As BLACK ARTS begins, Skinwalker Jane Yellowrock's life is still in turmoil after the events of the previous novel of the series, Blood Trade. Her relationship with werecat Rick LeFleur has hit a major stumbling block; and the problems with her best friend Molly continue after Jane killed Molly's evil witch sister. Jane is also dealing with Beast's reaction to the mating bond with the vampire 'Master of New Orleans', Leo Pellisier. Jane pines for her true love Rick; but her inner big-cat, Beast, wants to mate with Leo; as well as Rick, and also George. While Jane is having some downtime between jobs as 'Enforcer' for the vampire master; Molly's husband Evan Trueblood shows up, informing Jane that Molly has disappeared after supposedly coming to see her.

Several other missions pop up for Jane all at the same time. Two of her vampire Madam landlord Katie's 'girls' have gone missing after attending a vampire blood party without the madam's permission. Leo wants his 'Enforcer' Jane to oversee an upcoming gathering of the Vampire Council, and his primo George Dumas is investigating a mysterious illness in their human blood-servants. This is all on top of her frantic search for her witch best friend, as Evan and their children camp out at her home. As well as searching for Molly and the missing 'girls', the vampire Adrianna is out to kill Jane. Adrianna has joined forces with a rival vampire who is out to take over Leo's position as Master of New Orleans; and will use any means at his disposal to overthrow Leo, including magic and personal attacks against Jane in her own home. Rick shows up for a cameo role in the book; but the reconciliation between them is short and bittersweet, as Rick is soon led astray by a beautiful African were-leopard in heat.

There is a lot of vampire politics going on this time around in BLACK ARTS, and it's an intriguing inner look into the vampire mythos which author Faith Hunter has eloquently created. A great deal of vampire powers are unleashed, some enhanced by magic; with political double dealings and back-stabbing running rampant in Hunter's vampire world. BLACK ARTS is a fascinating story, and showcases Jane at both her most vulnerable and most kick- ass. Faith Hunter has outdone herself with this story, and BLACK ARTS does a great job of furthering this superb Urban Fantasy series.