# Bill the Vampire

By Rick Gualtieri · The Tome of Bill, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/bill-the-vampire-7987638a/

Bill Ryder’s encounter with Sally leaves the gamer dead, then inconveniently undead. His new coven gives him ninety days to show he belongs among its predators. Being immune to its leader’s control helps him survive, but it also leaves him free to say things that make survival harder.

## What makes it funny?

PopHorror’s reviewer singles out Bill’s uncensored thoughts and tendency to speak before thinking. He can want Sally’s attention and resent her treatment of him at the same time, while his coven leader’s name, Night Razor, invites his contempt. Book-group readers recommend the geek-turned-vampire setup for laughs.

### The comedy at work

Immortality does little for Bill’s social standing. His mouth keeps putting him at odds with stronger monsters, and the familiar promise of a glamorous vampire life gives way to another hierarchy in which he is easy to push around.

### Try this if…

Gamer references and crude insults suit readers who enjoy a supernatural antihero talking himself into trouble. Readers in book groups recommend these books in horror-comedy discussions.

### Good to know

The author warns of violence, gore, heavy swearing, sexual situations and sophomoric humor. Bill’s narration includes sexual thoughts and contemptuous descriptions of other characters.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Horror
- On the shelf: Urban fantasy
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dark comedy · Parody
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Story ingredients: Vampires
- Format: Novel

## Sources & further reading

- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/24844534471861365)
- Author commentary: [Author: book description](https://rickgualtieri.com/bill-the-vampire-the-tome-of-bill-1)
- Review: [PopHorror review](https://pophorror.com/the-tome-of-bill-book-1-bill-the-vampire-by-rick-gualtieri-book-review)
- Author commentary: [Author: paperback edition](https://store.rickgualtieri.com/products/bill-the-vampire-the-tome-of-bill-1-a-horror-comedy-paperback)
- Book information: [Fantastic Fiction: novel](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/g/rick-gualtieri/bill-vampire.htm)