Life Is In the Blood by Daniel Bautz

Turning the hearts and minds of the quaint community in Millersburg, Ohio to the Lord is Silas Hemfant’s mission. His business is devouring their blood and adding to the ranks of his immortal legion.

Business is good.

Miriam is devout to her faith and her family. When a prophet comes to town, she struggles to stay obedient to a way of life that she believes hides the truth of the faith she loves. She is drawn to the enigmatic prophet, unable to resist his charm.

Brannigan is as famous as an author can get in 1897. His readers love the ghost stories he churns out for them. They believe every word. The problem is that he doesn’t care what they think, only that they buy his books. He knows his non-fiction books are all make-believe, but truth doesn’t make you famous.

Flynn is a lawman and good at his job, or was. Wearing a badge and being a crack shot in 1897 Sikeston, Missouri is one thing. Being a black man is another. He’s fought for everything, his position, his freedom, and his family. He is trapped by his failures to save all he loved and is now hell-bent on avenging them.

Three strangers moving in very different directions find themselves pulled to a small town in the middle of Ohio. A force is reeling them in. Like a needle drawn North on a compass, powerless to stray from this impending convergence, they must take their stand in the battle of good and evil.

But what happens when the worst evil wears the face of good?

Life is in the Blood is the macabre tale of what it is to long for freedom, love, and to be human.

Goodreads Synopsis

Overall Rating

5/5

Spooky Rating

3/5

Quick Take

Amish vampires! Need I say more?

Tell Me More

The vampire mythos make up one of my favorite topics of horror, and I am always game when it comes to books in this sugenre. I was first drawn to Life is in the Blood, because at first glance, it is a gritty, original take on vampires that takes place in the 1800s in the Midwest. However, it ended up being so much more than that. At once spooky and heartfelt, I felt my heart and nerves tugged in various directions. It truly captivated me.

Daniel Bautz’s writing and story reminded me a lot of Dracula in its structure, and I loved the classic gothic tones throughout. The idea of Amish vampires was fascinating, and I loved how issues of race and turmoil in the 1800s were addressed. Bautz didn’t shy away from heavy topics, and he beautifully captured this time period. The classic topic of good versus evil was made brand new, and the characters were well fleshed out and intriguing. Bautz’s writing was atmospheric, and the story enveloped me as I continued on. I honestly could not put this one down.

Bautz has made a name for himself in the horror genre through this truly magnificent and bold new take on vampires, and I found that he expertly combined it with historical fiction in a way that honored both genres. By playing with such classic horror themes and making them new again, he made a story that will stick with me for quite some time. I can’t recommend it enough for vampire lovers!