Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of the first adult books I can remember reading. Both it and the Bela Lugosi film are close to my heart. I wouldn’t enjoy vampire fiction if it wasn’t for these source materials. There have been many takes on the mythos of Dracula in both book and film since 1897 when the novel was released. Even Mina has gotten the spotlight in such stories as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen back in 1999.

Dracula in Love is set in 1890 and follows the point of view of Mina Murray as she struggles with being different. Mina thinks she has found happiness in the form of Jonathan Harker, but as we know, Jonathan is about to leave for a certain Count’s castle which will change these young lovers’ lives forever. After Jonathan leaves, the story switches to the home of Mina’s close friend, Lucy, and we learn of Lucy’s lust for Morris Quince. The story also delves into the horrific way mental institutions where run during the 19th century. The author goes into great detail of what Jonathan goes through after he is committed.

I realize that period romance novels have a certain amount of sex, but in reading Dracula in Love, many times I had to take a break from my reading. The story is told from the point of view of Mina Murray and the sexual thoughts and desires this woman has are astounding. I’m not going to judge the story on whether there are too many graphic sex scenes, but as a huge fan of historical fiction, I can say Karen Essex should be given credit for doing great research into the time period.

I enjoyed the detail of 1890s Victorian England and felt Dracula in Love succeeded in the historical fiction area. I take points off for the sexual encounters breaking up the flow of the story too often instead of helping it move along. I think if you’re a fan of historical fiction and the vampire genre, you should give Dracula in Love a shot.

Book Stats:

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1 edition (August 10, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385528914
• ISBN-13: 978-0385528917

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