They Thirst

"They Thirst" is a horror novel by Robert R. McCammon, first published in 1981. It is the author's fourth novel, and is one of the books that he now intentionally keeps out of print. It details the relentless possession of Los Angeles by vampires, who quickly transform the city into a necropolis. The City of Angels, however, is only the first step of a planned worldwide conquest by the unholy creatures.

Characters in "They Thirst"

*Andy Palatizin - a Captain with the Los Angeles police department, Palatizin is currently in charge of investigating a serial killer known as "The Roach." Palatizin is also one of the first in the city to suspect that vampires have set up base in L.A., as he had encountered the demonic creatures as a youth in his native Hungary.
*Gayle Clark - a reporter for a sleazy tabloid, Gayle dreams of landing a job with a more respectable news outlet, but gets caught up in the fight against the vampire invasion after her undead boyfriend tries to kill her.
*Wes Richer - a young comedian, Wes' career is just beginning to take off. His new sitcom has gained positive notices and he wants to begin work on a comedy album. He has a live-in lover named Solange, who is a medium and has a strong knowledge of the supernatural.
*Father Ramon Silvera - a Catholic priest in East L.A., Silvera is a former heroin addict and has just been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.
*Tommy Chandler - a young boy in junior high, Tommy loves to read and is devoted to horror films. He will come to play an important part in the fight against the vampires.
*Prince Conrad Vulkan - a 700-year-old vampire with the impulse-control of the teenager he still resembles, Vulkan was a Hungarian prince and is now the king of the undead. It is he who initiates the war against mankind.
*Kobra - a dangerous 20-year-old Hell's Angel, Kobra is an albino and a cold-blooded murderer. Vulkan calls to him in his dreams and he travels to Los Angeles to take his place as the commander of Vulkan's intended army.
*Walter Benefield - the serial killer known as The Roach, Walter becomes entranced by Vulkan and is chosen the vampire king to be his next bodyguard during the daylight hours.
*The Headmaster - though he is never named, he is most likely Satan himself. It is the Headmaster who created Vulkan and his kind, and he taught the prince the dark arts.