This review was originally posted on http://www.rubysreads.com. 
 First of all: 
 MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW 
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 If you haven't read Hard Bitten, you're going to be in for a major shock. Don't read on unless you're willing to be spoiled...for Hard Bitten as well as Drink Deep. 
 My major concern in this book wasn't how Merit was going to survive after the death of Ethan, but how Neill was going to handle his return. I was also worried that a new love triangle was in the offing. Jenny and I discussed this a bit back when I'd just finished Hard Bitten. I was concerned that, now that we'd finally gotten rid of the Morgan side of the love triangle, we were headed for a repeat with Jonah once Ethan finally came back. I'm happy to report that my fears were unfounded. Hopefully you'll find comfort in this as well! 
 Drink Deep opens up a month or so after the death of Cadogan House's former master, and Merit's erstwhile suitor, Ethan. Merit is still grieving and to add insult to injury, she's been having Ethan-centric nightmares that make it difficult for her to move on even the slightest bit. She pulls herself up by the bootstraps, however, when her House needs her. Not only are they seriously understaffed, but they're also under investigation by the GP. Things go from bad to worse, as the GP rep not only rations blood in Cadogan House, but also outlaws junk food. Nothing, of course, could be more likely to stir Merit into action. I jest, but it really is a sign that tells Merit she's been in the doldrums long enough. 
 Unfortunately, just when things at the House are getting bad, things in the city of Chicago get worse. First Lake Michigan turns completely black, then it's the sky. Merit and Jonah team up to try to figure things out, but have very little luck. All leads turn into dead ends. Merit suspects the former mayor is involved, but can't prove it, and interviews with the man only bring forth more questions. Pretty soon Merit doesn't just have a mystery to help her get her mind off Ethan--she's got a serious problem on her hands. 
 I continue to love Merit. She gets better with each book, as she stays grounded even as she becomes more and more involved in vampire politics. She's also not one to sit and stare when she thinks she's lost her love forever, but neither is she lacking in visceral grief. Best of all, she maintains her snarky sense of humor and her integrity in spite of her surroundings and her acquaintances. Maybe because of them. Plus, I think her reverence for Mallomars is hilarious. 
 Drink Deep was an awesome entry in terms of the greater story arc of the series, but it doesn't stand very well on its own. At this point, it's not supposed to. We're far enough into the series that no one who isn't familiar with the prior events really has any business picking up Drink Deep independently. Only--I like it when each installment of the series doesn't just add to the whole experience--but tells an encapsulated story of its own. Think Harry Potter. I figured out who the villain of Drink Deep was fairly early on in the game--and I'm not boasting. It could only have been who I thought it was, as devastating as the thought was. Drink Deep was more an interlude more than it was a story. It had to be told for the sake of series--but it's not a tale that stands up on its own. It acts as a tantalizer for Biting Cold, it makes you want more; it leaves you unsatisfied. 
 So far, Neill's talent has shown no sign of wavering quality. I love this series, but now that we're approaching six volumes, I'm going to be nervous every time a new book comes out. Does anyone know if Neill has a stopping point in mind? I'd love to see the Chicagoland Vampires series become an exception to my never-ending series pet peeve--but will I?