Best Vampire Mysteries Books of 2025

The Life We Bury is a compelling debut novel by Allen Eskens. The story follows college student Joe Talbert as he interviews a dying Vietnam veteran and convicted murderer, Carl Iverson, for an English class assignment. As Joe delves deeper into Carl's past, he struggles to reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable acts of the convict. Along with his neighbor, Joe uncovers the truth, but their efforts are hampered by his dysfunctional family and haunting childhood memories. This psychological fiction book is a page-turner, with well-developed characters and a gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Dead Until Dark, the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, introduces readers to a unique world where vampires and humans coexist. Sookie, a small-town cocktail waitress with the ability to read minds, falls for a mysterious and attractive vampire named Bill Compton. However, their romance is threatened by a series of murders and dangerous bloodsuckers who are after Bill. This book is a thrilling mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Dead Until Dark is a captivating and entertaining read that is perfect for fans of the supernatural genre.

Violets Are Blue (Alex Cross, 7) is an electrifying thriller that follows Detective Alex Cross as he confronts his most terrifying nemesis ever and his own deepest fears. The gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park leave even the FBI baffled, and as Cross takes on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America. James Patterson delivers another page-turner that readers won't be able to put down until reaching the back cover. Particularly juicy and enjoyably spooky, this book is a bloody good creepfest that fans of police procedural books will love.

Paranormal Nonsense: Blue Moon Investigations Book 1 is a fast-paced urban fantasy series that follows Tempest Michaels, England's top paranormal P.I., as he investigates cases too weird for the police to handle. When a master vampire starts killing people in his hometown, Tempest takes it personally, and soon finds himself in a race against time that turns into a battle for his life. Joined by his ex-army buddy, a disillusioned cop, and his friends from the pub, Tempest is determined to stop the murders even if it kills him. Steve Higgs' vivid imagination, snarky humor, and unforgettable characters make this book a must-read for fans of Jim Butcher and other paranormal thriller authors.

Bloodless is the 20th installment in the Agent Pendergast series, where bodies with no blood left in their veins are found in Savannah, Georgia, reviving whispered tales of the infamous Savannah Vampire. Agent Pendergast and his partner, Agent Coldmoon, race to understand how these murders are connected to the only unsolved skyjacking in American history. Preston and Child know how to craft compelling stories that are both baffling and surprising. The cast of characters feels authentic and moves the story forward in unexpected ways. Bloodless is a spooky and surreal read that fans of the series won't want to miss.

Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose is a historical mystery book set in Regency London. The Earl of Wrexford and artist Charlotte Sloane team up to catch a killer after a clergyman is found dead and Wrexford becomes the prime suspect. The book is full of engaging characters, rich period detail, and a twisty plot that keeps readers on their toes. The chemistry between Wrexford and Sloane is delightful, and the book's blend of historical fiction and mystery is a winner. Fans of C.S. Harris and Kate Ross will not want to miss this one.

Guilty Pleasures, the first book in Laurell K. Hamilton’s bestselling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, introduces readers to a seductive world where supernatural creatures roam free. The story follows Anita, a re-animator of the dead and a hunter of the undead, as she confronts her greatest fear: her undeniable attraction to the powerful vampire, Jean-Claude. Hamilton’s writing blends romance, horror, and adventure with stunning panache, and her enigmatic characters shine through her descriptive prose. Overall, Guilty Pleasures is a thrilling start to a captivating series that will leave readers hungry for more.

Castle Shade by Laurie R. King is a historical mystery novel featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Mary Russell. The story takes place in Roumania, where Queen Marie requests their help to investigate a mysterious threat lurking in her castle. King's writing is engaging, and the plot is fast-paced, filled with historical details that keep the reader hooked. The book is highly recommended for fans of traditional detective mysteries and historical fiction. Overall, Castle Shade is a captivating read that offers a unique spin on the Sherlock Holmes legacy.

The final novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Ever After, is a thrilling conclusion to the popular vampire mysteries books. The story follows psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse as she faces enemies seeking revenge for past events. The plot is filled with twists and turns, and the portrayal of southern life is both vivid and funny. Author Charlaine Harris has created a fully functioning world that blends genres such as mystery, horror, and romance. Overall, Dead Ever After is an engaging and satisfying read that will leave readers feeling satisfied with the conclusion of the series.

The second book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Living Dead in Dallas, follows Sookie as she travels to Dallas to help find a missing vampire. The catch? The vampires must promise to behave and let the humans go unharmed. As always, Charlaine Harris delivers an entertaining read with a mix of romance, mystery, and humor. The series' unique blend of genres, including vampires, shapeshifters, and other supernatural creatures, make it a standout in the vampire mystery genre. Fans of the HBO series True Blood will enjoy diving deeper into the world of Sookie Stackhouse.