Picture an American storyteller who turned vampires into snarky geeks and made urban fantasy laugh-out-loud fun—meet Rick Gualtieri! Known for his genre-blending Tome of Bill series, Gualtieri crafted a world where horror meets humor, captivating readers with witty dialogue and supernatural chaos. From his New Jersey lair, he spun tales that redefined vampire fiction with a geeky twist.
With a knack for blending bone-breaking action and sophomoric humor, Gualtieri’s stories resonate with fans of Buffy and The Lost Boys. His multi-series universe, filled with vampires, werewolves, and sasquatches, offers a fresh take on urban fantasy, making him a beloved figure in the genre.
The Making of Rick Gualtieri
Rick Gualtieri grew up in New Jersey, where his love for adventure, horror, and vintage Transformers shaped his storytelling. Before becoming a full-time author, he worked as an e-commerce manager, but his passion for writing led him to create the Tome of Bill series in 2011. Inspired by horror-comedy classics like Army of Darkness, Gualtieri aimed to inject humor into the overly serious vampire genre, crafting stories that were both thrilling and hilarious.
His self-published journey began with a bucket-list goal, but the success of Bill The Vampire turned it into a career. Living with his wife, three kids, and countless pets—who he jokingly claimed were plotting against him—Gualtieri found balance between family life and crafting his supernatural tales.
Rick Gualtieri’s Unforgettable Stories
Gualtieri’s flagship series, Tome of Bill, follows Bill Ryder, a foul-mouthed gamer turned vampire navigating a world of undead politics and monstrous threats. Starting with Bill The Vampire (2011) and concluding with The Last Coven (2017), the eight-book series blends horror-comedy, urban fantasy, and action. Its sequel, Bill of the Dead, continues Bill’s adventures with titles like Strange Days (2019) and The Liching Hour (2022), keeping fans hooked with irreverent humor.
Beyond vampires, Gualtieri explored werewolves in Hybrid of High Moon, starting with The Girl Who Punches Werewolves, a thrilling tale of a half-witch, half-werewolf heroine. His Tales of the Crypto-Hunter series, like Bigfoot Hunters, dives into gory survival horror, showcasing his versatility. Gualtieri’s style—snarky dialogue, vivid characters, and genre-blending narratives—creates a dynamic reading experience that feels like a rollercoaster of laughs and scares.
Themes of growth and resilience shine through, as characters like Bill evolve from crass geeks to reluctant heroes. Gualtieri’s ability to weave pop culture references, from Skyrim to Dungeons & Dragons, adds a nerd-friendly charm that resonates with readers.
Why Rick Gualtieri Matters
Rick Gualtieri’s impact lies in his ability to make urban fantasy accessible and fun, shaking up a genre often bogged down by brooding heroes. His work, praised for its wit and relatable characters, has built a loyal fanbase, with readers comparing his humor to Christopher Moore and Jim Butcher. By embracing self-publishing, Gualtieri inspired aspiring authors to take creative risks, proving that unique voices can thrive.
His legacy endures through his expansive Tome of Bill Universe, which continues to entertain with its mix of mayhem and heart. Gualtieri’s stories remind us that even in a world of monsters, humor and humanity can save the day.
- Born: American, based in New Jersey
- Key Works: Tome of Bill, Bill of the Dead, Hybrid of High Moon, Bigfoot Hunters
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Horror-Comedy, Action-Adventure
Snag Bill The Vampire and dive into Rick Gualtieri’s hilarious, horror-filled world—perfect for a night of laughs and thrills!