To receive a Harlequin mask is a warning that no vampire can ignore. When such a gift comes to first Malcom, head of the Church of Eternal Life, and second to Anita Blake, terror descends on the Executioner and all those around her. However, Anita does now cower when she is afraid, she takes action. Rallying the troupes means pulling in all her allies at home and summoning help. For the first time in years, she calls on Edward; yet, it seems that even Death will be no match for this new threat. The Harlequin's powers threaten to completely disrupt everything Anita has worked to achieve and to steal her life as well. This may be the confrontation she cannot win.

Anita has control of the ardeur, and what that means for readers is that though there are some highly sensual scenes, they are not the focus. Action is fast paced and taut. Especially welcome is the return of Edward and the character development Olaf undergoes. If you are among those who have missed elements of the early books in the more recent entries, then with great pleasure I can tell you that this story restores most, if not all of those elements. Harlequin is the best Anita Blake book since Burnt Offerings and it has made me look forward to the next one more than ever.

Synopsis
The first warning is unexpected, calculated. Malcolm, head of the vampire Church of Eternal Life, is no friend to Anita Blake. So when he asks for help, against creatures so feared that no vampire will willingly speak their name, Anita is surprised. But the Harlequin require different rules. The second warning is presented like a gift, with Anita' printed on the box. Inside, carefully wrapped in folds of pristine tissue paper, is a plain white mask. The fact that it's white is good news. White means they are only being watched. The power connecting Anita with Jean-Claude, vampire Master of the City and Richard, Ulfric of the werewolves, has been increasing exponentially ? and this has attracted very unwelcome attention. Anita Blake has the authority to pass judgment on vampires. The Harlequin have the authority to pass judgment on her. It is forbidden to speak of the Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death.