Deciding to take a chance on reading a novel recommended in "the Goth Bible," I found this book instead. The recommended book is by Poppy Z. Brite. Brite published "Lost Souls" in 1992. Lisa Jackson published this book in 2008. Following the known rules of modern publishing it has a spooky beginning to cause interest. The subplots often stem from the plot, yet murder mystery has been done. Talking to an actual police officer to research killers has been done along with using eroticism to create intrigue.
The author herself is interesting. Born in 1952, her first novel "Twisted" was published in 1983. Perhaps she was amongst the first establishing the modern standard, not just following. Since then she has published close to 10 series and several novels. Jackson was also born in Oregon.
Reading the book there are many reasons for winning awards in writing and becoming a bestseller. Following the higher standards of modern writing, Jackson goes further by offering differing writing techniques. It is told through a combination of a variety of character's first-person narrative and then third-person narrative. Several chapters appear to be short stories separated from the larger body of the story by style. These sections describe the characters as unique, relatable beings.
From a scientific perspective several situations are lacking credibility. The story takes place in Louisiana. Vampires have a traditional underground lair, yet the water table in Louisiana makes it so they will not even burry their dead under the ground let alone construct large underground caverns. There was pause every time reading... basement. Another issue arose around the idea of the blood remaining untainted. A person relieves their bowels upon death.
Several times the unity appears to be patched with a handful of quick sentences: added or revised. This was good. I do love when a story exhibits unity. Keeping track of all the characters, storyline, all fictional and fantastical parts are tricky.
As horror suspense laced with romanticism, it wasn't too bad. The only known fact about serial killers is subtly mentioned. Serial killers know they will not be caught or if they were caught; they would not be punished for the crime. Mainstream readers will enjoy the book. College and high school students will find it intriguing. English majors will enjoy the strange plot. However, I fear police and people living in the South will find everything jumbled. It is as though the college is in Oregon with the name Baton Rouge slapped on the label.
Quirky Books
Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite
