Book Review: New Hope

by Steve Hobbs

17-year-old Miri Jones is determined to be a police detective, like her father. When she stumbles upon a mutilated corpse in the woods during her morning run, she's convinced that she's found her first case. But this is no ordinary killing and it soon becomes apparent that not only is Miri in danger, but the entire town of New Hope as well. Plunged into the middle of a war they never knew existed, can Miri and her friends survive?

The first book in a series, Steve Hobb's novel reads like a fun, old-fashioned horror/adventure, a sort of Nancy Drew meets the X-Files. Miri Jones is a likeable protagonist who finds herself squaring off against desperate vampires, but she's not alone in the fight. While her father, Chief Jones, finds himself in an uneasy alliance with federal agents, Miri and her rag-tag team of quippy teens assemble to bring the killers to justice - and maybe save a family member as well. 

Fast-paced and fun, with enough twists and turns to keep you entertained, this is a solid opening for a series. Highly recommended.

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