The Suicide Motor Club

The Suicide Motor Club follows a deadly gang of vampires who prowl America's highways in muscle cars during the 1960s, preying on unsuspecting travelers. Their violent attacks draw the attention of both law enforcement and those who hunt the supernatural, leading to an escalating conflict across the nation's back roads. The story centers on Judith Lamb, who survives a brutal vampire attack that claims her family. She seeks refuge in a convent but finds her path shifting when she encounters The Bereaved, an organization dedicated to destroying vampires. Her journey transforms from one of healing to one of vengeance. The novel connects to Buehlman's previous work The Lesser Dead through shared mythology and references, expanding his vampire universe. This blend of classic vampire horror with American muscle car culture creates a fresh take on traditional vampire fiction while exploring themes of grief, revenge, and the cost of survival.

Readers praise the fresh take on vampire mythology and the intense, violent road story elements. The character development of Judith, a grieving mother turned vampire hunter, stands out in reviews. Multiple readers note the strong 1960s period details and atmosphere. Positive reviews highlight: - Fast-paced action sequences - Unique vampire car culture concept - Strong female protagonist - Dark, gritty tone Common criticisms: - Slow start before action picks up - Some underdeveloped side characters - Ending feels rushed to some readers - Violence level too extreme for some Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (190+ ratings) One reviewer called it "Sons of Anarchy meets vampire horror." Several praised the audiobook narration. Multiple readers compared it favorably to Near Dark and From Dusk Till Dawn while noting it maintains its own identity. Some readers wanted more backstory on the vampire club members and their origins.

Salem's Lot by Stephen King A vampire infestation spreads through a small town while a novelist and his allies hunt the undead through New England's back roads.

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill A woman with supernatural abilities pursues an immortal creature who kidnaps children in his phantom Rolls-Royce.

The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman Vampires inhabit the abandoned subway tunnels of 1970s New York City, leading to territorial conflicts and predatory pursuits.

Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman A former soldier encounters deadly supernatural entities in rural Georgia during the Great Depression.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix Charleston housewives face a vampire threat in their community during the 1990s while balancing suburban life with survival.

🔸 The novel draws inspiration from Richard Matheson's classic "Duel" and the real-life fascination with muscle car culture in 1960s America, merging automotive and horror genres. 🔸 Christopher Buehlman worked as a professional medieval entertainer at renaissance fairs before becoming a novelist, performing as "Christophe the Insultor." 🔸 The book's concept of vampires using cars as hunting tools reflects the historic shift in American culture from horses to automobiles as symbols of power and freedom. 🔸 The convent setting in the novel was inspired by real Catholic institutions that served as refuges for women escaping violence during the 1960s. 🔸 Like his other works "Those Across the River" and "Between Two Fires," Buehlman incorporates historical elements into his horror narrative, a signature style that has earned him multiple Shirley Jackson Award nominations.