This is the second in Talia Gryphon's urban fantasy "Key" series. Gillian Key is a psychologist to the Paranormal Species. She's also a Marine Special Forces Paranormal Unit Captain. She's also the girlfriend of a budding Master Vampire.

In this installment of the series, Ms. Gryphon furthers the story begun in her first book, "Key to Conflict". I would suggest reading it prior to reading this one, or you will become confused when previous characters make their appearance.

Gillian is an empathic human who is working with other paranormal communities trying to forge an alliance against the Dark Prince, Dracula. She has another run-in Dracula's chief minion, Jack the Ripper while trying to solve a series of murders.

While I did enjoy reading more about Gillian and her cronies, I did feel that the first book read a little smoother than this one. I found myself wondering if her publisher's pushed her to complete this one on the heels of the success of her first book. Having said that, I will still be looking to pick up book three when it's released. ( )