Picture a storyteller who spins tales of vampire detectives with a side of sharp humor and supernatural flair—meet Mario Acevedo! Born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this American author has carved a unique niche in urban fantasy with his bestselling Felix Gomez series. A former U.S. Army helicopter pilot, combat artist, and art teacher to prisoners, Acevedo’s eclectic life fuels his wildly imaginative stories, blending mystery, horror, and sci-fi with a playful, irreverent tone.
From his military service in Operation Desert Storm to his creative ventures in Denver, Colorado, Acevedo’s journey is as colorful as his novels. His work, lauded for its wit and genre-bending charm, has earned accolades like a spot among Barnes & Noble’s best paranormal fantasy novels of the decade. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the fangs!
The Making of Mario Acevedo
Born on July 6, 1955, Mario Acevedo grew up in a vibrant borderland, shuttling between Las Cruces and family visits to Chihuahua, Mexico. After earning a B.S.M.E. from New Mexico State University, he joined the U.S. Army, where he flew attack helicopters and served as a paratrooper and infantry officer. His time as a combat artist during Operation Desert Storm added a visual storytelling dimension to his skill set. Later, as an engineer and software programmer, Acevedo faced corporate downsizing, prompting a pivot to writing. Joining the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers ignited his passion, turning spare-time scribbles into a full-fledged career.
Acevedo’s diverse experiences—military grit, artistic expression, and teaching art to inmates at Avenal State Prison—shaped his bold, multifaceted voice. His ability to weave real-world textures into fantastical narratives sets him apart, making his stories resonate with authenticity and humor.
Mario Acevedo’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Acevedo’s bibliography is the Felix Gomez series, a rollicking blend of urban fantasy, detective noir, and supernatural comedy. The series kicks off with The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (2006), where Iraq War veteran-turned-vampire Felix investigates a bizarre outbreak of nymphomania at a nuclear facility. Chosen by Barnes & Noble as a top paranormal fantasy novel, it sets the tone with its cheeky humor and fast-paced mystery.
Subsequent novels like X-Rated Bloodsuckers (2007) plunge Felix into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, tackling vampire conspiracies and corrupt politicians, while The Undead Kama Sutra (2008) mixes alien intrigue with vampire lore. Werewolf Smackdown (2010) sees Felix navigating a supernatural turf war in Charleston, earning praise for its seamless integration of zombies, werewolves, and ghosts. Acevedo’s style—described as a mix of Anne Rice’s gothic allure and Michael Connelly’s gritty realism, with a dash of Dave Barry’s wit—keeps readers hooked.
Beyond Felix Gomez, Acevedo’s standalone works like Good Money Gone (co-authored with Richard Kilborn) and his YA thriller University of Doom showcase his versatility. His short stories, appearing in anthologies like Midnight Roost and Psi-Wars, explore horror and speculative fiction, cementing his reputation as a genre innovator.
Why Mario Acevedo Matters
Mario Acevedo’s impact lies in his ability to blend cultural authenticity with genre-defying storytelling. His Latino heritage infuses his work with a unique perspective, enriching urban fantasy with diverse voices. Novels like The Nymphos of Rocky Flats challenge stereotypes, using humor to explore identity and resilience. His contributions to anthologies and his role as a writing instructor at Regis Ascent and Lighthouse Writers Workshops amplify his influence, mentoring aspiring authors.
Acevedo’s work resonates globally, with awards like the International Latino Book Award and Colorado Book Award underscoring his literary prowess. By teaching art to prisoners and supporting pet rescue fundraisers, he embodies creativity and compassion, making him a beloved figure in Denver’s creative community.
About Mario Acevedo
- Born: July 6, 1955, in El Paso, Texas
- Key Works: The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, X-Rated Bloodsuckers, The Undead Kama Sutra, Werewolf Smackdown
- Awards: International Latino Book Award, Colorado Book Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Served as a combat artist in Operation Desert Storm
Snag The Nymphos of Rocky Flats and dive into Mario Acevedo’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud urban fantasy today!