The book is a mystery story, but mostly it's a romance.... with the unusual twist that the hero is not quite a hero, but an ancient and highly immoral vampire who loves what he is.... his children are not so happy in their immortal existence, and have shunned him. When he finds that his favoured "son" has been working with a beautiful and lonely new partner, Cartier discovers that the woman is equal parts intriguing to him and repellent.... for she reminds him that there is still a whisper of humanity buried deep within him, and he sees is as a weakness.... doesn't he?