L. A. Banks has written more than 17 novels under various pseudonyms in multiple genres, including romance, women’s fiction, and crime/suspense thrillers. Her Vampire Huntress Legends series mixes religion and African symbolism with erotic horror and a “funky African-American beat.” The Forbidden is the latest book in the series.

Tananarive Due is a former feature writer and columnist for the Miami Herald and author of The Black Rose, a historical novel that was a finalist for an NAACP Image Award. She also contributed to the comic thriller Naked Came the Manatee. Her scary and beautifully written mystery/horror novels include The Living Blood (winner of a 2002 American Book Award), My Soul to Keep and The Good House.