Murder of a Vampire

Redmond and Haze Mysteries #17

by Irina Shapiro

When the body of a young woman is exhumed from unconsecrated ground—her remains marked by signs of a deviant burial—Jason and Daniel are drawn into a case steeped in fear and folklore. Whispers of the occult and tales of vampires, which had recently gripped London society, force them to confront the strange and the supernatural.

But the more they uncover about the victim, the more the bizarre precautions taken with her body seem misplaced. Was she truly a vampire, a witch, or merely a tragic figure whose brutal death and macabre burial were meant to stoke fear—or silence the curious?

As Jason and Daniel dig deeper, they find themselves tangled in a web of secrets someone is desperate to keep hidden. And if they ignore the warnings, one of them may be next in the sights of a deadly vampire hunter.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.

Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.

Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...

Reviews

[Jill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the evolving life and partnership of Redmond and Haze. Can't wait for the next one.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superstitions and tragedies

I loved this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Captain/Dr. Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. In this story, the author has woven history, superstition, religion, and xenophobia seamlessly with an intriguing murder mystery. I was right there with Jason and Daniel trying to figure out who the murderer was as they followed clues and interviewed witnesses and potential suspects. Jason and Daniel are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. Both men live in London with their wives and children. Jason and Daniel are good friends and their different approaches often complement each other while they are solving cases together. In this book, they are attempting to solve a murder of a young girl whose remains were found buried in unconsecrated ground with her hands and feet padlocked and a stake through her heart as if she was a vampire. The investigation into the murder leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, distasteful locations, secrets, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I love this series and these characters. 4.5 stars.

[Robin Riha · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great read!

I love the Haze and Redmond series as I’ve enjoyed every series I’ve read by Irina Shapiro. This book was sad in that they investigated a young woman’s murder but if you’ve read any books about Jason and Daniel, you know they come through for the solving of the mystery.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the historical whodunit series with Captain/Dr. Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze might be one of my favourites so far. From the moment a young woman's body is dug up; buried in unconsecrated ground, padlocked, and staked through the heart, the story pulls you right in. It has this eerie mix of folklore, superstition, and fear that gives the whole book a wonderfully creepy atmosphere. The author blends the historical details, religious tension, and the era's obsession with vampires so well that it all feels real and unsettling in the best way. I was completely hooked, second guessing every clue and racing along with Jason and Daniel as they tried to piece everything together.

What I loved most, though, is how human and layered the characters are. Jason and Daniel aren't just investigators; they're flawed, complicated men with families, worries, and their own emotional battles. Their different ways of handling the case balance each other perfectly, and watching them juggle the mystery alongside their personal struggles adds so much depth to the story. The plot is full of twists and dead ends, taking you from grimy back alleys to shocking discoveries. And at the centre is a tragedy that sticks with you long after you finish.

This book is everything I enjoy about the series; smart, atmospheric, emotional, and tightly written. The author keeps the tension high while still giving space for meaningful character moments and social themes. It kept me guessing the whole way through, and the heartbreaking truth behind the young woman's death made the ending hit even harder. An excellent, satisfying read; and a real standout in an already great series.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superstition

A beautiful young woman murdered and buried in a vampire grave. Jason Redmond knows the girl wasn't a vampire. Daniel Haze knows it, too, but he is more aware of superstitions that have been around for centuries. Now they need to try to get answers from people who still fervently believe in the tales of vampires that they brought with them from the old country. A human, or humans, murdered the girl and will stop at nothing to keep it covered up. I really enjoyed this book. It's harder to fight against ignorance and superstition than it is to educate people, especially when they prefer to hang onto the "old ways and customs". And when someone is actively doing their best to push these superstitions, Redmond and Haze have a hard time getting to the truth. But you know they will in the end.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess this series is winding down for me. Although, I like the overall idea of this series, it is not maintains the level of excitement and thrills I got with the first few books. This one didn't really hold my attention despite the subject matter. I was thinking "Oh, vampires!", but the storyline didn't really pull me in. I have to admit , the ending was a bit of a surprise. I had no clue as to who the killer could be, probably because I wasn't fully focused on the story. With all that being said, it was a good read, not a fantastic one, just an ordinary good read..

[Monica Ploskon · Rating 5 out of 5]

another excellent story

I have read all of the books in this series. This is one of the best. The character development continues to be on target. I did not guess who the murderer was until the end of book. A true mystery with great world building. I am looking forward to the next one and to finding out what happened to Adam. I won’t say who Adam is because it would be a spoiler

[Jeanette Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each of these books and look forward to more . But this one was a little disappointing . The story was ok but it didn't have the usual Haze and Redmond flourish somehow. I can imagine how difficult it must be for such a prolific author to come up with different stories for every new book but this one didn't quite do it for me.

[Cherylbestlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery….

This was a good mystery in this installment. The story showed how prejudice and ancient superstitions can wreck an innocent person’s life. I enjoyed following the clues along with Jason and Daniel.

I also enjoy the interactions between the main characters and their families.

[Gina_M_N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good story, wish I would have read the first 16 books first, I found it on Audible and I really enjoyed the mystery, thrill, the end was crazy. But I don't know if this is deal breaker for everyone but me but, the narrator kind of ruined it for me, not all of it just when she tried to do an American accent,😝 it was horrible.

[Diana L Vanderzanden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

I love how well Jason and Daniel work together. I love how they work through all information until they hit upon a real clue. Then they are off pursuing every detail until they get their man or woman. Love reading these stories!! Keep them coming!!

[fran zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a wonderful read

I couldn't put it down. From the first moment I was hooked. One of the best in the series. I was sorry to see it end. Characters were brought to life wonderfully

[SARAH ADAMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this series, but not a fan of vampire tales. The plot is good but it mainly is redmond and haze which is a shame as the other characters add so much to the story. I would recommend this book, I only dropped a star because of my personal preference of not liking vampire things!

[Michael V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story

Irina spins a suspenseful tale entwined with well developed characters who have their own personal and historic struggles.
I can easily become lost in one of Irina’s stories.

[Janet WenShu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written and depicted what superstition and lust did to one another

This was very unusual novel about how a deprecated and egotistic person would do to use deception and murderous acts to benefit himself.

The storyline was well-paced and interesting

[Jai Rahim · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author.
This book was okay, but it was quite different from what I thought it would be. Barring that, I thought the story dragged, and seemed a lot longer than it needed to be. Not sure if I’ll read this author again.

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good

Jason and Daniel's world are really rocked when an illegal burial is discovered, and an "unnatural" one. Who was the girl accused of being a vampire? What really happened that she had to die? Neither may not like the answers...

Christa

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ***

Audible plus catalog.

Looking forward to the next Redmond & Haze book.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love her writing style. This is a fun series I will truly miss when it’s over.

[Clare M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder of a Vampire

The characters are well drawn. Historically right on the mark. Kept me guessing. Totally recommend this book. Best one of the series

[Jennifer R Coym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I really enjoyed this novel from the Redmond and Haze Mystery series. It’s a great combination of historical fiction and mystery.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victorian era mystery with interesting characters and immersive sense of the time period.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok...

[Jayne]

Audiobook

[Teri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how this specific story added a different twist to the vampire tropes. It's also placed in a historical setting and that feels exceedingly well done. A very delectable & entertaining read.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder of a Vampire

This was a good story on the same level as the others. Different storyline, but I can see how superstition the people were back then, especially from Europe.

[Robert Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series with great characters. The writing is fantastic! Reading these books are like watching a movie. Your head is filled with pictures and scenes. Very entertaining.

[Matt Wheddon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now read all of the available books in this series and have enjoyed them all. Good stories

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting read

This is a new to me author & this book pulled me in right away. I’m now interested to read more books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

November 1869 Redmond and Haze investigate when the body of a female is discovered buried in unconsecrated grounds. Buried as would a vampire, as the local populace feared she was. Can they discover who she was and why she was treated so.
An entertaining historical mystery