Having written over 70 horror novels, Stephen King is incredibly experienced in all types of scary stories. He’s a strong advocate for writers constantly reading, and he’s certainly done a lot of that himself. Currently, one of King’s favorite horror authors is Keith Rosson, which makes perfect sense given his own expertise.
Keith Rosson has been writing novels and short stories since 2017, but he’s become particularly popular for his thrilling horror novels, Fever House (2023) and The Devil by Name (2024), which are inspired by heist stories. While Stephen King has long been a fan, he recently declared Rosson’s 2025 novel, Coffin Moon, to be “the best modern vampire story ever.”
Keith Rosson’s Coffin Moon Is a Gritty, Brutal Vampire Story
In Coffin Moon, Keith Rosson shifts from the intense action of his previous books to a more character-driven story. The novel centers on Duane Minor, a Vietnam veteran who works as a bartender. When he disrupts a drug operation run by a biker gang, the gang’s ruthless leader, John Varley, brutally murders Duane’s entire family. Only Duane’s teenage niece survives, and together, they vow to overcome their grief and seek vengeance.
Coffin Moon is a harrowing exploration of death, loss, and the lingering trauma of PTSD. It’s a violent and graphic vampire story that puts readers in a difficult position – after seeing what Duane and his niece Julia endure, it’s hard to imagine reacting with anything less than vengeance.
While hunting the vampire who destroyed their family, the pair grows closer, grappling with how their quest for revenge might impact their lives and well-being. Coffin Moon is a story not only about fighting monsters, but also about finding healing and building a new family along the way.
Rosson builds things as well. Varley is a steady and strong character who doesn’t get rattled easily and always seems in control of his emotions. Duane and Julia need to discover what makes him vulnerable, even if it means facing dangerous consequences.
Stephen King Has Praised Keith Rosson’s Horror Novels
I’ve seen Stephen King praise a lot of books online and at events, but his comments about Coffin Moon really stood out. Calling it the best vampire story of recent times and saying it’s a truly terrifying novel that will stay with you long after you finish it? That’s high praise, especially coming from someone who’s written some fantastic vampire tales himself!
Stephen King has explored vampires in many forms throughout his writing. This includes tales within The Dark Tower series, such as “The Little Sisters of Eluria,” and the villainous group called the “True Knot” in Doctor Sleep, which is a sequel to The Shining. He’s also known for the short story “The Night Flier” (from Nightmares and Dreamscapes) and his novel Salem’s Lot from 1979, which has been adapted into several TV shows and movies.
Calling Coffin Moon the best vampire story of recent times is high praise, especially since Stephen King himself considers it one of the greatest ever written. However, it’s important to remember that neither King’s nor Rosson’s vampire tales would be possible without the foundation laid by Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel, Dracula.
Rosson’s novel, Coffin Moon, is currently considered his best work, earning the highest ratings on Goodreads. However, he may surpass even that success with his upcoming book, CRONE, which explores the popular witch genre.
2026-07-24 19:09