FBI profiler Jace Valchek was pulled into this parallel realm to hunt for Aristotle Stoker, a human serial killer who preys on vampires and werewolves. Now she works for the National Security Agency of the Unnatural States of America—and her boss is a vampire.
At a bizarre crime scene, Jace finds a bloodsucker murdered by magic, fried to the bone and dressed in the costume of the comic book hero the Flash—a character who isn't supposed to exist here. Comic books have been outlawed for their powers, including crossover spells like the one that transported Jace to this world. Soon, she's following a trail of dead bodies into the sinister underworld of black-market comics—where a deranged madman gives new meaning to the term "super-villain."
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"I found this to be an excellent sequel to D.D. Barant's first Bloodhound Files book, Dying Bites. Jace Valchek is a great protagonist in my opinion, and her fellow characters are no less appealing. The story-line to this book was great, too. I can't wait to read more of these stories. :)"
— Jen (4 out of 5 stars)
“The second installment of the Bloodhound Files is as impressive as the first. Barant makes the familiar seem completely fresh by utilizing an alternate universe that mirrors our own, except that supernaturals are in charge. Heroine Jace Valchek’s in-your-face style brings plenty of humor to dangerous scenarios. Fast paced, fun and not to be missed!”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)Heroine Jace Valchek's in-your-face style brings plenty of humor to dangerous scenarios. Fast paced, fun and not to be missed!
— Romantic Times"Death Blows is a fine addition to the series. Jace has to juggle several different issues involving her new friends, as well as solve the murders. The pace is swift, and the author proves a deft hand at managing all of the subplots without losing sight of the main one. The irreverent, smart-mouthed Jace is a perfect foil for the oh-so-controlled vampires and other species in the NSA. She may be the minority employee, but no one takes her for granted.”
— A Romance Review“Death Blows by D. D. Barant—absolutely fun and exciting adult urban fantasy. Second in a series, but this one has comic book alt universe, multiverse stuff that made me call and geek to spouse over it. Great fun. Definitely recommended.”
— Melissa Marr, author of Made for You" I still think Jace is a bit of a bitch, but I'd be just as cranky in her situation. I love Charlie and how he interacts with Jace. The ending of this one was kind of strange, though. I guess that's so you'll read the next book. "
— Mary, 2/15/2014" I really like the world and the lead character (love Jace, she's beautifully flawed and kicks ass even when everyone around her is supposedly physically stronger then her), but I found the book oddly slow in places and it didn't grab my attention... it was a bit of a slog to get through, which is really odd because I thought I would love it. "
— Meghan, 2/3/2014" I REALLY, REALLY LIKES THIS ONE. THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES AND I LOVE THE SNARKY BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE MAIN CHARACTER AND HER PARTNER, WHO HAPPENS TO BE A GOLEM. "
— Opel, 1/30/2014" 2.5. I never really got into this book. I kept putting it down then forcing myself to continue. I think the superhero layer on top of an already interesting world just felt contrived and unnecessary. "
— Zelda, 1/22/2014" Funny. A bit of an info overload, trying to intentionally make me crazy. Jace still has more chemistry with Charlie, the organ-less golem. "
— Marianna, 1/11/2014" Good but not as well written as the first novel. Hoping the third one picks up. "
— Terri, 1/10/2014" argh. istill don't like the characters much, but she keeps putting interesting things in the story. this time it was comics. she starts talking about grant morrison. who is not one of my top 3, but i'd say top 5 comic writers. not fair! "
— Jutta, 12/23/2013" Yay! I loved this and I don't know why it took me soooo long to get to book two? But now I'm on a roll ill get to book three soon! "
— ★Rachael, 12/20/2013" Comic book plot set in a world of vampires, werewolves, and golems caught my attention. Great story! I must read Dying Bites as well as the rest of the series now. Lol "
— Straykatstrut, 11/18/2013" Um... Good if you don't care about the romance factor. Interesting story. "
— Denise, 5/9/2013" pretty good. mace is a cool heronie. she reminds of another heroine that I have read in the past but I can't remember the name at the moment. "
— Brianna, 4/17/2013" I liked the premises of the book, but I'm slightly lost with all that is going on- the comics, the explanation behind the alternate universes, Dr. Pete, etc. It just seems too much for me, however, I hope as I keep reading the series, that the light bulb will turn on. "
— Raquel, 2/16/2013" Good follow up to the first book in this new series. "
— Emma, 12/9/2012" Barant creates a unique world and skillfully crafted characters in this series. Alternate universe fans should take note. "
— Bonnie, 11/3/2012" Excellent, just like the first "
— Tisha, 9/23/2012D. D. Barant is a pen name of Don DeBrandt, a Canadian science fiction author who also writes under the name Donn Cortez. As Barant, he has authored the Bloodhound Files series, which includes Better off Undead and Death Blows. His books have been published in Germany, France, Italy, and Russia in addition to North America.
Johanna Parker is an Audie and Earphone Award–winning actress living and working in San Francisco. Since narrating her first audiobook in 2002, she has received praise for her work in all genres, including her portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse in Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire books. She received her BFA in acting from Boston University and studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She has performed on stages in London, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York and has numerous film and television credits. As a voice-over actress, she has voiced commercials, video games, documentaries, and websites.