Temple Drake is the nom de plume adopted by Rupert Thomson for this novel, apparently the first of a series. The eponymous NVK is a quasi-vampire, a femme fatale, who has assumed these initials in different guises across history. We encounter her in 21st century Shanghai, albeit with flashbacks to Russia, Finland and 1970s London. Beyond the classic Thomson (a sense of discomfort and uncertainty, a taste of the uncanny and supernatural), and the obvious nod to Dracula, NVK can be seen as a commentary about men's expectations of women in relationships and vice versa. I found the broad story both compelling and page-turning and liked the twist of the Murakami-reminiscent character (perhaps another vampire?) at the end. His line — emblematic of the novel — that stands out: “Suddenly you're in a whole new world... All the familiar parameters are gone. You lose your bearings... Fear rushes through you like a gust of wind.” 9 out of 10.
By Temple Drake