The Basement Dwellers

by David Lopera

Born in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the Victorian Era, Colette and Jermain Dupré are siblings descended from an aristocratic French Creole family. A horrific encounter with a malevolent and powerful vampire turns them into the undead. Though they develop fascinating powers and abilities, their father, who was also bitten, seems to be decaying from the inside out. The siblings learn there are only two ways they can save their father and ignite his vampire powers. One of the potential remedies could damage their home and legacy, while the other option might completely destroy what’s left of their small vampire brood.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

David's passion for exploring the complexities of the human condition, fueled by his deep interest in philosophy, religion, and art, informs his writing. His novels delve into moral dilemmas, the search for meaning, and the enduring power of the human spirit. When not crafting stories, he can be found riding his motorcycle, hiking through nature, or losing himself in a good comic book or horror novel.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are Jazzie and Seth living in basements mostly in the dark? What is their secret? Why is there reference to Vlad Dracula and Casimir, a saint, as a healing force for their father Charles? Things get complicated when the murder rate in the New York neighborhood is rising. Will Cas survive his new friends? The author does a fine job in bringing together all kind of lore into his story: schooldays, murder mystery, 19th century, European myth... it was quite entertaining and intriguing at parts. Other parts were a bit plain and predictable. His main characters are a bit too harmless and victim like in my opinion. But overall a real good page turner. Really recommended!

[Bookreviewsbyalthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually am not a big fan of reading horror books. However I gave this one a try because the author asked if I was interested. Let me just tell you that I read it way quicker than most of the books I have been reading. It was very enjoyable and I really liked it. I usually do not do vampire books because I compare them to other books I have read but this was not like any other vampire book I’ve read. I also enjoyed that there was some time travel involved. I would love if there was a second book or even a novella.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Lopera’s The Basement Dwellers surprised the hell out of me in the best way. This is a vampire story, but not the kind you’ve already read a dozen times. Set between the eerie streets of Victorian-era New Orleans and more modern chaos, it blends old-world gothic vibes with mystery, family drama, and some deep-cut vampire lore.

Colette and Jermain Dupré are turned into the undead after a brutal encounter, gaining dark, fascinating abilities while watching their father slowly rot from the inside out. That emotional core really hit for me. The stakes are personal, not just bloody. Saving their father means choosing between destroying their home and legacy or risking the complete collapse of their fragile vampire family. Neither option is clean, and that tension drives the story forward.

Lopera pulls in a wild mix of influences; European myth, historical horror, murder mystery elements, even touches of time travel, and somehow makes it all work. Some moments are quieter and a bit predictable, but the pacing is strong and the book is an easy page-turner. I flew through it faster than expected. If you think you’re burned out on vampire stories, this one might change your mind. I’d absolutely read a sequel or novella in this world

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️