Are you a fan of Bram Stoker's Dracula? Vampire Horror feeds on the fear of loneliness, unknown, and strange. With crossover to the gothic and disturbing, here are some recommendations:
READER ADVISORY WARNING: Some of these reads may have mature subject matter. They share some themes of incest, minor and older person relationships, and heavy violence. I would suggest looking at Goodreads reviews to see if they are safe for you.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Through the reporter (referred to as 'The Boy'), we learn in an interview with Louis de Pointe du Lac what 200 years of mortality has been like. Being turned into a vampire for companionship, Louis de Pointe du Lac struggles with adjusting to being a vampire and dealing with how lonely the lifestyle is.
2. Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Ben Mears moves back to his childhood home when his life gets derailed by the death of his wife, and writer's block. Little does he know- the small town is riddled with vampires. The disease is spreading and he tries to fight back with a few residents left in the town.
3. Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite
15 years ago, a baby was dropped off on a stranger's doorstep. He was adopted by a family but has a need to find his real family. Now a teenager, he finds comfort in the group 'Lost Souls' and renames himself 'Nothing' for a clean slate. 'Nothing' runs away to find himself and explore his inner vampire.
4. Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin
Abner Marsh receives a job he planned to refuse. There was promise of gold and a new boat that he couldn't turn down. Joshua York has more plans than he is willing to share. Marsh plans to keep his head down no matter how odd the requests of his employer ask of him as they travel the Mississippi River.
5. Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
In Blackeberg, Sweden, a teenage boy is found dead with no blood. The speculation is that it was a ritual murder with no leads. 12-year-old Oskar finds peace when a bully of his is found murdered. He meets a new girl next door who shows very odd behaviours and only comes out at night. As they grow closer, Oskar learns to trust but with a cost.
6. Necroscope by Brian Lumley
Harry Keogh is a man who can talk to the dead. He learns a lot from them. He learns that he is not the only one with these powers. He has to stop Thibor Ferenczy; a centuries-old vampire who is waiting to be unearthed in the mountains of Romania. His apprentice, Boris Dragosani, is ruthless to the dead to get what he wants. Somehow, Harry has to convince Britain's Espionage sector to work together to stop these dangerous forces.
