Carmilla

Carmilla is a book by Sheridan Le Fanu, first published in 1872. This classic Gothic novella centres on the isolated life of Laura, a young woman living with her father in a remote Styrian castle. Their quiet existence is disrupted when a mysterious carriage accident leaves a beautiful but enigmatic girl, Carmilla, in their care.

As the two grow close, strange dreams, unexplained illnesses, and unsettling clues begin to cast a shadow over their friendship, drawing Laura into a web of secrecy and dread. As the story unfolds, the household becomes increasingly uneasy: local villagers report eerie sightings in the woods, and rumours of a supernatural predator stalking the region spread rapidly.

Carmilla’s behaviour grows ever more peculiar — her nocturnal habits, her intensity toward Laura, and her reluctance to speak of her past all point toward a hidden truth. Through atmospheric settings, slow-burn tension, and subtle horror, the narrative leads the reader toward the unnerving possibility that something ancient and dangerous has found its way into Laura’s home.

This groundbreaking vampire tale predates later famous works in the genre and helped shape modern Gothic and paranormal fiction. Le Fanu’s skill in blending suspense, folklore, and psychological unease offers an experience that appeals to readers of supernatural mysteries, dark romance, and classic horror literature.