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Victory Nelson's Blood Investigations #6
Blood Bank
The Blood Bank centers around three main characters: Vicki Nelson, a homicide cop turned private detective, her former partner Mike Celluci, who is still on the force, and a vampire Henry Fitzroy, who is the illegitimate son of Henry VIII and makes his living as a writer of bodice rippers. Not only are the three of them caught in a love triangle, but they are, time and again, involved in mysteries with a supernatural slant—from demons, to werewolves, to mummies—and inevitably must join forces to solve crimes and defeat supernatural enemies. Now all of Tanya Huff's short stories about Henry, Vicki, and Mike are being released in this collection entitled Blood Bank . As an added bonus for fans of the TV series, Blood Bank includes the actual screenplay for "Stone Cold," the episode Tanya herself wrote for the Blood Ties series along with a special introduction by Tanya, detailing her own experiences with the show.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 6, 2008
33 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Huff
151 books2,449 followersTanya Sue Huff is a Canadian fantasy author. Her stories have been published since the late 1980s, including five fantasy series and one science fiction series. One of these, her Blood Books series, featuring detective Vicki Nelson, was adapted for television under the title Blood Ties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 16, 2020
DNF
Not sure what happened here. While the test of the books in the series were not perfect, I was always invested in the story and wanted to read more
And then this book came and suddenly I could not care less and had to force myself to continue reading.
Disappointing to finish the series with a DNF.
Not sure what happened here. While the test of the books in the series were not perfect, I was always invested in the story and wanted to read more
And then this book came and suddenly I could not care less and had to force myself to continue reading.
Disappointing to finish the series with a DNF.
May 22, 2017
Update - nice to know the series still rocks
I first read Huff' "Blood Noun" series during senior week after I graduated high school. A friend brought the first two novels, and within a week, everyone in the house had read them. So, I was very happy to see a collection of Vicki/Henry short stories (even if they have appeared elsewhere).
The collection is good, and includes the screenplay for "The Stone Cold" episode of Blood Ties. The screenplay is almost like having another Vicki/Henry/Mike story, which is nice as Huff says she does not plan on writing another "Blood Noun" novel. And despite the fact that I would love another novel, Huff gets a huge round of applause for knowing when to stop a series. The screenplay's introduction provides a look into what it takes to write a television episode.
Most of the collection are Vicki centered stories, though there are three Henry stories (and he has a couple of cameos). The stories, without exception, all contain Huff's trademark humor. The one exception is the story "Sceleratus" which gives the reader a look into a dark part of Henry's past. It is a rather different perspective on the Spanish Inquisition. Henry does have a very funny story with "Someone to Share the Night", where he tries to find a date. I hope Huff uses the character of Lilah again. She was a hoot.
The Vicki stories contain much of the Vicki and Mike banter that made the novels so good. The stories include two that take place before Blood Debt. The rest seem to take place later. Stand-outs include "Another Fine Mess", which will make any reader be wary when riding a subway, and "So This Is Christmas", which is an uniquely Huff take on A Christmas Carol. I believe that the whole Christmas Carol take off idea is hugely overblown, but Huff sheds fresh light on it and makes her story stand out from the rest.
There is not a bad story in this collection. Anyone who likes vampires in modern settings should read this. Vicki and Henry might be good vampires, but Huff does give them bite, which is refreshing. It's a shame that Huff does not get the credit she deserves in contributing to the vampire genre. She is highly underrated.
I first read Huff' "Blood Noun" series during senior week after I graduated high school. A friend brought the first two novels, and within a week, everyone in the house had read them. So, I was very happy to see a collection of Vicki/Henry short stories (even if they have appeared elsewhere).
The collection is good, and includes the screenplay for "The Stone Cold" episode of Blood Ties. The screenplay is almost like having another Vicki/Henry/Mike story, which is nice as Huff says she does not plan on writing another "Blood Noun" novel. And despite the fact that I would love another novel, Huff gets a huge round of applause for knowing when to stop a series. The screenplay's introduction provides a look into what it takes to write a television episode.
Most of the collection are Vicki centered stories, though there are three Henry stories (and he has a couple of cameos). The stories, without exception, all contain Huff's trademark humor. The one exception is the story "Sceleratus" which gives the reader a look into a dark part of Henry's past. It is a rather different perspective on the Spanish Inquisition. Henry does have a very funny story with "Someone to Share the Night", where he tries to find a date. I hope Huff uses the character of Lilah again. She was a hoot.
The Vicki stories contain much of the Vicki and Mike banter that made the novels so good. The stories include two that take place before Blood Debt. The rest seem to take place later. Stand-outs include "Another Fine Mess", which will make any reader be wary when riding a subway, and "So This Is Christmas", which is an uniquely Huff take on A Christmas Carol. I believe that the whole Christmas Carol take off idea is hugely overblown, but Huff sheds fresh light on it and makes her story stand out from the rest.
There is not a bad story in this collection. Anyone who likes vampires in modern settings should read this. Vicki and Henry might be good vampires, but Huff does give them bite, which is refreshing. It's a shame that Huff does not get the credit she deserves in contributing to the vampire genre. She is highly underrated.
August 22, 2022
Oh what a delicious treat! If you're like me and miss Vicki, Mike, Henry, and Tony, you'll want to grab this collection. Tanya Huff gives us insights into Henry's past as well as plays with Vicki's present. The sum is simply a treasure.
Go get this!
Go get this!
November 5, 2016
MORE? MORE! @ P.S. I love that book!
THE WORLD: Now I would say it is same as in previous books but because Henry and Vicky are basically two different stories now we get a lot of Henry's part so yes we get to see all fancy times of Inquisition. Other than that, it's completely paranormal: vampires, werewolves, giant blood sucking bats and all that.
CHARACTERS: Vicki stays our main character till the end. Frankly now that I look back at the whole series she really developed throughout the story. And I do not mean it as she became a vampire. She just really became a person I like and just I don't know maybe it is because I got really used to her that now I enjoy reading about her of it's amazigness of Tanya Huff but yeah bottom line, I did not like Vicki in first book much but now I really enjoy her craziness and am absolutely sad she won't be part of my reading life anymore. Next of course we have Henry, frankly I don't even know if you can call Henry a side character in this instalment. He had a completely different story line from Vicki's and I guess if you are a fan of Vicki/Henry couple this is a huge disappointment because no the end game is not Vicki and Henry. There is this thing as two vampires cannot be in love because of territory and all that. Well I love Tanya Huff for sticking with it rather than making a cheese story of forbidden love. And now we go to my favourite, Mike Celluci.....Mike....ah.....So he is sorta a side kick of Vicki's by now as well as her lover. I don't really know why I love Mike this much but yeah...he is just the type of man I would love to have as a friend, yes I must admit I don't feel romantic attraction towards him but as a friend...yes please!
LOVE: As I already spilled it the end game is Vicki and Celluci, actually a serious relationship as in the end Vicki even overcomes the problem of having to join Mike's parents on Christmas.
PLUS: Good old Vicki and Mike are always fun to read about.
MINUS: Now this book felt a little bit weird in comparison to the rest of the series and I think it was mainly because of this separate story lines of Vicki and Henry. In a way it felt like I was reading two books at once. But that is about it.
OVERALL: Will always have warm memories about this series! If you are into vampires and detectives then go ahead and read it, you will def enjoy it!
MORE? MORE! @ P.S. I love that book!
April 28, 2019
Good enough, if not amazing. Stories involving the main characters from the series of novels. I was mostly interested in the short stories that were written and take place between books 4 and 5, at least one of which has a minor connection to the next novel.
November 20, 2017
Like most short story collections, some good, some not so good. I was surprised when I found this in a Pile while going through some books. Was feeling nostalgic for Blood Ties, one of my favorite shows of the last 10 years and one I still haven't forgiven Lifetime for cancelling on cliffhanger. Was nice to visit with Vicki, Mike and, most of all, Henry regardless of how good the stories were!
February 13, 2017
Read all the short stories, skipped the screen play in the second half of the book (just not my thing.) Looking forward to trying to catch the series on DVD though!
Relatively quick & easy reads. I originally thought that these would be random stories written throughout the chronology of all the "Blood" books, but was pleasantly surprised to find that they only explored Vicki's life and adventures after being 'made' and Henry's distant past and coping with being alone again.
Would love to see further on this topic - could take up where Anita Blake went so very veryporn wrong! Unfortunately, the author says she won't be doing that, so here's hoping she'll change her mind! = )
Relatively quick & easy reads. I originally thought that these would be random stories written throughout the chronology of all the "Blood" books, but was pleasantly surprised to find that they only explored Vicki's life and adventures after being 'made' and Henry's distant past and coping with being alone again.
Would love to see further on this topic - could take up where Anita Blake went so very very
April 27, 2024
This wonderful collection of urban fantasies and paranormal adventures involves some of the finest characters created by Tanya Huff. The stories are~
1. This Town Ain't Big Enough;
2. What Manner of Man;
3. The Cards Also Say;
4. The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Nepeakea;
5. Someone to Share the Night;
6. Another Fine Nest;
7. Scleratus;
8. Critical Analysis;
9. So This Is Christmas.
The stories are full of wit, believable characters, and poignant touches, all depicted in lucid and fast language. It’s a sad thing that these are all the shorter stuff dealing with these protagonists. But whatever we have got is very-very good.
Highly Recommended.
1. This Town Ain't Big Enough;
2. What Manner of Man;
3. The Cards Also Say;
4. The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Nepeakea;
5. Someone to Share the Night;
6. Another Fine Nest;
7. Scleratus;
8. Critical Analysis;
9. So This Is Christmas.
The stories are full of wit, believable characters, and poignant touches, all depicted in lucid and fast language. It’s a sad thing that these are all the shorter stuff dealing with these protagonists. But whatever we have got is very-very good.
Highly Recommended.
March 25, 2021
It's always sad to say goodbye to your fictional friends when a series ends. Even when they have reached the end of their story, you want to stick around them. Blood Bank (and its remake: Blood Banked) provides continuing stories for Mike Celluci, Vicki Nelson, and Henry Fitzroy. Honestly, they're kind of frustrating because some of them would have made sense as standalone novels themselves. Still, they're very entertaining and I enjoyed all of them. We have some true standouts here too.
"This Town Aint Big Enough" has Vicki Nelson developing as a vampire and having her first territory scuffle with another of her kind. The villain was almost a nonenity but we get to see how much her psychology has changed as a monster.
"What Manner of Man" is entertaining as Henry Fitzroy works as a spy during the Napoleonic War. There's a nice feminist message that the Duke was not quick to pick up on at the end too.
"The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea" has Celluci and Vicki versus the Canadian Loch Ness Monster. That was fun but ultimately silly fluff.
"Someone to Share the Night" is hilarious and I regret that we don't have more stories about Lilah since she seems like a great addition to the cast. I would love to see how Vicki dealt with someone who was basically a female Fitzroy.
"Another Fine Nest" is the only dud in the book as the enemies are basically giant ticks and not very threatening.
"Sceleratus" follows Henry on his one man Punisher-esque mission to wipe out the Spanish Inquisition for murdering his girlfriend. Honestly, as much as I'm a pacifist and religious man in RL, I note that Henry probably would do more good going after them than leaving them alive. One of the darkest moments in history.
"Critical Analysis" is a decent story but, honestly, feels like Vicki is barely involved in it. I also wanted to know more and think it could have been a good book but was too short to really engage with its concept.
"So this is Christmas" is a Christmas Carol for Vicki Scrooge. A little too much of an homage.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and hope other people will check it out. Its episodic but so was the TV series that led me to the series.
"This Town Aint Big Enough" has Vicki Nelson developing as a vampire and having her first territory scuffle with another of her kind. The villain was almost a nonenity but we get to see how much her psychology has changed as a monster.
"What Manner of Man" is entertaining as Henry Fitzroy works as a spy during the Napoleonic War. There's a nice feminist message that the Duke was not quick to pick up on at the end too.
"The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea" has Celluci and Vicki versus the Canadian Loch Ness Monster. That was fun but ultimately silly fluff.
"Someone to Share the Night" is hilarious and I regret that we don't have more stories about Lilah since she seems like a great addition to the cast. I would love to see how Vicki dealt with someone who was basically a female Fitzroy.
"Another Fine Nest" is the only dud in the book as the enemies are basically giant ticks and not very threatening.
"Sceleratus" follows Henry on his one man Punisher-esque mission to wipe out the Spanish Inquisition for murdering his girlfriend. Honestly, as much as I'm a pacifist and religious man in RL, I note that Henry probably would do more good going after them than leaving them alive. One of the darkest moments in history.
"Critical Analysis" is a decent story but, honestly, feels like Vicki is barely involved in it. I also wanted to know more and think it could have been a good book but was too short to really engage with its concept.
"So this is Christmas" is a Christmas Carol for Vicki Scrooge. A little too much of an homage.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and hope other people will check it out. Its episodic but so was the TV series that led me to the series.
September 1, 2024
This was a very hit-or-miss collection of short stories. The Henry stories were the highlight and ranged from decent to good. The Vicki stories ranged from eye-rolling to good. Henry is a whiney but mostly likable character, while Vicki, was an interesting character in the novels, but here she was obnoxious and annoying.
July 3, 2021
A collection of short stories, most from Vicki's perspective but a few from Henry's side. Although the series focuses on Vicki, I personally wish that there were more books/stories from Henry's side of things. But here's a short recap of each story.
This Town Ain’t Big Enough: Vicki is now a full vampire and still trying to keep her old life as a detective although most people think she left the city. Mike gets called in for the murder of a pimp and Vicki keeping out of sight finds out that the murderer is another vampire. Since vampires don't share territory Vicki is willing to fight to keep her now established territory. The other vampire is an ancient vampire and Vicki needs to find the way to outwit the Ancient and keep her territory.
What Manner Of Man
Taking place in Henry's past this short story tells of Henry being recruited to help find a French Spy. After Henry saves the life of a Captain, the Captain asks Henry to take over his mission. The mission: to find the French Spy who so far has been stealing useless documents until he has stolen a document of great importance. The Spy also must be prevented from leaving England so the document can be recovered. While the Spy's identity is unknown three powerful suspects are considered possibilities. Henry must use his skill and charm to find the Spy.
The Cards Also Say
Vicki receives a warning from a Tarot Card reader who tells her that she's in danger. While the Tarot Card reader can't give her much information, the reader can tell her that one of Vicki's past meals has come back for vengeance against her.
The Vengeful Spirit Of Lake Nepeakea
Vicki is called out the investigate the claim that a spirit is protecting a lake-side resort from a greedy land developer. The towns people are not particularly impressed with the land developer and the land developer just wants the towns people to get out of his way so he can build a resort. This story you're never really sure who is a good character or a bad one. It kind of ends on a "What????" moment.
Someone To Share The Night
Henry is feeling lonely, with Vicki gone and Tony moved on to a life of independence, he just wants some companionship so he responds to a personal ad. He gets more then he bargained for because hes not the only supernatural creature running around.
Another Fine Nest
Vicki is called in to investigate mysterious bites happening on the Subway. The bugs have been slowly migrating from where they started and are now causing a problem. The person who called Vicki to investigate believes the bugs are now going to be targeting them because the bugs have "seen him." Vicki is asked to find out what they are and if possible take care of the problem.
Sceleratus
Again taking place in Henry's past, this story gives you a glimpse of why Henry is very reluctant to let anyone into his life, as well as his heart. One of Henry's lovers (one of the rare people who saw him for all that he is and still accepted him) is put to death for consorting with the Devil, Henry goes on a killing spree. Unfortunately his killing spree lets loose a man who is truly evil. He must track the man and then make amends for the deaths his grief caused.
Critical Analysis
A paranoid writer comes to Mike asking for protection but with no threat against him Mike can't do anything. Vicki enters the picture offering protection. When she tries to start protecting the writer, he flips out and gets super protective of the book he's been writing. But this story answers the question of many readers: can a book be so interactive that the characters don't like what your doing?
So This Is Christmas
Vicki's version of "A Christmas Carol." Mike is trying to convince her to go with him to his families Christmas celebrations like she used to do when she was human. Yet she resists like crazy, even random encounters aren't enough to encourage her. So although vampires don't dream, Vicki is thrust into her own personal version of "A Christmas Carol."
This Town Ain’t Big Enough: Vicki is now a full vampire and still trying to keep her old life as a detective although most people think she left the city. Mike gets called in for the murder of a pimp and Vicki keeping out of sight finds out that the murderer is another vampire. Since vampires don't share territory Vicki is willing to fight to keep her now established territory. The other vampire is an ancient vampire and Vicki needs to find the way to outwit the Ancient and keep her territory.
What Manner Of Man
Taking place in Henry's past this short story tells of Henry being recruited to help find a French Spy. After Henry saves the life of a Captain, the Captain asks Henry to take over his mission. The mission: to find the French Spy who so far has been stealing useless documents until he has stolen a document of great importance. The Spy also must be prevented from leaving England so the document can be recovered. While the Spy's identity is unknown three powerful suspects are considered possibilities. Henry must use his skill and charm to find the Spy.
The Cards Also Say
Vicki receives a warning from a Tarot Card reader who tells her that she's in danger. While the Tarot Card reader can't give her much information, the reader can tell her that one of Vicki's past meals has come back for vengeance against her.
The Vengeful Spirit Of Lake Nepeakea
Vicki is called out the investigate the claim that a spirit is protecting a lake-side resort from a greedy land developer. The towns people are not particularly impressed with the land developer and the land developer just wants the towns people to get out of his way so he can build a resort. This story you're never really sure who is a good character or a bad one. It kind of ends on a "What????" moment.
Someone To Share The Night
Henry is feeling lonely, with Vicki gone and Tony moved on to a life of independence, he just wants some companionship so he responds to a personal ad. He gets more then he bargained for because hes not the only supernatural creature running around.
Another Fine Nest
Vicki is called in to investigate mysterious bites happening on the Subway. The bugs have been slowly migrating from where they started and are now causing a problem. The person who called Vicki to investigate believes the bugs are now going to be targeting them because the bugs have "seen him." Vicki is asked to find out what they are and if possible take care of the problem.
Sceleratus
Again taking place in Henry's past, this story gives you a glimpse of why Henry is very reluctant to let anyone into his life, as well as his heart. One of Henry's lovers (one of the rare people who saw him for all that he is and still accepted him) is put to death for consorting with the Devil, Henry goes on a killing spree. Unfortunately his killing spree lets loose a man who is truly evil. He must track the man and then make amends for the deaths his grief caused.
Critical Analysis
A paranoid writer comes to Mike asking for protection but with no threat against him Mike can't do anything. Vicki enters the picture offering protection. When she tries to start protecting the writer, he flips out and gets super protective of the book he's been writing. But this story answers the question of many readers: can a book be so interactive that the characters don't like what your doing?
So This Is Christmas
Vicki's version of "A Christmas Carol." Mike is trying to convince her to go with him to his families Christmas celebrations like she used to do when she was human. Yet she resists like crazy, even random encounters aren't enough to encourage her. So although vampires don't dream, Vicki is thrust into her own personal version of "A Christmas Carol."
March 25, 2021
It's always sad to say goodbye to your fictional friends when a series ends. Even when they have reached the end of their story, you want to stick around them. Blood Bank (and its remake: Blood Banked) provides continuing stories for Mike Celluci, Vicki Nelson, and Henry Fitzroy. Honestly, they're kind of frustrating because some of them would have made sense as standalone novels themselves. Still, they're very entertaining and I enjoyed all of them. We have some true standouts here too.
"This Town Aint Big Enough" has Vicki Nelson developing as a vampire and having her first territory scuffle with another of her kind. The villain was almost a nonenity but we get to see how much her psychology has changed as a monster.
"What Manner of Man" is entertaining as Henry Fitzroy works as a spy during the Napoleonic War. There's a nice feminist message that the Duke was not quick to pick up on at the end too.
"The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea" has Celluci and Vicki versus the Canadian Loch Ness Monster. That was fun but ultimately silly fluff.
"Someone to Share the Night" is hilarious and I regret that we don't have more stories about Lilah since she seems like a great addition to the cast. I would love to see how Vicki dealt with someone who was basically a female Fitzroy.
"Another Fine Nest" is the only dud in the book as the enemies are basically giant ticks and not very threatening.
"Sceleratus" follows Henry on his one man Punisher-esque mission to wipe out the Spanish Inquisition for murdering his girlfriend. Honestly, as much as I'm a pacifist and religious man in RL, I note that Henry probably would do more good going after them than leaving them alive. One of the darkest moments in history.
"Critical Analysis" is a decent story but, honestly, feels like Vicki is barely involved in it. I also wanted to know more and think it could have been a good book but was too short to really engage with its concept.
"So this is Christmas" is a Christmas Carol for Vicki Scrooge. A little too much of an homage.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and hope other people will check it out. Its episodic but so was the TV series that led me to the series.
"This Town Aint Big Enough" has Vicki Nelson developing as a vampire and having her first territory scuffle with another of her kind. The villain was almost a nonenity but we get to see how much her psychology has changed as a monster.
"What Manner of Man" is entertaining as Henry Fitzroy works as a spy during the Napoleonic War. There's a nice feminist message that the Duke was not quick to pick up on at the end too.
"The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea" has Celluci and Vicki versus the Canadian Loch Ness Monster. That was fun but ultimately silly fluff.
"Someone to Share the Night" is hilarious and I regret that we don't have more stories about Lilah since she seems like a great addition to the cast. I would love to see how Vicki dealt with someone who was basically a female Fitzroy.
"Another Fine Nest" is the only dud in the book as the enemies are basically giant ticks and not very threatening.
"Sceleratus" follows Henry on his one man Punisher-esque mission to wipe out the Spanish Inquisition for murdering his girlfriend. Honestly, as much as I'm a pacifist and religious man in RL, I note that Henry probably would do more good going after them than leaving them alive. One of the darkest moments in history.
"Critical Analysis" is a decent story but, honestly, feels like Vicki is barely involved in it. I also wanted to know more and think it could have been a good book but was too short to really engage with its concept.
"So this is Christmas" is a Christmas Carol for Vicki Scrooge. A little too much of an homage.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and hope other people will check it out. Its episodic but so was the TV series that led me to the series.
July 29, 2011
This review is difficult for me. Blood Bank is a collection of short stories by Tanya Huff that involve the characters and world of the Victory Nelson series. The problem I have in reviewing it is I, frankly, don't like short stories. As soon as I realised what it was, I admit I was disappointed. I like epic series with huge meta-plot and endlessly developing themes and stories and plotting. Little vignettes of people's lives just generally don't do it for me. So, I'm going to try and work past my natural disinclination to do this book justice
I would say these are a series of delightful little stories that just add a lot of little bits of flavour into the world. They each add depth, they each add a new angle and they all hint at the breadth of the world as well as giving little bits of insight into things like Henry's past and Vicki's relationship with Mike.
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I would say these are a series of delightful little stories that just add a lot of little bits of flavour into the world. They each add depth, they each add a new angle and they all hint at the breadth of the world as well as giving little bits of insight into things like Henry's past and Vicki's relationship with Mike.
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May 20, 2009
A collection of short stories that give glimpses into the lives of many of the characters from the "Blood" series. Time perspective shifts from Vicki in her post-transformation life to Henry in his distant past and touches briefly on the changes that Mike Celluci has had to make in his life in order to accommodate the new and improved Vicki Nelson. There is an eerie look at the "bugs" that inhabit the Toronto subway and an analysis of the author's involvement with the shooting script for one of the "Blood Ties" episodes. Multiple irritating typos throughout the stories but nice vignettes nonetheless.
October 11, 2025
Half of this book should not count because I just read those stories in What Ho Magic. I did thumb through them again but didn't reread them closely. All her short stories are good. Update 2018 - reread this without reading What Ho Magic first and right after the five Blood books and enjoyed every one.
September 15, 2020
So cool to get a glimpse into Tanya’s experience writing an episode script for the TV adaptation of these books! My fav shirt story had to be “Someone to Share the Night” because as satisfied with the ending to the series as I am, I still wish we’d get to see (avoiding spoilers here) our “Batman” indeed find his “Robin.” At least this story is a start in that direction!
April 30, 2015
I read all but two of the stories included here. They were fun, in fact many of them were better then the novels themselves. I wouldn't have picked it up if they weren't included in the omnibus but I'm glad I did.
July 4, 2008
It's a bummer that there will be no more ... these were interesting characters and fun stories.
December 31, 2008
A collection of the Vicki Nelson/Henry Fitzroy/Mike Celluci stories, most of which I had read elsewhere, but there was one new one in this series and one I don't remember reading before.
August 6, 2020
Blood Bank is an anthology of nine short stories written by Carmen Maria Machado and set in the Vicki Nelson series. These short stories centers on the main three protagonists and give insight to events that happened off-screen, mentioned, or to just flesh out the characters. This anthology should be read after the series as there are many spoilers of things to happen within the core series.
This Town Ain't Big Enough (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson, who has just been turned into a vampire, trying to find out what she wants to do with her new life. She finds this new direction by finding a vampire who is in her territory and killing indiscriminately and disposing their bodies for her to find.
What Manner of Man (★★★☆☆) is a short story of Henry FitzRoy's past, which takes place during the nineteenth century, where he is looking for a spy.
The Cards Also Say (★★★★☆) has a Romani telling Vicki Nelson that her life is in danger. So she tracks down who wants to hurt her and the Romani's family.
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson being hired by a slimy developer who wants to take over a lake and the people doesn't want him to.
Someone to Share the Night (★★★★☆) is a hilarious anecdote having Henry FitzRoy putting an advert in the paper looking for a new friend since he lost Vicki Nelson and it ends up being a succubus – he keeps trying.
Another Fine Nest (★★★☆☆) has Vicki Nelson being hired by a person who loves playing Dungeons and Dragon, to find and kill a nest of bugs that are feeding off people's blood in the subway station.
Sceleratus (★★★☆☆) has Henry FitzRoy reminiscing about an old lover and the vengeance he has wreaked in her name many years ago.
Critical Analysis (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson investigating the case of some guy's paranoia.
So This Is Christmas (★★★☆☆) takes place a few years after the series. Vicki Nelson and Mike Celluci are still together and committed to each other. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visit her to make her to act human for one day for Mike Celluci so that they could visit his family for Christmas.
All in all, Blood Bank is a wonderful collection of short stories that enhanced the Vicki Nelson universe, but not necessarily needed to be read.
This Town Ain't Big Enough (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson, who has just been turned into a vampire, trying to find out what she wants to do with her new life. She finds this new direction by finding a vampire who is in her territory and killing indiscriminately and disposing their bodies for her to find.
What Manner of Man (★★★☆☆) is a short story of Henry FitzRoy's past, which takes place during the nineteenth century, where he is looking for a spy.
The Cards Also Say (★★★★☆) has a Romani telling Vicki Nelson that her life is in danger. So she tracks down who wants to hurt her and the Romani's family.
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson being hired by a slimy developer who wants to take over a lake and the people doesn't want him to.
Someone to Share the Night (★★★★☆) is a hilarious anecdote having Henry FitzRoy putting an advert in the paper looking for a new friend since he lost Vicki Nelson and it ends up being a succubus – he keeps trying.
Another Fine Nest (★★★☆☆) has Vicki Nelson being hired by a person who loves playing Dungeons and Dragon, to find and kill a nest of bugs that are feeding off people's blood in the subway station.
Sceleratus (★★★☆☆) has Henry FitzRoy reminiscing about an old lover and the vengeance he has wreaked in her name many years ago.
Critical Analysis (★★★★☆) has Vicki Nelson investigating the case of some guy's paranoia.
So This Is Christmas (★★★☆☆) takes place a few years after the series. Vicki Nelson and Mike Celluci are still together and committed to each other. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visit her to make her to act human for one day for Mike Celluci so that they could visit his family for Christmas.
All in all, Blood Bank is a wonderful collection of short stories that enhanced the Vicki Nelson universe, but not necessarily needed to be read.
December 31, 2018
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Average rating: 75 points/100 (3 ½ stars/5)
Blood Bank is a collection of short stories Tanya Huff has written in the Vicki Nelson series. Some are concurrent with the series, and some take place before and after the series. Short stories are never really my thing to read, but I enjoyed reading some of these a lot. However, if I read this series again I would skip this entirely. It just didn't really add anything I was looking for in a short story collection.
This Town Ain't Big Enough
75 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This short story takes place in the interim between books four and five. If you've read them, you'll know about this story because it is hinted at in the last book. In this short story, Vicki is finding out what she wants to do with her new life as a vampire. She finds this new direction by finding a vampire who is in her territory and killing indiscriminately, and disposing of them for Vicki to find.
What Manner of Man
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
This short story takes us into Henry's past. Probably around about the 1800s. In this, we find Henry looking for a spy, for whatever reason. This was definitely my least favourite story of them all. There really wasn't anything special about it.
The Cards Also Say
78 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This was a fun one! I really, really liked it. Vicki is told by a Romani that her life is in danger. Vicki has to track down who wants to hurt her and the Romani's family. This was really fun and interesting. I liked the new expanded mythology the most.
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea
60 points/100 (3 ¼ stars/5)
I enjoyed reading this a bit more than my rating suggests, I think. I really liked the mythology behind it. It was the ending I took a bit of issue with. Vicki is hired by a slimy developer who wants to take over a lake and the people don't want him to. If you've seen any other story with this plotline, you know how this goes, it isn't the first time I've ever come across it (this year, even). But, I did enjoy reading it. I just had some minor problems with it here and there.
Someone to Share the Night
82 points/100 (4 ¼ stars/5)
This was hilarious, oh my god I laughed so hard. Henry puts an ad in the paper looking for a new friend since he lost Vicki and Tony. It ends up being a succubus. Then he tries again. This was an amazing story all around. The downside to this is that this means that Henry is incredibly lonely, which makes me sad because he is so good a character.
Another Fine Nest
57 points/100 (3 stars/5)
Vicki is hired by a guy who loves Dungeons and Dragons to find and kill a nest of bugs that are feeding off people's blood in the subway system. It sounds straight out of a terrible made-for-TV Sci-Fi film. It was still really fun to read, and I loved the end to it.
Sceleratus
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
What is it about Henry's stories and my not liking them. In this, Henry reminisces about an old lover and the vengeance he wreaks in her name many years ago. That's it. It is honestly really boring because I just didn't care. I didn't have the time to care. It was basically over as soon as it started.
Critical Analysis
78 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This was the coolest story of the entire lot. Vicki is investigating the cause of some guy's paranoia. The payoff is seriously amazingly cool. I don't wanna give it away because I really liked the twist. I love the addition in this collection. If I could choose one story for anyone not familiar with the series to read, it would be this one.
So This Is Christmas
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
This takes place a few years after the end of the series. Vicki has been with Mike for a while, and Mike is still human. Mike is still really close to his family, because they mean a lot to them. Only Vicki is vampire, she cannot age, she doesn't want to get close to them because it isn't like she would be able to stick around long. But they are in a committed relationship, and Mike really wishes she would join him for Christmas. So the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future browbeat Vicki into acting human for her lover. Pass. Also, why was it so long??
Average rating: 75 points/100 (3 ½ stars/5)
Blood Bank is a collection of short stories Tanya Huff has written in the Vicki Nelson series. Some are concurrent with the series, and some take place before and after the series. Short stories are never really my thing to read, but I enjoyed reading some of these a lot. However, if I read this series again I would skip this entirely. It just didn't really add anything I was looking for in a short story collection.
This Town Ain't Big Enough
75 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This short story takes place in the interim between books four and five. If you've read them, you'll know about this story because it is hinted at in the last book. In this short story, Vicki is finding out what she wants to do with her new life as a vampire. She finds this new direction by finding a vampire who is in her territory and killing indiscriminately, and disposing of them for Vicki to find.
What Manner of Man
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
This short story takes us into Henry's past. Probably around about the 1800s. In this, we find Henry looking for a spy, for whatever reason. This was definitely my least favourite story of them all. There really wasn't anything special about it.
The Cards Also Say
78 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This was a fun one! I really, really liked it. Vicki is told by a Romani that her life is in danger. Vicki has to track down who wants to hurt her and the Romani's family. This was really fun and interesting. I liked the new expanded mythology the most.
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Napeakea
60 points/100 (3 ¼ stars/5)
I enjoyed reading this a bit more than my rating suggests, I think. I really liked the mythology behind it. It was the ending I took a bit of issue with. Vicki is hired by a slimy developer who wants to take over a lake and the people don't want him to. If you've seen any other story with this plotline, you know how this goes, it isn't the first time I've ever come across it (this year, even). But, I did enjoy reading it. I just had some minor problems with it here and there.
Someone to Share the Night
82 points/100 (4 ¼ stars/5)
This was hilarious, oh my god I laughed so hard. Henry puts an ad in the paper looking for a new friend since he lost Vicki and Tony. It ends up being a succubus. Then he tries again. This was an amazing story all around. The downside to this is that this means that Henry is incredibly lonely, which makes me sad because he is so good a character.
Another Fine Nest
57 points/100 (3 stars/5)
Vicki is hired by a guy who loves Dungeons and Dragons to find and kill a nest of bugs that are feeding off people's blood in the subway system. It sounds straight out of a terrible made-for-TV Sci-Fi film. It was still really fun to read, and I loved the end to it.
Sceleratus
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
What is it about Henry's stories and my not liking them. In this, Henry reminisces about an old lover and the vengeance he wreaks in her name many years ago. That's it. It is honestly really boring because I just didn't care. I didn't have the time to care. It was basically over as soon as it started.
Critical Analysis
78 points/100 (4 stars/5)
This was the coolest story of the entire lot. Vicki is investigating the cause of some guy's paranoia. The payoff is seriously amazingly cool. I don't wanna give it away because I really liked the twist. I love the addition in this collection. If I could choose one story for anyone not familiar with the series to read, it would be this one.
So This Is Christmas
52 points/100 (2 ¾ stars/5)
This takes place a few years after the end of the series. Vicki has been with Mike for a while, and Mike is still human. Mike is still really close to his family, because they mean a lot to them. Only Vicki is vampire, she cannot age, she doesn't want to get close to them because it isn't like she would be able to stick around long. But they are in a committed relationship, and Mike really wishes she would join him for Christmas. So the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future browbeat Vicki into acting human for her lover. Pass. Also, why was it so long??
February 5, 2023
Blood Bank is a group of short stories featuring either Vicki and Mike, or Henry. If you watch the TV show (and you should!) the last piece in this book is Tanya's humorous story on what occurred when she was asked to write an episode for the show, called Stone Cold, the one about Medusa.
The stories are good; Huff is a fine writer, but of course I miss the books, and the animosity and barely-there friendship between Henry and Mike.
If you are wondering why Blood Bank features stories only about Vicki and Mike, or just Henry, read Blood Pact and you'll learn why. It's the most heart-breaking and hardest to read of the series.
The stories are good; Huff is a fine writer, but of course I miss the books, and the animosity and barely-there friendship between Henry and Mike.
If you are wondering why Blood Bank features stories only about Vicki and Mike, or just Henry, read Blood Pact and you'll learn why. It's the most heart-breaking and hardest to read of the series.
November 1, 2020
I don't read the backs of books before I read them, so I didn't know this was short stories and not a novel. I enjoyed most of the stories, particularly the contemporary ones. I have been off historical lately, so Henry's past stories didn't really interest me as much. An enjoyable short read. I'll miss the series.
November 12, 2025
interesting Little Stories
I've read these before in paperback, but it's nice to reread them again. You can see the difference of time from when they were written (and I grew up) and now. Some are funny, some are serious. Some you just want to ask what the characters are thinking. All of them are written in the classic tongue in cheek. You know-dry humor.
I've read these before in paperback, but it's nice to reread them again. You can see the difference of time from when they were written (and I grew up) and now. Some are funny, some are serious. Some you just want to ask what the characters are thinking. All of them are written in the classic tongue in cheek. You know-dry humor.
November 17, 2018
A collection of short stories from Victoria Nelson's universe. My only complain is about the last story which is yet another retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". I really don't understand why writers are so interested in retelling it over and over and over!
December 31, 2022
It's been like 13+ years that I've read the original series and watched the series and this short story compilation took me right back to it - still loving the characters and enjoying their back and forth between them.
November 5, 2025
This Town Ain't Big Enough ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Manner of Man ⭐⭐
The Cards Also Say ⭐⭐⭐
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Nepeakea ⭐⭐⭐
Someone to Share the Night ⭐⭐⭐
Another Fine Nest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sceleratus ⭐⭐
Critical Analysis ⭐⭐⭐
This is Christmas ⭐⭐
What Manner of Man ⭐⭐
The Cards Also Say ⭐⭐⭐
The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Nepeakea ⭐⭐⭐
Someone to Share the Night ⭐⭐⭐
Another Fine Nest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sceleratus ⭐⭐
Critical Analysis ⭐⭐⭐
This is Christmas ⭐⭐
August 13, 2017
An entertaining collection of short stories in the Vicki Nelson series. Each story is just as good as a full sized novel.
May 2, 2020
The stories don't amount to much, but this collection of short stories was more entertaining to read than the previous 3 novels.
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