The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Laurell K. Hamilton's The Laughing Corpse, the second book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, plunges deeper into the complex world of Anita's profession and her increasingly tangled relationships. The main plot revolves around the investigation of a series of gruesome murders, where the victims are found drained of blood but exhibiting strange, almost comedic, expressions on their faces – hence the title. These aren't simply vampire kills; something far more sinister is at play.

Anita, a licensed vampire hunter in St. Louis, is initially called upon by the police, but the investigation quickly spirals beyond their jurisdiction. She's forced to navigate the treacherous political landscape of the supernatural underworld, dealing with both the vampire master, Jean-Claude, and the increasingly powerful wereleopard, Asher. Their power dynamics and personal feelings for Anita create significant conflict and influence her decisions throughout the investigation.

A key development is the introduction of the enigmatic Mr. Johnson, a powerful and mysterious figure who seemingly operates outside the established rules and hierarchies of the supernatural world. He adds a layer of intrigue and danger, pushing Anita to her limits. The investigation reveals a complex conspiracy involving a powerful and ancient vampire, and a series of experiments aimed at creating a new type of vampire, more powerful and less susceptible to traditional hunting methods. These "Laughing Corpses" are not only powerful but are also emotionally unstable, highlighting a key theme of the book: the dangers of unchecked power and experimentation in the supernatural realm.

Throughout the investigation, Anita must balance her professional duties with her increasingly complicated personal life. Her relationships with Jean-Claude and Asher, along with the complexities of her own evolving sexuality and morality, add a significant layer to the narrative. The book explores the blurry lines between right and wrong in a world where morality is subjective and survival often requires making difficult choices. The presence of the newly introduced necromancer, Jason, further complicates these dynamics, adding another supernatural element to Anita's life and her investigative work.

The climax involves a dangerous confrontation with the mastermind behind the Laughing Corpse murders, culminating in a thrilling battle that tests Anita's skills and resilience. The resolution, however, is not clean-cut, leaving several threads open for future installments. The overarching themes of the novel are the ever-present struggle for power within the supernatural community, the corrupting influence of ambition and unchecked power, and Anita's ongoing struggle to maintain her humanity and integrity amidst the chaos and violence of her chosen profession. The Laughing Corpse showcases a significant escalation in the stakes and complexity of the Anita Blake series, firmly establishing the core conflicts and relationships that will shape the future of the story.