What do you think?
Rate this book
Web of Dwellers #1
Stay Dark
Blend in. Stay hidden. Stay dark.
In the darkest corners of Los Angeles, private investigator Neve Traxon guards a deadly secret—she's a vampire, hiding in plain sight, navigating a treacherous path between two worlds. When a chance encounter leads her to save the life of a brutal serial killer, the lines blur between predator and prey.
In the race to prevent more bloodshed, Neve teams up with the relentless Detective Marek Kaidan. As they hunt for the murderer she unleashed upon the city, they uncover a society of vampires known as the Infinity faction, harboring secrets that could shatter everything Neve thought she knew. With enemies closing in from every direction, the choice of who she trusts could mean the difference between life and death.
Can Neve catch the killer and evade her enemies, or will they turn her into the next grisly victim?
Pulse-pounding, Stay Dark will keep you on the edge of your seat with its fresh take on urban fantasy thrillers. With gripping suspense, captivating action, and feisty characters, prepare to immerse yourself in a gritty vampire underworld.
Stay Dark is book 1 of the Web of Dwellers series by Tess Manchester.
In the darkest corners of Los Angeles, private investigator Neve Traxon guards a deadly secret—she's a vampire, hiding in plain sight, navigating a treacherous path between two worlds. When a chance encounter leads her to save the life of a brutal serial killer, the lines blur between predator and prey.
In the race to prevent more bloodshed, Neve teams up with the relentless Detective Marek Kaidan. As they hunt for the murderer she unleashed upon the city, they uncover a society of vampires known as the Infinity faction, harboring secrets that could shatter everything Neve thought she knew. With enemies closing in from every direction, the choice of who she trusts could mean the difference between life and death.
Can Neve catch the killer and evade her enemies, or will they turn her into the next grisly victim?
Pulse-pounding, Stay Dark will keep you on the edge of your seat with its fresh take on urban fantasy thrillers. With gripping suspense, captivating action, and feisty characters, prepare to immerse yourself in a gritty vampire underworld.
Stay Dark is book 1 of the Web of Dwellers series by Tess Manchester.
- GenresParanormalFantasyAmazon
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 22, 2025
Stay Dark is the start of an urban paranormal fantasy series where vampires, or "dwellers", exist in a social structure, but hide from humans. Neve was turned by an unknown person when she was close to dying and was left on her own. She is aware of the various vampire factions, but she chooses to stay away from them, making a living as a PI. Her way of dealing with her new life is to help humans being attacked by vampires and live on blood donations rather than killing people.
Unfortunately, one of the people she saves turns out to be a serial killer who goes on a killing spree shortly after. Guiltridden by this, Neve is deadset on finding and stopping him. Though skeptical at first, she decides to team up with the police detective assigned to the case. But Neve isn't as good at hiding as she thinks, and soon both humans and other vampires are aware of what she is. Nothing good can come of that.
I wasn't overly impressed by this book. It doesn't stand out in the genre, and changing the species name to "dwellers" doesn't make them any less vampire. The enemy isn't necessarily other vampires, but rather the human government, which again is nothing new in paranormal stories.
The dwellers are supposed to live in factions, not alone, and are governed by "headhunters" who ensure there aren't too many vampires in the world. Sounds fancy in theory, but upholding it in real life must be difficult, which is probably why the author doesn't give many details on how this is enforced. It gave me "Volturi" vibes from Twilight. The factions also act similarly to mob gangs, and the internal power struggle is evident.
Another thing that gave me pause was the instant familiarity between the characters, especially Neve and Marek. Complete strangers, but after having met only once or twice, they are infatuated, trusting, and act as if they have known each other for years. Neve's relationship to Inez is also similar, marked by almost instant loyalty and trust. As a reader, that was hard to buy into.
I also missed character building and development. After reading an entire book, I struggle to describe the characters' personalities, except for their moral compass.
The book wasn't bad, but it didn't give me much, personally. I will not continue with the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately, one of the people she saves turns out to be a serial killer who goes on a killing spree shortly after. Guiltridden by this, Neve is deadset on finding and stopping him. Though skeptical at first, she decides to team up with the police detective assigned to the case. But Neve isn't as good at hiding as she thinks, and soon both humans and other vampires are aware of what she is. Nothing good can come of that.
I wasn't overly impressed by this book. It doesn't stand out in the genre, and changing the species name to "dwellers" doesn't make them any less vampire. The enemy isn't necessarily other vampires, but rather the human government, which again is nothing new in paranormal stories.
The dwellers are supposed to live in factions, not alone, and are governed by "headhunters" who ensure there aren't too many vampires in the world. Sounds fancy in theory, but upholding it in real life must be difficult, which is probably why the author doesn't give many details on how this is enforced. It gave me "Volturi" vibes from Twilight. The factions also act similarly to mob gangs, and the internal power struggle is evident.
Another thing that gave me pause was the instant familiarity between the characters, especially Neve and Marek. Complete strangers, but after having met only once or twice, they are infatuated, trusting, and act as if they have known each other for years. Neve's relationship to Inez is also similar, marked by almost instant loyalty and trust. As a reader, that was hard to buy into.
I also missed character building and development. After reading an entire book, I struggle to describe the characters' personalities, except for their moral compass.
The book wasn't bad, but it didn't give me much, personally. I will not continue with the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
This book has it all. There's murder, mystery, action and adventure, vsmpires and even some romance. The book was a little slow in a couple areas but one it gets going, it doesn't stop! I was at the edge of my seat turning pages until I hit the end! This is not the suspense I would normally read, but I'm so glad I did and you will be too.
March 27, 2025
This book was a fun, twisty ride. I could not predict where it was going which kept me engaged all the way through. It has all of the favorite vampire tropes, but takes a new angle by diving into the thriller/crime genre. I also like its urban setting and contemporary plot. Also, there is romance, but not too much. It's a nice side plot but doesn't detract from the story. Lastly, it has great action and the sequences are well written.
July 29, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
Full disclosure I do not usually read vampire books but this one caught my attention. It is quite short so it did not seem like a huge commitment and I appreciated that, especially since I was reading other books at the same time. But that is not to say I wasn’t interested from the beginning with the idea of vampires, or dwellers, in our modern day hiding from the living, and how Neve does her own thing in the beginning. But after making a big mistake, Neve’s guilt causes her to try to find a horrible murderer with a Detective. This, however, is exactly what dwellers should not do, and Neve’s secret and the secret of the dwellers who live in factions might be at risk. The biggest thing that makes me like a book is the characters, especially the main character, and I liked Neve, her determination, and her overall outlook on life (or should I say death, or whatever vampires are) in general. She is ambitious and has her own moral compass. The inclusion of the mystery and crime element was also quite exciting and I enjoyed Neve’s interactions with Detective Marek.
Despite me not reading vampire stories, I am aware of them and the genre and plus I have watched movies! I will not say this is different from anything I’ve watched or even read in the past, with vampires vs. humans being at the center of things, but the solving a criminal problem element was a nice addition. And even if that was one of the only parts of it that made it feel different, I still had fun. Unexpectedly too, because again I do not gravitate toward this genre! Part of this was the pacing. It is weird to me because I generally like slower or medium paced books, but that is typically for fantasy. And while this is fantasy, it is more urban or paranormal with a strong undercurrent of solving crimes. So for this book in particular, I quite liked the faster pace and felt it worked better. It made for a fairly quick read with characters I enjoyed, enough lore with the dwellers and their groups, as well as the humans, to feel fully fleshed out, and a action-packed tone to it that I would not have thought I would enjoy like I did.
Full disclosure I do not usually read vampire books but this one caught my attention. It is quite short so it did not seem like a huge commitment and I appreciated that, especially since I was reading other books at the same time. But that is not to say I wasn’t interested from the beginning with the idea of vampires, or dwellers, in our modern day hiding from the living, and how Neve does her own thing in the beginning. But after making a big mistake, Neve’s guilt causes her to try to find a horrible murderer with a Detective. This, however, is exactly what dwellers should not do, and Neve’s secret and the secret of the dwellers who live in factions might be at risk. The biggest thing that makes me like a book is the characters, especially the main character, and I liked Neve, her determination, and her overall outlook on life (or should I say death, or whatever vampires are) in general. She is ambitious and has her own moral compass. The inclusion of the mystery and crime element was also quite exciting and I enjoyed Neve’s interactions with Detective Marek.
Despite me not reading vampire stories, I am aware of them and the genre and plus I have watched movies! I will not say this is different from anything I’ve watched or even read in the past, with vampires vs. humans being at the center of things, but the solving a criminal problem element was a nice addition. And even if that was one of the only parts of it that made it feel different, I still had fun. Unexpectedly too, because again I do not gravitate toward this genre! Part of this was the pacing. It is weird to me because I generally like slower or medium paced books, but that is typically for fantasy. And while this is fantasy, it is more urban or paranormal with a strong undercurrent of solving crimes. So for this book in particular, I quite liked the faster pace and felt it worked better. It made for a fairly quick read with characters I enjoyed, enough lore with the dwellers and their groups, as well as the humans, to feel fully fleshed out, and a action-packed tone to it that I would not have thought I would enjoy like I did.
December 9, 2025
Edge-Dwelling and Bloodlust in the City of Angels
Stay Dark positions its protagonist at the threshold of two incompatible worlds—Los Angeles’s procedural grit and an occult nocturnal domain—using this duality to construct a narrative that is as much about secrecy as it is about pursuit. Author Tess Manchester mobilises familiar vampire conventions only to reroute them through the architecture of the crime thriller, allowing the text to oscillate between atmospheric noir and urban fantasy. The novel’s opening premise—an investigator compelled to conceal her undead nature while inadvertently intervening in a violent criminal’s trajectory—sets the stage for a meditation on agency, culpability, and the ethics of survival. Manchester’s rendering of the city intensifies this tension: Los Angeles becomes a site where predation and vulnerability coexist.
What distinguishes the novel is its commitment to character interiority amid the accelerating suspense. Neve Traxon is carefully constructed as a figure negotiating the instability of her own identity while being forced into collaboration with Detective Marek Kaidan, whose professional pragmatism increasingly gives way to a layered, slow-burn rapport. Their dynamic, threaded with restrained sensuality, functions less as a romantic subplot than as a mechanism through which trust, scepticism, and interdependence are tested. The emergence of the Infinity faction introduces a broader mythological framework that complicates Neve’s understanding of her position within the vampire underworld, a realm Manchester imbues with both familiarity and distinctive inflexions. This expansion of scale never overwhelms the narrative’s procedural clarity, as the investigation remains the structural spine of the text.
Halfway through the novel, the momentum intensifies: action sequences are choreographed with precision, yet the narrative avoids gratuitous spectacle, opting instead for suspense shaped by shifting allegiances. Although the novel draws from recognisable genres, its synthesis of crime, fantasy, and psychological tension renders it unusually cohesive. STAY DARK ultimately succeeds by binding genre components together in a manner that foregrounds character complexity and atmospheric immediacy. It is a compelling entry point into a series that promises expansion, making it ideal for suspenseful vampire fiction enthusiasts.
Stay Dark positions its protagonist at the threshold of two incompatible worlds—Los Angeles’s procedural grit and an occult nocturnal domain—using this duality to construct a narrative that is as much about secrecy as it is about pursuit. Author Tess Manchester mobilises familiar vampire conventions only to reroute them through the architecture of the crime thriller, allowing the text to oscillate between atmospheric noir and urban fantasy. The novel’s opening premise—an investigator compelled to conceal her undead nature while inadvertently intervening in a violent criminal’s trajectory—sets the stage for a meditation on agency, culpability, and the ethics of survival. Manchester’s rendering of the city intensifies this tension: Los Angeles becomes a site where predation and vulnerability coexist.
What distinguishes the novel is its commitment to character interiority amid the accelerating suspense. Neve Traxon is carefully constructed as a figure negotiating the instability of her own identity while being forced into collaboration with Detective Marek Kaidan, whose professional pragmatism increasingly gives way to a layered, slow-burn rapport. Their dynamic, threaded with restrained sensuality, functions less as a romantic subplot than as a mechanism through which trust, scepticism, and interdependence are tested. The emergence of the Infinity faction introduces a broader mythological framework that complicates Neve’s understanding of her position within the vampire underworld, a realm Manchester imbues with both familiarity and distinctive inflexions. This expansion of scale never overwhelms the narrative’s procedural clarity, as the investigation remains the structural spine of the text.
Halfway through the novel, the momentum intensifies: action sequences are choreographed with precision, yet the narrative avoids gratuitous spectacle, opting instead for suspense shaped by shifting allegiances. Although the novel draws from recognisable genres, its synthesis of crime, fantasy, and psychological tension renders it unusually cohesive. STAY DARK ultimately succeeds by binding genre components together in a manner that foregrounds character complexity and atmospheric immediacy. It is a compelling entry point into a series that promises expansion, making it ideal for suspenseful vampire fiction enthusiasts.
February 28, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This here is one of them books that grabs you by the collar early and tells you plain and simple that sleep is optional tonight. Stay Dark throws you straight into a gritty Los Angeles where danger walks around like it pays rent there. Neve is a private investigator with a vampire secret, and right off the bat that mix works better than I expected. She aint some dramatic immortal complaining about forever. She is tough, stubborn, and makes messy choices that keep the story moving.
The plot moves fast with a serial killer loose and trouble stacking up quick. The partnership between Neve and Detective Marek carries a lot of the story. Their tension feels natural and keeps things interesting because you never fully know who should trust who. The hidden vampire society adds a bigger world behind everything and gives the story room to grow later on.
Now here is the straight truth. The pacing starts strong but sometimes the story throws too much background information at once, which slows things down. Some side characters show up without enough depth to really matter, and a few moments that should feel intense pass by without hitting as hard as they should. The idea is solid, but the execution does not always land clean.
What works best is the darker tone mixed with detective work. When the book focuses on investigation and danger, it shines the brightest. When it leans too heavy into explaining the world, it loses a little momentum.
Overall, this is a decent start to a series with a strong concept and enough intrigue to make you curious about what comes next, even if it has a few rough spots along the way.
I give it a 3 outta 5 Catfish.
This here is one of them books that grabs you by the collar early and tells you plain and simple that sleep is optional tonight. Stay Dark throws you straight into a gritty Los Angeles where danger walks around like it pays rent there. Neve is a private investigator with a vampire secret, and right off the bat that mix works better than I expected. She aint some dramatic immortal complaining about forever. She is tough, stubborn, and makes messy choices that keep the story moving.
The plot moves fast with a serial killer loose and trouble stacking up quick. The partnership between Neve and Detective Marek carries a lot of the story. Their tension feels natural and keeps things interesting because you never fully know who should trust who. The hidden vampire society adds a bigger world behind everything and gives the story room to grow later on.
Now here is the straight truth. The pacing starts strong but sometimes the story throws too much background information at once, which slows things down. Some side characters show up without enough depth to really matter, and a few moments that should feel intense pass by without hitting as hard as they should. The idea is solid, but the execution does not always land clean.
What works best is the darker tone mixed with detective work. When the book focuses on investigation and danger, it shines the brightest. When it leans too heavy into explaining the world, it loses a little momentum.
Overall, this is a decent start to a series with a strong concept and enough intrigue to make you curious about what comes next, even if it has a few rough spots along the way.
I give it a 3 outta 5 Catfish.
April 7, 2026
A Gritty Start to a Promising Urban Fantasy Series
STAY DARK opens with a sharp, compelling premise and wastes little time establishing its tone. Neve Traxon exists in a careful balance between predator and protector, and that tension drives the story forward from the very first pages.
What makes STAY DARK stand out is how confidently it blends genres without losing focus. The investigation into a serial killer provides a strong procedural backbone, while the vampire underworld adds depth and intrigue without overwhelming the narrative. I found the dynamic between Neve and Detective Marek Kaidan especially engaging, as it develops with restraint and a steady undercurrent of tension. Their partnership feels layered, shaped as much by mistrust as by necessity. The Los Angeles setting also plays a key role, giving the story a gritty, atmospheric edge that suits both the crime and supernatural elements.
The pacing remains brisk, with enough twists and reveals to keep the momentum steady. A few plot elements could have benefited from deeper exploration, particularly within the broader vampire mythology, but this does little to diminish the overall impact. I appreciated how the story balances action with character-driven moments, allowing Neve’s internal conflict to carry real weight. STAY DARK ultimately delivers a strong and engaging start to a series, offering enough intrigue, tension, and emotional stakes to leave readers wanting more.
STAY DARK opens with a sharp, compelling premise and wastes little time establishing its tone. Neve Traxon exists in a careful balance between predator and protector, and that tension drives the story forward from the very first pages.
What makes STAY DARK stand out is how confidently it blends genres without losing focus. The investigation into a serial killer provides a strong procedural backbone, while the vampire underworld adds depth and intrigue without overwhelming the narrative. I found the dynamic between Neve and Detective Marek Kaidan especially engaging, as it develops with restraint and a steady undercurrent of tension. Their partnership feels layered, shaped as much by mistrust as by necessity. The Los Angeles setting also plays a key role, giving the story a gritty, atmospheric edge that suits both the crime and supernatural elements.
The pacing remains brisk, with enough twists and reveals to keep the momentum steady. A few plot elements could have benefited from deeper exploration, particularly within the broader vampire mythology, but this does little to diminish the overall impact. I appreciated how the story balances action with character-driven moments, allowing Neve’s internal conflict to carry real weight. STAY DARK ultimately delivers a strong and engaging start to a series, offering enough intrigue, tension, and emotional stakes to leave readers wanting more.
April 13, 2026
People say that everything happens for a reason, but this book shows that even a good choice can turn into a total nightmare.
Neve is a vampire, but she isn't a bad guy. She lives in the shadows of LA, paying for her sustenance and choosing a path of restraint. It can start an ethical vampirism debate, but that’s just how she is.
The story starts with a terrible mistake. Neve saves a man from a mugging. She later finds out he is the very villain she should have avoided. This guilt drives the entire book. Neve feels really bad about it, so she helps a detective named Marek to try and catch him. It’s hard because she has to keep her vampire life a secret while they work together. Neve lives by one rule: “Blend in. Stay hidden. Stay dark.” The story becomes complicated when the Factions, a powerful and secretive vampire society, get involved in it. Neve wants justice because she feels guilty. Marek wants justice because it is the law.
The author writes about moral choices, government fear of the unknown, and relationships between vampires and humans. What I liked is that the antagonist is scarier than the vampire. It shows that being a monster is about your choices, not your species.
It is quite a simple book. Chapters are short, and clear action makes the book easy to read. If readers have seen tons of vampire movies, they will find some resemblance. Since this is the first installment in the Web of Dwellers series, I am assuming bigger and better is yet to come.
Neve is a vampire, but she isn't a bad guy. She lives in the shadows of LA, paying for her sustenance and choosing a path of restraint. It can start an ethical vampirism debate, but that’s just how she is.
The story starts with a terrible mistake. Neve saves a man from a mugging. She later finds out he is the very villain she should have avoided. This guilt drives the entire book. Neve feels really bad about it, so she helps a detective named Marek to try and catch him. It’s hard because she has to keep her vampire life a secret while they work together. Neve lives by one rule: “Blend in. Stay hidden. Stay dark.” The story becomes complicated when the Factions, a powerful and secretive vampire society, get involved in it. Neve wants justice because she feels guilty. Marek wants justice because it is the law.
The author writes about moral choices, government fear of the unknown, and relationships between vampires and humans. What I liked is that the antagonist is scarier than the vampire. It shows that being a monster is about your choices, not your species.
It is quite a simple book. Chapters are short, and clear action makes the book easy to read. If readers have seen tons of vampire movies, they will find some resemblance. Since this is the first installment in the Web of Dwellers series, I am assuming bigger and better is yet to come.
April 19, 2026
This is just another vampire and human love story, but with a twist. Neve is a private investigator who lives a double life. On the surface, she solves cases like cheating and missing people. Beneath that surface, she is a vampire who belongs to a hidden world with its own rules.
Everything was going fine in her life until she saved a man from an attack, only to realize he was the villain. Haunted by guilt, Neve feels responsible for his new victims and starts an investigation to stop him. As she secretly tracks him, she draws the suspicion of Detective Marek . Their uneasy alliance turns dangerous when Infinity targets Neve.
Pros:
1. Neve is a strong, relatable character who struggles with her mistakes. Although she is a vampire, her humane nature is beautifully portrayed.
2. Though it is a typical vampire vs. human story, it has a heavy emphasis on the investigative side of things. This is the twist.
3. The conflict between Neve, the detective, and the hidden faction adds strong tension. The tension comes from secrets and lies rather than just action scenes.
4. It captures the lonely, moody feeling of late-night city life perfectly.
Cons:
1. Repetitive emotions: Neve’s guilt and inner thoughts often repeat.
2. Resemblance with other same-genre books.
3. The hidden faction and its rules are not fully explained.
4. If you expect constant excitement, you might feel disappointed.
Everything was going fine in her life until she saved a man from an attack, only to realize he was the villain. Haunted by guilt, Neve feels responsible for his new victims and starts an investigation to stop him. As she secretly tracks him, she draws the suspicion of Detective Marek . Their uneasy alliance turns dangerous when Infinity targets Neve.
Pros:
1. Neve is a strong, relatable character who struggles with her mistakes. Although she is a vampire, her humane nature is beautifully portrayed.
2. Though it is a typical vampire vs. human story, it has a heavy emphasis on the investigative side of things. This is the twist.
3. The conflict between Neve, the detective, and the hidden faction adds strong tension. The tension comes from secrets and lies rather than just action scenes.
4. It captures the lonely, moody feeling of late-night city life perfectly.
Cons:
1. Repetitive emotions: Neve’s guilt and inner thoughts often repeat.
2. Resemblance with other same-genre books.
3. The hidden faction and its rules are not fully explained.
4. If you expect constant excitement, you might feel disappointed.
November 16, 2025
From the start, Stay Dark impressed me with its strong sense of atmosphere. Manchester’s Los Angeles feels alive in all the right ways—dangerous, mysterious, and quietly influenced by supernatural forces. Neve Traxon fits beautifully into that world, and the combination of investigative grit and vampire intrigue makes for an engaging opening to the series.
The story moves with real energy. The action scenes are tight and visually striking, and Manchester’s ability to blend police work with underground vampire politics creates a steady flow of tension. It’s a world that feels fully thought-out and connected beneath the surface.
I really enjoyed how the human and vampire groups constantly clash. Their tense, messy exchanges—full of misunderstandings and real consequences—add more depth to the story than I expected. It’s a rich conflict that clearly has room to grow as the series moves forward.
packed with stakes, giving the plot a surprising emotional and political weight. It’s the kind of layered conflict that feels perfect for deeper exploration in upcoming installments.
This dynamic builds a solid foundation for the Web of Dwellers series, promising even bigger confrontations and growth ahead.
Even with a couple of slight hiccups, the book’s strong execution and engaging pacing make it an easy recommendation for most readers.
The story moves with real energy. The action scenes are tight and visually striking, and Manchester’s ability to blend police work with underground vampire politics creates a steady flow of tension. It’s a world that feels fully thought-out and connected beneath the surface.
I really enjoyed how the human and vampire groups constantly clash. Their tense, messy exchanges—full of misunderstandings and real consequences—add more depth to the story than I expected. It’s a rich conflict that clearly has room to grow as the series moves forward.
packed with stakes, giving the plot a surprising emotional and political weight. It’s the kind of layered conflict that feels perfect for deeper exploration in upcoming installments.
This dynamic builds a solid foundation for the Web of Dwellers series, promising even bigger confrontations and growth ahead.
Even with a couple of slight hiccups, the book’s strong execution and engaging pacing make it an easy recommendation for most readers.
November 10, 2025
Tess Manchester successfully weaves together an urban fantasy, thriller, mystery and romance. Neve Traxon isn't just a private investigator. She's walking a fine line between presenting as human while secretly being a vampire. There's great depth to her character and the underlying sensual tension between her and Detective Marek Kaidan is handled just right. I found the vampire underworld captivating and a new twist on vampire stories, especially when she saves the life of a brutal serial killer who might make her his next victim. The hunt for the murderer goes full throttle with plenty of action scenes and not knowing what comes next. Manchester has a vivid writing style and compelling plot. Stay Dark is so addictive it should come with a warning. The next book in the series is a definite must read.
November 13, 2025
Stay Dark is a captivating vampire novel with crime thriller themes. It follows Neve Traxon, a private investigator hiding a dangerous secret: she's a vampire. One of the most interesting things about the novel was the ever-evolving relationship between Neve and Marek- it slowly develops from mutual distrust, to something bordering on romance or sexual tension. The characters are developed carefully throughout the story, and its punctuated by adrenaline-pumping action scenes.
Then there's the underworld. Though not a new trope, the author created a unique vampire underworld, presenting a palpable antagonistic force to go along with the story. All these came together to create a narrative that was fast-paced yet traceable and well-thought-out. This is the best vampire story I've read yet.
Then there's the underworld. Though not a new trope, the author created a unique vampire underworld, presenting a palpable antagonistic force to go along with the story. All these came together to create a narrative that was fast-paced yet traceable and well-thought-out. This is the best vampire story I've read yet.
April 6, 2026
This book was awesome! I love vampire books and I like stories about hunting serial killers, so this book was perfect for me. Set in LA, the book at first reminded me of the early seasons of “Angel” where Angel works with the Detective Kate. In this, the vampire Neve Traxon works with Detective Marek Kaidan in the pursuit of a serial killer that Naeve “saved.” She didn’t know he was a serial killer at the time, honest mistake on her part. Later, Manchester brings in the vampire underworld and that’s exactly what I thought about, the movies “Underworld.” I liked those movies, so this was nice development. There is lots of action, tension, supernatural stuff, and a good murder mystery. The book has a little bit of everything. This is the first installment of a three book series. I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 23, 2026
If you want a vampire story with crime instead of romance, try Tess Manchester's Stay Dark. It is a thrilling and unexpected read. Neve Traxon is at the heart of the story. She is a private investigator who hides a big secret as she is a vampire. What makes her unique is not only her abilities but also her inner struggle. She isn’t perfect, and that’s part of what makes her appealing. She often struggles between her instincts and her sense of right and wrong. This inner struggle makes her feel like a real and relatable character, even though she is supernatural. Neve decides to save a man, but it goes wrong when he turns out to be a serial killer. This mistake sets off a series of events that drives the whole story forward.
By the last page, it is clear that there is a much bigger story still to come.
By the last page, it is clear that there is a much bigger story still to come.
November 6, 2025
Neve let a serial killer go while she had no idea; now she finds out he's killing multiple women, and she blames herself and wants to stop at nothing to catch him. She hates socializing or even just talking to people, but now she talked to a detective, and now they have to work together to catch the serial killer.I found it so interesting the way even I, from a reader's perspective, was finding so many plot twists, and that made it so interesting for me. I'd like to say the author is quite talented; I don't see a lot of story formats like this. I was quite interested, and I found the storyline so amazing.
November 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very entertaining read and it really kept me on my toes.
At the same time the book felt more like a screenplay. I could vividly imagine the plot as a movie and I feel for it to completely work in a book format something was missing.
I need more. More internal monologue, more descriptions, more character development, or just slower character development. The book is very fast paced so it’s a pretty quick read but lots of plot shifts were too sudden. Lots of events felt too out of the blue.
Still the plot was just fun and I really needed that, therefore the high rating.
This was a very entertaining read and it really kept me on my toes.
At the same time the book felt more like a screenplay. I could vividly imagine the plot as a movie and I feel for it to completely work in a book format something was missing.
I need more. More internal monologue, more descriptions, more character development, or just slower character development. The book is very fast paced so it’s a pretty quick read but lots of plot shifts were too sudden. Lots of events felt too out of the blue.
Still the plot was just fun and I really needed that, therefore the high rating.
April 1, 2026
The idea for a vampire thriller is an interesting one, and the author did a good job introducing us to this world and the characters. However, I felt there were a number of plot holes in the book.
I had quite a number of questions while reading. The book moved too fast. I would love to know how the disease came about. The relationship between Inez and Neve did not have enough time and occurrences for it to be at the level the author had written. There are good plot lines in this book that I believe should have been explored more.
But I did enjoy reading about the connection Neve had with the serial killer and how a seemingly good deed unravelled into something horrifying.
I had quite a number of questions while reading. The book moved too fast. I would love to know how the disease came about. The relationship between Inez and Neve did not have enough time and occurrences for it to be at the level the author had written. There are good plot lines in this book that I believe should have been explored more.
But I did enjoy reading about the connection Neve had with the serial killer and how a seemingly good deed unravelled into something horrifying.
April 8, 2026
Intricate plot with many levels
STAY DARK starts as a detective novel but develops into a vampire thriller with lots of plot twists.
The main character is a vampire who survives as a private eye working at night. However, she becomes involved in a hunt for a serial killer that leads her into the limelight and puts her kind at risk. Along the way, she learns to trust and develop relationships with others.
The plot contains lots of action, intrigue, romance, and undercover plots. It is the first in a series, so some of the plot lines are left hanging to continue into the next book.
Great read for those who like detective novels or vampire stories.
STAY DARK starts as a detective novel but develops into a vampire thriller with lots of plot twists.
The main character is a vampire who survives as a private eye working at night. However, she becomes involved in a hunt for a serial killer that leads her into the limelight and puts her kind at risk. Along the way, she learns to trust and develop relationships with others.
The plot contains lots of action, intrigue, romance, and undercover plots. It is the first in a series, so some of the plot lines are left hanging to continue into the next book.
Great read for those who like detective novels or vampire stories.
April 13, 2026
Stay Dark was not what I expected. It turned out to be better than I thought. I liked how the book mixes different genres smoothly. It is part urban fantasy, part crime thriller, with some mystery and a little romance. The world-building was also impressive. The vampire underworld feels dangerous and mysterious, with many secrets hidden within it. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, the story surprised me with unexpected twists. The book is full of surprises. You cannot guess what will happen next.
Overall, the book offered a well-rounded reading experience. It combined mystery, action, and supernatural elements with enough emotional depth to leave a lasting impression.
Overall, the book offered a well-rounded reading experience. It combined mystery, action, and supernatural elements with enough emotional depth to leave a lasting impression.
May 13, 2025
Thanks goodreads for this book i won in a giveaway. This book was a fast pace, easy read. It captured my attention and kept it. Neve, a vampire, saves a man from getting killed. Well turns outs the man she saved is actually a serial killer. So she tries to right her wrong by hunting down this guy. While hunting him down, she comes into contact with not only a normal detective, but eventually Inez who has a lot to do with Neve being a vampire. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the rest in the series.
November 13, 2025
Tess Manchester exceeded my expectations in this novel! Stay Dark is a unique vampire thriller that's full of suspense! Neve Traxon is a compelling, strong feminine hero with a mysterious dark side, and the world of vampire cults and factions Manchester builds around LA is intriguing. However, the standout feature of this novel is the plot- it's solid and fast-paced, with sprinkles of romance between high-stakes action sequences, creating a story that you can't put down! I'm excited to see more from this series.
April 20, 2026
Stay Dark is a vampire story that takes place in Los Angeles. Neve the main character is a private investigator who accidentally saves a serial killer and feels bad about it. She works with a police officer to fix her mistake but then the government gets involved and things get really bad. There are some really intense parts where they test her and the action never stops. Its a crazy mix of a crime show and a supernatural thriller. The part where they escape in the helicopter at the end is so exciting. If you want something quick and dark this is a great start to a series.
July 28, 2025
She is not what people would expect and she has hidden in plain sight. She is a vampire and a PI when she saves the life of killer. She will need to team up with a detective to try to stop more deaths. They will find a nest of vampires who may need to be dealt with. A great read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and wow what a brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and wow what a brilliant read
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars. I am interested but unsure. Maybe after book two. I want to see where the series goes after one more book. It left on an interesting venture. The characters are dark and mysterious but seemingly common to much that i have read. The plot is kinda predictable to a standard thriller but there is this hint of edginess to it that i am enjoying. The banter was nice as well.
May 8, 2026
A World in the Middle
This is an enjoyable story, and I hope it isn’t based on fact. Some of it could be pretty scary. Other parts of it made me wonder if this could actually be true. Definitely it had me wondering what was going to happen (within the story, and in the next instalment).
This is an enjoyable story, and I hope it isn’t based on fact. Some of it could be pretty scary. Other parts of it made me wonder if this could actually be true. Definitely it had me wondering what was going to happen (within the story, and in the next instalment).
January 20, 2023
Enticing read with a new take on vampires that I enjoyed. Liked the strong protagonist and action scenes. Read a little like a movie plays out, with visuals leaning more towards a screenplay than a novel at times.
July 28, 2025
This was definitely different than the vampire/dweller stories I usually read. The storyline was pretty good, with some unexpected twists and the ending leads up well to the next book leaving you curious about what's going to happen next.
August 7, 2025
Stay Dark throws us into a gritty, supernatural Los Angeles where Neve Traxon has been living with vampire blood in her veins for thirty years. By day, she’s a private investigator; by night, she makes questionable deals to feed and survive. When a mistake on her part unleashes a serial killer, Neve refuses to sit back—she’s determined to put him down, even if it means teaming up with Detective Marek Kaidan
My (personal) chapter churn is when books rush into instant trust, and Neve does it early on with “I can tell him everything.” Nope. Characters need to earn that. Suspense hits harder when it’s built, not handed over. By chapter four though - I was hooked 👻
One random detail I adored in the book: the timestamps. One week later. Later that evening. One month ago. It gives the story a surprising realism that I didn’t know I needed.
By the final stretch, we finally deep-dive into vampires and Neve’s abilities, and I was hooked all over again. The action is fierce, the pacing sharp, and while I wouldn’t have said need a little more…vampire biting theatrics…I get that this is only book one in the build-up.
Think Twilight Saga colliding with James Patterson’s Detective Cross. A thrilling start for action junkies who want a taste of the paranormal.
Thanks to BookSirens and Tess Manchester. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for where this series goes next - because if book one ends like this, I’m ready for more.
For NZ readers out there - this book mentions “headhunters,” and as a New Zealander, my brain kept wandering to the gang, not paranormal assassins. Distracting, but kind of hilarious
⭐ Action. Vampires. Mystery. I’ll be back for book two.
My (personal) chapter churn is when books rush into instant trust, and Neve does it early on with “I can tell him everything.” Nope. Characters need to earn that. Suspense hits harder when it’s built, not handed over. By chapter four though - I was hooked 👻
One random detail I adored in the book: the timestamps. One week later. Later that evening. One month ago. It gives the story a surprising realism that I didn’t know I needed.
By the final stretch, we finally deep-dive into vampires and Neve’s abilities, and I was hooked all over again. The action is fierce, the pacing sharp, and while I wouldn’t have said need a little more…vampire biting theatrics…I get that this is only book one in the build-up.
Think Twilight Saga colliding with James Patterson’s Detective Cross. A thrilling start for action junkies who want a taste of the paranormal.
Thanks to BookSirens and Tess Manchester. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for where this series goes next - because if book one ends like this, I’m ready for more.
For NZ readers out there - this book mentions “headhunters,” and as a New Zealander, my brain kept wandering to the gang, not paranormal assassins. Distracting, but kind of hilarious
⭐ Action. Vampires. Mystery. I’ll be back for book two.
May 25, 2026
I love the blend of genres here, the characters are fully fleshed out, the writing is crisp and sharp, and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
― Alice Blanchard, author of "It's Me Violet" and "House of Dead Things"
― Alice Blanchard, author of "It's Me Violet" and "House of Dead Things"
Read
July 19, 2026Fear can make people do stupid things.
She didn't ask to be infected but it saved her life. For what? Living alone and separate from society is so difficult but she makes it work. Government toadies sees her as a menace. A good book.
She didn't ask to be infected but it saved her life. For what? Living alone and separate from society is so difficult but she makes it work. Government toadies sees her as a menace. A good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews