The Vampire Curse

by Daoma Winston, Victor Kalin (Illustrator)

Genres: Gothic, Vampires, Fiction

142 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Daoma Winston was a prolific writer of Gothic romance and horror/thriller novels. All of her novels have a strong occult theme and usually feature ghosts, witches, demons or magic.
(Not "Golden Tramp.")

Reviews

[Sarah Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very short; even by vintage pulp standards, it was more of a novella than a full-length novel. There’s not a lot of onscreen violence, either, so if you’re expecting a torrid, bloody exploration of fanged lifestyles, you’ll be disappointed—it’s more subtle & sideways re: the bloodspray. That being said, it was still a 4-star vamp story. The setting was gothic-picturesque with appropriate flourishes—New England coastline; small town vs rich family; cemetary & hedge maze full of creepy sculptures. I also loved the whole sinister sculptor aura, & the family's unease around Jeremy was interesting, esp when described by an outsider plopped down into their lives—not to mention the rarity of actual vampirism in old-school gothics. (Yes, Jeremy really did drink blood, both animal & human. 😈 No pussy vegan vampires here.)

A fun, goofy little gothic. Considering the length, I was nicely entertained.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great wordsmithing, flowed seamlessly from start to end. But, the plot was pretty weak. Fun read for a lazy afternoon/evening.

[Heather Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to own this rare book. The original cover art is divine. The story was very short, but the vampire is genuine. Probably one of Daoma Winston’s best. Flowed good, great light reading.

[Ess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra points for flirting with and then, amazingly, not actually having a Scooby Doo ending.