Laurell K. Hamilton helped invent the foundations of urban fantasy, and her beyond-genre style has often landed her in hot water with her fans who often want her to sway her noir- investigation-paranormal-erotica-action-fantasy into one realm or the other. However, where Hamilton reigns supreme is having real characters who edge multiple categories beyond description. The series won't be pinned down, and neither will Anita Blake. However, what Anita Blake, vampire-hunting federal marshall, necromancer, lover to so many men, and constant questioner, will do is grow up. Kiss THE DEAD's Anita shows a new maturity and willingness to not only face the hard questions, but also to look at different perspectives. She may have finally realized that all emotional fights don't need to be had out "right now."

In KISS THE DEAD, Anita not only attempts to save a young girl from being forcibly turned into a vampire. She also debates with the police, vampires, and herself about what constitutes "freedom" and examines the constant question of the series: what does it mean to be a monster?

As steamy as ever, KISS THE DEAD is no happy-happy-all-of- the-time fairy tale. It is gritty, and it doesn't shy from the hard questions, either. Anita has finally realized that she really can be in love with more than one person, but is love always enough, and can she have enough love for everyone in the ways that they need?

Examining prejudice, sexuality, monstrousness, freedom, and perception, KISS THE DEAD also maintains the action and the heart we've come to expect from Laurell K. Hamilton. In addition, she references an e-book only snippet online that Anita fans will want to read.