COLD BLOODED is book number three in Amanda Carlsons Jessica McClain series. Once again, the story picks up right where the last book Hot Blooded left off. Wolf shifter Jessica and her merry band of misfits have rescued her panther shifter mate Rourke, and she has dispatched the evil goddess Selene. Once back home, they discover that Jessica's witch friend Marcy has disappeared, and her coven wants her back. With only three weeks until Jessica and Rourke have to begin service to the Vampire Queen for the debt they owe her; they look to the witches for help.

The witches coven is attacked by demons also looking for Jessica. As with the gods and the vampires; they also want her powers, which are growing and changing. Jessica and Rourke go on the run, eventually ending up at the Vampire Queen's lair to appeal to her for sanctuary. The Vampire Queen, however; has some plans of her own for Jessica. What follows is a campy horror story escape with chills and gore all over. Jessica is placed into one of the crypts for 'safekeeping'. She escapes with the aid of a desiccated vampire; and has a group of earthbound ghosts trailing around behind her to help guide her way out. While wandering through a series of passageways between crypts; she inadvertently frees a vampiric entity known as a 'Screamer', who proceeds to wreak havoc on the entire lair; almost bringing down the Vampire Queen herself.

COLD BLOODED is a very busy story with practically non-stop action, and is quite campy. In addition, it's so very strange in places that it defies description. It is certainly different, and a wild ride; but it is not quite known how much the reader will truly enjoying the ride.

This is the kind of series that reads like a graphic novel, and it's nice during the read, but as soon as it's over it begins to fade from the mind. The story doesn't end in a cliffhanger. A new story arc starts, and then the book just ends abruptly; to keep the reader enticed to read the next story. The series is unique; but may be too far out there for the tastes of the average reader. There are campy thrills and non-stop action throughout. Anyone who has read the previous books and enjoyed them, however, will also enjoy this entry into the Jessica McClain series.

Reviewed by - Naysa Gallups