The Secret History of Vampires

edited by Darrell Schweitzer

Daw Books; $7.99; 310 pp.

This is a very satisfying gathering of stories albeit wrapped around by a cheesy cover. The thirteen pieces are clever alternate history tales, with a vampire twist.

There are some wonderful ideas percolating on these pages. Especially noteworthy is Harry Turtledove’s “Under St. Peter’s.” The premise of his tale is worth not revealing here, but it is a whopper! Tanith Lee’s “Green Wallpaper” is the richest and most evocative and deals with Napoleon in exile. An excellent, complex story. “Harpy” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro starring the inestimable Count St. Germain is a small gem and Ron Goulart’s “Garbo Quits” is very funny. The other authors include: Brian Stableford, Sarah A Hoyt, Connie Willis, Ian Watson, John Gregory Betancourt, Gregory Frost, Keith Taylor, Mike Resnick, P. D. Cacek and Schweitzer.

I think you will enjoy these delightful and well-written stories more if I don’t give away the plots. They are worth the read and the cover price, especially if you are NOT a vampire fan, because they show how excellent tales of those ‘that hunt the night’ can be. - Sue Martin