Maria the Wanted

by V. Castro

Overview

Newly turned Mexican vampire, Maria, is not just out for blood, she wants answers.

From the twice Bram Stoker-nominated author of The Haunting of Alejandra and Immortal Pleasures, a gripping tale of empowerment, desire and belonging, perfect for readers of A Dowry of Blood and Certain Dark Things.

Maria is a wanted woman. She’s wanted by an Aztec trafficker, a cartel boss, the people she fights for, and now the devil she can’t resist. A would-be immigrant turned vampire, Maria is forced to leave her home and family and embark on a journey across Mexico. She learns to fight, becoming an unlikely bad-ass enforcer of justice. Then an encounter with a violent, ruthless vampire boss leads her to find her creator. Drawn into a world of ancient vampires, deadly conspiracies and a dangerously seductive devil, Maria must find a way to fight for herself and all humankind. 
A fierce and seductive horror thriller, pulsing with rage, fear and desire, that explores a vampire woman’s determination to find her place in the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781803366739
Publisher:	Titan
Publication date:	02/10/2026
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352

About the Author

V. Castro is a two-time Bram Stoker Award nominated author of Aliens: Vasquez, The Haunting of Alejandra, The Queen of The Cicadas, Goddess of Filth, Hairspray and Switchblades, and Out of Atzlan. She is a Mexican American expat living in the UK. As a full-time mother, she dedicates her time to her family and writing. Her official site is vcastrostories.com.

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher