Coffin Moon

Rosson, who put a fresh spin on the zombie apocalypse trope in the Fever House duology, is equally creative with vampires in this brilliant horror novel set in 1970s Oregon. After returning from the Vietnam War, Duane Minor takes a job at a bar owned by his in-laws. He and his wife, Heidi, adjust to their new roles caring for Duane’s emotionally scarred niece, Julia, who witnessed her now incarcerated mother murder Julia’s abusive stepfather. When Duane, who’s just as troubled by all the death he witnessed and caused in battle, learns that his mother-in-law is allowing enigmatic drug dealer John Varley to operate out of the bar, he fears he and his family will end up in trouble with the law. Duane promptly kicks out Varley and his crew, but Varley won’t go down without a fight. In retaliation, Varley kills Heidi, one of a string of brutal murders that leave Duane and Julia devastated—and hungry for revenge. Over the course of the ensuing game of cat and mouse, it becomes clear that Varley is something more than human. Rosson expertly balances action and character development to craft an edge of the seat thrill ride. Readers will be hooked. (Sept.)