots of adventure.