Arsonists, vampires and a nun! It’s another wacky mystery thrill ride for vampire Karin and her human friend Kenta as the make a new friend and have to thwart a deadly fire starter in this second novel by Tohru Kai, based on the hit manga Karin by Yuna Kagesaki.

A lot has happened since the first novel. For some readers it may seem like a bit of a jump, but what’s happened is that each novel so far takes place at a certain juncture within the manga series. This second novel is set just before the events of the third manga. So that means that Kenta now knows that Karin is a vampire, or to be more precise - a vampire that increases with blood around those suffering great misfortune and then she must bite them, purge her excess blood into them or else she’ll burst out with an incredible, gushing nose bleed. And unlike the manga, the novels focus more on sinister mysteries that Karin and her friends have to uncover, sort of like a supernatural Nancy Drew escapade.

The latest sees Kenta making a new friend when he runs into a novice by the name of Sister China. She’s beautiful and sweet and about the same age as Karin and Kenta. Now even though Karin and Kenta have not admitted to having feelings for each other beyond friendship, Karin is struck with an enormous swelling of discontent over his interactions with China. Will she at last realize her true feelings for Kenta? She may not get the chance to find out because an arsonist has been setting fires across the city and is coming closer and closer to Karin’s neighborhood. And just her luck, or lack thereof, Karin and Kenta along with their new friend China, end up embroiled in having to figure out who the nefarious arsonist is before it’s too late!

The story is a consistent and well thought out youthful mystery adventure with Karin and Kenta as the unlucky duo caught in the middle of the suspense and danger. It’s not that they intended to have to solve the arsonist cases, but Karin somehow always seems to get into trouble in the worst possible way, leaving Kenta racing to save her before anything truly sinister happens. This novel also sees a lot more or Ren, Karin’s older vampire brother. Lady killer (not literally) and handsome, it’s always hard to figure out if he’s actually a nice guy under the narcissistic and mean manner, or if he really just is an arrogant older brother. This second novel also shows Kenta and Karin’s relationship slowly evolving into something more romantic. And of course there’s the new addition of the interesting and attractive novice nun China who creates a bit of a love triangle between the three of them. Plus this book, like the last one, also features some wonderful illustrations by Yuna Kagesaki.

IN SUMMARY:
This second novel has a great mystery adventure with budding romance and a sinister arsonist on the prowl. And don’t forget the vampires!