Maria the Wanted

GOODREADS MOST ANTICIPATED HORROR 2026


“A high-octane, heartfelt story that puts a refreshingly human spin on the birth-of-a-vampire tale.”
Kelley Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of The Haunting of Paynes Hollow and the Women of the Otherworld series


“Without a doubt, V. Castro is a searing and stunning voice in modern horror. Maria the Wanted takes the vampire mythos and entirely reinvents it in a way only V. Castro can. Dark, sexy, and a whole lot of fun, this book should not be missed.”
Gwendolyn Kiste, Four-time Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Haunting of Velkwood and Reluctant Immortals


“Fast, fun, and furious, Maria the Wanted gives us a new vampire mythology with echoes of Anne Rice and a powerful heroine determined to save herself – and the world.”
Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times-bestselling author of House of Idyll and Guillotine


“A gripping tale of heart-wrenching loss, gory vengeance and brutal justice! Never underestimate the weak, especially a woman armed with deadly fangs and a blistering, all-consuming rage! A relentless page-turner!”
Nuzo Onoh, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Where the Dead Brides Gather and Futility


“Brutal, bloody and brilliant, Maria the Wanted will shock and delight you. It’s V. Castro at her very best.”
Tim Lebbon, New York Times-bestselling author of Secret Lives of the Dead and Among the Living


“Seductive… Maria herself is a force to be reckoned with, and readers will gladly cheer her on her bloody way.”
Publishers Weekly