A conversation with P.N. Elrod, author of the cult-smash series, The Vampire Files. Get the inside story behind her new novel, A Chill in the Blood.

The summer was brief, and already by the middle of September many had returned to the pleasures of urban life. Ethel was among the first-comers; for, after her resolve to enter the life of the young poet once more, it would have been impossible for her to stay away from the city much longer. Her plan was all ready.

July 14, 2008 (Prague Daily Monitor) -- Archaeologists have uncovered a 4000-year-old grave in Mikulovice, east Bohemia, with remains of what might have been considered a vampire at the time, Nova TV has reported. The experts made the terrifying find within their research of a burial site from the Early Bronze Age.

With the first flush of the morning Ethel appeared at the door of the house on Riverside Drive. She had not heard from Ernest, and had been unable to obtain connection with him at the telephone. Anxiety had hastened her steps. She brushed against Jack, who was also directing his steps to the abode of Reginald Clarke.

I have aged as time's worn on
And now my life is nearly gone
A life of war and battles many
Plundered cities and now I'm ready
To battle with my final foe
I will face the Reaper's blow

I have but one wish of my death
It be in battle mong horses breath
Gleaming steel and flowing blood
Dying men and victory's flood

I wish not to die on my throne
Be in the field my final groan
There have been battles I have lost
And my life they've nearly cost