The term is ‘Vangels (Viking Vampire Angels). Alex, who is a human, has ever so sweetly talked her husband, Vikar Sigurdsson, into a big traditional Christmas celebration at their castle in Transylvania, Pennsylvania. There are many Vangels living in this 75 room monstrosity. Alex wanted their three year old adopted twins, Gunnar (Gun) and Gunnora (Nora), to experience the full Christmas jubilation. The children are singing Jingle Bells and they’re very excited about Santa and Rudolph.

One of the residents and Vikar’s friend is Karl Mortenson, who is a relatively new Vangel. He had died in the Vietnam War. So even though he’s sixty-four, he looks twenty-two. He wanted some time alone, or at least some time away from the chaos. He drove to Dracs Diner. The manager, Jeanette, was talking to him about Faith Larson and how she didn’t make it to work again. She suspected Faith was being abused. Karl likes Faith a lot, so he follows up on Jeanette’s suspicions. Once Karl confirmed the suspicions were true, he talks Faith into leaving with him. He’s determined to take care of her and get her out of there for good. He brings her (and tries to hide her) to the castle. But her injuries were too severe. He had to get Alex to look at her and call in a doctor (also a Vangel).

This is more of a novella – a very quick read at 96 pages. I liked Karl for both the background of his life and for the compassion he shows Faith. This is not a children’s book (I had thought it was middle grade). There are rather detailed love scenes and the book includes cursing. I liked Alex – she was a good and patient mother. I loved the children’s realistic excitement for Christmas. The author added in some names that we’re all familiar with. For instance, Lizzie Borden was the Sigurdsson’s cook. Leroy Brown was Faith’s abusive boyfriend. It’s an enjoyable read. I rated the novella at 3.5 out of 5. ( )