Blood on the Bayou by Stacey Jay

Blood on the Bayou
(Annabelle Lee #2)
Stacey Jay
Release: March 27, 2012

The second book in a new urban fantasy series featuring mosquito-sized fairies with poisonous bites that drive humans insane.
It's only been three weeks since Annabelle helped solve the murder of Grace Beauchamp, and in the process, she discovered a secret world of invisible, magic-working people who have decided she might have what it takes to join their ranks.

As best as she can determine, Annabelle’s attack by a group of fairies has infected her with paranormal ability she did not previously possess, including being able to mentally move objects and heal wounds. Her new abilities appear to have few negative side effects, aside from creepy dreams. But would that change if she stopped injecting herself with the mystery drug delivered to her by the even more mysterious Tucker, one of the Invisibles? Leery of trusting criminals with her health, Annabelle wishes she had someone she could talk to about the changes in her life. Enter Hitch, FBI agent and Annabelle's ex, who's back in Donaldsonville on an off-the-books investigation. Hitch suspects that there's a government-funded illegal lab that’s developing a controversial fairy-killing spray that could adversely affect the existence of every living thing in the delta—including humans. And Hitch and Annabelle will have to find a way to work together if they're going to find a way to shut it down.

"Shit happens. The only thing I have power over is how I deal with the shit."


This sequel to Dead on the Delta exceeded all my expectations and thoroughly impressed me. Jay gives us the two things I wanted more of after reading the first one: a more in depth mythology of the fairies and more romantic and sexual tension than I could shake a stick at. One of the strongest aspects of these books is Annabelle herself, and that continues to be true here. Annabelle has a nice character arc so far. She really is quite the enigma: an unmotivated and irresponsible heavy drinker who somehow manages to wake up early and get shit done. Some of the most heartwarming scenes are between Annabelle and young DeeDee, the little girl who lost her mother in book one and has decided to make it her mission in life to be adopted by Annabelle. Her endearing oddities mirror Annabelle so well that they really are the perfect little pair.

All my favorite men are back for round two - Hitch, Cane, and Tucker. Hitch and Annabelle continue their love/hate relationship while Annabelle tries to sort out her feelings for her no longer single and father-to-be ex boyfriend. Cane continues to pine after Annabelle and try to convince her to take the plunge and make a bigger commitment to him. Its no secret that he is not my favorite of Annabelle's suitors, but the man does love her, that's for sure. Meanwhile, Tucker continues to lounge seductively in various spots around Annabelle's house and do mysterious and creepy things. I am pleased that he makes more appearances in Blood on the Bayou and hope we can expect even more from him in the future. -Sigh- Lucky gal.

In this sequel, Annabelle begins seeing more of the effects of her fairy bite from book one and we get to find out a little more about her strengths and limitations, as well as what the secret shots are and where they come from. Tucker tries to keep as much as possible from Annabelle, but the combination of her super sleuthing skills and her, eh, 'charms' make it difficult.

The reader also gets some more information about the mysterious fairies. The fairies played a small role in the last book, in my opinion, and in Blood on the Bayou they get a little more 'in on the action' so to speak. Annabelle's interactions with one fairy in particular had me going from disgust to giggles to pity in a matter of a few pages.

Author Stacey Jay gives us some nice surprises here as well. There were some plot twists that I did not expect and I love being surprised when reading. I really hope there will be many more Annabelle Lee books to comes, because I am not ready to let this series go - I devoured this book!

This book is HIGHLY recommended for fans of dark urban fantasy, faulty heroines, sexy men, and the word 'shit'.

    

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