I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Y’all it’s been three years since I first read M.A. Wilder's The Té-Trad Tale. I have not-so-patiently been waiting for more from her. I loved her story-telling and writing style. So when I received an email from her just before Christmas asking if I’d read and review her new series, I was like



After I picked myself up off the floor, I immediately responded with a yes. I’ll be honest too, I didn’t even read what the book was about. I love Wilder’s other series that much! So I went into The Vampire Mafia blind. Y’all it’s amazing!

The Vampire Mafia is a collection of novellas that tell one large story from several different views. I became engrossed in each novella and read one a day until I finished. I loved how the author was able to make the cast of characters so unique. It’s hard to do this in novellas I think. I have found that a lot of times you get the main characters thoroughly fleshed out, but the side characters are usually flat. This isn’t the case here! All the characters are utilized and have their own unique identities which really makes for a great read.

As the name suggests, this book has an element of paranormal but also an element of mystery/thriller. Personally I enjoyed the mystery element to these novellas. Reading the first novella, I kept picturing those old, black and white detective movies despite the fact it’s set in the present. Then in the last novella, one of the characters reminded me of Humphrey Bogart, right down to the nickname of his girl.



My favorite of the four novellas is Collateral, which is the third in the series. It follows Sosie, a young woman who is being held by the vampires until her father can pay off his debt. I think the reason I like this one so well is the love interest. Rather than it being an insta-love/lust thing, it’s a slow build-up for Sosie. It’s interesting to read that slow build and how it plays out, especially in novella form. Plus I love J.M. He’s the ultimate bad-boy!

I loved the setting and world-building of these novellas. The story is set in the seedy underbelly of August, New York and focuses on the crime syndicate. I liked how the author built into the mafia-type world and gave it her own spin with the paranormal element of vampires. And friends, if you’ve read The Té-trad Tale trilogy, you’re in for some fun Easter eggs! I may or may not have squealed with excitement.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I liked each novella. There are some pretty graphic scenes of sex and gore which for me I can usually do without which is why it’s four instead of five stars, but that’s a personal preference and not a reflection on the story. The story itself is fantastic in my opinion! Oh and that ending!!!! Wilder has set it up for a sequel series and I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that it happens. If you enjoy mystery, horror, and urban paranormal romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy.