What has come to be called "paranormal romance" is a type of horror fiction that often flies under the radar of many horror fans. One might even argue that romance fiction is the diametric opposite of horror. The two are not mutually exclusive, however. A strong romantic subplot often enlivens the best horror fiction. Think of how often Dean Koontz has used this device to make us care more about his characters, as well as give the characters themselves the courage to fight against whatever evil is stalking them.

Which brings me to Dicksie Dudeney's first novel, Blood Rose. This e-book is being marketed as straight horror, but the romantic elements are as important as the horrific ones.

The spunky protagonist, Detective Lucky Lawrence, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of skeletal remains found beneath a gazebo on land that used to be the Montoya Land & Cattle Company. The only clue she has to go on is hand-drawn picture of a rose medallion found on the scene. She finds that very medallion around the neck of Dr. Navarrone Drago, the land's new owner. When asked about the medallion, Drago proceeds to tell her of the history of the Montoya family and the pact made between his ancestor Miguel and a winged beast known as the Guardian of the Gargouille. This creature, to whom the sacred blood rose belongs, has the power to grant life to the dearly departed, but only at a high price.

In Dudeney's vividly rendered Florida, the past and present revolve around each other. The events of the past are recreated in the present. She knows exactly when to break off one timeline and return to the next, keeping up the suspense in both. The beginning reads more like a police procedural, then transforms into a historical romance. The horror elements begin to kick in about half way through, but they're worth the wait. Dudeney certainly keeps things entertaining until they do, so that when the horror comes to bear it enlivens an already interesting story. The plot requires a good deal of exposition, but Dudeney proves exposition can be quite fascinating when handled correctly.

There's plenty to admire here. As a resident of North Florida, I can attest to the evocativeness of her descriptions of the land. She definitely did her homework. I learned some things about Florida history I hadn't previously known. For instance, I've often traveled over the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, but didn't know Fuller Warren was a former governor of Florida before reading this. For all her well rendered background, however, this is a character driven piece. She brings us into their hearts and makes their motivations very understandable. She also shows amazing skill at writing non-explicit erotica. Her sex scenes are very hot, but concentrate more on the emotional and spiritual components of lovemaking than the biological aspects. For a while I suspected the ending might be predictable, but she managed to pull off a surprising twist that defied my expectations.

With electronic publishing experiencing rapid growth, it is inevitable that we're going to see some substandard work being released. Don't let that blind you to the fact that it's also going to bring us some fine works by writers who are knocking down the traditional boundaries between genres. Major New York houses are uncomfortable with material they can't easily pigeonhole for a single audience. Blood Rose is a novel that should satisfy fans of mystery, horror and romance equally. This can only be a good thing, as the blending of different styles enlivens all genres, keeping them from becoming stale through too much inbreeding. As the audience for this kind of book in electronic format increases, perhaps the big boys will take notice and their resistance to genre-benders will be worn down. This could lead to a revitalization of all forms of popular fiction. Viva la revolución!

Detective L.L. Lawrence, a.k.a. Lucky Lawrence, is a police officer with an attitude. She has earned it from years battling the force's male status quo. On her way to investigate the thirty year old murder of Detective Robert James McCutchen, she learns that a killer she put behind bars sixteen years ago has escaped from prison. The sheriff, in order to protect her from the killer, Clell Truex, teams her with officer Paul Trowbridge. Officer Trowbridge had been Lucky's love until she walked in on him with another woman. Needless to say, Paul Trowbridge is not her favorite person.

Lucky is seeking information that may help solve the formerly unsolvable murder of Detective McCutchen. A Dr. Drago, the new owner of the suspected killer's property, is a world renown expert on ancient languages. A paper found under the deceased officer's desk blotter showed a sketch of an odd looking medallion with glyph like symbols surrounding the center piece, a rose. Lucky thinks to have Dr. Drago translate the symbols.

Dr. Drago is much more than he seems. A handsome man and not the old stogie Lucky had presumed him to be, he gallantly offers to tell Lucky the story of his family. Dr. Drago's mansion is spacious and, for the telling of the tale, he offers Lucky shelter there from Clell Truex. She settles in and quickly becomes absorbed in the lengthy narrative.

Detective Lucky Lawrence was on her way to investigate the mysterious discovery of a body found on Montoya cattle and grove holdings, once owned by the Ramon Montoya and his wife, Ann, when she received the bad news. The murderer of her father had escaped prison and was headed her way. Shrugging the attempts of her boss to put her in protective custody, she travels to the location of the body to start her investigation.

Unsure of what happened, she befriends the new owner of the ranch, Navarrone, and learns of the family history that helps her find the mystery contained in the bones. But what of the old owners who fled the ranch? What about the mysterious new owner who was so inviting to her? And most of all, what about the strange bed with the gargoyle on the headboard which seemed to follow the Montoya family around?

Dicksie Dudeney has written a superbly written novel that transcends both horror and romance. Though I feel this novel is written more as a romance, the elements of horror keep you on your toes and will shock you when it happens. The characters are finely painted and are enchanting, leaving you with a desire to reach out and hold them and look out for the surprise ending.