Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things

Victoria's terminally ill father has only months to live, leading her on a desperate search for vampires in New Orleans. She believes finding proof of immortal beings could save him, having spent years researching vampire lore and following leads about their existence. In New Orleans, Victoria meets Nicholas, who claims to be a vampire but refuses to help transform her father. Their complex relationship develops against the backdrop of the French Quarter as Victoria works to uncover the truth about Nicholas and the city's supernatural underground. The story tracks Victoria's journey through grief, denial, and acceptance as she confronts mortality and explores what it means to truly live. The novel combines elements of paranormal fiction with contemporary themes about family bonds, the limits of hope, and the price of immortality.

Readers describe this book as an emotional exploration of grief wrapped in vampire lore. The story balances supernatural elements with realistic depictions of loss and terminal illness. What readers liked: - Raw, honest portrayal of father-daughter relationships - Fresh take on vampire mythology - Strong character development of the protagonist Victoria - Blend of humor with heavier themes What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the New Orleans setting underutilized - Romance subplot felt underdeveloped to many readers - Several noted the ending didn't meet expectations "The grief aspects hit harder than the vampire storyline," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another mentioned: "Victoria's desperation feels authentic but the pacing dragged." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.75/5 (200+ ratings) The book resonated most with readers who connected to its themes of loss and acceptance rather than those seeking traditional vampire fiction.

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🦇 Author Margie Fuston was inspired to write this novel after her father's cancer diagnosis, weaving themes of mortality and grief into a supernatural adventure story. 💝 The book explores a unique twist on vampire mythology by connecting immortality to New Orleans voodoo practices and local folklore. 🎭 The main character Victoria's journey mirrors elements of the five stages of grief, as she searches for both vampires and a way to process her father's terminal illness. 🌙 New Orleans, the primary setting, was chosen not just for its vampire lore but because the author lived there and wanted to capture both its magic and its darkness authentically. 🩸 The novel blends multiple genres, incorporating elements of young adult contemporary fiction, urban fantasy, and Southern Gothic literature in its storytelling.