In Dead Money: A Faolan O'Connor Novel, Brian McKinley delivers a gripping, character-driven vampire noir that stands out not only for its gritty atmoIn Dead Money: A Faolan O'Connor Novel, Brian McKinley delivers a gripping, character-driven vampire noir that stands out not only for its gritty atmosphere and sharp dialogue but for the depth and evolution of its central figures — especially Faolan O’Connor, whose arc is as heartbreaking as it is compelling.
Faolan begins the novel as a charismatic and unapologetically self-assured vampire, always in control and always two steps ahead. But as the story unfolds, McKinley peels back the layers to reveal a man--a vampyr!--grappling with emotional vulnerability, a need for connection, and the limitations of the life he’s built. He finds himself tested again and again whether in with his friends, his partner Stephanie, or in his dealings with Winston, a provocateur who tempts Faolan toward his most violent, destructive instincts. That Faolan resists, even when it would be easier not to, is a testament to the character’s internal struggle and gradual growth. There’s a quieter, more human ache beneath his swagger, and McKinley lets us see how hard Faolan works to keep it hidden — even from himself.
In stark contrast stands David Chin, the new antagonist whose cold, calculating ambition makes him a formidable and chilling figure. Where Faolan operates with charisma and instinct, Chin is precise, manipulative, and ruthless — a different kind of predator entirely. Chin’s rise throws the vampire world into chaos and forces Faolan and others to confront not just external threats, but their own weaknesses. He’s not just a villain; he’s a mirror, reflecting the worst-case scenarios of unchecked ambition and emotional detachment.
Then there’s Stebbins — a character who begins as something of an afterthought, a middle-tier player in the vampyr hierarchy, but ends up having one of the book’s most satisfying arcs. Watching Stebbins quietly step into his own is both fun and rewarding. There were so many "Oh, Stebbins, don't, dude..." moments followed by "Phew! Okay, he got away with it this time." His unexpected support of Stephanie during a moment of personal crisis reveals depths to his integrity and emotional insight. Stebbins isn’t flashy, but he’s steady, kind, and ultimately redemptive — the kind of character who earns respect not through dominance, but through empathy and quiet strength. Don't get me wrong: Stebbins is flawed, very flawed, and by the end of the book, there's a new Stebbins in town, and I can't wait to see what will happen next.
Dead Money is more than just a vampire thriller. It’s a study in identity, regret, and transformation. McKinley doesn’t shy away from showing his characters at their worst — but he also allows room for growth, for grace, and even redemption. The novel’s greatest triumph may be that, in a world filled with monsters, the most human moments still matter most....more