[wolf]

Originally Posted by skysidhe

I know how to find good history novels but there are more vampire novels than one can shake a steak at.

http://www.vampirelibrary.com/lists/series.htm

any suggestions?

I would say that usually "series" is a word that should warn you off. This is particularly true of, say, Piers Anthony, who writes a great first book, and okay second, an "I'm getting tired of this idea" third, and then churns his way through the remaining five novels he's promised you.

I make exceptions for the occasional Hairy Chested Men's Adventure Novel (They Call Me The Mercenary is a personal favorite), Harry Potter, and the Black Stallion books.

For Vampire Fiction, though, I can recommend "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.

For General Fiction, magic but no vampires (sorry), try Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Incredible first novel.