Being a 90s kid I had to read this book. Vampires, murder, detectives… it was amazing.
The writing is fast paced and the characters lovable, as well as interesting. Keeping me enraptured till the very last page.
Some pages made me laugh, some had the hairs on my neck standing on end and overall I was at the edge of my seat.

I can’t wait to read more of Sarina, especially after that surprise at the very end.

Thank you netgalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

So, you get to be a Vampire AND a detective? sign. me. up.

Listen. there was SO much to love about The Red Line. It was witty, somewhat suspenseful and had that 'uncertainty of who the killer was' kinda vibe that I really liked. Sarina is everything you want from a not-long-been-turned-a-vampire detective, at times she is incredibly human despite her vampire transition and that was something I really enjoyed about her. That self awareness, that made her very conscious of who she'd become was actually quite fascinating to me. She wasn't the most reliable narrator at times, and that's what made me warm up to her as a character. She's also a kiss ass member of a very special branch of police that mostly investigates rogue vampire incidents and she has an irritating yet hate-to-love relationship with her partnered colleague, she's also caught up in a romance with her long term school sweetheart who is still, well, very very human.

There is only one POV in this book, so you will experience everything from Sarina's POV. I thought this was a really well done mystery novel, and it was nice that this book was the one I got to read in order to dip my toe back into the mystery genre. I thought taking the vampire theme, and actually making a vampire central to the investigation and a part of WHAT keeps the town safe was a really nice touch. Also, it was set in Australia! and I've not read many vampire themes set in oz!

I have to admit though, I was left wanting more at the end - the finally chapter of the book just felt too open ended to me so I wish this was actually the start in a series overall! that twist at the end?! like pleaaaase tell me there is gonna be more!

A vampire detective? Yes, please! I was all in from the beginning! Sarina is a vampire turned against her will. She is a detective for the After Dark Department, a branch of the government that keeps the criminal activities of vampires in check. Though some dark themes, this was a fun and quirky read. Sarina is still struggling with being turned and still very much human, which makes her a likable character. That plot twist at the end will have me waiting on edge for a sequel!

I'm always a sucker for a vampire story and a vampire detective that is solving a mystery sounded right up my alley. I really enjoyed the world building and plot. The first half was fast-paced, but the second half became a bit slower at times for me. Overall, it was a very fun read with a very fun world and characters!