Tevan Zaber's dream in life is to make detective. His marriage is falling apart, because the job has become his life, so when he is asked to go undercover into an underground culture of vampyrism and Goth Clubs looking for a serial killer, he agrees. After all, his marriage is now over, his daughter has told him how much she hates him for leaving her, so there is nothing in his life to hold him here. He goes undercover, asking a close friend to watch out for his wife and daughter. He pretends to be a vampyre himself to try to get into this dark underworld, hoping that this will lead him to the killer. That is where he meets Krystal 'Krys' Braxton, and he is instantly drawn to her from the moment he sets eyes on her.

Krystal Braxton is a runaway with a horrible childhood past she has been trying to forget for years. She doesn't feel anything except the self-inflicted pain she puts herself through. She is a member of the underworld that Tevan is trying to join into, even though she is not a vampyre. She is instanly drawn to Tevan, but she has spent her life distancing herself away from any man, for fear of what they want from her.

Teven decides, against his better judgement, he wants to get closer to Krys. But to do so, he needs to get past the two men who believe themselves to be her protectors: Raven, the self-proclaimed vampyre, who may be Tevan's introduction into this dark underworld, and the mysterious Azzo, who seems to be steeped in mystery.

Could one of them be the serial killer that Tevan seeks? When Tevan makes the connection to more cases in another city, he contacts Detective Cole Kincaid about similar murders in his city, and together the two of them team up to try to catch this killer, who drains his victims of their blood. Can Tevan catch the killer before he strikes again?

When he finds himself falling for Krystal, he wonders if they will even have a future once he tells her he has been lying to her all along, and once she finds out he is really police officer undercover?

THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is my first novel from author Patricia Rasey. She has written an exceptional Romantic Suspense novel with wonderful characterization. The last half of the book continues to build in suspense and your heart will be pounding as each new twist and each murder happens. The ending completely caught me by surprise. I generally am pretty good at picking out the bad guy much in advance of the end of the book. While reading this one, I kept changing my mind during the book who the bad guy might be, but I had no idea who it was until the final murder happened.

I was quite intrigued by the character Azzo, and would love to see his story down the road, along with Damien's and Raven's. All three of these characters captured my imagination, and made me want to find out what would happen next to them.

I did buy Patricia's new book tonight as soon as I finished this one, and I do plan on buying others on her backlist. She is a wonderful writer and storyteller, and if you haven't read her stuff, you should go out and buy one of her books and try her out. You won't be disappointed.

Leslie, reader

Blue Ribbon Rating: 5

In The Hour Before Dawn, Patricia Rasey takes us to Chicago. Once again, we’re dealing with the murders of prostitutes with straight brown hair and brown eyes. And again, they have their throats slit from ear to ear. But this time around, Police Officer Tevan Zaber is the one that gets to deal with the carnage. Tevan wants to make detective so badly, he can taste it. He knows this could be his chance. He’s supposed to go undercover and learn everything he can about Vampyres. Of course, the fact Tev doesn’t have a family life could have something to do with the Chief’s decision to send him undercover.

Tev goes on the internet and does all kind of research. He goes in chat rooms and to websites. He discovers Vampyres have covens and he needs to infiltrate one. He goes to a likely club and the first person he meets is Krystal Braxton. He is attracted to Krys in a way he was never attracted to a woman before, not even his wife. Even though he filed separation papers before he went undercover, he doesn’t feel he can pursue a relationship with her. He meets Krys’s two roommates, Raven and Azzo. Raven is a self-professed Vampyre. Things really begin to heat up as the killer gets closer and closer to Tev, and he hasn’t forgotten Laurie either. And when Cole Kincaid gets involved in the case as well, things really start happening.

If possible, The Hour Before Dawn is even better than Deadly Obsession. Patricia Rasey has done a fantastic job in continuing Deadly Obsession in this story. The Hour Before Dawn would do well as a stand-alone novel as well. Again, we have a flawed hero, dealing with his failed marriage. Add to this, one really wounded heroine in Krystal, trying to deal with the abuse of her father, and we have one fantastic story, in addition to the solving of the murders and delving into the Vampyre Society of today. If you like romantic suspense, don’t miss this one!

Chere Gruver for Romance Junkies.

Tevan Zaber wants more than anything to be promoted to Detective. When he is asked to go undercover into a world of Goth’s, Vampyre’s and dark evil, Tevan agrees, knowing it will lead to a Detective’s shield. But in going undercover, Tevan decides to leave his already disastrous marriage, and painfully walks away from his ten year old daughter. Tevan’s life is in chaos and pretending to have a thirst for blood himself to draw the killer closer to him, almost becomes more than he can stand. To add to Tevan’s confusion and an obstacle in his investigation is Krystal, a young woman who is running from her own demons, but is his connection to the underworld and possible suspects.

Krystal Braxton has been fighting demons from her past for years. The underworld of Vamps and the society, have always accepted her for who she is, never trying to change her. When she meets Tevan she feels an instant attraction to him and falls for him quickly. By day, Krystal works in a nursing home, by night she finds comfort in the underworld with those like her. Is Tev the right man for her or will he be her final destruction?

As more bodies pile up in Chicago, Tevan seeks the help of Detective Cole Kincaid for assistance in catching this killer who has a taste for blood. Can Tevan and Cole catch the killer before it is too late? What will become of Krystal and Tevan when she learns that he is really an undercover cop?

THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN definitely lived up to my expectations after reading its prequel, Deadly Obsession. Patricia A. Rasey writes another exceptional romantic suspense/thriller that draws the reader in and holds us hostage until the very end. Tevan Zaber is a multi-faceted man. I disliked him one moment, and then felt sorry for him and the pain he was suffering throughout this story. Tevan missed his daughter, Becca dreadfully and those emotions showed a side of him that spoke to this reader. Where he came across has heartless and cold in the beginning, I soon changed my tune to see that there was more to this man than I first believed. THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN not only picks up where Deadly Obsession left off, but there is also a second murder mystery in this one, that made me wonder crazily if it was connected to original murders, and it made this tale even more chilling, gripping and more impossible to put down! The characters are believable, compelling and there is so much more to them than readers might think. Once again we are blessed (or sinfully cursed ) with the Damien Vincent’s presence. Even more mystery surrounds him and I am very eager for this man to have his own story! There were some amazing twists and turns in this story, some that shocked the hell out of me, but I relished the creativity and the surprises that Ms. Rasey brought to the story.

This is a romantic suspense/thriller that has many layers, it keeps us guessing and never knowing what to expect next. Patricia A. Rasey is an author who will be on my list to buy immediately as her books are released. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Rasey…the sooner, the better!

Tracey West for The Road to Romance.

THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is the chilling sequel to Patricia Rasey's DEADLY OBSESSION. A killer is on the loose killing women and drinking their blood. Undercover and trying to find the killer before he strikes again, Tev can understand how the lifestyle these people lead can become addictive. Fighting his attraction to Krys, missing his daughter Becca, my heart went out to Tev and the struggles he goes through. The sexual tension between Krys and Tev leaps off the pages, adding another layer to this multilayered story. THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is a fascinating, spine-chilling read with not one but two killers. I don't want to say anymore or it will give away some of the surprises.

Author Patricia Rasey pens a superb, spine-tingling read in THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN. She brings back some familiar characters from DEADLY OBSESSION, and gives us new faces to like also. For a thriller that raises the hair on your neck and gives you chills, go to RFI West, Inc. and order your copy of THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN today. It is definitely not one to be missed.

Robin Peek, Review Coordinator for The Word On Romance The Word on Romance.

I was lucky enough to win this book in an online holiday contest. I was currently reading both Stephen King's latest written with Peter Straub, and the latest in the Left Behind series by LaHaye/Jenkins. I had to put them both down so that I could read "The Hour Before Dawn". It mesmerized me! I read it in one night because I just couldn't put it down! I've never sat Stephen King aside for any book, but Patricia Rasey had a grip on me that I couldn't get away from. The Hour Before Dawn had all the twists and turns that I love in a great mystery as well as the element of a good romance going on at the same time. Patricia threw curve after curve to the reader throughout this novel. Definitely, The Hour Before Dawn is a must read for all mystery lovers. Each character carried his/her own element of mystery, making me guess throughout the book's entirety. This was a true display of talent, talent that should be put on the market so that others can enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Patricia, for a most excellent and well written read!

--Cindy Crook, reader from Georgia, review from Amazon.com.

5 Stars!

Tevan Zaber is going undercover to catch a serial killer. But his job is a little more unique than infiltrating the hideout of drug dealers or gangsters. His assignment is to enter the twilight world of the modern-day vampyre. But vampyres are a very secretive lot. The only one he befriends, Raven, wants him to prove he's "of the blood" by drinking some of his, an idea that gets Tev wondering why he ever took this assignment in the first place! Tev's problems are only beginning. Going through a messy divorce, the last thing he needs is to fall in love with a hot little number with emotional baggage of her own. Characters from a previous book Deadly Obsession, are adeptly woven into an entirely new plot.

Two things stand out in Ms. Rasey's storytelling-her lovely way with words and her characters who, though definitely not your ordinary people, are drawn with sympathy and objectivity. Why, one of the vampyres is almost likeable.

I was impressed by the research she must have undertaken to be able to so realistically portray the Goth scene and the "people of the night." I've been curious about people who consider themselves real vampyres ever since I saw one on TV, and through her authentic research she gives a glimpse into their dark, often scary world. Ms. Rasey has woven an enthralling tale that will keep you glancing behind you, watching the shadows.

--Vickie Britton, author of The Pirated Emerald, and Path of the Jaguar, review from Amazon.com.

With each book she writes, Patricia A. Rasey digs a little deeper, delves even more thoroughly into the lives of her characters, whether they be on the right side of the law or on the other side--people of the night, whose lives shut down around THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN.

Rasey's books are much more frightening than traditional vampire novels because she writes about real, living people, and does so in a clean, matter-of-fact style that compels you to read on, whether you think you'll like the subject matter or not. And as you read on, you begin to understand her players. Vampyres--people who drink other peoples' blood, partly for sensual enhancement and partly to ensure their continued existence. People who, without understanding why, attempt to solve their problems by using self-mutilation. The lost-looking people of the Goth world.

I've heard it said that Ms Rasey is a rising star in the world of thrillers. I'd say she's already there. For anyone who loves to be frightened by a book, or who likes to delve into alternative (some would say really oddball) lifestyles, you just don't see it any more well done than in THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN.

--Beth Anderson, author of NIGHT SOUNDS, MURDER ONLINE, and SECOND GENERATION.

"In person, Patricia A. Rasey is friendly and charming, somebody who's fun to hang out with. On the page, however, she's just plain scary. THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is an extremely dark, fascinating, and entirely believable plunge into the underworld of non-supernatural vampyres. But despite so-vivid-you-can-taste-the-blood descriptions, plenty of suspense, and a great central mystery, what really sets this book apart are the characters. They're complex, passionate, and most importantly, alive on the page. If you're looking for an emotionally involving, energetic thriller, you'll definitely want to read this one."

--Jeff Strand, author of GRAVEROBBERS WANTED (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY) and SINGLE WHITE PSYCHOPATH SEEKS SAME.

Romantic Times gives 4 1/2 stars!

Tev Zaber's life is going to hell in a hand basket. He can't take any more of his wife's infidelities and now the Chief is telling him to go deep undercover to check out a vampier's coven and figure out who is murdering women and draining their blood. Not only does Tev meet real life vampiers but he also meets a young beautiful woman named Krystal who he is very attracted to.

When Tev's daughter is hit by a car, Tev knows he has to get to the bottom of this case fast. But the killing blow is when his wife is murdered while he is under cover.

Patricia Rasey takes you on a wild ride through the dark side of life with this intriguing story. Prepare to be blown away by the killer. If you weren't a fan before, you definitely will be now!"

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell

Ms. Rasey does an excellent job of continuing the story of Deadly Obsession. You'll be very surprised at how well the first book flows right into the second one. The characters are just as intriguing, if not more so, in The Hour Before Dawn. She brings you closer to these lonely souls who live their lives as vampyres by night. You can see all her extensive research in investigating their lifestyles when she takes you into their secret covens. She gives the reader a peek at the rituals that vampyres participate in that are spellbinding and very intriguing.

I was captivated while reading the crime scenes, and the dialogue is entertaining and informative. The action is fast paced and you’ll feel like you still can’t read fast enough! The clever writing will keep you guessing to the very end as to where the killer is and gasping in shock when you realize that even a prevalent character may end up the next murder victim. As with Stephen King’s characters, no one is safe in Ms. Rasey’s books!

Ms. Rasey knows how to build a scene around the most electric sexual tension of anyone I’ve ever read. Very hot! I found the needs of the vampyres, their taste for blood, both compelling and sickening at the same time. So much so that I couldn't stop reading about them and feeling a certain understanding of their compulsions.

Patricia Rasey has outdone herself with The Hour Before Dawn! This book is extremely interesting and insightful. I thought Ms.Rasey was a fantastic author when I read Deadly Obsession. I had to change my opinion after reading The Hour Before Dawn. She’s not only a fantastic author, she’s an exceptionally gifted writer, with a skill and talent that distinguishes her from other’s in her profession!

Reviewed by Stacey Bucholz for The Murder List and Proud Member of RIO

Very highly recommended

"Nothing good could ever be said about the hour before dawn, not when the sun was about to arrive..."

In this long-awaited sequel to Deadly Obsession, as the plot progresses in layers of complexity and entanglements, danger stalks the innocent. Just the creative voyeuristic thrill of briefly living in this world, by way of the path blazed by author Patricia Rasey, is enough to make THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN a must read. Daring and bold, Rasey presents the shadowy world of vampyres with a unique darkness that proves mesmerizing. The style is fiercely unrelenting, marking Rasey indelibly as a harsh truth teller. Although her genre is fiction, her characters are real and frightening, and not even main characters are safe from the evil that haunts Rasey's work. Further, Rasey's exploration of self-mutilation is both knowledgeable and tasteful, lending a shocking vulnerability to a striking character. Indeed, THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is gripping, gritty, and fascinating, coming very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Cindy Penn, senior editor for Word Weaving

A virtuoso in the suspense/thriller field, Patricia Rasey has offered yet another incredible book in The Hour Before Dawn. Her characters are multi-layered and complex, and the details of the vampyre culture indicate extensive research. Sensual tension takes on an entirely different meaning when vampirism is involved.

From the police station to the streets, incorporating characters from the previous book, Deadly Obsession, Ms. Rasey will take readers on a journey into darkness. Readers should be prepared to suspend any prejudice, disbelief, or formulaic ideas. In The Hour Before Dawn, nothing is as simple as it seems, and no one is safe. With twists and surprises, The Hour Before Dawn is a must read – don’t miss this spectacular book!

Reviewed by Sally G. Laturi, editor for Ivy Quill Reviews

Fast paced, edge-of-your-seat tension aptly describes THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN. In this dramatic sequel to Ms. Rasey's breathtaking thriller, DEADLY OBSESSION, the reader is reintroduced to characters from that novel, including the sadistic killer, Sandy Brown. Realistic characters fill the pages of this chilling novel. While the romance reader in me was at times less than pleased with the actions of some of the characters, I still found them to be compelling, and ultimately understandable. The relationship between Tevan and Krystal was uncomfortable at first; however, given the circumstances surrounding them and their individual histories, I found it touching and believable.

THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN is a thrill-read, intense, fast and unpredictable. The reader will be tempted to "close your eyes and don't look" but from the first grizzly murder to the last, the reader is glued to the pages waiting breathlessly for the killer to be unmasked and brought down.

For an adrenaline rushing read, I highly recommend THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN.

Reviewed by Terrie Figueroa, Owner/Webmistress for Romance Reviews Today

The action heats up, and you'll be left breathless as the events unfold.

From page one, you go between the cast of characters. This is the killer. No this one is. Then back again, only to have Ms. Rasey surprise you yet again.

The Hour Before Dawn is a must read, and a definite keeper. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Shadow Simmons for All About Murder Reviews

In the shadows of night vampyres walk among us. A life style different from any normal person's is theirs. This thriller gives a fascinating peek into their world.

Ms Rasey has crafted an intriguing and compelling story. She uses elements so loathsome and bloody you end up reading in sick fascination and yet are compelled to keep reading. Then she adds a romance that seems doomed from the start yet it deepens and escalates and you read on hoping against hope the lovers will find happiness.

Some of the characters are familiar from Rasey's earlier book, DEADLY OBSESSION, but if you haven't read it - yet - not to worry. You will still enjoy THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN. But you will want to read DEADLY OBSESSION afterward just for the enjoyment of Ms Rasey's expert story-telling and elegant prose.

I highly recommend this book to fans of romance and mysteries and thrillers. This book has it all.

Reviewed by Lyn Morgan for All About Murder Reviews

The author, Patricia Rasey, gives a fascinating and nonjudgmental look into the world of the real Vampyres, from the exotically attired and made-up wannabes and game players, to those who have a genuine craving for and a need for blood, from the ordinary everyday real people to the dark and sometimes secret covens of Vampyres. She looks at the sense of alienation and longing to belong of those who live the lifestyle and those who find companionship on the Internet and in the clubs. It is a view into a world that is far beyond the imagination of most, a world that exists not in the imagination, but in reality. There are no supernatural creatures that will live forever, but there are real Vampyres...

...This book gave me a look into a world that has long fascinated me, but I never dared enter, the world of those who for whatever reason choose to call themselves Vampyre. It is exceptionally well-written story with lots of ups and downs, ins and outs, that make for a good mystery. The story deserves to be classified far beyond Romance, although it certainly has its romantic elements. It is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. ~Linda Suzane for Suite 101