Still keeps you wanting more. Fast paced and addictive. ( )

Midnight Alley installment #3 in the Morganville vampires series started out alittle weaker for me than the first two novels but quickly began yet another fast paced romp. In this book Claire has begun studies with a fascinating & dangerous vampire, Michael & Shane are still at odds & trouble is still hot on all of their heels (especially Claire's). Once again the book ends on a note that has me dying to track down the next installment ASAP. I thought it was interesting that the short 3-4 page "Eve's diary" section was missing from this book- I'm not sure if it was the copy I have or not. To be honest I wasn't into re-reading the events of the book from Eve's perspective anyway, I skimmed it at best and am glad it's gone. Very reccomended still. ( )

My favorite in the series so far!, August 22, 2008 I am officially addicted to this series! If all Young Adult fiction was this well done, there would be no need for an adult section! In "Midnight Alley", Claire has pledged herself to Amalie in exchange for her Protection, and that of her friends. Amalie forces Claire into advanced placement college courses (not a bad thing) and private tutoring sessions with a crazy vampire (this could soooo be a bad thing!). Claire discovers some of Morganville's secrets during these tutoring sessions but what role she has to play is bigger than she could have imagined. On there personal front, things are still tense between Michael and Shane, and Eve's evil brother is claiming to be the killer of an alarming number of corpse's turning up around town. And Monica and the Monic-ettes aer up to something as well... There is literally danger around every corner, and the only kids in the Glass House can truly on count on each other. My biggest complaint in the first book "Glass Houses" was its unbelievably dramatic cliff hanger. Caine seems to have taken notice because she finds a great balance between finishing up the pressing issues in this story and allowing a few continuing threads, as well as a new twist and turn to entice us into the next volume. Great job done here and I again encourage anyone considering this series to grab up the first volume. ( )

Claire's life isn't getting any easier since the last time we saw her in DEAD GIRLS' DANCE. Everyone should be safe now that she has signed a contract with Amelie. Shane, Eve, and Michael should be protected and Claire should be able to rest easy, except for the fact that she has to keep her contract a secret, because her housemates would freak if they knew. There is already enough tension in the house since Shane can't forgive Michael for becoming a vampire. Claire doesn't want to add to the turmoil already in the house, but can't avoid it when Amelie finally contacts her with her assignment and sends her a bracelet to wear for proof of protection.Amelie wants Claire to become the apprentice to Myrnin, the vampire with the knowledge of the portals that are used throughout the town. At first, Claire doesn't know why she is being asked to learn, but eventually realizes Amelie's motives aren't simply to pass on the knowledge of the vampires because Myrnin is getting old and senile, but because Amelie wants Claire to assist Myrnin in finding a solution to a bigger and more deadly problem the vampires are facing in Morganville.Dead girls are turning up around Morganville as well and vampires aren't the cause. It so happens that Eve's brother, Jason, is out of jail and skulking around so everyone assumes he is behind the murders, but the police can't find any evidence to link him to the crimes. Everyone is on edge because he is threatening to harm Eve and he'll hurt anyone that gets in his way. Claire and Shane are injured in different confrontations with Jason which leaves Claire in a deadly situation and Shane fighting for his life.If you've enjoyed the other books in the Morganville Vampire series, you'll love MIDNIGHT ALLEY. Rachel Caine uses her skills as a writer to take you on a wild ride that you'll hate to see end. You'll feel like you have been transported into the story with the characters. MIDNIGHT ALLEY has a cliffhanger ending like the other books in the series and leaves you begging for the next story. It is clear that Claire's life isn't going to get easier any time soon. ( )

Surprisingly well written for a YA book. Looking forward to more. ( )