5 Books like Dracula: Tales of Vampires & the Supernatural

05.15.2023 // By Tome Tailor

If you loved Bram Stoker’s Dracula, you’re probably clamoring for more blood-curdling tales of the supernatural. The iconic tale perfectly combines horror, romance, and mystery, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers. There’s just something irresistible about the alluring charm of Count Dracula and the darkness that surrounds his character. If you’re searching for more gothic horrors to sink your teeth into, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of five books that offer similar chilling experiences to Stoker’s masterpiece.

1. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

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Anne Rice’s debut novel, ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ introduces readers to the dark, romantic world of vampires. Set in the 18th century, the story follows the transformation of the young Louis de Pointe du Lac into a vampire after meeting the enigmatic Lestat de Lioncourt. The novel is an exploration of immortality, as Louis comes to terms with his new existence and seeks the answers to the eternal questions of life and death. If you enjoyed the exploration of vampire psychology and the struggle of conscience in ‘Dracula,’ you’ll love the dark depths revealed in ‘Interview with the Vampire.’

2. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

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Imagine if Count Dracula didn’t meet his death at the end of Stoker’s novel, but instead continued his reign of terror. That’s the premise of Elizabeth Kostova’s ‘The Historian.’ This modern take on the vampire novel weaves together three different time periods, as the protagonist unravels a mystery connected to the real-life Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula. If you enjoyed the historical, picturesque settings, and sense of impending doom in ‘Dracula,’ ‘The Historian’ should be next on your reading list.

3. Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

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Predating ‘Dracula’ by 26 years, Le Fanu’s ‘Carmilla’ tells the story of a mysterious female vampire who preys on a young woman named Laura. As Laura uncovers the true nature of her new friend Carmilla, she begins to realize the danger she’s in. ‘Carmilla’ is an essential read for fans of vampire literature, as it laid the groundwork for many of the tropes and concepts that would come to define the genre. It may have even served as an inspiration for Stoker’s ‘Dracula.’ So, if you loved Dracula, you won’t want to miss this Victorian Gothic classic.

4. Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

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Stephen King’s second novel, ‘Salem’s Lot,’ tells the story of a small town in Maine that becomes infested with vampires. The tension slowly builds as the residents of the town begin to notice strange occurrences, and the horror intensifies as the malignant presence takes hold of the town. While the vampires in ‘Salem’s Lot’ are more monstrous than the enigmatic Count Dracula, the creeping sense of dread and focus on the dark side of humanity will satisfy anyone who enjoyed the brooding atmosphere of ‘Dracula.’

5. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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While not involving vampires directly, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ shares many of the same themes as ‘Dracula,’ exploring the darkness within humanity and the allure of immortality. The novel tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray, who trades his soul for eternal youth and beauty. His portrait, however, begins to age and reveal the terrible truth about his corrupted soul. The decadent atmosphere, rich imagery, and examination of morality make ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ a fascinating read for fans of ‘Dracula.’

These five books share many of the themes, atmosphere, and spine-tingling horror indicative of ‘Dracula.’ Whether you’re into historical mysteries, more monstrous vampires, or simply the dark side of human nature, there’s something for every ‘Dracula’ fan to enjoy.

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