Vampire Files Books In Order

Publication Order of Vampire Files Books

The Vampire Files book series is an excellent series of urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery, horror, and fiction novels. It is written by a NY Times bestselling American author named P.N. Elrod. The series is comprised of a total of 12 novels and 6 novellas released between 1990 and 2010. Every book of this series features the lead character in the role of Jack Fleming, who is depicted as a vampire, private detective, and club owner. The books are written as memoirs of Jack Fleming and are described in the first person narrative by Jack Fleming himself. Elrod has set the books’ plots in Chicago during the 1930s. In addition to Jack Fleming, the other important characters mentioned by author Elrod include Charles Escott, Maureen, Emily, Gordy, Gabriel Kroun, Shoe Coldfield, Jonathan Barrett, Gaylen, Alex Adrian, Marian Pierce, Bobbi Smythe, etc.

Charles Scott is seen as an ex-theatrical actor and current private agent from Britain, while Bobbi Smythe is depicted as the girlfriend of Jack Fleming and a former singer of night clubs. Elrod has shown Jack Fleming as an ace reporter, but he seems to be having a weakness for strange women. He doesn’t know that he is a vampire until a thug shoots several bullets on his back, making him shocked to know that the bullets didn’t kill him. This series is among the first ones to feature the chief character in the role of a vampire and detective. Elrod has set the stories in the same fictional universe as that of her other paranormal series called ‘Jonathan Barrett, Gentleman Vampire’. The plot sequences are seen taking place in Hollywood, Hudson, New York, and Bronze Belt, starting from the year 1936. Some of the supernatural elements depicted in the novels include vampires, ghosts, mobsters, vampire-hunters, cursed diamonds, and others.

The vampires are seen as super fast, super strong beings with super senses. They have the ability to go invisible. They also possess eternal youth and have the fear of sunlight. If they get the smell of food, they become nauseous. When the vampires become invisible, they also become blind. Whenever they come across anyone from the time when they were alive, the vampires have to explain why they still appear so young, which annoys them very much. Jack also tends to angst on some of the issues, but he generally enjoys having existence. He thinks of the detriments as annoying and not depressing. Jack Flemming posses a lot of vampire conditions like not being able to cast a reflection, feeling restless, finding it difficult to cross running or open water.

The series begins by showing Jack Flemming waking up from dead and realizing that he has turned into a vampire. Jack had exchanged blood with a vampire named Maureen in the past, who was his lover at that time. Maureen had told him the necessary things he would be required to do in case he dies and becomes a vampire. The initial sequence of the series deals with Jack trying to find his killer. Being an investigative reporter helps his cause as he sets himself on a trail that finally leads him to the murderer. Along the way, he comes across Charles Escott, who proves to be a great sidekick in helping him in the investigation of his murder. This series received a great welcome from the fans of author Elrod. They liked each and every novel and appreciated the efforts of author Elrod in coming up with the excellent stories. Many critics have hailed Jack Flemming’s character as a unique creation. The readers loved the excellent settings, intriguing mysteries, and the overall stories described in each of the books and helped them to become immensely successful.

A very popular book of the Vampire Files series written by author P.N. Elrod is entitled ‘The Dark Sleep’. It was released by the Ace Hardcover in 1999. This novel features the primary characters as Jack Flemming and Bobbi Smythe. The story opens by depicting that the problems in Jack Flemming’s life do not end with death. He learns that his girlfriend, Bobbi Smythe, has been approached by a popular radio star. The rock star promises Bobbi to make her a star like himself in the world of singing, but has evil intentions behind the favor. Bobbi doesn’t see that the man just wants to sleep with her. Jack is able to see everything and tries to alert Bobbi before proceeding ahead.

Meanwhile, Jack Fleming gets involved in a new case in which he is required to retrieve incriminating letters from a former lover of a wealthy and foolish socialite. The case looks simple at first, but when bullets get fired and people get injured, things take a drastic turn. Among the injured people, there is a mortal partner of Jack Fleming, whose life hangs in the balance. Jack sets himself on the trail of the gun and tries to find out who fired it. He knows that it is very important for him to find the culprit in order to make sure that the lives of no other people close to him fall into danger. His list of suspects includes the ex-lover, the goons of the radio star, and an old rival.

Another mind-blowing novel of this series is known as ‘Lady Crymsyn’. It was also published by Ace publication in 2001. The novel’s opening sequence shows that Jack Fleming’s days as a vampire detective are going quite well. He has managed to put together a good amount of money with his efforts in cleaning the streets of Chicago during the post-prohibition period. Now, he thinks of fulfilling his dream of buying a nightclub and become a proud owner. He completes the necessary formalities and begins the renovation work.

Jack is taken in by a piece of shocking news when the workmen inform him that they have found the remains of a lady covered in a unique red dress. As the case looks like a possible murder, he decides to investigate on his own and get to the bottom of the new discovery. Later, Jack comes to know that the notorious mob has a role to play in the woman’s murder and would do anything to keep the secret buried. He doesn’t fear getting killed as he had already turned into an undead. Jack bravely tackles the mob and helps provide justice to the innocent victim in the end.