Certain Dark Things

Moreno-Garcia’s action-packed second standalone novel (after Signal to Noise) brings myths from multiple cultures into focus as different, coexisting types of vampires get tangled up in the drug wars of near-future Mexico, setting the stage for a bloody and engrossing story of rival families. Mexico City has done its best to ban vampires from entry, but 17-year-old Domingo, a trash picker, manages to find one: 23-year-old Atl. She pays Domingo to let her briefly feed on him; struck by her beauty, he works his way further into her life. Domingo and Atl grow closer while trying to protect each other from the vicious Godoy family, who killed Atl’s family and are now after her. Few of the characters would be considered likable, but they’re more interesting for their flaws. A bittersweet, satisfying ending confirms that Moreno-Garcia is an author to watch. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary. (Nov.)