As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters—her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead.

Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago.

Believing Nena dead, Néstor has been on the run from his grief ever since, moving from ranch to ranch working as a vaquero. But no amount of drink can dispel the night terrors of sharp teeth; no woman can erase his childhood sweetheart from his mind.

When the United States attacks Mexico in 1846, the two are brought abruptly together on the road to war: Nena as a curandera, a healer striving to prove her worth to her father so that he does not marry her off to a stranger, and Néstor as a member of the auxiliary cavalry of ranchers and vaqueros. But the shock of their reunion—and Nena’s rage at Néstor for seemingly abandoning her long ago—is quickly overshadowed by the appearance of a nightmare made flesh.

And unless Nena and Néstor work through their past and face the future together, neither will survive to see the dawn.

I have long been drawn to stories about vampires. Admittedly, my fascination began in my teen years with a certain book series, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become interested in vampires that are a bit more sinister than the ones I grew up with. It is safe to say that I love the bloodsucking creatures that Isabel Cañas has envisioned in her newest novel, but there is something to be said for her masterful portrayal of the tumultuous setting of 1840s Mexico and her compelling cast of characters, all of which combined make for a truly special read.

On one fateful night, Nena and Néstor are attacked by a monster so dangerous, it leaves Nena on the brink of death. Believing his friend to be dead, Néstor flees their home, the ranch, and spends the next nine years running from his grief. But when the United States attacks Mexico, Néstor comes back to the life he left behind only to discover Nena is alive. Together, they reluctantly head into battle, only to discover that something monstrous awaits them. And if Nena and Néstor don’t work out their differences, they may not survive the night.

Cañas has created the perfect blend of historical fiction and horror that is a true delight to read. I found myself reveling in the danger that lurked in the shadows of this world and gladly following Nena and Néstor into the darkness, wondering if they would survive. Vampires of El Norte is the perfect read for anyone who loves the creatures that go bump in the night.