Book Review: Pretty Maids All in a Row

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Pretty Maids All in a Row     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Christopher Golden
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Historical
Pocket, Oct, 2000, $22.95

In 1940 New York City Spike learns that the ice demon Skyrmer possesses Freyju’s Stand, the necklace of the Birsings. Spike promised his vampiriro lover Drusilla that he will obtain the necklace for her un-birthday and whatever his beloved Dru wants Spike wants for her. They sail to Europe without incidents until they meet a mythical demon in Arctic Norway and cut a deal.

In Copenhagen, the watcher informs her protégé the slayer Sophie Carstenen that she had a vision in which the Nazis overwhelm their country. They flee to England but not before Sophie cleans out a nest of vampires. In England, the Council sends Sophie to France where the undead have gathered to nourish from the war. Soon Spike and Dru will meet the slayer and reading the novel will let the audience know the outcome of that confrontation.

SPIKE AND DRU: PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW is a thrilling entry in the Buffy series that brings a historical perspective to vampires and slayers. World War II comes alive as feeding ground for the undead and a dangerous place for the dedicated slayer. The story line is exciting and filled with much of the mythos that makes the series so popular. Dru and Spike are a lunatic duo while Sophie may be just as crazy as the teenager is that obsessed with cleaning out the unclean. Fans of the series and those readers who enjoy Top Cow’s Witchblade (especially the historical Witchblades) will fully love Christopher Golden’s tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner