Blood Ritual

by Frances Gordon

Gordon combines the true story of a Hungarian Countess with that of her modern day descendants.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

498 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1995

About the author

A pseudonym used by Sarah Rayne

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the sort of book you would want to read while alone at night in the dark.

Loosely based on an actual historical figure Elizabeth Bathory, who was a prolific serial killer during the late 1500's and early 1600's, this is an original take of the classic vampire myth. Past and present merge together in this thriller. Elizabeth's descendants are continuing her legacy of murder and lust for blood.

An unlikely duo of a blind journalist and a nun make an interesting and unusual couple who must fight for their life against some gruesome entities.

[Carin Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much as a teenager that I want to revisit it again as an adult. Read this book until 3:00 am on a dark and stormy night, which created the perfect atmosphere. I loved the chemistry between the main characters and the story was really well written. It also kickstarted my fascination with stories about Elizabeth Bathory and other serial killers and how so many of them got away with their horrendous deeds for so long. Would recommend this masterpiece to anyone who's a fan of dark horror with a dash of comedy.

[Catherine Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a fair bit of getting into but it was good in the end. The first half was sort of slow going for me, partly because of the style and partly the hopping of characters who I had difficulty feeling anything for. The second half improved a lot though, as the few main characters acquired more depth and the story got more intriguing. I enjoyed it in the end but it was hard going at first.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, enjoyed this Horror story, based a little on the story of Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed
Worth a read.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabe...

[Grace Fitzjohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Janice Felgueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Rayne (Frances Gordon) has a way of seamlessly putting past and present together. This book was incredible , the characters and settings just pulled you right into the story and did not let up until the very end. Thank you for reissuing these books.