text: what kills a vampire? 1. just so you people know a cross doesn't harm them unless they are knew to it. tunnels of blood by darren shan (chapter two to be more precise) provides an answer to your question.  -a stake through the heart -a well-placed bullet -fire -a falling heavy object will kill a vampire. they are harder to kill than humans but they are not immortal. it is also included in this book that crosses, garlic or holy water don't matter to vampires.