Carmilla

Before Dracula… there was Carmilla.

Mysterious. Alluring. Deadly. In Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla, a young woman named Laura finds herself both fascinated and disturbed by a beautiful female guest at her father's remote castle. As a strange illness spreads and whispers of ancient curses echo through the forest, Laura uncovers a terrifying truth: her charming visitor may not be who—or what—she seems.

Published in 1872, Carmilla is one of the earliest vampire stories in English literature, and the first to explore female vampirism and gothic sensuality. With its haunting atmosphere, slow-burning dread, and themes of forbidden desire, this novella has earned its place as a cornerstone of supernatural fiction and a bold forerunner to Dracula.

Why this novella is essential:

A pioneering vampire tale—written 25 years before Dracula

Explores gender, sexuality, and the supernatural

A masterclass in gothic mood and psychological suspense

Revered by horror fans, feminists, and gothic literature scholars alike

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

Classic gothic and Victorian horror

Vampire stories with psychological and emotional depth

Tales of obsession, identity, and the uncanny

Sensual, eerie narratives in remote settings

What readers are saying:

"A chillingly poetic story that lingers in the shadows of your mind." – Gothic Fiction Review

"Carmilla is more than a vampire story—it's a gothic masterpiece." – Amazon Reviewer

Click «Buy Now» to uncover the seductive and sinister vampire tale that inspired a genre.