I was fortunate enough to land an interview with Bob Frey, the author the Frank Callahan Mystery series. He shared a bit about his fave vampires, his upcoming projects and of course, the latest novel in his series, The Bashful Vampire Murder & Comic Book Murders, a twofer that not only gives you a story about vampires, but comic book characters as well – win! Check it out below!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I love to entertain, make people laugh and think, and, perhaps, shake them up a little. I was a copywriter for several top Los Angeles advertising agencies and received several awards for my creative work. When I turned to writing fiction, I found it was a whole new ballgame and I had a lot to learn. I have since published a couple of mysteries and some short stories. Also an actor, I have appeared in some forty independent films and stage plays. I now live in Sandy, Oregon, with my wife, Susan.
Can you tell us about The Bashful Vampire Murder & Comic Book Murders?
The Bashful Vampire Murder & Comic Book Murders is the second in a series of Frank Callahan mysteries. Frank Callahan is a gay LAPD detective who first appeared in the free-for-all mystery, The DVD Murders. He and his long-term friend and partner, Detective Barry Jennings, are back in two contemporary crime fiction stories that hopefully will keep you guessing all the way.
The Bashful Vampire Murder begins where most vampire tales end: in the apprehension of a vampire hunter right after he has driven a stake through his quarry’s heart. The defense attempts to prove that vampires exist and the homicide was justified. To Callahan’s horror, the trial ends in a hung jury. Only the resourcefulness and savvy of the tough cynical detective stand between justice and the killer being allowed to walk.
In the Comic Book Murders, the two flatfoots run the gamut of superhero and villain suspects, from Captain America and the Caped Crusader to the Joker and Firebug until outstanding police work and dogged persistence lead them to the unlikely killer. On the way, we get to visit a kinetic comic book convention, the backstreets of Hollywood, and a firebombing in Westwood on Halloween eve.
How does The Bashful Vampire Murder differ from other novels about vampires?
As I said before, The Bashful Vampire Murder begins where most vampire tales end: in the apprehension of a vampire hunter right after he has driven a stake through his quarry’s heart.
Where did you get the idea for The Bashful Vampire Murder?
I’m not sure. It’s something that’s been kicking around in my head for a long time. I suppose in many ways, I’m a realist. It just occurred to me one day, what if a guy really did drive a stake through another guy’s heart and was caught. What would people think? Would there be a trial, etc.? And I just took it from there.
Who’s your favorite fictitious vampire (other than your own)?
That would have to be, the original Dracula. I just loved Bela Lugosi and his campy accent. He set the standard for vampires.
What is your favorite vampire book, movie and TV show?
Again, that would have to be the original Dracula. I also love an old classic called The Fearless Vampire Killers, directed and starring Roman Polanski, the director of Rosemary’s Baby. If you want some belly laughs, check it out.
Given the current vampire craze, people feel especially attracted to vampires, why do you think that is?
For the average wage earner, life can get pretty boring sometimes. What better way to add some spice to your life than the supernatural. Vampires represent the extremes of human life. Who hasn’t daydreamed of living forever? And yet to do so, would probably be the saddest thing that could happen to a human being.
Tell our readers why they should check out your book – in 3 words: (bwahaha) Satire, mystery, humor
And finally, what other projects are you currently working on? Any goodies we should watch out for?
A couple of things. A children’s book entitled Guide to Seldom Seen Animals, which helps explain in a humorous way some inexplicable things that happen to people in everyday life, such as misplacing your car keys or losing a sock in the laundry. It is now in the hands of a publisher. And Catawampus Tales, A book of short stories in which each tale is somewhat askew or catawampus—a mixed-bag of fast food for the mind. Incidentally, it contains a shorter version and slightly different take on The Bashful Vampire Murder called Trials of a Vampire Hunter. It will soon be sent to a publisher.
Find Bob here:
Official website
– Moonlight
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