In Origin of the Vampyre, P.J. Parker delivers a lush, high-stakes sequel to Fire on the Water, following biographer Rachel Walton as she investigates the tragic life of John Polidori, the true author of The Vampyre. Rachel’s research into Polidori’s role as a consultant for gruesome murders blurs the line between history and the paranormal, while the bond between her and her host, Aubrey, highlights a "beautiful monster" archetype. Parker masterfully evokes a predatory Georgian London, making this "time-blurring mystery" a rare sequel that surpasses the original, breathing dangerous new life into the vampire myth. ★★★★★ (5/5)