Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum

Mr. Stoker and the Vampires of Lyceum is a fictional account of some incidents in Bram Stoker's life that ended up with him writing his tour de force, Dracula. Matthew Gibson is a scholar of Bram Stoker, Gothic, and vampirism. He has written many books on Dracula, and this is his first work of fiction.

As these are supposed to be the experiences that inspired Stoker to eventually pen Dracula, it is to be expected that the story mirrors the classic to some extent. There are instances where this association burdens the plot to a small extent. Though some interesting plot twists eventually save the book, sometimes I feel like closing it down and taking up Dracula to read further. But for the most part, Mr. Stoker and the Vampires of Lyceum is an interesting book, thanks to brilliant characterization, great atmosphere building, and some inventive plot twists.

Book Review: “Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum” by Matthew Gibson

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆

London, September 1888. Jack the Ripper roams the streets, and the Lyceum Theatre becomes a stage for something far more sinister. In “Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum,” Matthew Gibson takes us on a journey through Gothic intrigue and vampiric happenings that will keep readers enthralled until the shocking final scene.

The story revolves around Bram Stoker, the acting manager of the Lyceum Theatre and an aspiring author. When a young actress is attacked beneath the stage, suffering peculiar bite wounds to her neck, Stoker finds himself thrust into the limelight and immersed in a world of vampires. As he becomes increasingly perplexed by the unsettling behavior of Henry Irving, the brilliant but mercurial actor, and Ellen Terry, Irving's acclaimed leading lady, Stoker's suspicions grow. Soon, another attack reveals a vicious Prussian baron, returned to London as a vampire seeking revenge.

One of the highlights of “Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum” is its atmospheric setting. Gibson masterfully creates a gothic ambiance that immerses readers in the dark and mysterious world of Victorian London. From the dimly lit streets to the eerie corners of the Lyceum Theatre, every scene oozes with tension and suspense.

Gibson's deep knowledge of Bram Stoker and his work shines through in this novel. The author's meticulous research is evident in the rich historical details that bring 19th-century London to life. Readers who appreciate a well-crafted historical backdrop will find themselves captivated by the authenticity of the setting.

However, while Gibson's writing skill is undeniable, “Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum” may not be for everyone. The novel's density of detail can be overwhelming at times, detracting from the overall storytelling experience. The abundance of information slows down the pace, making it a bit of a slog to get through.

That being said, for those who enjoy delving into the intricacies of Victorian literature and have a penchant for immersive storytelling, this book has much to offer. Gibson's ability to weave together Gothic elements with historical events creates an intriguing narrative that will keep readers engaged until the very last word.

In conclusion, “Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum” is a book that showcases Matthew Gibson's talent as a writer and his deep understanding of Bram Stoker's works. While its dense detail may hinder some readers' enjoyment, its atmospheric setting and compelling storyline make it a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and Gothic literature.

ARC Via NetGalley