synopsis
A cozy vampire vacation mystery set in a seaside Italian village, featuring a reformed vampire, his magical talking cat, and a handsome, brooding detective
Bastian may be a vampire, but he doesn’t bite.
Not anymore, at least.
These days, Bastian just wants to live his best undead life: visit charming Italian villages, maybe dance in the square with a cute boy, all with Whitby, his best friend (and magical talking cat) by his side. What he doesn’t want? To stumble across a dead body on the beach, a girl who appears to have been killed by a vampire.
It wasn’t Bastian. He swears—on his own grave.
But the local police chief doesn’t trust Bastian, or any vampire, for that matter, so he assigns inspector Nico De Luca to keep an eye on him until his trial. And while Bastian normally wouldn’t complain about having a gorgeous, mysterious man by his side, he has more important things to worry about, because the police chief has called the Vampire Council, and if the real killer is still at large when they arrive, the whole town could be in danger. As more bodies begin to pile up, Bastian, Whitby, and De Luca must get to the bottom of who in Vernazza is framing vampires, before it’s too late.
Charming, twisty, and laugh-out-loud funny, Be Still My Unbeating Heart by Josh Winning is a delightful romp through a swoon-worthy magical murder mystery.
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“Be Still My Unbeating Heart sank its fangs into me from page one… and honestly? I’d let it bite again. Josh Winning delivers a wickedly charming mystery that’s as delightful and swoony as it is deadly. Romance readers won’t be able to help falling under the spell of Bastian and Nico. Trust me, you’ll want to book a seaside getaway just to watch them flirt!”
― Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You
“Sexy vampires are back – and they’re gay, darling! A chemistry-filled, sun-soaked paranormal romance with plenty of truly laugh-out-loud scenes, and a delightfully compelling cosy mystery at its core. As comforting as Kiki’s Delivery Service – just with heaps more bite, and a gorgeous homage to the grittier side of the 80s. An utter delight from start to finish.”
― Courtney Smyth, author of The Undetectables
“Big-hearted, campy, and unapologetically queer, this is a vampire story that understands how sincerity and humor can coexist―complete with fangs, blood, and an enormous amount of joy. The most fun I’ve had with a vampire in ages.”
― Lindy Ryan, author of Bless Your Heart and Dollface
“With its romantic seaside setting, swoony brooding inspectors, and witty undead banter, Josh Winning has created an unputdownable supernatural murder mystery. Get ready to sink your teeth into this book!”
― Jason June, New York Times bestselling author
“Every page is infused with queer joy.
If there is one cosy mystery you pick up this year, make it this one.”
— Johanna van Veen, author of Blood on her Tongue
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“Deliciously sexy, atmospheric and so much fun.
Vampire fans will devour this one.”
— Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night
“A clever horror romance that will have you peeking
through your fingers as the bodies pile up.”
— Tanya Pell, author of Her Wicked Roots
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“I fell hard for this fangtastic novel in which a vampire of the utterly fabulous persuasion fights to solve a crime and save his life, while accidentally falling in love along the way. Be Still My Unbeating Heart is serving up wonderful, vibrant characters, delicious romance, eighties’ pop references and an exploration of the devastating consequences of bigotry. All this, plus the BEST TALKING MAGIC CAT EVER.”
— Katherine Corr, co-author of Daughter of Darkness
“A funny, deliciously queer summer horrormance infused with authentic Italian verve—and a rather excellent cat.
Everyone needs to pick this book up immediately!”
— Dawn Kurtagich, author of The Madness
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praise