The Vampire Hunters

by William Hill

The Vampire Hunters is a dark and frightening tale about friendships where the face of evil is ever-changing and found in unexpected places. A gang of teenagers trying to prove that a strange old man who can't bear the sunlight is actually a vampire terrorizing their town. This burden of proof is put upon the newest members of the group as part of their initiation. As their investigation progresses, alliances within the group change and members disappear, drawn over to the dark side.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Horror, Young Adult

286 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 1998

About the author

William Hill is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and first learned to read through comic books and adventure and science fiction novels.

Since realizing that the corporate world stifled creative thought and discouraged personal imagination, Bill has been employed as an alchemist in South Lake Tahoe and an EMT/Ski Patroller at a North Lake Tahoe resort.

Although his first writing love is magic-oriented fantasy, Hill's first and second novels - Dawn of the Vampire and Vampire's Kiss - were supernatural thrillers published by Pinnacle. The Magic Bicycle and California Ghosting were published by Otter Creek Press.

Bill and his lovely wife, Kat, and their son, Brin, currently reside in the beautiful Carson Valley of Nevada. Bill intends to write imaginative fiction and fantasy until dirt is shoveled upon his coffin. (And friends have joked, beyond, to the supernatural author state.)

Reviews

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was I given The Vampire Hunters but I was also excited to discover that I was also sent The Vampire Hunters Revisited. I hardly read any vampire books so that excited me all the more. Mind you it took me forever to get this review out. My state of Texas has had quite a challenging year with weather and the pandemic. This brings me to the book and its setting.....TEXAS!!

I didn't even expect that the vibe of this story. I thought dark and gothic, a very grown-up tale, sinister and traumatizing. I went in thinking that. Instead, I got something completely different. Think dark and sinister but for the younger generation. Think a combination of Silver Bullet, Stranger Things series, Fright Night (the original not the newer one), and The Goonies. Something like that....but with vampires. It was great. I live for those vibes. A couple of friends, a town that just doesn't want to believe that one of their own is not actually one of their own, challenges along the way, and friendships being tested.

It's tension building, good characters, a few soft moments, and most of all creepy. It has the perfect amount of scary and thrill that make for a great cult classic. Maybe one day this book will be.

Thanks to the good people of goodreads, to Otter Creek Press, and to Author William Hill for my copy of the book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed the book honestly and voluntarily.

[Deishima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to have won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and honored since the author is from my home state of Indiana. I loved this book. It reminded me of a mixture from the movies “The Lost Boys” and “Fright Night.” It has an excellent storyline that circles around friendships, family and community with the prejudices included. When an outsider comes to town, all hands are on deck to protect your small community but fear overcomes logic then the evil that resonates in some peoples’ hearts from racism and sexism can pollute the minds of good people due to that fear. What do you believe? Those deep rooted beliefs can be tested when the unexplained comes knocking at your door. Vampire fans should have this book in their libraries.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

People have such a hard time looking past peoples appearance that they tend to make assumptions that later will prove to be complete wrong. In this, for most ages book we are introduced the main characters and how they will fight to protect those around them. Texas is where the plot thickens with a group of young teens heading into summer vacation where they unfortunately become entangled with Vampires. The writing was spot on with lots of great action along with friendship, a little romance and sorrow for those that died. Liked it very much, read the second one right after the first, The Vampire Hunters Stalked. Just as good as the first. Look forward to hopefully a next one....hint hint.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise and the story itself. I am a fan of YA fiction, and appreciate the vampire world.

The writing left a little to be desired, a little repetative and jumps around some.

A decent read, reminded me of a scooby doo story, where things don't necessarily make sense, but you convince yourself they don't have to, for the sake of enjoyment.

*won in a goodreads giveaway

[Suzanne Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fast paced and filled with never ending excitement this middle grade mystery does not disappoint! With likable main characters, a brilliant dog and just the right amount of adult presence we follow along as if we are part of the gang. A good over evil tale, but beware of the details involved when dealing with vampires!

[Rose Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of The Vampire Hunter’s and thoroughly enjoyed it. Left me wanting more of his books. You feel as if you know the characters personally and are there with them throughout the story. A group of kids striving to do what’s right at such a young age was a delight indeed!! Need more like them!! Can’t wait for the next book as I plan to add as many as I can to my collection.

[Candra Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of kids decide to try to prove the local celebrity in their small town is actually a vampire. How else can the mysterious disappearances and murders start happening after he moves back home? This book was exciting from start to finish.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway.

[Gaynell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about youngsters who were willing to do the right thing even at the risk of their own lives. I mean who really believes in vampires?

[S C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Almost comically bad. It's like it was written by an alien that has had minimal contact with humans.

[Kathei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the beginning of this tale. The idea that a group of kids thought a man with vitalago might be a vampire was a good premise for a book. Judging someone who’s different is an unfortunate yet typical issue that not only kids but many adults are frequently guilty of.

It wasn’t until approximately the last third of the book that a real vampire showed up. The switch from developing the character and background of the children suddenly shifted into an action packed horror novel.

Now I happen to like scary books but they need to have a realistic explanation for the supernatural becoming part of the story. Introducing the vampire into this story seemed like a hasty device. What began as tale on the misadventures of a few children changed to a horror novel with the flip of a switch.

I still think my grandson will enjoy reading this but the plot could use some reworking. Even though I think kids will be captivated by the story I believe that a book should be better written despite the age level of the audience.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read better, but it's okay...