Karmilla

Karmilla is an unexpected visitor who intrudes upon the quiet life of Alura, a refined, but sheltered young woman living in her father's château in Switzerland. Never has she encountered anyone like Karmilla, who is worldly, traveled, educated, and who has an ethereal beauty. And very strange habits.

Where does Karmilla go at night when she disappears? What is this strange malady which seems to afflict her? Why does daylight hurt her eyes? And what is happening to young women in the nearby village who seem to be falling ill and dying?

Alura is about to get an education, but this Karmilla isn't your great-grandmother's story....

The original work upon which this is based is Carmilla by Irish author Sheridan le Fanu. His work is now in the public domain and mine is much changed from his original, but it would be wrong not to acknowledge this outstanding creation of his, with such a modern tone and it has to be said, a slightly risqué approach to a vampire novella a quarter century before Bram Stoker's Dracula appeared on the scene. His is not the first vampire story by any means, but it is a remarkable one, and you can find a free copy of the original online in various places. I urge you to read that one, as well.