I'd *almost* given up on the Anita Blake series, but figured I'd give it one more go. I was honestly surprised to get 100 pages in and Anita hadn't had sex with anyone yet. The sex is toned way down (in frequency at least) in this one, and she's dealing more with the Harlequin coming to town and threatening all and sundry. Lots of new faces, I honestly had to go back and re-read a chapter to figure out where one guy came from. The last chapter did a far too quick summing up of the wrap up of her adventure and more teasers for the next book, but at least one element she's left dangling, she tried dealing with already (Anita topping Nathaniel - but oh, god, I have to read the next one to see how Asher gives her lessons *fans self* (yeah, I'm an Asher fan)). The lust/love thing was handled well, highlight of the book for me. ( )

THE HARLEQUIN, for me, redeems the Anita Blake series. Although there's still sex (which in itself has never been a problem for me), the ratio of sex to story has finally turned. There's an actual plot in THE HARLEQUIN, and it's a pretty dang good one.

The Harlequin, what is akin to the vampire police, has come to town -- presumably just to observe. It soon becomes apparent, however, that at least some members of this elite and uber-scary group have harsher things on their mind.

The usual characters are all here, as well as reapperances by Edward (aka Tod Forrester) and the serial killer, Olaf. Peter, the teen who was rescued several stories back, is also there.

Some typical things happen -- Richard (once again) has serious problems with Anita and the ardeur. Some new plot lines develop -- the local lion king refuses to help in a moment of need, and the swan leader comes to the rescue.

Overall, THE HARLEQUIN was a quick, satisfying read that I totally enjoyed. I have renewed faith in the Anita Blake series, and hope that the next book doesn't take away that feeling. ( )

Better than "Micah", but still too much sex & not enough adventure for me. I really like Anita Blake. She's tough & good hearted, facing some trials that would take most people under. She hangs in there & tries to do the next right thing. When she can't figure out what the next right thing is, she at least tries not to do the wrong thing. It doesn't always work out. Twisted, complicated world she lives in.I'm a little surprised I've hung with the series this long. I almost gave it up, especially after "Micah", but I'm glad I got this one. Hamilton is still expanding her world & this book was no exception. It was logically done, too. ( )

Liked it. ( )

I've been skipping the Anita Blake books for awhile now. I prefer the earlier zombies-and-police-work kick-ass and celibate Anita to the Anita who is lying at the corner of Hello and Sailor in Monstertown adding more sex notches to her lipstick case.

Dare I say, this book started out well for me and didn't disappoint. It had Edward. It had actual plot that didn't center on bed games. It had Anita maybe finally getting tired of Richard and his whining and self-hate. Gaaaawwwd, but I wish we could just throw Richard into a bear pit and be done with him already.

Also, the author photo on the back is lovely, and I know someone who is convinced that LKH is really Sara Gilbert.