If you’re a fan of the quirky humor, darkly comedic take on the supernatural, and lovable chaos of What We Do in the Shadows, you’re in for a treat! Here are some books that bring a similar mix of wit, absurdity, and supernatural fun to the page. Whether you’re craving vampire mischief, paranormal antics, or just a good laugh, these books are perfect picks.
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1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
This comedic masterpiece about an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the apocalypse is packed with clever humor and unforgettable characters. Fans of the show’s absurdity and heart will feel right at home.
2. The Radleys by Matt Haig
A suburban family of abstaining vampires struggles with their true nature. Witty, satirical, and delightfully awkward, it’s like What We Do in the Shadows set in the burbs.
The Radleys: A Novel
Soon to be a major film—starring Kelly Macdonald and Damien Lewis!
From the bestselling author of The Midnight Library—an “irresistible…full of clever turns, darkly hilarious spins…Even if you’re suffering from vampire fatigue…The Radleys is a fun, fresh contribution to the genre” (Associated Press).
3. Fangs by Sarah Andersen
A charming graphic novel about the romance between a vampire and a werewolf, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable supernatural humor.
Fangs
This deluxe hardcover edition of Fangs features an “engraved” red cloth cover, dyed black page trim, and 25 exclusive comics not previously seen online. Filled with Sarah Andersen’s beautiful gothic illustrations and relatable relationship humor, Fangs has all the makings of a cult classic.
4. The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
What happens when a book club of Southern moms takes on a charming, mysterious new neighbor who may (or may not) be a vampire? A hilarious and creepy ride that’s as much about friendships as it is about the undead.
The Southern Book Club s Guide to Slaying Vampires: A Novel
Now in paperback, Steel Magnolias meets Dracula in this New York Times best-selling horror novel about a women’s book club that must do battle with a mysterious newcomer to their small Southern town.
Bonus features:
• Reading group guide for book clubs
• Hand-drawn map of Mt. Pleasant
• Annotated true-crime reading list by Grady Hendrix
• And more!
5. Fred, the Vampire Accountant by Drew Hayes
Meet Fred, a mild-mannered accountant who happens to be a vampire. This series is lighthearted, fun, and brimming with oddball characters and paranormal misadventures.
Fred, The Vampire Accountant
Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort. One fateful night – different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful – Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos that is the parahuman world, a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.” Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.
6. Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell
This collection of short stories includes a vampire tale that’s just as quirky and poignant as it is memorable. A literary take on supernatural oddities.
Vampires in the Lemon Grove: And Other Stories (Vintage Contemporaries)
From the author of the novel Swamplandia!—a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize—comes a magical and uniquely daring collection of stories that showcases the author’s gifts at their inimitable best.
7. Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
A funny, irreverent story about a young woman who wakes up as a vampire and enlists a night-shift worker to help her navigate her new life. Moore’s trademark humor will appeal to What We Do in the Shadows fans.
Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story
Jody never asked to become a vampire. But when she wakes up under an alley Dumpster with a badly burned arm, an aching back, superhuman strength, and a distinctly Nosferatuan thirst, she realizes the decision has been made for her.
8. You Suck by Christopher Moore
The sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends, this book continues the absurd adventures of its hapless, undead protagonists.
You Suck: A Love Story (Bloodsucking Fiends, 2)
Book 2 of 3: Bloodsucking Fiends
Being undead sucks. Literally.
Just ask C. Thomas Flood. Waking up after a fantastic night unlike anything he’s ever experienced, he discovers that his girlfriend, Jody, is a vampire. And surprise! Now he’s one, too. For some couples, the whole biting-and-blood thing would have been a deal breaker. But Tommy and Jody are in love, and they vow to work through their issues.
But word has it that the vampire who initially nibbled on Jody wasn’t supposed to be recruiting. Even worse, Tommy’s erstwhile turkey-bowling pals are out to get him, at the urging of a blue-dyed Las Vegas call girl named (duh) Blue.
And that really sucks.
9. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
While not about vampires, this darkly funny book about necromancers in space brims with sardonic humor and bizarre, lovable characters.
Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb Series, 1)
15+ pages of new, original content, including a glossary of terms, in-universe writings, and more!
A USA Today Best-Selling Novel, and one of the Best Books of 2019 according to NPR, the New York Public Library, Amazon, BookPage, Shelf Awareness, BookRiot, and Bustle!
WINNER of the 2020 Crawford Award
Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards
“Unlike anything I’ve ever read. ” ―V.E. Schwab
“Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space!” ―Charles Stross
10. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
A richly atmospheric and intellectual take on vampire lore, with dark humor and a sprawling, gothic plot that’s perfect for fans of the show’s classic vampire aesthetic.
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The Historian
The record-breaking phenomenon from Elizabeth Kostova is a celebrated masterpiece that “refashioned the vampire myth into a compelling contemporary novel, a late-night page-turner” (San Francisco Chronicle).
“Part thriller, part history, part romance…Kostova has a keen sense of storytelling and she has a marvelous tale to tell.” —Baltimore Sun
11. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
What if Elizabeth Bennet fought zombies instead of societal norms? This mashup of classic literature and supernatural chaos delivers campy, action-packed fun.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
The New York Times best seller is now a major motion picture starring Lily James and Sam Riley, with Matt Smith, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey.
12. Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
A light and funny romance about a recently turned vampire navigating her new undead life. It’s full of laugh-out-loud moments and sassy dialogue.
13. Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett
Part of the Discworld series, this satirical take on vampires invading a small kingdom is full of biting humor and clever commentary.
Carpe Jugulum: A Discworld Novel (Witches, 6)
“The novel exudes the curious feel of old-fashioned vampire and Frankenstein legends. . . . Pratchett lampoons everything from Christian superstition to Swiss Army knives here, proving that the fantasy satire of Discworld ‘still ate’nt dead.’”—Publishers Weekly
An invasion of fashionable blood-sucking vampyres are no match for the wacky wands and zany spells of a coven of rural witches in this wonderfully entertaining Discworld novel from New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett.
14. Soulless by Gail Carriger
In a steampunk Victorian London, Alexia Tarabotti, a preternatural without a soul, navigates vampires, werewolves, and tea scandals. A delightful blend of humor and paranormal intrigue.
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, 1)
Buffy meets Jane Austen in the first book of this wickedly funny NYT bestselling series about a young woman whose brush with the supernatural leads to a deadly investigation of London’s high society.
15. The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez
This unique take on vampire lore spans decades, mixing dark humor, social commentary, and a strong narrative voice.
The Gilda Stories: Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition
Before Buffy, before Twilight, before Octavia Butler’s Fledgling, there was The Gilda Stories, Jewelle Gomez’s sexy vampire novel.
Why These Books?
The heart of What We Do in the Shadows lies in its ability to make supernatural beings feel hilariously human while delivering absurd yet relatable comedy. These books capture that same essence, blending humor, charm, and paranormal chaos.
