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Victory Nelson's Blood Investigations #1
Blood Price
It began with blood and death. And Vicki Nelson, PI was at the scene. The victim had been brutally, inhumanly opened up. Messy work. She'd had to cover the corpse with her coat. It had sort of made her feel involved. Now Vicki is caught up in the deadly pursuit of a mass murderer with an inhuman appetite for mayhem and destruction. And her advisor on the case is doing nothing to dampen her growing sense of foreboding. But then, with a being of unspeakable evil stalking the city, only Vicki Nelson would ally herself to Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate child of Henry VIII and a five-hundred-year-old vampire.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
351 people are currently reading
9285 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Huff
154 books2,418 followersTanya Sue Huff is a Canadian fantasy author. Her stories have been published since the late 1980s, including five fantasy series and one science fiction series. One of these, her Blood Books series, featuring detective Vicki Nelson, was adapted for television under the title Blood Ties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 648 reviews
October 28, 2017
I wish I had found this series when it was written, way back in 1991. One of the earliest entrants in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre, it preceded even Hamilton's Anita Blake series. In the 2005 combined book edition, Huff remarks that when she was working in a sci-fi bookstore, she noticed that "vampire readers are very loyal," and hoping to acquire a mortgage, she shopped the idea for this book when submitting another one to DAW. At some point, I think after reading Huff's Enchantment Emporium, I was motivated to look up the rest of her catalog and found this series. Now, however, I've been mulling over what books to cull and am at the point where (re)reading is required. I pulled this out as a possible candidate. It's interesting to read this in 2017, decades after the growth of urban fantasy.
Vicki Nelson has recently retired from the Toronto Police Department due to a debilitating eye condition. She's about to get on the subway when she hears a scream. Racing to the scene, she saw a shadowy, dark figure disappearing. Homicide detective Mike Celluci is one of the first on the scene and he wastes no time at the opportunity to yell at her for leaving the force. Meanwhile, Henry FitzRoy is struggling with his latest bodice-ripper. When he learns of the series of deaths, he starts wondering if a vampire could be the culprit. It sounds crazy, but he should know, as he's been one for over four hundred years.
Narration primarily flips between Vicki and Henry, with short insights into the murder victims, the killer, and Mike Celluci in a third-person omniscient view. It builds slowly, perhaps too slowly compared to the modern UF, but people who enjoy a richer story should enjoy the pacing. Unfortunately, land-line telephones play a major role in plotting, a conceptual barrier that may be hard for the smartphone generation to grasp. There's a mild twist that the Goodreads blurb gives away, but the remainder of the story is a straightforward 'figure out who is doing the killing and stop it.'
"At the top of the short flight of concrete stairs, she paused, her blood pounding unnaturally loudly in her ears. She had always considered herself immune to foolish superstitions, race memories, and night terrors, but faced with the tunnel, stretching dark and seemingly endless like the lair of some great worm, she was suddenly incapable of taking the final step off the platform. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she remembered how, on the night that Ian Reddick had died, she'd been certain that something deadly lingered in the tunnel."
Characterization is enjoyable, fuller than is normally done in the genre, but still following general tropes of a stubbornly independent woman, a fiery, upstanding lawman, and a dreamy, debonair vampire. Its funny to me, thinking about the timeframe--if this is one of the early UF books, then my guess is that some of these stereotypes come from romance books. It turns out Henry is the bastard child of King Henry the VIII, so his points of view allow Huff to go back in time and dabble in historical romantic fiction.
All that said, I'm not sure this deserves space in my personal library, mostly because I've largely moved on from the genre and am looking only for books that stand the test of (my) time. However, it's also not an easily found book. Any takers?
Vicki Nelson has recently retired from the Toronto Police Department due to a debilitating eye condition. She's about to get on the subway when she hears a scream. Racing to the scene, she saw a shadowy, dark figure disappearing. Homicide detective Mike Celluci is one of the first on the scene and he wastes no time at the opportunity to yell at her for leaving the force. Meanwhile, Henry FitzRoy is struggling with his latest bodice-ripper. When he learns of the series of deaths, he starts wondering if a vampire could be the culprit. It sounds crazy, but he should know, as he's been one for over four hundred years.
Narration primarily flips between Vicki and Henry, with short insights into the murder victims, the killer, and Mike Celluci in a third-person omniscient view. It builds slowly, perhaps too slowly compared to the modern UF, but people who enjoy a richer story should enjoy the pacing. Unfortunately, land-line telephones play a major role in plotting, a conceptual barrier that may be hard for the smartphone generation to grasp. There's a mild twist that the Goodreads blurb gives away, but the remainder of the story is a straightforward 'figure out who is doing the killing and stop it.'
"At the top of the short flight of concrete stairs, she paused, her blood pounding unnaturally loudly in her ears. She had always considered herself immune to foolish superstitions, race memories, and night terrors, but faced with the tunnel, stretching dark and seemingly endless like the lair of some great worm, she was suddenly incapable of taking the final step off the platform. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she remembered how, on the night that Ian Reddick had died, she'd been certain that something deadly lingered in the tunnel."
Characterization is enjoyable, fuller than is normally done in the genre, but still following general tropes of a stubbornly independent woman, a fiery, upstanding lawman, and a dreamy, debonair vampire. Its funny to me, thinking about the timeframe--if this is one of the early UF books, then my guess is that some of these stereotypes come from romance books. It turns out Henry is the bastard child of King Henry the VIII, so his points of view allow Huff to go back in time and dabble in historical romantic fiction.
All that said, I'm not sure this deserves space in my personal library, mostly because I've largely moved on from the genre and am looking only for books that stand the test of (my) time. However, it's also not an easily found book. Any takers?
April 5, 2023
I am a dyed in the wool fan of urban fantasy and especially novels featuring vampire characters. This book was perfectly designed to grab my attention and hold it in a tight grasp. I stayed up far too late one night and experienced great difficulty finally setting it down. Only when my eyes started watering was I persuaded to go to bed.
I enjoy the main character, Vicki Nelson, a former detective, with a high solution rate, now a private investigator with serious vision issues. She has a complicated relationship with her former employers and especially with her former partner (professional and personal). Vicki may be working on cases more suited to a visually impaired person, but she is unable to ignore current events/murders, the first of which she is first on scene. This death results in the victim's girlfriend hiring Vicki to solve his murder since the woman is convinced the perpetrator is a vampire and that the police won't consider that angle.
Of course Vicki takes the case. It gives her an excuse to dabble in the official investigation and to maintain her connection to her former partner, Mike Celluci. But while on stakeout one night, Vicki is abducted by a vampire who is also pursuing the murderer. Henry Fitzroy is the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, the only really cheesy detail in this fantasy. He knows that there is someone summoning demons, which he explains to Vicki when she regains consciousness. They strike a bargain—he investigates at night, Vicki in the daylight. Needless to say, as they get to know one another, an attraction develops.
I can hardly wait to hear this author speak at a conference this summer! Her storytelling really appeals to me and I will absolutely be continuing to read this series.
I enjoy the main character, Vicki Nelson, a former detective, with a high solution rate, now a private investigator with serious vision issues. She has a complicated relationship with her former employers and especially with her former partner (professional and personal). Vicki may be working on cases more suited to a visually impaired person, but she is unable to ignore current events/murders, the first of which she is first on scene. This death results in the victim's girlfriend hiring Vicki to solve his murder since the woman is convinced the perpetrator is a vampire and that the police won't consider that angle.
Of course Vicki takes the case. It gives her an excuse to dabble in the official investigation and to maintain her connection to her former partner, Mike Celluci. But while on stakeout one night, Vicki is abducted by a vampire who is also pursuing the murderer. Henry Fitzroy is the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, the only really cheesy detail in this fantasy. He knows that there is someone summoning demons, which he explains to Vicki when she regains consciousness. They strike a bargain—he investigates at night, Vicki in the daylight. Needless to say, as they get to know one another, an attraction develops.
I can hardly wait to hear this author speak at a conference this summer! Her storytelling really appeals to me and I will absolutely be continuing to read this series.
May 3, 2011
Based on a recommendation from Itunes, I downloaded this TV series and loved it. I had never heard of it, but looked it up after seeing the "based on the books by Tanya Huff" note in the credits. And was both surprised and disappointed to find it wasn't on kindle.
however, I did find "The Enchantment Emporium" on kindle, and have been staring fixedly at Tanya Huff's amazon page since about the minute I finished it, waiting for either a sequel or the blood books.
Finally, my staring paid off. Which is fortunate, because my eyes were starting to water and get red.
I have done basically nothing else for like a week reading this book, and I thought it was fantastic. (disclosure: I lost power during the tornadoes in Georgia last week. I had very little else I could do anyway, until Saturday. But even after that, I let the laundry and the dishes lapse.)
Ms. Huff has a fascinating concept: A policewoman recently resigned from her job due to a vision issue, and the bastard son of Henry VIII, now a vampire. (Side note: I think the actor who played Henry was completely hot.). Toss in a former flame who's still an officer, and a twerp who wants to own the world, and you have an excellent story.
I'd love to talk more, but I'm off to read the second one now. If someone would take money to do my dishes, I pay top dollar.
however, I did find "The Enchantment Emporium" on kindle, and have been staring fixedly at Tanya Huff's amazon page since about the minute I finished it, waiting for either a sequel or the blood books.
Finally, my staring paid off. Which is fortunate, because my eyes were starting to water and get red.
I have done basically nothing else for like a week reading this book, and I thought it was fantastic. (disclosure: I lost power during the tornadoes in Georgia last week. I had very little else I could do anyway, until Saturday. But even after that, I let the laundry and the dishes lapse.)
Ms. Huff has a fascinating concept: A policewoman recently resigned from her job due to a vision issue, and the bastard son of Henry VIII, now a vampire. (Side note: I think the actor who played Henry was completely hot.). Toss in a former flame who's still an officer, and a twerp who wants to own the world, and you have an excellent story.
I'd love to talk more, but I'm off to read the second one now. If someone would take money to do my dishes, I pay top dollar.
May 3, 2017
What can I say, other then still enjoyable even after all these years.
February 22, 2017
When Vicki Nelson witnesses an attack on the Toronto subway she can hardly believe her eyes. The victim had his throat laid open and his blood drained by a dark shadow that moved impossibly fast. She can't quite believe her eyes but is forced to confront the possibility that dark beings live amongst us.
Henry Fitzroy is one such dark being. As a vampire he knows that secrecy is his best protection. Should the world discover his kind there will be blood on the streets and more than likely it will be his blood. He joins forces to hunt down the creature that is killing the people of Toronto and try to stop something much worse from being summoned.
Blood Price is OK but dated. It was written before cell phones...honestly before fax machines were all that common. The internet was still in its infancy. There were no Kindles or Nooks. Kurt Cobain was alive and well and completely unknown outside of Seattle. To put the book into its place on a timeline....this:
So it's an OK book that was probably great in 1990 but doesn't quite pass the age test.
Henry Fitzroy is one such dark being. As a vampire he knows that secrecy is his best protection. Should the world discover his kind there will be blood on the streets and more than likely it will be his blood. He joins forces to hunt down the creature that is killing the people of Toronto and try to stop something much worse from being summoned.
Blood Price is OK but dated. It was written before cell phones...honestly before fax machines were all that common. The internet was still in its infancy. There were no Kindles or Nooks. Kurt Cobain was alive and well and completely unknown outside of Seattle. To put the book into its place on a timeline....this:
So it's an OK book that was probably great in 1990 but doesn't quite pass the age test.
March 16, 2017
I will admit I wasn't quite sure what I was letting myself in for - I have read other books by Tanya Huff and really enjoyed them, and yes I had seen the TV series that was based on this series (very loosely mind you) but I didn't really know what to expect.
Yes I guess it is the first really venture in to the genre of supernatural (ok Vampire) detectives and yes the story has tried to give them a more humane if not human view point (rather than the slavering killing machines of some stories) so I guess I was treading lightly just in case.
So what did I think - well I will admit I had a little bit of impatience after all I knew what needed to be done and yet it took a considerable number of pages before the two main characters crossed paths let alone agreed to work together. Now for the new arrival I guess its all scene setting and preparation but for me it was getting awfully close to skipping ahead till something actually happened (apart from the body count rising).
But once we got past that little hurdle the story did pick up a pace and the banter and dialogue started to flow as I had hoped - and yes the conclusion set up the series quite nicely and did nothing to alienate me (with all my preconception baggage in tow).
Yes I guess it is the first really venture in to the genre of supernatural (ok Vampire) detectives and yes the story has tried to give them a more humane if not human view point (rather than the slavering killing machines of some stories) so I guess I was treading lightly just in case.
So what did I think - well I will admit I had a little bit of impatience after all I knew what needed to be done and yet it took a considerable number of pages before the two main characters crossed paths let alone agreed to work together. Now for the new arrival I guess its all scene setting and preparation but for me it was getting awfully close to skipping ahead till something actually happened (apart from the body count rising).
But once we got past that little hurdle the story did pick up a pace and the banter and dialogue started to flow as I had hoped - and yes the conclusion set up the series quite nicely and did nothing to alienate me (with all my preconception baggage in tow).
September 23, 2018
A re-read of a book first read some years ago and enjoyed. This is volume 1 in a series which must be one of the first urban fantasies: at least, it does predate famous ones such as the Anita Blake series by a couple of years. The 'gimic' of this series is that each volume features a different supernatural element (though all have a resident vampire).
Vicki Nelson is an ex-cop who had to leave the Toronto police force 8 months previously due to a degenerative eye disease which may eventually cause her to lose her sight. Homeward bound on the Metro, she is first on the scene of a violent murder with strange aspects, and calls the police. Her erstwhile colleague, friend and sometime lover, Mike Celluci, arrives to begin the investigation, and it is clear that the two are estranged over her decision to leave the force rather than move into a desk job. Then more deaths occur with the same MO and Vicki is hired to find the killer by the girlfriend of the first victim.
During her investigation, she encounters Henry Fitzroy, present day writer of bodice ripper romances, but actually the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, the Duke of Richmond who, historically, died as a 17 year old. Henry was turned into a vampire by his lover and is 450 years old, although he is in his early 30s physically since, in Huff's vampire lore, vampires age but very slowly.
The story is a cross between a police procedural and a romance with the fantasy elements of vampirism and demons added. It is a little slow to get going by today's standards, but is a solid plot-driven read, with some good characterisation - of the lead characters in particular. Vicky is a tough woman but not invincible; she is very determined and that keeps her going despite her sight problems and the dangers she faces. The romance element is low key - it is a love triangle in the sense that Vicki and Mike still have an occasional 'thing' going, but Vicki and Henry have a powerful attraction. Unlike some books in the genre, there are no steamy sex scenes: that element is either subtly played or 'fades' to/from black which is no bad thing.
The main weakness on this re-read, and I think when I read it before, is the character of the villain. The book switches between various viewpoints including his - so the reader knows long before the protagonists who is responsible for the series of violent deaths and why. I didn't find him at all credible, and the time has long passed when people who are good with computers and considered 'nerds' were seen as uncool and as figures of fun. So that part of it doesn't really work. There is also a tendency to head hop between characters within a scene.
The other aspect, though not really a problem for me, is that, although the internet exists within the novel (and is mentioned at one point), it is not an integral part of life. So all the investigation is done by face to face interviews, phone calls on landlines, or by looking up telephone directories etc. Personally, I can accept this as being of the time, but I think a book where at least part of the plot is based on the real-life problem that people had in those days of reaching someone when they were away from their home phone - having to hang around for phone calls that don't come because the other party is in serious trouble, for example - would be very alien for those who have grown up with mobile phones. And, as I said before, the view of nerds - and he isn't even a convincing nerd since his only activity is one bout of hacking to get an address, and the state of the art computer system he manages to steal isn't even shown - would not resonate with an audience who have grown up in the 1990s or since.
Given the unconvincing villain, who is a key element, this is an enjoyable but not memorable read. From memory, I preferred one or two of the later volumes, especially the one about the family of friendly werewolves. Therefore this is an OK introduction to the series and I'm rating it at 3 stars.
Vicki Nelson is an ex-cop who had to leave the Toronto police force 8 months previously due to a degenerative eye disease which may eventually cause her to lose her sight. Homeward bound on the Metro, she is first on the scene of a violent murder with strange aspects, and calls the police. Her erstwhile colleague, friend and sometime lover, Mike Celluci, arrives to begin the investigation, and it is clear that the two are estranged over her decision to leave the force rather than move into a desk job. Then more deaths occur with the same MO and Vicki is hired to find the killer by the girlfriend of the first victim.
During her investigation, she encounters Henry Fitzroy, present day writer of bodice ripper romances, but actually the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, the Duke of Richmond who, historically, died as a 17 year old. Henry was turned into a vampire by his lover and is 450 years old, although he is in his early 30s physically since, in Huff's vampire lore, vampires age but very slowly.
The story is a cross between a police procedural and a romance with the fantasy elements of vampirism and demons added. It is a little slow to get going by today's standards, but is a solid plot-driven read, with some good characterisation - of the lead characters in particular. Vicky is a tough woman but not invincible; she is very determined and that keeps her going despite her sight problems and the dangers she faces. The romance element is low key - it is a love triangle in the sense that Vicki and Mike still have an occasional 'thing' going, but Vicki and Henry have a powerful attraction. Unlike some books in the genre, there are no steamy sex scenes: that element is either subtly played or 'fades' to/from black which is no bad thing.
The main weakness on this re-read, and I think when I read it before, is the character of the villain. The book switches between various viewpoints including his - so the reader knows long before the protagonists who is responsible for the series of violent deaths and why. I didn't find him at all credible, and the time has long passed when people who are good with computers and considered 'nerds' were seen as uncool and as figures of fun. So that part of it doesn't really work. There is also a tendency to head hop between characters within a scene.
The other aspect, though not really a problem for me, is that, although the internet exists within the novel (and is mentioned at one point), it is not an integral part of life. So all the investigation is done by face to face interviews, phone calls on landlines, or by looking up telephone directories etc. Personally, I can accept this as being of the time, but I think a book where at least part of the plot is based on the real-life problem that people had in those days of reaching someone when they were away from their home phone - having to hang around for phone calls that don't come because the other party is in serious trouble, for example - would be very alien for those who have grown up with mobile phones. And, as I said before, the view of nerds - and he isn't even a convincing nerd since his only activity is one bout of hacking to get an address, and the state of the art computer system he manages to steal isn't even shown - would not resonate with an audience who have grown up in the 1990s or since.
Given the unconvincing villain, who is a key element, this is an enjoyable but not memorable read. From memory, I preferred one or two of the later volumes, especially the one about the family of friendly werewolves. Therefore this is an OK introduction to the series and I'm rating it at 3 stars.
July 20, 2016
I read this first book of the series ages ago and enjoyed it, but didn’t go on to read the rest of the series at the time. Now I’m determined to read them all: it’s such a cool set-up, the retired police officer turned private detective who, by the way, has retinitis pigmentosa, meets a vampire romance novelist. They fight crime. I’m not even kidding: it’s supernatural crime, but nonetheless, that is essentially what Vicki Nelson and Henry Fitzroy do. (And by the way, the detective is Vicki; the romance novelist is Henry.)
It’s a pretty light read, but the kind which comes gloriously without guilt for me. It’s free of homophobia (there’s a gay character, Tony); Vicki can handle herself and when she does need help, it’s not because she’s a woman; men and women can be friends; relationships can be complicated; the Alpha-Hole character’s chauvinism is called out, etc, etc. I feel like I can always rely on Tanya Huff’s work for something which includes people like me, while also delivering an absorbing story. (And the occasional giggle, e.g. when excerpts of Henry’s novels are included.)
The story itself is more or less secondary to the characters, for me: in this book, Vicki Nelson finds herself facing a young man who summons demons to get everything he wants, not knowing that he is also being used by them. The important part is not so much the mystery, but the way it brings the characters together. And while Henry Fitzroy is fiercely attractive, he’s also frightening, and we see that side of him as well. No sparkly or idealised vampires here.
Solid and entertaining; it almost deserves to get four stars, even just because I’m comparing it to M.C. Beaton’s Snobbery With Violence, which I gave three stars. This is definitely a better book, in terms of both the plot and the execution. Still, at least in this first book, I haven’t tipped over into adoring the book and the characters yet.
Originally posted here.
It’s a pretty light read, but the kind which comes gloriously without guilt for me. It’s free of homophobia (there’s a gay character, Tony); Vicki can handle herself and when she does need help, it’s not because she’s a woman; men and women can be friends; relationships can be complicated; the Alpha-Hole character’s chauvinism is called out, etc, etc. I feel like I can always rely on Tanya Huff’s work for something which includes people like me, while also delivering an absorbing story. (And the occasional giggle, e.g. when excerpts of Henry’s novels are included.)
The story itself is more or less secondary to the characters, for me: in this book, Vicki Nelson finds herself facing a young man who summons demons to get everything he wants, not knowing that he is also being used by them. The important part is not so much the mystery, but the way it brings the characters together. And while Henry Fitzroy is fiercely attractive, he’s also frightening, and we see that side of him as well. No sparkly or idealised vampires here.
Solid and entertaining; it almost deserves to get four stars, even just because I’m comparing it to M.C. Beaton’s Snobbery With Violence, which I gave three stars. This is definitely a better book, in terms of both the plot and the execution. Still, at least in this first book, I haven’t tipped over into adoring the book and the characters yet.
Originally posted here.
March 4, 2011
Victory Nelson, a former homicide officer turned private investigator, stumbles upon a grisly ... scene where the victim appears to have been ravaged by a vampire. She quickly finds herself deeply entangled in the case when the victim's girlfriend hires her to investigate the vampire lead after the Police refuse to believe vampires exist.
Vampire Henry Fitzroy has his own personal agenda for finding this apparent vampire killer. Sure, he drinks blood but he certainly is not a killer. He's just trying to eke out a living as a romance writer and maintain a low profile in order to avoid having his head cut off and stuffed with garlic by superstitious, hysteria driven fanatics.
Norman Birdwell, a .. High School geek (complete with pocket protector), has been raising demons to seek revenge on all of those who have laughed at him. As Norman becomes obsessed with his newfound power he gets a little arrogant and unleashes a force he can't control.
Vicki and Henry join forces and find themselves confronting an evil more terrifying than they first assumed. If they can't track down the man behind the murders all hell is going to break loose.
Blood Price is a fast paced, tension filled read that shows us the dangers of the media and confronts us with the madness that is concealed just under the surface of many. The darkness is balanced with just the right amount of subtle humor like the following gem:
"Anything much happen today?" Greg asked sliding into the recently vacated chair. He should've waited a little longer. It was still warm. He hated sitting in a chair warmed by someone else.... Great stuff!
As I'm always fascinated with age old vampires I was enthralled with the glimpses into Henry's past. The spark that was ignited between Vicki and Henry leaves the reader dying to know where these captivating characters are headed. I can't wait to start the next book
Vampire Henry Fitzroy has his own personal agenda for finding this apparent vampire killer. Sure, he drinks blood but he certainly is not a killer. He's just trying to eke out a living as a romance writer and maintain a low profile in order to avoid having his head cut off and stuffed with garlic by superstitious, hysteria driven fanatics.
Norman Birdwell, a .. High School geek (complete with pocket protector), has been raising demons to seek revenge on all of those who have laughed at him. As Norman becomes obsessed with his newfound power he gets a little arrogant and unleashes a force he can't control.
Vicki and Henry join forces and find themselves confronting an evil more terrifying than they first assumed. If they can't track down the man behind the murders all hell is going to break loose.
Blood Price is a fast paced, tension filled read that shows us the dangers of the media and confronts us with the madness that is concealed just under the surface of many. The darkness is balanced with just the right amount of subtle humor like the following gem:
"Anything much happen today?" Greg asked sliding into the recently vacated chair. He should've waited a little longer. It was still warm. He hated sitting in a chair warmed by someone else.... Great stuff!
As I'm always fascinated with age old vampires I was enthralled with the glimpses into Henry's past. The spark that was ignited between Vicki and Henry leaves the reader dying to know where these captivating characters are headed. I can't wait to start the next book
October 11, 2023
4 Stars
This book series was made into a TV show called Blood Ties back in 2007. I remember seeing the first episode and not caring for it. A friend recently suggested I try the books, which she said are far better than the TV show. She was right. This has a satisfying and creepy mystery, intriguing characters, paranormal activity, with a dash of fade-to-black romance. On to book two.
This book series was made into a TV show called Blood Ties back in 2007. I remember seeing the first episode and not caring for it. A friend recently suggested I try the books, which she said are far better than the TV show. She was right. This has a satisfying and creepy mystery, intriguing characters, paranormal activity, with a dash of fade-to-black romance. On to book two.
November 13, 2021
Wellll this is a thing. A thing that I have read. It was not great, and I am not even sure if it was good, but it was just what I expected.
For those of you who know about it - there's a Canadian show named Blood Ties about this PI who used to be a cop and is wanking her ex-colleage Mike, and she's hired by a goth girl to look for the vampire who killed her boyfriend. Turns out there's an actual vampire looking for the killer and said vampire is just perfect looking. The cases were just convenient and whatever, but you watched this for the vampire and that was that.
The other day I noticed the actor was in something I was watching and so I picked up this book. And it's just what I thought it would be, just a ridiculous mess (minus how Henry Fitzroy looks like in the book?).
I've read this and now I can move on. I think it'll continue the series because everything is ridiculous. and had me cracking up all the way through.
For those of you who know about it - there's a Canadian show named Blood Ties about this PI who used to be a cop and is wanking her ex-colleage Mike, and she's hired by a goth girl to look for the vampire who killed her boyfriend. Turns out there's an actual vampire looking for the killer and said vampire is just perfect looking. The cases were just convenient and whatever, but you watched this for the vampire and that was that.
The other day I noticed the actor was in something I was watching and so I picked up this book. And it's just what I thought it would be, just a ridiculous mess (minus how Henry Fitzroy looks like in the book?).
I've read this and now I can move on. I think it'll continue the series because everything is ridiculous. and had me cracking up all the way through.
August 12, 2017
Blood Price (Vicki Nelson #1) by Tanya Huff
Author: Tanya Huff
Title: Blood Price
Series: Vicki Nelson
Cover Rating:
Book Rating:
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Vicki Nelson, formerly of Toronto’s homicide unit and now a private detective, witnesses the first of many vicious attacks that are now plaguing the city of Toronto. As death follows unspeakable death, Vicki is forced to renew her tempestuous relationship with her former partner, Mike Celluci, to stop these forces of dark magic—along with another, unexpected ally…Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, has learned over the course of his long life how to blend with humans, how to deny the call for blood in his veins. Without him, Vicki and Mike would not survive the ancient force of chaos that has been unleashed upon the world—but in doing so, his identity may be exposed, and his life forfeit.
Okay, so I need to clarify a little bit something I discovered which is the fact that the original books and the tv tie in books are just a teensy bit different.
The changes aren't drastic but they are noticeable to those who have read the original prints. I didn't know there was a difference when I got my copy of Blood Price but once I discovered the tv series I was curious and found out about the different books.
Both I want to say after reading the different editions are great books both for their own reasons but if you prefer the tv series the tv tie ins will probably appeal to you more with the minor changes they included to follow more closely to what viewers saw in the show and those who didn't care for the show or watch it will probably favor the original book.
Blood Price original is much slower to gain momentum when it comes to plot and character relation between Vicki and Henry which is supposed to be a main focus since they mostly drive what's taking place in tv tie in but its not that way in the original.
It becomes more complex in the original but its more passionate as far as attraction in the tv tie in. For me personally I liked both versions and I thought they all had their own merits but if you want to be more focused on the plot I'd go with the original version but if you're more interested in the character development then I'd suggest the tv tie in.
I read Blood Price after receiving a recommendation from Chris' Fish Place.
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews purchased a print copy for personal collection. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
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Author: Tanya Huff
Title: Blood Price
Series: Vicki Nelson
Cover Rating:
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Vicki Nelson, formerly of Toronto’s homicide unit and now a private detective, witnesses the first of many vicious attacks that are now plaguing the city of Toronto. As death follows unspeakable death, Vicki is forced to renew her tempestuous relationship with her former partner, Mike Celluci, to stop these forces of dark magic—along with another, unexpected ally…Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, has learned over the course of his long life how to blend with humans, how to deny the call for blood in his veins. Without him, Vicki and Mike would not survive the ancient force of chaos that has been unleashed upon the world—but in doing so, his identity may be exposed, and his life forfeit.
Okay, so I need to clarify a little bit something I discovered which is the fact that the original books and the tv tie in books are just a teensy bit different.
The changes aren't drastic but they are noticeable to those who have read the original prints. I didn't know there was a difference when I got my copy of Blood Price but once I discovered the tv series I was curious and found out about the different books.
Both I want to say after reading the different editions are great books both for their own reasons but if you prefer the tv series the tv tie ins will probably appeal to you more with the minor changes they included to follow more closely to what viewers saw in the show and those who didn't care for the show or watch it will probably favor the original book.
Blood Price original is much slower to gain momentum when it comes to plot and character relation between Vicki and Henry which is supposed to be a main focus since they mostly drive what's taking place in tv tie in but its not that way in the original.
It becomes more complex in the original but its more passionate as far as attraction in the tv tie in. For me personally I liked both versions and I thought they all had their own merits but if you want to be more focused on the plot I'd go with the original version but if you're more interested in the character development then I'd suggest the tv tie in.
I read Blood Price after receiving a recommendation from Chris' Fish Place.
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews purchased a print copy for personal collection. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has a QR code for your phone!
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May 5, 2010
Opening Line: "Ian shoved his hands deep in his pockets and scowled down the length of the empty subway platform."
~GREAT SERIES OPENER THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME~
Written in 1991 BLOOD PRICE was the basis for the television series Blood Ties. After becoming a fan of the TV show I discovered author Tanya Huff and was instantly blown away by her awesome writing. Now this 5 part series also has the added bonus of visual character references (in particular Henry the yummy Vampire). I will definitely be continuing on with this series and would highly recommend it to other fans of the paranormal genre. Despite the noticeable absence of cell phones and computers it holds up perfectly well by today's standards.
Vicki Nelson is going blind and because of her degenerative eye disease has had to leave her job with the Toronto police department. Now a private investigator the headstrong and intelligent P.I tackles most of her cases during daylight hours when she has some amount of reliable vision. One night however while waiting at the subway station she stumbles upon a murder victim and is immediately wrapped up in case beyond her wildest expectations. The case forces Vicki to call upon ex partner (and sometimes lover) Mike Celluci as well as befriending the 450 year old illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, a gorgeous vampire who makes a living writing historic romance novels.
The three main characters diverse personalities play well off each other and ooze sexual tension throughout. And even though all the love scenes are fade-to-black I surprisingly enjoyed having to use my imagination in a time when all books get down and dirty in vivid detail. Huff has also given us the advantage of multiple POV's within this story and I especially enjoyed Henry's numerous flashbacks, taking us back to when he was turned and his many adventures and lost loves after. I also liked the fact that this takes place in the real (Canadian!) world because we don't believe in the paranormal here and at first neither does Vicki.
As I mentioned before the writing is top notch although I found the story lagged a bit in the middle when we entered the demon caller antagonist Norman's head. The ending however more than makes up for it with page-turning excitement. This promises to be a great series and fans of Blood Ties or Vampires and the paranormal in general couldn't ask for more. Cheers
~GREAT SERIES OPENER THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME~
Written in 1991 BLOOD PRICE was the basis for the television series Blood Ties. After becoming a fan of the TV show I discovered author Tanya Huff and was instantly blown away by her awesome writing. Now this 5 part series also has the added bonus of visual character references (in particular Henry the yummy Vampire). I will definitely be continuing on with this series and would highly recommend it to other fans of the paranormal genre. Despite the noticeable absence of cell phones and computers it holds up perfectly well by today's standards.
Vicki Nelson is going blind and because of her degenerative eye disease has had to leave her job with the Toronto police department. Now a private investigator the headstrong and intelligent P.I tackles most of her cases during daylight hours when she has some amount of reliable vision. One night however while waiting at the subway station she stumbles upon a murder victim and is immediately wrapped up in case beyond her wildest expectations. The case forces Vicki to call upon ex partner (and sometimes lover) Mike Celluci as well as befriending the 450 year old illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, a gorgeous vampire who makes a living writing historic romance novels.
The three main characters diverse personalities play well off each other and ooze sexual tension throughout. And even though all the love scenes are fade-to-black I surprisingly enjoyed having to use my imagination in a time when all books get down and dirty in vivid detail. Huff has also given us the advantage of multiple POV's within this story and I especially enjoyed Henry's numerous flashbacks, taking us back to when he was turned and his many adventures and lost loves after. I also liked the fact that this takes place in the real (Canadian!) world because we don't believe in the paranormal here and at first neither does Vicki.
As I mentioned before the writing is top notch although I found the story lagged a bit in the middle when we entered the demon caller antagonist Norman's head. The ending however more than makes up for it with page-turning excitement. This promises to be a great series and fans of Blood Ties or Vampires and the paranormal in general couldn't ask for more. Cheers
May 5, 2017
A friend mentioned this series in the late ‘90s when she recommended Huff’s Keeper’s Chronicles; but back then, I didn't want to read about vampires. I’ve always found the concept of vampirism unpleasant. I finally caved in and read Stoker’s Dracula and became able to deal with vampire stories if the gore factor is relatively low and if the vampires aren’t depicted as the height of perfection and sexiness.
If I'd read this book when it was first published, I would've liked it more. That was before I’d maxed-out on Law & Order, before The X-Files, Profiler, and CSI existed. Huff has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and it shows in the novel’s structure. There are also too many of point of view switches. POV switches are a major pet peeve of mine.
Vicki Nelson is an ex-cop turned private investigator with an interesting problem that makes her by turns intriguingly vulnerable and outrageously reckless. Until about halfway through the book, I thought she might be a little too much the typical female cop type; but by the end, I rather liked her and thought she had potential to be much more of a character. I didn’t care for Vicki’s so-called relationship with her ex-(cop)partner, Mike, though. He’s very much a cardboard cop, and their interactions consist mainly of discussions about crimes, tepid bickering, and (discreet) sex. They were boring together. I usually don't root for the vampire, but I found myself doing so in this case, because Vicki had more chemistry and better discussions with Henry. I also sort of wish there hadn’t been a couple of damsel-in-distress scenes, but they did create dramatic tension.
The vampire, Henry Fitzroy, illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, is an interesting character. I like that he’s living in Toronto in the 1990s and he has an actual (quite amusing) career. He has the classic aversion to sunlight and some of the classic vampire strengths, but he has some religious faith. While he’s a bit of a man-slut at times, he doesn’t force himself on anyone. (Apparently, the easiest way to feed is during sex; and vampires are such good lovers, the blood donor may not even notice what the bites are for.) He doesn’t stalk the streets looking for people to drain. He has a chivalrous side and a thoughtful side, but he isn’t a bloodsucking Superman. His 450 years of existence make for some interesting memories/backstory.
Overall, despite the flaws, the story is quite entertaining; it’s definitely a page-turner. I don't like either character as much as I like Dean of the Keeper's Chronicles, but I’m intrigued enough that I intend to pick up the second book.
If I'd read this book when it was first published, I would've liked it more. That was before I’d maxed-out on Law & Order, before The X-Files, Profiler, and CSI existed. Huff has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and it shows in the novel’s structure. There are also too many of point of view switches. POV switches are a major pet peeve of mine.
Vicki Nelson is an ex-cop turned private investigator with an interesting problem that makes her by turns intriguingly vulnerable and outrageously reckless. Until about halfway through the book, I thought she might be a little too much the typical female cop type; but by the end, I rather liked her and thought she had potential to be much more of a character. I didn’t care for Vicki’s so-called relationship with her ex-(cop)partner, Mike, though. He’s very much a cardboard cop, and their interactions consist mainly of discussions about crimes, tepid bickering, and (discreet) sex. They were boring together. I usually don't root for the vampire, but I found myself doing so in this case, because Vicki had more chemistry and better discussions with Henry. I also sort of wish there hadn’t been a couple of damsel-in-distress scenes, but they did create dramatic tension.
The vampire, Henry Fitzroy, illegitimate son of King Henry VIII, is an interesting character. I like that he’s living in Toronto in the 1990s and he has an actual (quite amusing) career. He has the classic aversion to sunlight and some of the classic vampire strengths, but he has some religious faith. While he’s a bit of a man-slut at times, he doesn’t force himself on anyone. (Apparently, the easiest way to feed is during sex; and vampires are such good lovers, the blood donor may not even notice what the bites are for.) He doesn’t stalk the streets looking for people to drain. He has a chivalrous side and a thoughtful side, but he isn’t a bloodsucking Superman. His 450 years of existence make for some interesting memories/backstory.
Overall, despite the flaws, the story is quite entertaining; it’s definitely a page-turner. I don't like either character as much as I like Dean of the Keeper's Chronicles, but I’m intrigued enough that I intend to pick up the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
Oh. I loved this. Full review to follow shortly.
October 9, 2014
4.5 Stars
Before Anita Blake, before Buffy, before there was a genre called “urban fantasy,” Tanya Huff introduced readers to P.I. Vicki Nelson and her vampire sidekick Henry Fitzroy in the novel Blood Price, the first book in Huff’s popular Blood series. I can now see why these books, which are today considered urban fantasy classics, have become so influential. The writing is excellent; Huff crafts deeply horrifying murder scenes, creepy moments in dark alleys and shadowy graveyards, and chilling glimpses into the villain’s disturbed mind. Add to that a sensuous attraction, real and compelling characters, and a race against time to catch the killer with humanity itself hanging in the balance - the result is an intense, gripping, suspenseful mystery. I can’t wait to read more about Vicki, a tough, half-blind, ex-cop, and Henry, romance writer and bastard son of King Henry VIII. Though I never watched Blood Ties, the television series based on these books, I can immediately see why the story was adapted to the screen. It’s one of the best detective novels I’ve read in quite a while.
Before Anita Blake, before Buffy, before there was a genre called “urban fantasy,” Tanya Huff introduced readers to P.I. Vicki Nelson and her vampire sidekick Henry Fitzroy in the novel Blood Price, the first book in Huff’s popular Blood series. I can now see why these books, which are today considered urban fantasy classics, have become so influential. The writing is excellent; Huff crafts deeply horrifying murder scenes, creepy moments in dark alleys and shadowy graveyards, and chilling glimpses into the villain’s disturbed mind. Add to that a sensuous attraction, real and compelling characters, and a race against time to catch the killer with humanity itself hanging in the balance - the result is an intense, gripping, suspenseful mystery. I can’t wait to read more about Vicki, a tough, half-blind, ex-cop, and Henry, romance writer and bastard son of King Henry VIII. Though I never watched Blood Ties, the television series based on these books, I can immediately see why the story was adapted to the screen. It’s one of the best detective novels I’ve read in quite a while.
May 26, 2021
Thirty years ago Vicky Nelson and her pals appeared in Blood Price and, as much as any other book, arguably, set off the explosion of what became known as the urban fantasy genre and later led to paranormal (or supernatural) romance publishing. Vicky is smart, clever, snarky, and has any number of other appealing qualities that make her fun to read about. It's a good, well-told story with excellent characterization and clever crafting.
May 5, 2025
It feels like your run-of-the-mill girl-discovers-vampires-and-enters-the-vampire-reality, and I thought it will be tropey and uninspired, but turns out it was quite fun? Sure, the protagonist is constantly horny, very noir otherwise.
It's fun and mindless; I like the main character but the summoning of demons is just... funny? And for a book written in the early 90s it holds up very well. I enjoyed it.
Also, I listened to the audiobook - the voice of the reader is so sexy and bothered that it adds volumes to Vicki Nelson's horniness. Excellent.
It's fun and mindless; I like the main character but the summoning of demons is just... funny? And for a book written in the early 90s it holds up very well. I enjoyed it.
Also, I listened to the audiobook - the voice of the reader is so sexy and bothered that it adds volumes to Vicki Nelson's horniness. Excellent.
May 28, 2015
In realtà la copertina e il titolo mi hanno fuorviato parecchio. Insomma, ero convintissima di trovarmi di fronte alla solita storia di vampiri (fighi, tenebrosi, senza problemi ad uscire di notte..), e invece no.
Quindi da una parte guadagna qualche punticino.. Il problema è che il libro è un ammasso di elementi diversissimi tra loro che proprio non si sposano. E' un accozzaglia tremenda :S
Il vampiro C'E' -una figura di II piano che però fortunatamente mantiene le sue caratteristiche 'vampiresche (anche se un po' idiota, ma vabbé, non si può avere tutto dalla vita in fondo). Ecco, poi si mischiano pezzi di storia (col figlio bastardo di Henry VIII, niente di meno), e flashback sparsi che vorrebbero fungere da ricostruzione storica ma che infastidiscono parecchio.
E non è finita, perché poi spunta fuori un demone..
Troppe cose e tutte sviluppate assai male.
Vicky, la super poliziotta bellissima, bravissima e levissima, non credo susciti la mia simpatia, anzi. Passa il tempo a 'grugnire' e 'ringhiare', manco fosse un cane.. E poi ha il tipico atteggiamento che un paio di ceffoni potrebbero riaddrizzare.
Poi vabbé, CINISMO MODE: ON.. "Io sono un vampiroo e stiamo dando la caccia ai demoni". "Ah, ok. Allora io lavoro di giorno e tu di notte, affare fatto?".
No, dico, dove è finita la sana dose di diffidenza, di 'fidarsi è bene, non fidarsi è mille volte meglio'?!?. Ero parecchio allibita, lo ammetto.
Però vabbé, si fa leggere, e il vampiro non è lo stereotipo di Eddino Glitterino (anche perché il romanzo è stato scritto nel 1989..).
Quindi da una parte guadagna qualche punticino.. Il problema è che il libro è un ammasso di elementi diversissimi tra loro che proprio non si sposano. E' un accozzaglia tremenda :S
Il vampiro C'E' -una figura di II piano che però fortunatamente mantiene le sue caratteristiche 'vampiresche (anche se un po' idiota, ma vabbé, non si può avere tutto dalla vita in fondo). Ecco, poi si mischiano pezzi di storia (col figlio bastardo di Henry VIII, niente di meno), e flashback sparsi che vorrebbero fungere da ricostruzione storica ma che infastidiscono parecchio.
E non è finita, perché poi spunta fuori un demone..
Troppe cose e tutte sviluppate assai male.
Vicky, la super poliziotta bellissima, bravissima e levissima, non credo susciti la mia simpatia, anzi. Passa il tempo a 'grugnire' e 'ringhiare', manco fosse un cane.. E poi ha il tipico atteggiamento che un paio di ceffoni potrebbero riaddrizzare.
Poi vabbé, CINISMO MODE: ON.. "Io sono un vampiroo e stiamo dando la caccia ai demoni". "Ah, ok. Allora io lavoro di giorno e tu di notte, affare fatto?".
No, dico, dove è finita la sana dose di diffidenza, di 'fidarsi è bene, non fidarsi è mille volte meglio'?!?. Ero parecchio allibita, lo ammetto.
Però vabbé, si fa leggere, e il vampiro non è lo stereotipo di Eddino Glitterino (anche perché il romanzo è stato scritto nel 1989..).
October 3, 2014
-Aunque ya le fue relativamente bien en su tiempo, ahora podría tener una segunda juventud.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Vicki Nelson fue agente de policía en Toronto durante nueve años, cuerpo que debió dejar por una enfermedad degenerativa que afecta a su visión, por lo que desde hace ocho meses es investigadora privada. Al entrar al metro un domingo por la noche escucha un grito desgarrador, corre para encontrar un cadáver encharcado en sangre y cree ver una figura oscura en el túnel de la estación. Este asesinato será el primero de varios, con los cuerpos drenados de sangre, cosa que llama la atención de Henry Fitzroy, un antiguo vampiro inglés que ahora vive en Toronto y que controla su sed de sangre. Para Fitzroy, los crímenes sólo pueden ser obra de un vampiro recién creado que no se puede controlar, por lo que decide tratar de localizarlo a él y a su irresponsable creador antes de que llamen la atención de los humanos y pongan en peligro a su especie, siguiendo unos rumbos que harán que se cruce con Vicki. Primer libro de la Saga de la Sangre.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Vicki Nelson fue agente de policía en Toronto durante nueve años, cuerpo que debió dejar por una enfermedad degenerativa que afecta a su visión, por lo que desde hace ocho meses es investigadora privada. Al entrar al metro un domingo por la noche escucha un grito desgarrador, corre para encontrar un cadáver encharcado en sangre y cree ver una figura oscura en el túnel de la estación. Este asesinato será el primero de varios, con los cuerpos drenados de sangre, cosa que llama la atención de Henry Fitzroy, un antiguo vampiro inglés que ahora vive en Toronto y que controla su sed de sangre. Para Fitzroy, los crímenes sólo pueden ser obra de un vampiro recién creado que no se puede controlar, por lo que decide tratar de localizarlo a él y a su irresponsable creador antes de que llamen la atención de los humanos y pongan en peligro a su especie, siguiendo unos rumbos que harán que se cruce con Vicki. Primer libro de la Saga de la Sangre.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
June 18, 2011
Blood Price is pretty fun urban fantasy. Victoria Nelson is an ex-cop -- due to a disability, even, which makes her unable to see at night, and has reduced her peripheral vision severely -- who is working as a private investigator. She stumbles onto a fresh crime scene, which is bad enough, and then gets caught up in trying to catch the culprit, something which quickly proves to be beyond anything she'd imagined, because the killers are supernatural in nature. And in the course of her investigation, she stumbles upon Henry Fitzroy -- a bastard son of King Henry VIII, supposedly dead since he was seventeen years old. He turns out to be a vampire. And a good guy.
It's not the most amazing prose in the world, but it is a good read if that's what you're interested in, and I promise Henry doesn't sparkle. It wasn't toe-curlingly tense or anything -- neither in terms of the mystery, nor in terms of the sexual tension -- but there were some reasonable dramatic scenes.
The geek stereotype killer didn't do much for me, though.
It's not the most amazing prose in the world, but it is a good read if that's what you're interested in, and I promise Henry doesn't sparkle. It wasn't toe-curlingly tense or anything -- neither in terms of the mystery, nor in terms of the sexual tension -- but there were some reasonable dramatic scenes.
The geek stereotype killer didn't do much for me, though.
January 13, 2020
I watched the Blood Ties show on Amazon Prime and enjoyed it a great deal. So much so that I decided to pick up and read the books. The chemistry and characters are slightly different in the books, which threw me, but I'm glad I stuck it out.
The first book's plot (if not characters) was fairly faithfully adapted by the show with what we would now call an Incel villain who turns to black magic in order to get himself the girl he wants as well as riches that he thinks are the keys to impressing her. This just involves letting a demon run amuck in Toronto, Canada. The demon drains the blood of innocents to grow stronger, resulting in the press thinking there's a vampire killer on the loose.
Sounds interesting, right? It gets more so because this irritates the ACTUAL vampire of Toronto, Canada Henry Fitzoy, son of Henry the Eighth. It also offends private investigator Vicky Nelson who was a homicide detective until her eyesight began deteriorating rapidly. Vicky and Henry become reluctant partners in taking down the demon with Vicky's old partner (in both senses of the word), Celluci, as a reluctant tagalong.
This is a fun story and Tanya Huff has an easygoing sexy style that I appreciated. Henry feeds by seducing an endless stream of young women (and the occasional young man), Vicky has a healthy sexual appetite as well as very little hesitation in showing it, and this is all shown to be perfectly fine. It's refreshing from so many other books that seem to think adults can't have complicated adult relationships. The characters are well drawn, humorous without being silly, and the danger is real. My only real regret was the discovery that perky Goth girl Coreen from the show wasn't going to be a regular.
Solid entertainment.
8/10
The first book's plot (if not characters) was fairly faithfully adapted by the show with what we would now call an Incel villain who turns to black magic in order to get himself the girl he wants as well as riches that he thinks are the keys to impressing her. This just involves letting a demon run amuck in Toronto, Canada. The demon drains the blood of innocents to grow stronger, resulting in the press thinking there's a vampire killer on the loose.
Sounds interesting, right? It gets more so because this irritates the ACTUAL vampire of Toronto, Canada Henry Fitzoy, son of Henry the Eighth. It also offends private investigator Vicky Nelson who was a homicide detective until her eyesight began deteriorating rapidly. Vicky and Henry become reluctant partners in taking down the demon with Vicky's old partner (in both senses of the word), Celluci, as a reluctant tagalong.
This is a fun story and Tanya Huff has an easygoing sexy style that I appreciated. Henry feeds by seducing an endless stream of young women (and the occasional young man), Vicky has a healthy sexual appetite as well as very little hesitation in showing it, and this is all shown to be perfectly fine. It's refreshing from so many other books that seem to think adults can't have complicated adult relationships. The characters are well drawn, humorous without being silly, and the danger is real. My only real regret was the discovery that perky Goth girl Coreen from the show wasn't going to be a regular.
Solid entertainment.
8/10
January 27, 2020
This was really great. I haven't read any of the earliest examples of what we consider modern urban fantasy, so it was really interesting to read one from the 90s. It had all of the hallmarks we now come to expect from the genre - PI, supernatural buddy, awkward relationship with the police - but what I really liked was still how fresh it felt.
July 22, 2025
meg i’m sorry it took me so long to read this book you were right yet again it was good
August 26, 2020
Blood Price (Victoria Nelson #1) by Tanya Huff hit all the right notes for me in terms of the vampires, the horror, and the mystery. I didn't know what to expect of it going in, but I'm so glad I finally decided to give it a try because I think I've found a new favorite series. I can't wait to read book two, Blood Trail. I'm also going to have to give the tv series adaptation a try in the future. If it's just half as great as this novel, then it could still be pretty good on its own.
November 26, 2017
Okay, the book was published back in 1991. Do I need to worry about spoilers? Granted, I hadn't read it yet--so, if you're spoiler sensitive as I am, then you might want to skip this review. Don't read the back copy of the book, either.
I enjoyed this for the most part. It's well-plotted, and I found both the good guys both believable and likeable.
Given that one of them is a vampire, that's impressive. However, Henry Fitzroy is also a writer of popular fiction, which prejudices me in his favor. (He explains his nocturnal habits by claiming that he just can't write during daylight hours, which people buy because, yanno, those writers are all weird.) He's not invulnerable, and even his vampire super-powers don't completely shield him from aging.
Vicki Nelson, former cop and current PI, is losing her eyesight to retinitis pigmentosa. She personally witnesses the first of the supernatural murders--but with her failing sight, what did she actually see? I like her courage, and the way her sensible mind objects to some of the risks she takes even as she does so.
There's a former boyfriend of Vicki, still on the force, who isn't very well-developed. Maybe she does more with Mike Celluci in the later books.
It's the villain that bothers me. I am so tired of the revenge-of-the-nerd trope. Maybe that isn't quite fair, given the age of the book, but it did feel stale. Personal prejudice acknowledgement: I'm kind of a nerd, myself. I just got lucky enough to find my tribe.
I'm going to look for the next one in the series. Maybe it has a more interesting villain. I want to see more of Vicki, Henry and Mike. I want more of this particular take on urban fantasy. That says the book's a success right there.
Note to writerly self: The next one's titled Blood Trail. So are a lot of other books. Do not use this title.
I enjoyed this for the most part. It's well-plotted, and I found both the good guys both believable and likeable.
Given that one of them is a vampire, that's impressive. However, Henry Fitzroy is also a writer of popular fiction, which prejudices me in his favor. (He explains his nocturnal habits by claiming that he just can't write during daylight hours, which people buy because, yanno, those writers are all weird.) He's not invulnerable, and even his vampire super-powers don't completely shield him from aging.
Vicki Nelson, former cop and current PI, is losing her eyesight to retinitis pigmentosa. She personally witnesses the first of the supernatural murders--but with her failing sight, what did she actually see? I like her courage, and the way her sensible mind objects to some of the risks she takes even as she does so.
There's a former boyfriend of Vicki, still on the force, who isn't very well-developed. Maybe she does more with Mike Celluci in the later books.
It's the villain that bothers me. I am so tired of the revenge-of-the-nerd trope. Maybe that isn't quite fair, given the age of the book, but it did feel stale. Personal prejudice acknowledgement: I'm kind of a nerd, myself. I just got lucky enough to find my tribe.
I'm going to look for the next one in the series. Maybe it has a more interesting villain. I want to see more of Vicki, Henry and Mike. I want more of this particular take on urban fantasy. That says the book's a success right there.
Note to writerly self: The next one's titled Blood Trail. So are a lot of other books. Do not use this title.
January 3, 2009
I will admit that this lingering cold may be coloring my opinion of this book. Other reviewers are correct, there is nothing groundbreaking, earth shattering, or intellectual about this book. There are other much better vampire books out there. The characters were stereotypical and the plot rather blase with no surprise twists. What suspense Huff was trying to create failed due to the evident plot and its requirements. While Vicki may be a strong female character, her overly abrasive and defensive attitude dominated over her deductive capabilities which should have been developed more. As another reviewer mentioned, more emphasis on Henry's need to feed connected with sex would have made for a much darker and more interesting character. Celluci needs something evil to happen to him. Make him disappear. There was nothing attractive about his character. Evil little nerd was the epitome of all stereotypes.
On the upside, the little D&D scene made me laugh.
What is with editors these days? I need to research their actual process. Shouldn't they be catching all the grammar errors, incomplete sentences, etc? Yeesh. This is the second series I've delved into with consistent errors throughout the writing.
On the upside, the little D&D scene made me laugh.
What is with editors these days? I need to research their actual process. Shouldn't they be catching all the grammar errors, incomplete sentences, etc? Yeesh. This is the second series I've delved into with consistent errors throughout the writing.
July 28, 2010
Great first book of a fantasy/crime series. It's a mix between Buffy and [insert favorite cop drama here:]. It's Buffy grows up and opens a Private Investigation firm.
The vampire in it is Henry Fitzroy, the bastard son of Henry VIII. I mean, come on, my Tudor history loving heart couldn't help but squee over that. He's also not dark and brooding all the time. Henry is very much a vampire that is able to adapt to the modern times. Very charming and funny to boot.
Vicki Nelson is strong in the heroine roll. It's not often that I like the main female character in these types of books but I really liked her personality. She wasn't perfect but she wasn't a bitch. Nice.
Decently done romance. Huff sets it up but doesn't let it take over. The main part of the story is the crime and getting to know the characters.
Can't wait to read the next in the series.
The vampire in it is Henry Fitzroy, the bastard son of Henry VIII. I mean, come on, my Tudor history loving heart couldn't help but squee over that. He's also not dark and brooding all the time. Henry is very much a vampire that is able to adapt to the modern times. Very charming and funny to boot.
Vicki Nelson is strong in the heroine roll. It's not often that I like the main female character in these types of books but I really liked her personality. She wasn't perfect but she wasn't a bitch. Nice.
Decently done romance. Huff sets it up but doesn't let it take over. The main part of the story is the crime and getting to know the characters.
Can't wait to read the next in the series.
May 14, 2011
I've heard from a few people that lovers of vampire trash fiction should read this book (and series). Well, I love a good, trashy, vampire novel, so I gave it a shot. It's awful. I wish I could give it negative stars. One star is too many. It reads like a high schooler's creative writing class project -- the characters are flat and boring. The the plot is stilted, the writing is full of clichés, redundancies, repetitions, and really poor grammar (the editor must have been on vacation the week they pushed this through the publishing house). Typically, when I pick up a book, I commit myself to finishing it, no matter how much I end up disliking it. I got about 25% of the way through this book before I set it down with absolutely no intention of ever picking it up again...and feeling like I need a really good hot shower to feel better about having ever touched it in the first place.
June 12, 2016
DNF 57% lost interest
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