From Bram’s journal and, later, his sister Matilda’s letters and brother Thornley’s notes, we learn the full story behind the mysterious Ellen Crone, who played such a vital role in the Stoker household. Interspersed between these supernatural attacks are the many pages of Bram’s journal, stretching back to his sickly boyhood and the strange nanny who saved his life: Nanna Ellen. Bram is beset from all sides, with only a handful of holy weapons and a Snider-Enfield rifle at his disposal. Another being stalks the grounds, commanding wolves, snakes, and the shadows themselves. What lies behind the barred door will destroy him if released.īut outside is danger, too. He sits in a stone tower, trying to keep someone-no, something-from escaping the room. Her hand always reaching out, even as the prick of her nails drew blood.Īugust 1868: Bram Stoker is 21 and trying to survive the longest night of his life. This was, and always shall be, our dance. She was there at my beginning, and will no doubt be there for my end, as I was for hers. But how so, is where inquiries should lie. My sisters and brothers would tell you as much.

This woman, this monster, this wraith, this friend, this… being. That is, of course, where I should start, for this is as much her story as it is mine, perhaps more so. Barker is a supernatural thriller that reveals not only Dracula’s true origins but Bram Stoker’s-and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them. The prequel to Dracula, inspired by notes and texts left behind by the author of the classic novel, Dracul by Dacre Stoker & J.D.

Dacre stoker