Red Roses, Bloody Snow is a chronicle of the early life of Jessie O'Hara that begins with her human death and "turning" (becoming a vampire) in 1867 Philadelphia. She must adapt to a new form of existence, learn a new occupation (one she can pursue at night), and find a way to navigate the vagaries of love, sex, feeding, and the city's vampire society. Vampires may be immune to disease and heal quickly when wounded, but, as Jessie discovers, they can still feel excruciating pain and they are not immortal. More often than not, she's unsure how she'll be able to survive and still retain her humanity. But, she'll try.