Category: Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN-10: 0759936714
Type: Fiction
Pages: 300
Copyright: Jan 1 2001
Thrust into the dark underworld of real vampires, reality begins to blur into the society of role-playing.
Tevan Zaber wants to be a detective. But how far is he willing to go to get it? Thrust into the dark underworld of real vampires, reality begins to blur into the society of role-playing. Can Krystal Braxton, who wrestles with her own demons, save Tevan from becoming one of them? Together they must infiltrate the occult covens to save the city from a blood-thirsty killer resurrected from a year’s old case as they enlist the help of Fairview Park’s lieutenant, Cole Kincaid. The Hour Before Dawn picks up where Deadly Obsession leaves off.
Excerpt
“You’re one of them.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Tell me you didn’t know that already.”
Krys wrapped her arms about herself and ran her hands up and down the sleeves of her sweater as
though trying to warm herself. His gaze traveled the length of her, stopping on her bared midriff and the small ring piercing her belly button. The sight nearly had him tossing her on the sofa. Everything about this woman made him ache.
“I had an inkling,” she whispered, barely above the muted music. “I guess I had hoped I was wrong.”
“Does the thought sicken you?”
“Yes...no.” She shrugged. “I know what they do. In a way I can even accept it. But that’s them--not you.”
He shook his head. “I don’t understand. Me? Why the hell am I so different?”
I’m not sure I can answer that. In my book, men have always been alike. Out for one thing. Not
caring who they hurt or how they get it as long as their own needs are satisfied. I guess I had hoped that you were somehow different.”
"What do you want me to be, Krys?” Tev took a step in her direction as she held firm in her
footing. “Your friend?”
She shook her head as he stepped closer, within inches of her. He could smell her sweet fruity scent, feel her breath whisper across his cheeks. “Your companion?”
Just as she meant to back from his presence he grasped her arms and pulled her flush. Her breasts flattened against his chest. He could feel her heavy heartbeat nearly match his. He released her arm and brushed the silky hair from her shoulder and leaned in. His tongue licked the outer shell of her ear before he whispered, “Or your lover?”
Professional Reviews
The Hour Before Dawn is the exciting sequel to Deadly Obsession.
Ms. Rasey does an excellent job of continuing the story of Deadly
Obsession. You'll be very surprised at how well the first book flows
right
into the second one. The characters are just as intriguing, if not more
so, in The Hour Before Dawn. She brings you closer to these lonely souls
who live their lives as vampyres by night. You can see all her extensive
research in investigating their lifestyles when she takes you into their secret covens. She gives the reader a peek at the rituals that vampyres
participate in that are spellbinding, and very intriguing.
I was captivated while reading the crime scenes, and the dialogue is
entertaining and informative. The action is fast paced, and you'll feel
like you still can't read fast enough!
The clever writing will keep you guessing to the very end as to where the killer is and
gasping in shock when you realize that even a prevalent character may end up the next
murder victim. As with Stephen Kings characters, no one is safe in Ms. Rasey's books!
Ms. Rasey knows how to build a
scene around the most electric sexual tension of anyone I've ever read.
Very hot! I found the needs of the vampyres, their taste for blood,
both
compelling and sickening at the same time. So much so that I couldn't
stop
reading about them and feeling a certain understanding of their
compulsions.
Patricia Rasey has outdone herself with The Hour Before Dawn! This book
is
extremely interesting and insightful. I thought Ms.Rasey was a fantastic
author when I read Deadly Obsession. I had to change my opinion after
reading The Hour Before Dawn. She's not only a fantastic author, she's
an
exceptionally gifted writer, with a skill and talent, that distinguishes
her
from other's in her profession!
~Stacey Bucholz, member of RIO
Very highly recommended
In a gruesome existence of blood feeding, donors and vampyres, Tev finds his
inhibitions, morals and beliefs called into questions as he fights his
attraction for Krys, yet uses her connections to locate vampyres. Further,
despite his feelings for Krys, a torrid affair in the midst of a police
investigation is against all the rules. Yet when he's with Krys, Tev's never
felt so out of control or so driven by an interior hunger.
In this long-awaited sequel to Deadly Obsession, as the plot progresses in
layers of complexity and entanglements, danger stalks the innocent. Just the
creative voyeuristic thrill of briefly living in this world, by way of the
path blazed by author Patricia Rasey, is enough to make THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN
a must read. Daring and bold, Rasey presents the shadowy world of vampyres
with a unique darkness that proves mesmerizing. The style is fiercely
unrelenting, marking Rasey indelibly as a harsh truth teller. Although her
genre is fiction, her characters are real and frightening, and not even main
characters are safe from the evil that haunts Rasey's work. Further, Rasey's
exploration of self-mutilation is both knowledgeable and tasteful, lending a
shocking vulnerability to a striking character. Indeed, THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN
is gripping, gritty, and fascinating, coming very highly recommended.
Cindy Penn
Senior Editor: WordWeaving
Don’t miss this spectacular book!
A virtuoso in the suspense/thriller field, Patricia Rasey has offered yet
another incredible book in The Hour Before Dawn. Her characters are
multi-layered and complex, and the details of the vampyre culture indicate
extensive research. Sensual tension takes on an entirely different meaning
when vampirism is involved.
From the police station to the streets, incorporating characters from the
previous book, Deadly Obsession, Ms. Rasey will take readers on a journey
into darkness. Readers should be prepared to suspend any prejudice,
disbelief, or formulaic ideas. In The Hour Before Dawn, nothing is as simple
as it seems, and no one is safe. With twists and surprises, The Hour Before
Dawn is a must read – don’t miss this spectacular book!
