The Vampires of Melbourne series is set in contemporary Melbourne. The first two books have been re-released and the third is currently being serialised. I’ve written a few short stories set in the ‘Garyverse’ as well.
Vampires of Melbourne 1: The Opposite of Life
First edition 2008
Re-released ebook 2023
The Opposite of Life is the story of a very geeky librarian who stumbles into a series of murders in Melbourne. In trying to make sense of the deaths and her a past filled with traumatic loss, she discovers that vampires are real – but not all of them are killers. She meets another total geek – the painfully awkward vampire Gary Hooper, whom the vampire community has set onto investigating who is killing humans in such an unnecessary and awkward attention-getting way.
Lissa and Gary joins forces to get to the undead heart of the matter and to their joint surprise find they are becoming friends. But the idea of living forever can be a big temptation for someone who has lost so much, and the consequences of this investigation may affect Lissa much more closely than she could have expected.
Get The Opposite of Life at:
Praise for The Opposite of Life
‘A well-made plot with a killer (literally) ending’ – Kerry Greenwood
‘It’s certainly a most unusual vampire novel. Lissa Wilson is a wonderful character; not because she’s an heroic supergirl, but because she rings true. If you can get this book, do’ – Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood novels
‘I came to greatly admire Lissa, the main character…who concludes that life needs passion, even if it hurts’
– Dannye Chase
Vampires of Melbourne 2: Walking Shadows
First edition 2012
Re-released ebook 2024
Nominated for Best Long Fiction, Chronos Awards 2012
What’s an ordinary geekgirl librarian to do when hardcore vampire killers begin killing off Melbourne’s vampire population, and her undead bestie is on the hit list? Should she throw herself in mortal danger, despite having no battle skills, let alone supernatural strength? Lissa risks everything to protect someone who should be perfectly capable of protecting himself. And Gary finds that the ways he’s changing might make him more human – if they don’t get him killed first.
Get Walking Shadows at:
Praise for Walking Shadows:
‘Laid back, understated, frequently laugh out loud, it’s a book that cleverly balances some of the gory, weird stuff that goes on with vampires and their ongoing battles, with a very modern day, urban, Australian feel. Combine that voice and that very current day scenario, with the underlying message, and there’s something very clever about WALKING SHADOWS’ – Karen Chisolm, AustCrime
Vampires of Melbourne 3: Beyond Redemption
Lissa Wilson and her vampire best friend Gary Hooper seem to have settled into life and routines after all the drama – but drama is never far away. Gary is increasingly disillusioned with his limitations; Lissa’s estranged mother is back in town; and an ex-copper is poking his nose into the whole vampire business. More worryingly, a gangster affiliate of the vampire community is about to disrupt the power balance. Gary and Lissa have another fight of their lives coming up, and everything is going to change.
Beyond Redemption is being serialised on my Patreon in 2024.
For $3/month you get fortnightly chapters plus two other posts (often stories) a month and a few other perks. Higher levels have more stories, cards and perks!
To whet your appetite, the first chapter of Beyond Redemption is now available for anyone to read!
https://www.patreon.com/posts/beyond-chapter-1-92859967
| Vampires of Melbourne Short Stories | ||
|---|---|---|
| “Showtime” (set after The Opposite of Life) appears in the collection Showtime by Twelfth Planet Press | Showtime Twelfth Planet Press | |
| “Bad Night at Bite Club” (set after Walking Shadows) appears in the collection Scar Tissue and Other Stories, published by Clan Destine Press | Scar Tissue and Other Stories (Clan Destine Press) | |
| “The Glitterati” is a short Christmas story set after Walking Shadows), published on my Patreon. | The Glitterati |
Vampire -inspired Tea!
For a bit of fun, I created a Vampires of Melbourne tea blend with the wonderful folks at Adagio Teas. I love how it turned out. Maybe you’d like to try it? It’s tagged as “A tea to delight the vampires of Melbourne – Earl Grey Moonlight for the vibe. Blood Orange for the tang. Hazelnut for the body. Ginger for the bite.” Blended With Black Tea, Orange, Rose Hips, Hibiscus, Blue Cornflowers, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Natural Bergamot Flavor, Natural Creme Flavor, Natural Hazelnut Flavor & Natural Orange Flavour.