Tall, Dark, and Dead by Tate Hallaway: A Book Review

Tall, Dark, and Dead is the first book by Tate Hallaway, and also the first book of the Garnet Lacey series full of witches, vampires, and plenty of adventure to keep you turning the page. Garnet is a sarcastic and witty witch who never seems to be able to run far enough away from trouble to catch her own breath. She lives alone with her cat, Barney, who is allergic to magic, and works as manager at Mercury Crossing, a magic shop in the middle of Madison, Wisconsin. More importantly, she is sharing her body with a goddess -- Lilith -- who is a bit touchy when it comes to Garnet's emotions, and body. This proves to be a little bit of a problem for Garnet when she meets, and starts dating, a vampire who has no qualms taking blood from her during intimate moments.

For the most part, things are going well for Garnet. She's got a favorable job, a very attractive suitor, and some good friends that have her back and keep her grounded. Things are pretty smooth sailing -- that is, until she realizes that the Vatican witch hunters are after her and her boyfriend, Sebastian, who, on top of being a vampire, is also a witch. The Vatican witch hunters killed her entire coven in the past, causing her to relocate to Wisconsin in the first place, and are now coming back to finish the job they started before. Throw in a goddess with a bad temper, a vampire ex-lover who shows up out of the blue, some mutual vampire jealousy, and a vampire son that isn't too kind to Garnet, and she's really got her hands full trying to keep herself -- and her new relationship -- alive.

This book was a great read from start to finish. Not being into the whole witches, vampires, and the supernatural phenomenon, I wasn't sure I would be able to get into the book. However, through Garnet's quirky commentary and personality, and Sebastian's charming ways, I was quickly pulled into this world that Hallaway has created. The characters were fresh and real, and the plot twists were just enough to keep me turning the page without being too overly dramatic. Even if you are not into the whole supernatural phenomenon, I definitely recommend giving these vampires and witches a shot. You never know: they just might suck you in.