Vampires have been central characters in many celebrated books, and there are several that can be considered some of the greatesthorrorstories ever written. Since the 19th century, vampires have played a central role in the genre, their thirst for blood and immortality instilling fear and fascination in readers over the years.
Authors such as Stephen Kingand Anne Rice have written captivating tales about the carnivorous bloodsuckers, and vampires have even expanded into other genres, including fantasy and romance. Whilemany vampire books have been released to varying degrees of success, there are several that can be considered true masterpieces.
10Certain Dark Things (2016)
Written by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Published in 2016,Certain Dark Thingsis set in an alternate dystopian version Mexico City, and it follows Domingo, a poor and lonely human doing his best to survive life on the streets. When a beautiful, jaded vampire named Atl comes into his life, Domingo falls deeply in love with her; while the cynical Atl is initially uncertain, she soon comes to develop feelings for Domingo.
Moreno-Garcia’s novel is the perfect blend of past and present, as Atl reveals herself to be a descendant of thousand-year-old Aztec blood-drinkers.
Moreno-Garcia’s novel is the perfect blend of past and present, as Atl reveals herself to be a descendant of thousand-year-old Aztec blood-drinkers, whose existence is threatened by corrupt cops and criminal life in Mexico City. Set in a unique and intriguing universe that offers a brilliant perspective of Mexican Gothic culture,Certain Dark Thingshas the right mixture of double-crossing and romance to keep readers interested.
9Fledgling (2005)
Written by Octavia E. Butler
Octavia E. Butler’s final novel before her death in 2006,Fledgingtells the story of an amnesiac girl who, through her search to learn more about her past and her vicious appetite for blood, discovers that she is a genetically modified vampire. As she tries to recover her stolen life, she must also discover the reasons for her amnesia and who wanted to hurt her.
Fledgingalso uses its lead character to tackle serious themes such as racism and stereotyping, while also exploring survival and humanity.
Butler’s novel provides viewers with a unique take on vampire folklore, portraying the vampires in the story as the Ina, a group of genetically enhanced beings with their own rules and lifestyle (though they easily coexist with humans).Fledgingalso uses its lead character to tackle serious themes such as racism and stereotyping, while also exploring survival and humanity.
8’Salem’s Lot (1975)
Written by Stephen King
Stephen King is often ranked as one of the greatest horror writers in history, andthis is reflected in ‘Salem’s Lot,his second published novel, released in 1975. Set in the fictional town of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine, the novel sees writer Ben Mears returning to the town where he lived as a young boy, only to discover a sinister truth about its residents.
Ranked as one of Stephen King’s best books,‘Salem’s Lotis widely praised for its simple yet captivating story of a small town being destroyed by a vampire. It is certainly one of King’s strongest depictions of classic supernatural creatures, especially vampires.‘Salem’s Lothas since been adapted into a 1979 miniseries, which is consideredone of the best horror miniseries ever made.
7The Traveling Vampire Show (2000)
Written by Richard Laymon
Set in the 1960s,The Traveling Vampire Showis exactly what the title suggests: a story about a group of young teens who learn about a traveling vampire show coming into their town. Hoping for a glimpse of the famed creature, the group sneaks into Jank’s Field but becomes separated in the process. As the story progresses, each member of the group goes on a crazy adventure before the show finally begins.
As the group attempts to see the captive vampire for themselves, the book explores how their search changes each one of them forever.
The Traveling Vampire Showstands out among vampire storiesin that it places its leading vampire character in a colorful circus environment. The story also cleverly covers typical teenage problems, including hormones, sexual awakenings, and temptations. And as the group attempts to see the captive vampire for themselves, the book explores how their search changes each one of them forever.
6Vampires Of El Norte (2023)
Written by Isabel Cañas
Isabel Cañas’ 2023 novel is set during the 1840s and follows Nena, the daughter of a Mexican rancher, who is forced to deal with Anglo-settlers wanting to take her father’s farm, and is haunted by a creature that left her for dead. As war rages, Nena is reunited with somebody she never expected to see again — and the two are forced to work together to stay alive.
Vampires of El Nortegives readers an idea of life during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1948.
Vampires of El Nortegives readers an idea of life during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1948, and it depicts vampires as sadistic creatures taking advantage of the raging war to seek blood by any means necessary. Through Nena and her tumultuous relationship with her former friend, Nestór,the book provides a story of betrayal, redemption and how two people battle to stay alive, no matter the situation.
5Fevre Dream (1982)
Written by George R. R. Martin
Published in 1982,Fevre Dreamwas written by George R.R. Martin, best known forhisA Song of Ice and Fireseries. The story is set in 1857 on the Mississippi River, where a wealthy aristocrat hires a struggling ship’s captain and his ferry to take him down the river on increasingly terrifying appointments, which eventually lead to sinister consequences.
The book has been described by the author as “Bram Stoker meets Mark Twain,” andit’s one Martin would like to adapt.Fevre Dreamdetails the complicated relationship between the wealthy aristocrat and the lowly ferry captain as they endure a power struggle between humans and vampires aboard the idyllicFevre Dreamferry.
4Carmilla (1872)
Written by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
One of the first recognized vampire stories to be written,Carmilladepicts a young woman named Laura becoming the object of obsession for Carmilla, a mysterious and seductive vampire. Initially unaware of Carmilla’s intentions, Laura becomes close friends with the vampire. However, as their friendship develops and Carmilla’s obsession grows, Laura realizes there’s more to her friend than she expected.
Carmillawas one of the first books to depict an LGBTQ+ relationship between two women and also explores themes such as female empowerment.
Carmillawas one of the first books to depict an LGBTQ+ relationship between two women and also explores themes such as female empowerment, dualism, and possessiveness, which were deemed highly controversial in the 19th century. With its depiction of Gothic traits such as isolation and supernatural elements,Carmillais considered one of the most influential vampire books ever written.
3The Historian (2005)
Written by Elizabeth Kostova
Released in 2005,The Historianfollows an unnamed narrator and her father on their search to find the location of Vlad III, the infamous Romanian ruler who inspired the creation of Dracula. As the narrator travels to new places and researches more about vampires, she eventually discovers that she and her family have a closer connection to the impaler than she expected.
Elizabeth Kostova’s debut novel stands out, as it combines letters and memoirs to create a story of adventure, mystery, and horror as the unnamed narrator deals with vicious enemies throughout her journey.The Historianis also a story full of history,unpacking the story of Dracula and the life of the person who inspired his creation.
2Interview With The Vampire (1976)
Written by Anne Rice
Anne Rice’s celebrated 1976 novel gives readers insight into the trials and tribulations of eternal life.Interview With the Vampiresees a human reporter conducting an interview with Louis de Pointe du Lac, a 200-year-old vampire. Throughout the story, Louis recounts his life as a human in Louisiana in 1971, his transformation into a vampire, and his endearing relationship with Lestat de Lioncourt.
Interview With The Vampireis often regarded as one of the greatest vampire stories ever made, due to its eroticism, horrific imagery and depiction of life as a vampire in the 18th century. The book was also praised for its LGBTQ+ subtext and its depiction of the troubled love affair between Louis and Lestat. The book later inspired sequels, a 1994 movie, and a television series,which will release its third season in 2026.
1Dracula (1897)
Written by Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker’s acclaimed 1897 novel is solidified as a classic horror story that still resonates with readersmore than two centuries after its original publication. Set in the 19th century, the novel depicts a solicitor named Jonathan Harker traveling to Transylvania to meet the mysterious Count Dracula.
Upon learning Dracula’s true nature, Jonathan flees, but his visit leads to Dracula moving to England and developing an unhealthy obsession with Jonathan’s fiancé, Mina. With its fascinating depiction of Gothic culture and an ensemble of relatable characters,Draculais recognized as the pinnacle of every vampire story ever written, and the character holds theGuinness World Recordfor the most-portrayed literary character in film.
Had it not been forDracula,manyhorrorstories about vampires wouldn’t have been created. Needless to say, Bram Stoker’s novel remains one of the most influential and terrifying Gothic horror books ever written.
