Anita Blake is about to face the challenge of her life. Into her world-a world already overflowing with power-have come creatures so feared that powerful centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names. It is forbidden to speak of The Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death. Long-time rivals for Anita's affections Jean-Claude Master Vampire of the City and Richard alpha-werewolf will need to become allies. Shapeshifters Nathaniel and Micah will have to step up their support. And then there's Edward. In this situation Anita knows that she needs to call the one man who has always been there for her...