The Laughing Corpse

Plot Summary

A Dangerous Proposition

Anita Blake

meets a wealthy client. Anita Blake, a skilled animator and vampire hunter, is approached by Harold Gaynor, a wealthy man with a dark reputation. Gaynor offers Anita a lucrative deal to raise a centuries-old zombie, a task that requires a human sacrifice. Despite the tempting offer, Anita refuses, aware of the moral and legal implications. Gaynor's bodyguards, Tommy and Bruno, exude menace, hinting at the lengths Gaynor might go to achieve his goals. This encounter sets the stage for the dangerous path Anita is about to tread.

The Voodoo Queen's Test

Anita

seeks help from a powerful voodoo priestess. In search of answers to a series of gruesome murders, Anita visits Dominga Salvador, a feared voodoo priestess. Dominga tests Anita's abilities, revealing her own dark powers by showcasing zombies with trapped souls. Despite the horror, Anita remains resolute, refusing to join Dominga's sinister plans. The encounter leaves Anita with more questions than answers and a promise of help from Dominga, though at a potentially high cost. This meeting underscores the dark forces at play and Anita's determination to resist them.

A Gruesome Discovery

Anita

investigates a horrific crime scene. Anita is called to a crime scene where a family has been brutally murdered, their bodies torn apart in a manner suggesting supernatural involvement. Her expertise is needed to determine if a rogue zombie is responsible. The discovery of a child's mutilated body shakes Anita to her core, fueling her determination to find the killer. This gruesome scene highlights the stakes and the urgency of Anita's mission, as she delves deeper into the mystery.

A Night of Terror

Anita