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Dossie Dracula - Dracula Dossier
Neste thriller, James Reese mistura fatos históricos e ficção para mostrar como Bram Stoker criou 'Drácula'. O livro se desenrola a partir de um diário de Stoker da época em que ele trabalhava para o ator Henry Irving, antes de escrever 'Drácula'. Os leitores de 'Drácula' poderão conhecer algumas passagens da trajetória de Stoker, como seu encontro com Jack, o estripador, e outras experiências que influenciaram diretamente seus trabalhos.
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First published January 1, 2008
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About the author
James Reese
23 books86 followersJames Reese was born on eastern Long Island. He attended the University of Notre Dame and the State University of NY at Stony Brook, where he received an MA in Theatre. As an undergraduate, he had a play staged off-Broadway at the Actors Repertory Theatre. While living in New York, New Orleans and Key West, Reese held various jobs in the non-profit sector, working on behalf of the arts and the environment. He has also lived and traveled extensively in France. Presently, James Reese splits his time between Paris and Tampa, Florida, and is working on more novels. Additionally, he has just published a Shakespeare-themed app called Shakespeare300 offering concise (300 word) intros and synopses, as well as infographics, of all Shakespeare's plays. More info can be found at www.shakespeare300.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 6, 2008
The Dracula Dossier is an imagined collection of journal entries, letters and newspaper clippings gathered by Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, and is complete with footnotes by the dossier's imaginary, anonymous compiler. The story that emerges through the collection is dark, foreboding, fantastic, and James Reese tells us that it is completely consistent with documented historical events. With the exception of more minor characters, all of the book's characters existed and, while there is not always proof that the book's events occurred, neither is there proof that they did not. This gives the book a sense of possibility which you don't always find in fictionalized history/biography.
The story takes place in the late 1880's in London, where Stoker describes making the acquaintance of a strange American, his participation in a secret society related to all things Egyptian, and the supernatural events that change the course of his life. Soon after the described supernatural events, the discovery of murdered prostitutes in Whitechapel begins. Stoker believes that he is the only one who understands the true nature of the murders, now known as the Jack the Ripper murders, and so is the only one who can stop them.
The style of the book, with its extensive journal entries and long letters, may be off-putting to some people since it keeps the pace more measured, instead of a fast and furious page-turner. In my opinion, the book's greatest strength is its dark, atmospheric tone and rich historical detail. The parallels between Reese's story and Stoker's Dracula are underlined. Fans of the classic vampire story and anyone interested in the Jack the Ripper mystery would probably enjoy this book. It also reminded me, in certain ways, of Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, so I'd recommend it to fans of that book as well!
The story takes place in the late 1880's in London, where Stoker describes making the acquaintance of a strange American, his participation in a secret society related to all things Egyptian, and the supernatural events that change the course of his life. Soon after the described supernatural events, the discovery of murdered prostitutes in Whitechapel begins. Stoker believes that he is the only one who understands the true nature of the murders, now known as the Jack the Ripper murders, and so is the only one who can stop them.
The style of the book, with its extensive journal entries and long letters, may be off-putting to some people since it keeps the pace more measured, instead of a fast and furious page-turner. In my opinion, the book's greatest strength is its dark, atmospheric tone and rich historical detail. The parallels between Reese's story and Stoker's Dracula are underlined. Fans of the classic vampire story and anyone interested in the Jack the Ripper mystery would probably enjoy this book. It also reminded me, in certain ways, of Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, so I'd recommend it to fans of that book as well!
September 20, 2019
Dosarul Dracula - James Reese
Editura RAO, 2011, brosata, 416 pagini
Uau, ce carte!
Stilul cartii, gen corespondenta scrisa + pasaje din jurnalul lui Bram Stoker, este extraordinar. Pe mine m-au fascinat stilul, subiectul si personajele! Un thriller lent, dar excelent. Foarte multe detalii istorice care merita aprofundate.
This is a book like no others. It is about Bram Stoker' life: family, friends and enemies. Great story, great thriller! Lots of historical details which made me look for more online.
From me, 5 bloody stars.
Editura RAO, 2011, brosata, 416 pagini
Uau, ce carte!
Stilul cartii, gen corespondenta scrisa + pasaje din jurnalul lui Bram Stoker, este extraordinar. Pe mine m-au fascinat stilul, subiectul si personajele! Un thriller lent, dar excelent. Foarte multe detalii istorice care merita aprofundate.
This is a book like no others. It is about Bram Stoker' life: family, friends and enemies. Great story, great thriller! Lots of historical details which made me look for more online.
From me, 5 bloody stars.
March 1, 2017
One star for the pacing (extremely slow & dull, even for 19th-c pastiche) & the resolution (rushed, muddled, & nonsensical). The first third, especially, needed a strict edit -- it broadcasted way too much regurgitated research on the historical personages involved. That being said...the prose itself was a decent imitation of Victoriana, & the story was an imaginative endeavor, though it was smothered by the stricture of Ripper knowns-vs-unknowns.
Could've (should've?) been so much better. Also should've dialed back the animal deaths for shock value. Humbug. >:(
Caveat: There are no vampires in this story. If you're looking for Dracula to make a cameo, read something else.
Could've (should've?) been so much better. Also should've dialed back the animal deaths for shock value. Humbug. >:(
Caveat: There are no vampires in this story. If you're looking for Dracula to make a cameo, read something else.
August 27, 2008
This novel is told through newspaper clippings, journal entries and letters. I love this form of telling a story, and it is used to great advantage by Reese in this novel. In addition, there were plentiful footnotes throughout the novel, giving more information for those not necessarily familiar with the life of Bram Stoker and his contemporaries.
The story involves Bram Stoker as well as Jack the Ripper. There is much that is written well and terribly interesting about the novel. It was a great read that I enjoyed thoroughly, although I do have to say that it was difficult getting into the book in the beginning due to the introductory letter. However, this does set the story up nicely even though it was less fun to read than the rest of the book.
There were a couple of things I really enjoyed about the novel, including how the novel really felt like it was written during the Victorian era. The cadence and the pacing of the novel really evoked the sense of location and era perfectly. I also really enjoyed how well Stoker's character talks about depression. With a lack of knowledge of depression during that time period, Reese really managed to describe how someone with depression feels and the different dissociative actions they might commit during a time of depression.
This was simply a great book, great sense of time and place. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, which was nice, because I was than impressed with Reese's previous book "Book of Shadows".
The story involves Bram Stoker as well as Jack the Ripper. There is much that is written well and terribly interesting about the novel. It was a great read that I enjoyed thoroughly, although I do have to say that it was difficult getting into the book in the beginning due to the introductory letter. However, this does set the story up nicely even though it was less fun to read than the rest of the book.
There were a couple of things I really enjoyed about the novel, including how the novel really felt like it was written during the Victorian era. The cadence and the pacing of the novel really evoked the sense of location and era perfectly. I also really enjoyed how well Stoker's character talks about depression. With a lack of knowledge of depression during that time period, Reese really managed to describe how someone with depression feels and the different dissociative actions they might commit during a time of depression.
This was simply a great book, great sense of time and place. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, which was nice, because I was than impressed with Reese's previous book "Book of Shadows".
December 2, 2008
When I read books with Dracula in the title, I like them to have Dracula inside, too. Just sayin.
August 12, 2008
This book is a historical thriller where Bram Stoker and his literary friends fight Jack the Ripper, and these events are supposedly the inspiration for Dracula. Sounds pretty fantastic, right?
Unfortunately the Dracula Dossier doesn't really live up to its premise. It starts off slow, and continues even slower. It picks up when the murders finally start, and this final section of the book is interesting enough to make me even more disappointed in the dull mess that came before it.
The story is presented as a newly-discovered secret dossier made up mostly of Stoker's journal and letters. There are many other aspects of the story that either mirror or reference Dracula, unfortunately the author tends to point them out in the footnotes instead of just letting the reader enjoy picking up on them.
And that's far from the only footnote-related offense. Yes, a few of the footnotes are interesting. Some of them point out an alleged bit of marginalia that Stoker added to an article or a necessary piece of historical knowledge. But other historical footnotes seem more about showing off the author's research than advancing our understanding of the story or characters.
And there are quite a few footnotes that come across as both unnecessary and a little condescending. The vast majority of people who will be interested enough in this idea to read this style of prose will understand that Whitman means Walt, Holmes-like means Sherlock, and that Miss Shelley's monster is a reference to Frankenstein. The constant footnotes jerk you out of the novel, so it's frustrating when that happens for no reason. Seriously, at one point there's even a footnote pointing out a pun.
This was a great idea, but the few highlights at the end aren't really worth it.
Unfortunately the Dracula Dossier doesn't really live up to its premise. It starts off slow, and continues even slower. It picks up when the murders finally start, and this final section of the book is interesting enough to make me even more disappointed in the dull mess that came before it.
The story is presented as a newly-discovered secret dossier made up mostly of Stoker's journal and letters. There are many other aspects of the story that either mirror or reference Dracula, unfortunately the author tends to point them out in the footnotes instead of just letting the reader enjoy picking up on them.
And that's far from the only footnote-related offense. Yes, a few of the footnotes are interesting. Some of them point out an alleged bit of marginalia that Stoker added to an article or a necessary piece of historical knowledge. But other historical footnotes seem more about showing off the author's research than advancing our understanding of the story or characters.
And there are quite a few footnotes that come across as both unnecessary and a little condescending. The vast majority of people who will be interested enough in this idea to read this style of prose will understand that Whitman means Walt, Holmes-like means Sherlock, and that Miss Shelley's monster is a reference to Frankenstein. The constant footnotes jerk you out of the novel, so it's frustrating when that happens for no reason. Seriously, at one point there's even a footnote pointing out a pun.
This was a great idea, but the few highlights at the end aren't really worth it.
February 19, 2011
James Reese has attempted to weave a mystey about Jack the Ripper using Bram Stoker as his main character. He tells his story through a journal that supposedly has been kept by Stoker.
The book is listed as a mystery and a novel of suspense. I believe it fails to live up to either a book of mystery or a book of suspense. The book, filled with footnotes that the author may have thought was a good idea, only detracts from the story and causes the reader untold grief.
I give the author credit in that he did a tremendous amount of research on the book and the writing is quite well done - if you like 1880's style writing. I also learned a lot about Bram Stoker that was quite interesting, especially since there is little known of his life.
The plot basically revolves around Bram and his connection with the Lyceum Company that put on plays, and his relationship with the literati of the times. He becomes involved with a visitor from the United States and a sect of people practicing an ancient art of mysticiam. This leads to following a series of murders in the Whitechapel district of London. Bram finds that the mysterious American may well be the person known as "Jack the Ripper".
This is a difficult read and will try the reader's willingness to stay with the book. The best parts of the book are those areas that give insight into Bram Stokers life.
The book is listed as a mystery and a novel of suspense. I believe it fails to live up to either a book of mystery or a book of suspense. The book, filled with footnotes that the author may have thought was a good idea, only detracts from the story and causes the reader untold grief.
I give the author credit in that he did a tremendous amount of research on the book and the writing is quite well done - if you like 1880's style writing. I also learned a lot about Bram Stoker that was quite interesting, especially since there is little known of his life.
The plot basically revolves around Bram and his connection with the Lyceum Company that put on plays, and his relationship with the literati of the times. He becomes involved with a visitor from the United States and a sect of people practicing an ancient art of mysticiam. This leads to following a series of murders in the Whitechapel district of London. Bram finds that the mysterious American may well be the person known as "Jack the Ripper".
This is a difficult read and will try the reader's willingness to stay with the book. The best parts of the book are those areas that give insight into Bram Stokers life.
January 10, 2009
LLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddddddd it!!!
It is awesome to pretend to read through Stoker's dossier. Going over the letters and entries are so much fun and the further you get into the book the more exciting it gets. My only disappointment is this story isn't real. So much better than The Historian. That was a lame book (good idea but needed better execution -an author to make the tale better like James Reese) this book is more well researched and the characters are more real to you and engaging. A must read and must buy!!!!!!
It is awesome to pretend to read through Stoker's dossier. Going over the letters and entries are so much fun and the further you get into the book the more exciting it gets. My only disappointment is this story isn't real. So much better than The Historian. That was a lame book (good idea but needed better execution -an author to make the tale better like James Reese) this book is more well researched and the characters are more real to you and engaging. A must read and must buy!!!!!!
January 28, 2010
I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a book. I loved James Reese's Shadow series- LOVED them! They were freaky and weird but the characters were engaging and while never believeable, the plot was always moving and you cared about what was happening in each moment. The most movement I got from this book was when my head kept lolling off to the side as I repeatedly fell asleep on it. I had sigh expectations of being taken on a similar journey with this book but was totally let down.
April 14, 2012
Despite an intriguing premise -- Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, tracks down Jack the Ripper in Victorian London-- & a creative storytelling approach -- a collection of letters, news clippings & journal entries tells the story-- the pace of the novel is slow & the ending strangely anti-climatic. I really wanted to like this book much more than I did.
September 14, 2008
This seemed like it had fantastic potential. The cover reads like a horror/fantasy dream read. But, it's not. This book was painful to get through. If it wasn't for the fact I kept hoping for it to get better I would have never finished it. And it beat all, it never did get any better.
January 11, 2009
This was a fabulous read and, although a work of fiction, just as plausible as any theories put forward by "experts" in regards to Jack the Ripper and certainly much more enjoyable to experience. It is no stretch at all to imagine events unfolding just as the author describes...brilliant!
August 20, 2012
Found the footnotes distracting and the book hard to get into. Overall, the story was interesting and I do like this genre, but I think it could have been better.
August 10, 2021
📌În 1888, Lady Wilde și William Butler Yeats îl invită pe Bram Stoker să ia parte la un ritual în cadrul Ordinului Zorilor Aurii. Ceremonia devine un coșmar când doctorul american Fracis Tumblety este brusc posedat de un zeu malefic egiptean pe nume Seth. Când Francis începe să ucidă femei nevinovate cu cuțitul lui Bram, acesta plănuiește să-l înfrunte pe doctor, așa că cere ajutor la prietenii săi cei mai buni.
📌Cartea m-a plictisit un pic, deoarece acțiunea a fost povestită sub forma unui jurnal și prin scrisori scrise de Bram și primite de el. Cu toate acestea a fost un roman interesant și captivant. Mă bucur că mi-am ascultat instinctul și mi-am cumpărat cartea.
📌Pe parcursul cărții am dat de personaje din istorie care au trăit cu adevărat cum ar fi Bram Stoker, Lady Wilde, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Henry Hall Caine, etc. Acest lucru m-a făcut să mă întreb cât ficțiune și cât adevăr se află în acest roman. Nota de la final al scriitorului mi-a răspuns la această întrebare.
📌Mi-a plăcut mult să citesc despre o posedare, mai ales că acest lucru am întâlnit doar în filme și chiar voiam să dau de o carte cu un astfel de subiect. Francis în această carte era Jack Spintecătorul, iar menționările unor romane celebre cum ar fi Dracula de Bram Stoker, Portretul lui Dorian Grey de Oliver Wilde, etc m-au făcut să-mi dau seama că trebuie să le citesc neapărat.
📌Cartea m-a plictisit un pic, deoarece acțiunea a fost povestită sub forma unui jurnal și prin scrisori scrise de Bram și primite de el. Cu toate acestea a fost un roman interesant și captivant. Mă bucur că mi-am ascultat instinctul și mi-am cumpărat cartea.
📌Pe parcursul cărții am dat de personaje din istorie care au trăit cu adevărat cum ar fi Bram Stoker, Lady Wilde, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Henry Hall Caine, etc. Acest lucru m-a făcut să mă întreb cât ficțiune și cât adevăr se află în acest roman. Nota de la final al scriitorului mi-a răspuns la această întrebare.
📌Mi-a plăcut mult să citesc despre o posedare, mai ales că acest lucru am întâlnit doar în filme și chiar voiam să dau de o carte cu un astfel de subiect. Francis în această carte era Jack Spintecătorul, iar menționările unor romane celebre cum ar fi Dracula de Bram Stoker, Portretul lui Dorian Grey de Oliver Wilde, etc m-au făcut să-mi dau seama că trebuie să le citesc neapărat.
January 17, 2018
FOOTNOTES, FOOTNOTES, FOOTNOTES. I got through about a third of the way through this novel, but then I simply couldn't force myself to go on. The story was supposed to relate Bram Stoker's secret knowledge of the identity of Jack the Ripper, as written in his "dossier," his personal papers collected and edited by an unnamed count. Instead, however, it read like a meandering graduate paper, with footnotes, sometimes of only the most minimal relevance, taking up a quarter to a half of the page. It was incredibly frustration to be in the flow of the story, only to be rudely jerked out of time again for yet another footnote. Terrible.
July 2, 2019
This is a tough one. It wasn't bad per se, but it wasn't very good either. Very slow going, and not very suspenseful.
Going by the title and the idea behind the story it would seem like there would have been a historical/fictional connection between Jack the Ripper and Dracula. But besides a few names used the connection just isn't there. A bit disappointing that.
I did appreciate the history and research that went into Stoker's life at the time and the Ripper history, but the story wasn't very compelling.
Going by the title and the idea behind the story it would seem like there would have been a historical/fictional connection between Jack the Ripper and Dracula. But besides a few names used the connection just isn't there. A bit disappointing that.
I did appreciate the history and research that went into Stoker's life at the time and the Ripper history, but the story wasn't very compelling.
December 11, 2018
I was so excited to read this book and then I was let down .... It was written in a way I've found hard to read and not very engaging. It was boring :( the footnotes were a PAIN ... I did not give up but skipped and skipped and skipped paragraphs as I wanted to finish it but found it just so very boring.
Sorry I just really did not like this book. The research and work the author put into it is excellent but it wasn't written in way I woukd enjoy reading.
Sorry I just really did not like this book. The research and work the author put into it is excellent but it wasn't written in way I woukd enjoy reading.
December 22, 2018
I thought the book would have to do with the story of Dracula, but it was a fictional account of Jack the Ripper, with Bram Stoker the main character. The story is revealed through Bram's journal entries, letters and telegrams. The main characters were real people but the story line, while based on history, was a fictional explanation of what and who Jack the Ripper the was.
May 26, 2025
I liked the synopsis for the book, but the delivery just wasn't there. The story is already fragmented due to the writing style (we learn the story from a combination of articles, letters and diary entries), which made it hard for me to really get into the story. The many, many footnotes exacerbated it even more by pulling me from the story whenever I did get into it.
November 7, 2017
Did not enjoy the writing style at all! Did not like that you experience almost the entire book through his journal or letters. Time period pieces are also a hit or miss for me so altogether it was a real struggle to read this.
December 14, 2017
If I could give less than one star, I would. I hate to not finish a book, but after being promised Jack the Ripper and not finding him in 138 pages, I am done. Plus, the main character has to be one of the whiniest characters ever written. So...I'm movin' on.
Read
October 6, 2019Did not finish. Barely even started. It just did not capture and hold my attention.
October 25, 2025
As always, gruesome and unnecessary pet murders are a great way to ruin a book.
December 27, 2025
James Reese is a really good author. His writing is deep and flows. That being said I did find this book boring, but I will try one of his others.
March 11, 2014
I sincerely do not know where to begin in reviewing this novel.
For starters, calling this novel one of 'suspense' is overly dramatic. Readers who are looking for a suspenseful novel should read Stoker's actual piece of writing, 'Dracula.' Sorry Michael Connelly (who stated this book had him 'mesmerized from chapter one'), I just don't believe you.
James Reese's 'The Dracula Dossier' is an attempt at filling in the gaps of a well-known historical mystery: the Jack the Ripper slayings in Whitechapel in 1888. To date, no one has conclusively stated who Jack the Ripper was. Reese offers an account of this case and in his afterward, notes that this novel 'could have happened as written.' I beg to differ.
I apologize for anyone who gets angered by the 'spoiler' I'm about to give: Reese's novel has Jack the Ripper as an American doctor who is possessed by Set (Egyptian god of darkness and chaos) during an initiation meeting of the Order of the Golden Dawn (Britain's introduction to mysticism and occultism), attended by Francis Tumblety (the American doctor), Abraham Stoker, and other well-known Brits.
I really could end my review right here.
The novel is told ala 'Dracula' style through journal entries, news clippings, and letters which were written and collected by Stoker (though why he has copies of his hand-written letters to other people is only vaguely explained by his 'requesting their return'). This style was brilliantly executed by the real Stoker in 'Dracula,' and not so much by Mr. Reese. It is especially hard to give into the writing style when time and again, Reese's Stoker character writes in his journal that events must be recorded in their proper order; I am not a real journaler myself, but I doubt many explicitly state the necessity to write events in chronological order into a document that no one else is supposed to read.
Throughout the novel, Reese also uses footnotes to explain information throughout Stoker's journal; this is a fine technique (and one which I greatly enjoyed in Marisha Pessl's 'Special Topics in Calamity Physics'), though he over involves the 'influences' of these 'events' into how Stoker would later populate the ideas of 'Dracula.'
The writing style is basic, though not awful. The plot line is interesting (even if poorly executed) to those with an interest in Jack the Ripper or 'Dracula.' That being said, I happily skipped over the 20 page Order of the Golden Dawn meeting where Tumblety became possessed; the writing of that event was pretty terrible.
In his afterward, Reese gives credit for the literary technique he used in this novel to Umberto Eco from 'The Name of the Rose.' If I were Eco, I'd be slightly insulted.
For starters, calling this novel one of 'suspense' is overly dramatic. Readers who are looking for a suspenseful novel should read Stoker's actual piece of writing, 'Dracula.' Sorry Michael Connelly (who stated this book had him 'mesmerized from chapter one'), I just don't believe you.
James Reese's 'The Dracula Dossier' is an attempt at filling in the gaps of a well-known historical mystery: the Jack the Ripper slayings in Whitechapel in 1888. To date, no one has conclusively stated who Jack the Ripper was. Reese offers an account of this case and in his afterward, notes that this novel 'could have happened as written.' I beg to differ.
I apologize for anyone who gets angered by the 'spoiler' I'm about to give: Reese's novel has Jack the Ripper as an American doctor who is possessed by Set (Egyptian god of darkness and chaos) during an initiation meeting of the Order of the Golden Dawn (Britain's introduction to mysticism and occultism), attended by Francis Tumblety (the American doctor), Abraham Stoker, and other well-known Brits.
I really could end my review right here.
The novel is told ala 'Dracula' style through journal entries, news clippings, and letters which were written and collected by Stoker (though why he has copies of his hand-written letters to other people is only vaguely explained by his 'requesting their return'). This style was brilliantly executed by the real Stoker in 'Dracula,' and not so much by Mr. Reese. It is especially hard to give into the writing style when time and again, Reese's Stoker character writes in his journal that events must be recorded in their proper order; I am not a real journaler myself, but I doubt many explicitly state the necessity to write events in chronological order into a document that no one else is supposed to read.
Throughout the novel, Reese also uses footnotes to explain information throughout Stoker's journal; this is a fine technique (and one which I greatly enjoyed in Marisha Pessl's 'Special Topics in Calamity Physics'), though he over involves the 'influences' of these 'events' into how Stoker would later populate the ideas of 'Dracula.'
The writing style is basic, though not awful. The plot line is interesting (even if poorly executed) to those with an interest in Jack the Ripper or 'Dracula.' That being said, I happily skipped over the 20 page Order of the Golden Dawn meeting where Tumblety became possessed; the writing of that event was pretty terrible.
In his afterward, Reese gives credit for the literary technique he used in this novel to Umberto Eco from 'The Name of the Rose.' If I were Eco, I'd be slightly insulted.
March 9, 2011
It took me pretty much half the summer to read this book, but that's because I didn't specifically sit down to read it, and the Olde Tyme English threw me off a little at first.
For the first 100 pages or so, I wasn't sure what the book was about or the point of it, but once things started happening and I started getting into it, I loved it.
Is it a bad thing if it's intriguing near the end? Because I'd have to say that that's what really drew me in and made me love this book. Like I said, I was sort of bored with the beginning, but the second half was great. I'd like to read it again and see if my knowledge of how it ends changes how I read the first half..
Usually I don't like historical fiction, but this one's summary sounded good, and I'm glad I read it. The way it's written makes it believable that THESE events ARE what happened, therefore I like to believe that they did and that this is actually a nonfiction book, making it even more surprising that I would love it as much as I did.
There is an excerpt that I liked so much, I copied it down word for word, punctuation for punctuation, and put it on my Facebook Quotations page.
For the first 100 pages or so, I wasn't sure what the book was about or the point of it, but once things started happening and I started getting into it, I loved it.
Is it a bad thing if it's intriguing near the end? Because I'd have to say that that's what really drew me in and made me love this book. Like I said, I was sort of bored with the beginning, but the second half was great. I'd like to read it again and see if my knowledge of how it ends changes how I read the first half..
Usually I don't like historical fiction, but this one's summary sounded good, and I'm glad I read it. The way it's written makes it believable that THESE events ARE what happened, therefore I like to believe that they did and that this is actually a nonfiction book, making it even more surprising that I would love it as much as I did.
There is an excerpt that I liked so much, I copied it down word for word, punctuation for punctuation, and put it on my Facebook Quotations page.
March 3, 2017
A fiend for a fiend.
The Page Walker's thoughts on The Dracula Dossier.
Have you ever wondered what inspired a writer to write a particular story? Was it from pure imagination or remarkable experience? In Bram Stoker’s case, what drove him to write about the most horrifying, most enigmatic, most evil villain that became the most monstrous of all time? James Reese provided a fictional answer of his own.
The Dracula Dossier is supposedly composed of a newly revealed collection of Bram Stoker’s journal, letters, and news clippings; which obviously is a nod to the Dracula novel’s structure. The collector pre-arranged this collection chronologically before sending them to a trusted writer. This collection offered a great insight into the fictional Stoker’s life, and detailed events that will eventually inspire him to write his renowned novel.
The narrative of the book spun a suspenseful tale of Stoker’s discovery and involvement in Jack the Ripper’s bloody career in London. Being a witless participant in a cult ritual, Stoker felt responsible and tracked down the criminal. The task proved to be both horrifying and taxing for him and his friends, not discounting the toll it imposed on the citizens of London.
I finished this book after stalling it for 2 months; because despite the cover line, after reading 150 pages, there was still no suspense going on. But going back to it was a must, “a half-read book is a half-finished love affair” after all. James Reese is no doubt a talented writer. He must have studied every inch of the Dracula, because he emulated Stoker’s writing so well, down to its Victorian theme. He made a good job of weaving non-fictional characters into the story, mapping them well into the era, which probably took a lot of research. Lastly, there were plenty of references that Dracula readers can undoubtedly pick up. What struck me most, during those first 150 pages, was Mr. T.M. Penfold. He was the character I wished to have the best ending in this story, and did not disappoint me.
What undid it for me (1) was the wait for the suspense to happen; (2) the ending was engineered to a point that it was already unbelievable; (3) the premise, Jack the Ripper as the inspiration simply devaluated the eeriness and immensity of Dracula.
Read this if you are an avid Bram Stoker fan; you like the supernatural; have patience with Victorian writings; like creepy stories; and doesn't mind waiting things to happen.
Rating: 3½ stars
The Page Walker's thoughts on The Dracula Dossier.
Have you ever wondered what inspired a writer to write a particular story? Was it from pure imagination or remarkable experience? In Bram Stoker’s case, what drove him to write about the most horrifying, most enigmatic, most evil villain that became the most monstrous of all time? James Reese provided a fictional answer of his own.
The Dracula Dossier is supposedly composed of a newly revealed collection of Bram Stoker’s journal, letters, and news clippings; which obviously is a nod to the Dracula novel’s structure. The collector pre-arranged this collection chronologically before sending them to a trusted writer. This collection offered a great insight into the fictional Stoker’s life, and detailed events that will eventually inspire him to write his renowned novel.
The narrative of the book spun a suspenseful tale of Stoker’s discovery and involvement in Jack the Ripper’s bloody career in London. Being a witless participant in a cult ritual, Stoker felt responsible and tracked down the criminal. The task proved to be both horrifying and taxing for him and his friends, not discounting the toll it imposed on the citizens of London.
I finished this book after stalling it for 2 months; because despite the cover line, after reading 150 pages, there was still no suspense going on. But going back to it was a must, “a half-read book is a half-finished love affair” after all. James Reese is no doubt a talented writer. He must have studied every inch of the Dracula, because he emulated Stoker’s writing so well, down to its Victorian theme. He made a good job of weaving non-fictional characters into the story, mapping them well into the era, which probably took a lot of research. Lastly, there were plenty of references that Dracula readers can undoubtedly pick up. What struck me most, during those first 150 pages, was Mr. T.M. Penfold. He was the character I wished to have the best ending in this story, and did not disappoint me.
What undid it for me (1) was the wait for the suspense to happen; (2) the ending was engineered to a point that it was already unbelievable; (3) the premise, Jack the Ripper as the inspiration simply devaluated the eeriness and immensity of Dracula.
Read this if you are an avid Bram Stoker fan; you like the supernatural; have patience with Victorian writings; like creepy stories; and doesn't mind waiting things to happen.
Rating: 3½ stars
October 5, 2008
Though this book may have fell a little bit outside my usual genre, I feel it will stay with me for awhile to come. In addition, I think I learned a thing or two about some significant figures in literary history to boot. ;)
The story takes place in the late 19th Century, during the Victorian Era in England, and is written in the form of journal entries and letters written by the late Bram Stoker, author of Dracula and a few other novels that never really garnered much recognition. Stoker tells the story of his employ with the actor Henry Irving, and his relationships with many other famous people of that time.
As the letters and journal entries which make up this Dossier indicate, it was Thomas Henry Hall Caine who first introduced Stoker to Dr. Francis Tumblety—the American doctor who later become known as Jack the Ripper. And it is to these relations that much of this Dossier relates. Upon meeting Tumblety, Stoker realizes that something is not right with the man, a fact later confirmed by Caine. And with the help of Lady Jane Wilde, mother to author Oscar Wilde, the three dub themselves the Children of Light and set out to catch Tumblety in the act and prove to the men of Scotland Yard who is committing all these gruesome murders.
Though one might think this a paranormal book because of the title, that isn't really the case. Though there is much about "Jack the Ripper" that defies explanation, this novel is not a vampire novel, as a quick look at the title might lead one to believe. Instead, it's the notes, journal, and letters of the famed Dracula author, and at various points in the narrative, footnotes are given that point out similarities between the events taking place in Stoker's life at that time and characters and events in Dracula.
Overall, a very interesting read, well suited to literary fans, fans of historical, mystery, and thriller genres, maybe even horror fans too due to the violent and graphic nature of the crimes committed by the Ripper and described herein. (Though the author does go into explicit descriptions about some of the mutilated bodies, I found much of it to be somewhat clinical in nature so I didn't quite "lose my lunch" over it so to speak. LOL)
The story takes place in the late 19th Century, during the Victorian Era in England, and is written in the form of journal entries and letters written by the late Bram Stoker, author of Dracula and a few other novels that never really garnered much recognition. Stoker tells the story of his employ with the actor Henry Irving, and his relationships with many other famous people of that time.
As the letters and journal entries which make up this Dossier indicate, it was Thomas Henry Hall Caine who first introduced Stoker to Dr. Francis Tumblety—the American doctor who later become known as Jack the Ripper. And it is to these relations that much of this Dossier relates. Upon meeting Tumblety, Stoker realizes that something is not right with the man, a fact later confirmed by Caine. And with the help of Lady Jane Wilde, mother to author Oscar Wilde, the three dub themselves the Children of Light and set out to catch Tumblety in the act and prove to the men of Scotland Yard who is committing all these gruesome murders.
Though one might think this a paranormal book because of the title, that isn't really the case. Though there is much about "Jack the Ripper" that defies explanation, this novel is not a vampire novel, as a quick look at the title might lead one to believe. Instead, it's the notes, journal, and letters of the famed Dracula author, and at various points in the narrative, footnotes are given that point out similarities between the events taking place in Stoker's life at that time and characters and events in Dracula.
Overall, a very interesting read, well suited to literary fans, fans of historical, mystery, and thriller genres, maybe even horror fans too due to the violent and graphic nature of the crimes committed by the Ripper and described herein. (Though the author does go into explicit descriptions about some of the mutilated bodies, I found much of it to be somewhat clinical in nature so I didn't quite "lose my lunch" over it so to speak. LOL)
August 6, 2014
Reese created a fascinating premise: collect a group of famous writers and have them solve a major crime. He adds a twist in that most of the book reads more like the Gothic novels of the title's namesake. The result is a hybrid of Gothic and modern horror.
The book has a great deal of potential. Reese appears to have excellent knowledge of the cast (Bram Stoker, Thomas Hall Caine, Henry Irving, Lady Wilde, etc.) His knowledge and research clearly shows throughout the book and demonstrates a mastery of the craft. However, the beginning is very slow, and is much more Victorian. I kept thinking of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
Most of the first 100 pages are taken with introducing the characters and the era. I confess that I was getting bored and losing interest, that I missed the introduction of the villain. Of course, he was not the villain for much of the book, just some sort of disagreeable fellow. Nothing happens in the book until well after 100 pages. How can a murder mystery cum horror book set in 1880s London be boring???
Once Jack the Ripper appears, things pick up at a blistering pace. Reese never drops the Gothic-Victorian writing style. Even with Jack running wild in London, much of the book is slow dialogue between the hero and his friends. The villain is poorly developed. Reese spent considerable time studying the secret lodges of Victorian England; but not so much on their Egyptian foundations. Or, his inclusion of the Egyptian mysteries in the Victorian era make such strange bedfellows in literary prose that it appears weak and under-developed.
Finally, the climax scene itself was disappointing. Not only were strangers (identified as unimportant actors X and Y) suddenly conscripted into the hero's until-then secret conspiracy; but there really was no climax action. In two pages it was over. There was no climatic battle. It appeared as though Reese had completed his Gothic novel and was tying up loose ends. Strange.
Reese creates a fresh twist to both Ripper-ology and Victorian Gothic novels. The space between pages 115 and the climax in Edinburgh are very entertaining. Fans of the later genre should enjoy this book.
The book has a great deal of potential. Reese appears to have excellent knowledge of the cast (Bram Stoker, Thomas Hall Caine, Henry Irving, Lady Wilde, etc.) His knowledge and research clearly shows throughout the book and demonstrates a mastery of the craft. However, the beginning is very slow, and is much more Victorian. I kept thinking of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
Most of the first 100 pages are taken with introducing the characters and the era. I confess that I was getting bored and losing interest, that I missed the introduction of the villain. Of course, he was not the villain for much of the book, just some sort of disagreeable fellow. Nothing happens in the book until well after 100 pages. How can a murder mystery cum horror book set in 1880s London be boring???
Once Jack the Ripper appears, things pick up at a blistering pace. Reese never drops the Gothic-Victorian writing style. Even with Jack running wild in London, much of the book is slow dialogue between the hero and his friends. The villain is poorly developed. Reese spent considerable time studying the secret lodges of Victorian England; but not so much on their Egyptian foundations. Or, his inclusion of the Egyptian mysteries in the Victorian era make such strange bedfellows in literary prose that it appears weak and under-developed.
Finally, the climax scene itself was disappointing. Not only were strangers (identified as unimportant actors X and Y) suddenly conscripted into the hero's until-then secret conspiracy; but there really was no climax action. In two pages it was over. There was no climatic battle. It appeared as though Reese had completed his Gothic novel and was tying up loose ends. Strange.
Reese creates a fresh twist to both Ripper-ology and Victorian Gothic novels. The space between pages 115 and the climax in Edinburgh are very entertaining. Fans of the later genre should enjoy this book.
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