The Dracula Book of Great Vampire Stories by Leslie Shepard

The book perfectly fits that category of classic short stories since all were originally written and/or published well over 50 years ago and the collection contains over 8 stories (it has 13 – no doubt that “unlucky” number was purposefully chosen). This is my last book for the 2016 Back to the Classics Challenge hosted by Karen at the blog Books and Chocolate. Braddon as well as the new-to-me Maupassant. Also included in the collection were short stories from favored authors such as E.F. That aside, the bits in Carmilla about the narrator being stalked by a black beast in her dreams were quite scary.

I have trouble with old-timey horror because often it is so obvious to the modern reader just what is going on, it can make the protagonists seem a bit thick. My reaction to Carmilla is similar, however, to my reaction to Dracula. This is supposed to be the granddaddy (or grandmammy?) of the modern vampire novel, including Dracula. I read this primarily because of the opening novella titled Carmilla by Sheridan le Fanu. THE BOOK OF DRACULA will have a cherished spot on my bookshelf, and is certain to be revisited. With this two-volume collection, I was always looking forward to my next reading session. They can be put aside if something more interesting comes along. Usually, with short story collections, I make my way through them in a hap-hazard fashion. which I'm guessing inspired the Japanese horror film, MATANGO. THE VOICE IN THE NIGHT by William Hope Hodgson was the delightful discovery for me. Once more, there was a sampling of 'old friends' such as THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THE MONKEY'S PAW, THE JUDGE'S HOUSE and THE FESTIVAL.

The second volume was more of a mixed bag, with THE TRAVELLING GRAVE being the weakest, but none of them were poor selections. Despite a comment in the Introduction when the editor confuses a Universal classic with a Hammer classic, I thought this selection was faultless. Others were treasured discoveries, such as GOOD LADY DUCAYNE, THE TOMB OF SARAH and MRS.

Some I had read before and enjoyed immensely, such as CARMILLA, THE HORLA and DRACULA'S GUEST.

the thing seen out of the corner of the eye that is no longer there when you look straight at it, but that chills the body nonetheless.Īmong the vampire tales, they were all excellent. Yet, they were very adept at psychological horror. I have enjoyed many of Stephen King's works, but none of these stories are that graphic. These are not stories that are heavy on gory descriptions. The first volume is built on a vampire theme, and the second volume contains tales designed to unnerve, though not vampire related. I absolutely love it when a book takes me so pleasantly by surprise! This is a two-volume collection of classic horror stories.

The Dracula Book of Great Vampire Stories by Leslie Shepard