Dive into the shadowy, sarcastic world of Felix Gomez, where a vampire private investigator tackles the weirdest cases under the moonlight! Mario Acevedo’s Felix Gomez series blends urban fantasy, detective noir, and a hefty dose of humor, following a Gulf War veteran turned bloodsucker as he navigates a supernatural underworld. With its fresh spin on vampire lore and gritty mysteries, this series is a hidden gem for fans of the paranormal with a side of wit.
Picture this: a soldier returns from Iraq, haunted by a tragic mistake, only to find himself cursed—or blessed—with vampirism. Felix Gomez isn’t your typical brooding vampire; he’s a PI with a conscience, a knack for hypnosis, and a penchant for dodging vampire hunters. Acevedo’s creation invites readers into a world where zombies, werewolves, and aliens are just another day at the office.
How Felix Gomez Began
Mario Acevedo, a Denver-based author with a background as an Army helicopter pilot and combat artist, crafted Felix Gomez from a love of hard-boiled detective tales and supernatural lore. Inspired by his own experiences and a desire to skewer vampire clichés, Acevedo debuted the series with The Nymphos of Rocky Flats in 2006. His goal? To blend the gritty realism of noir with the absurdities of urban fantasy, creating a vampire PI who’s as much Philip Marlowe as he is Dracula.
Acevedo’s unique perspective—rooted in his Mexican-American heritage and military service—infuses the series with authenticity and humor. The series grew from a trilogy into a seven-book saga, each installment diving deeper into Felix’s morally complex world. Acevedo’s time with the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers helped refine his craft, turning his wild ideas into a cult favorite.
The Heart of Felix Gomez
The series kicks off with The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, where Felix investigates a bizarre outbreak of nymphomania at a secret government facility. It’s a wild ride involving shady agents, a seductive dryad, and Romanian vampire hunters. X-Rated Bloodsuckers takes Felix to Los Angeles to solve a porn star’s murder, uncovering a web of vampire politics. The Undead Kama Sutra pits him against aliens and a government conspiracy, while Werewolf Smackdown throws him into a Charleston werewolf feud.
Themes of guilt, redemption, and identity weave through Felix’s adventures. As a vampire cursed for accidentally killing civilians in Iraq, Felix grapples with his humanity while facing supernatural threats. Acevedo’s world-building shines, with vampires who can wear sunscreen, turn into wolves, and hypnotize foes. The series’ humor—think Dave Barry meets Anne Rice—sets it apart, poking fun at government bureaucracy, sexual myths, and vampire tropes. Settings range from dusty deserts to urban barrios, grounding the fantastical in vivid, relatable locales.
Acevedo’s style leans on fast-paced action and sarcastic banter, with Felix narrating like a wisecracking friend. While some critics note a lack of visceral description, fans love the series’ light, addictive vibe and inventive takes on creatures like dryads and skin-walkers. It’s urban fantasy with a noir heart, perfect for readers craving something offbeat.
Why Felix Gomez Resonates
The Felix Gomez series carved a niche in urban fantasy by blending supernatural chaos with detective grit. Its cult following praises Acevedo’s ability to balance humor and horror, earning comparisons to Christopher Moore and Eric Garcia. The Nymphos of Rocky Flats was named a Barnes & Noble top paranormal fantasy novel of the decade and a Colorado Book Award finalist, cementing its impact. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon laud its originality, with some calling it “a movie-worthy adventure.”
Despite mixed reviews on pacing or descriptive depth, the series’ quirky charm and diverse cast keep readers hooked. Its exploration of Latino identity and veteran struggles adds depth, making Felix a relatable hero in a genre often dominated by generic archetypes. For urban fantasy fans, Felix Gomez remains a refreshing, under-the-radar delight.
- Publication Years: 2006–2015
- Number of Books: 7
- Notable Award: The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, Barnes & Noble Top Paranormal Fantasy
Ready to sink your teeth into a vampire tale with a twist? Grab The Nymphos of Rocky Flats and join Felix Gomez in his wild, witty world of supernatural sleuthing!