If at any point you do feel inclined to dip your toe in the water, the casefic is probably the best bet. (Also my giftfic; but that's beside the point.)

I think it was done an injustice by the author's note, which gives the impression there will be a lot of gore. Yes, it's true that there's a murder case; and, in this instance, the bodies have died of exsanguination. As a result, there's speculation as why, if the criminal is not a vampire, such a thing might have been done. On the other hand, the emphasis is definitely on the investigation, with the focus on finding clues and lots of chit-chat between the investigative team.

If you don't want to risk it, though, that's quite understandable. No one wants your holidays spoiled.