Have I read the classics? Well, yes. If you mean the entire Twilight Saga (twice).
What is it about vampires? They can be scary and seductive, like in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. They can be silly and satirical — think Terry Pratchett’s Carpe Jugulum. And while the monsters take on supernatural qualities, they can also explore the shadows of what it means to be human, like in Octavia Butler’s Fledgling.
We’ve put together a list of must-listen vampire audiobooks to satisfy your (bloodthirsty) cravings, from camp and romance to mystery and horror.
I mean, what better way to experience the Transylvanian accent than on audio? I vant to suck your blooood.
Let the vivid narration transport you to a fanged fantasy land this scary season and beyond!
Thirst
“Marina Yuszczuk’s Thirst is the perfect gothic vampire story with a compelling sapphic twist. Spanning from the 17th century to modern-day Buenos Aires, we are introduced to the lives of two women, both grieving losses they fear will destroy them and running from the choices that have shaped their unhappiness and isolation. Bloody but somehow touching, concise but somehow intimate, this novel is the perfect escape, similar to the quiet solitude of a gloomy graveyard. “
— Josh L. • The Underground Bookshop
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Vampires of El Norte
“Vampires of El Norte is a thrilling supernatural gothic Western set during the Mexican-American War that is a perfect follow-up to The Hacienda. It is just the perfect blend of adventure, horror, and romance to keep you turning the pages well after lights-out.”
— Rebecca • One More Page
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My Vampire Plus-One
“Reggie is an absolute joy of a character. I love a goofball golden retriever who’s still got the ability to be a little scary. Jenna Levine has such a perfect way of balancing completely opposite characters—the craziness of Reggie fits into the organization of Amelia in such a way that brings out something newer, truer in their personalities. She had him thinking about someone other than himself, he had her letting loose and taking a break to enjoy the time while she had it. Absolutely adored. I love this series so much. I want to live in this world forever.”
— Paola Vanessa • Steamy Lit
View the audiobookLove this audiobook? Also check out My Roomate is a Vampire!
My Soul to Keep
When Jessica marries David, he is everything she wants in a family man: brilliant, attentive, ever youthful. Yet she still feels something about him is just out of reach. Soon, as people close to Jessica begin to meet violent, mysterious deaths, David makes an unimaginable confession: More than 400 years ago, he and other members of an Ethiopian sect traded their humanity so they would never die, a secret he must protect at any cost. Now, his immortal brethren have decided David must return and leave his family in Miami. Instead, David vows to invoke a forbidden ritual to keep Jessica and his daughter with him forever.
View the audiobookMake sure to check out the rest of the African Immortals series!
Mistress of Lies
“Mistress of Lies had great, diverse representation with a trans character, Filipino characters, and bi/pan and poly characters. It also deals with gender discrimination and class differences. All of this mixed up with vampires and blood magic makes for a great dark fantasy read!”
— Lindsey • The Yakima Book Co & The Traveling Book Bus
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The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
“I don’t know about everyone else, but I, for one, am really excited that vampires are making a comeback. I think they’re such a fun trope in pretty much every genre, and this was no exception. True to the Grady Hendrix style, this book was the perfect campy, slightly off-kilter, and moderately gory suburban horror story I didn’t know I needed.”
— Kendall • Brilliant Books Audio
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Devils Kill Devils
“Devils Kill Devils will make you so terrified of what’s lurking in the dark that you won’t want to turn on a light.”
— Jenny G. • E. Shaver, bookseller
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Bride
“Baby’s first Ali Hazelwood! This “classic” werewolf/vampire love story had all the expected beats for a supernatural romance and took it up a notch compared to some other romances l’ve read (that is to say, it is graphic). I don’t always like this genre, but was very much engrossed in the story due to the skillful genre-writing and well-acted narration.”
— Laura • Annie Bloom’s Books
View the audiobookLove this audiobook? Check out Mate, the next in the series.
The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends
“The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends by Jamie D’Amato is just an absolute delight. It’s a slow-burn romance that deals with some heavy childhood stuff, but also the fun of trying to navigate life as a new vampire. It’s a fresh twist on the vampire genre, to be sure, and I loved every bit of it. “
— Anna • Katy Budget Books
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A Discovery of Witches
“If you’re craving a captivating blend of history, magic, and romance, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is a must-read. This enchanting novel pulls you into a world where witches, vampires, and demons exist in secret. The richly detailed plot, filled with mystery and adventure, keeps you turning the pages. The chemistry between the characters is electric, making it impossible to put down. Whether you love fantasy or romance, this book won’t disappoint.”
— In Bloom Books • In Bloom Bookery
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Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
“A visceral, vampiric statement against oppressive patriarchy, with rich character development and world building that is both magical and historical. This book rends a gorgeous, sapphic tear through the traditional seams of vampire stories.”
— Orion • The Legendarium
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Certain Dark Things
“What an engrossing, vibrant, new take on vampires. Part forbidden love story, part revenge caper, part bloodbath, this is easily one of my favorite vampire stories now. I love how Moreno-Garcia creates complex social structures and vampire-specific physical attributes to heighten tensions. This divide between vampires, as well as the human-vampire rift, shines a stark light on the haves & have-nots. Moreno-Garcia is so deft at telling whirlwind stories while also presenting important social commentary. Aida Reluzco is an excellent narrator as well! Loved her narration style and tonal intonations.”
— Riona • Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West
View the audiobookIf you enjoy Certain Dark Things, also check out The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia!
House of Hunger
Marion Shaw has been raised in the slums, where want and deprivation are all she knows. Despite longing to leave the city and its miseries, she has no real hope of escape until the day she spots a peculiar listing in the newspaper seeking a bloodmaid. Though she knows little about the far north—where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service—Marion applies to the position. In a matter of days, she finds herself the newest bloodmaid at the notorious House of Hunger. There, Marion is swept into a world of dark debauchery.
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Carmilla
“This early vampire story is a wild and gothic ride with dark castles, crumbling mausoleums, and mysterious nighttime visitors. The power of Carmilla is something to behold. A wonderful, eerie vampire tale, built with tension until the haunting last line.”
— Alex • Carmichael’s Bookstore
View the audiobookThese audiobooks feature a diverse range of vampire stories; forbidden love and friendship; witches, humans, and of course the age-old vampire-werewolf feud. Whether you’re looking for a terrifying tale or a tasty affair, we’ve got you covered.