Ray McMickle and the Kentucky Vampire Clan is a quick and satisfying story, with enough suspense to get your blood going. A loner doesn't fear being lost; it's actually quite familiar territory. The fear comes to fruition when you find an evil force that threatens to pull you in without consent or choice. Welcome to Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.  Roy Stanich makes the mistake of venturing into a desolate old town that is known more for it's odd Woolly Worm Festival - a little event to take advantage of some quick tourism. Right from the start things go wrong, and his presence is both unwanted and very much craved. Things aren't quite what they seem in Lebanon Junction and neither are the people. 

All Roy wants to do is get to Meridian, Mississippi, but for some unknown reason, and by some mysterious force, he is unable to leave. Nightmares plague his mind, he hears strange voices, but nothing makes sense.

Enter Ray McMickle leader of a group of vampires, servant of the Black Hand. He believes in his ceremonies, and takes great pride in making others do what he wants. But even he has his limits. Once he sets his sights on the newcomer, he threatens to remove Roy of his soul. He is a dangerous creature with the ability to spread nothing but pure evil.

We are introduced to one unusual character after another. Mesmerelda is the beautiful redhead of the whorehouse, with her own secrets and stories. Scooter, the bartending Rastaman, tries to help Ray but instead puts his life on the line. Milly, an elusive woman who appears whenever she pleases is linked closely to an old ghost story rumor. And Smelly Jesus is an eccentric gent with the ability to see things and reeks of something foul.

Between the engaging dialogue, haunting sensuality, and the darkness that plays with your mind, it's a brilliant read. Steve Zinger has an eye for honest Southern detail and true gothic style. The ambience seeps right through the pages as you read, to the point you might as well reach out and grab a handful of it. Ray McMickle and the Kentucky Vampire Clan reads with sheer velocity, enough to have you to the end in one sitting.

This is an author to keep your eye on. His imagery, detail, and unique stories of vampires are exceptional. Make sure to also check out The Sab, another gothic gem that packs a hell of a punch.

Review original posted on Gothic Revue

Synopsis
Roy came to the end of the road, and there was a sign that said: BULLITT County Lebanon Junction Mile 0. Then just off to the right, another that read: (Blank) 75 miles. Someone had thoroughly scratched out the name of the town but no matter what it was, seventy-five miles was plenty far.