Doctor Blessing's Curse

Victorian Vampire Chronicles #1

by Jack Rollins

From a monster, a miracle?
After a dinner party, Doctor George Blessing reveals to his friend a secret that he has carried for three years. His most horrific case to date has left him so tormented that his marriage, his practice and his very sanity are at stake. But will his friend understand? Can he even help? Can anyone break the Doctor's curse?

The first instalment of The Victorian Vampire Chronicles, this is the perfect horror book for fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, the works of Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood, William Hope Hodgson and Hammer Horror movies. Readers of dark fantasy and Steampunk have also found much to enjoy in Jack Rollins’ gothic vision of 19th Century London, where vampirism returns to its ancient monstrous roots.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2011

About the author

+++ Get your FREE, exclusive horror ebooks including 'Tender Morsels' and 'A Haunting at Collingwood House' at https://www.jackrollins.substack.com +++

Jack Rollins was born and raised among the twisting cobbled streets and lanes, ruined forts and rolling moors of rural Northumberland, England in 1980. He is the author of the horror novel The Cabinet of Doctor Blessing, the novella The Séance and a range of short , dark fiction tales. Jack lives in Newcastle, England.

Jack can be found online at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackrollinshorror

Reviews

[Stuart Keane]

As a horror fan, I like to immerse myself in horror of all forms. However, as I was growing up, the horror that always spooked me the most was Hammer Horror. Gothic tales of the terrible including mummies, vampires, ghosts, monsters and Peter Cushing...amongst other famous English Thespians. The key to the Hammer Horror films is one thing: Subtlety. The gore is sometimes minimal, the chills dripping with tension, the acting hammy but sincere, and the story-telling top notch. Which is why, when reading Dr. Blessing's Curse, I felt like I was reliving the golden age of Hammer.

A simple tale, a novella if you will, about Dr. Blessing, a practitioner in the 1800's. One murky night on the cobblestones of London - think Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes and you're halfway there - he attends an emergency call on behalf of an acquaintance. When he arrives, he discovers something terrible, ghastly. Three years later, during a dinner party with some friends, he relives the moment. At that point, he decides to show off the monstrosity, one he's kept for all of these years...

The story is compelling. Set in the 1800's, you might expect the story to be droll and boring, possibly straightforward. You'd be wrong to assume this. Rollins has created a tense, strangely enigmatic tale of dread and insanity. Taking all that was horrific in the 1800's (basic medicine, religion, poverty, unprotected sex), he crafts an excellent horror story that's rich in detail, realistic in craftsmanship - the language, dialogue and conversations are very British - and graphic in detail. By the end of it, I was like 'what the hell just happened?' When it sunk in, I was amazed. The ending packs a solid punch but it only makes you want to read the next chapters in the story.

5* - For reliving my youth and remembering what was great about Gothic horror. Rollins creates a world that only confirms that the real danger in society is society itself. Monsters, serial killers and goblins: step aside. Dr Blessing is a unique character, one that develops in such a short span of time (it only took half an hour to read) and has already convinced me to buy the next chapter. On this evidence, you'd be hard pressed to find a better short story involving good ol' Blighty...especially one so blood soaked. Great horror tale!

[Sarah Between the Lines]

Horror Short Story

Will be looking at finishing out this trilogy by Jack Rollins. It was gory and intriguing to say the least! Looking forward to reading more.

[Kyle Scott]

What author Jack Rollins has accomplished with this novella is nothing short of astonishing. Managing to channel the very best of the mighty Hammer Horror movies that so mesmerized many of us as youths, and in some cases led to our love for the genre, he has crafted a poised, intelligent and deeply immersive vision of Victorian Britain in all its grimy, atmospheric glory.
The characters are beautifully written, the attention to detail is never less than chillingly authentic, and the manner in which the devilish tale unfolds in -via first person - lends more to MR James and James Herbert. Its brilliant stuff, and the start to a great, surprising and enthralling series.
Jack Rollins speaks with a voice as unique and original as it is delightful, without ever losing sight of the horror. Gore, atmosphere, intrigue and historical accuracy. What more could a horror reader want?
Don't miss this first chapter to one of the best horror stories of the year.

[Lisa Sandberg]

Wow! What a good short story. Loved it!!

This is about Dr. Blessing and what happens when he goes to help a prostitute who is in labor. What he finds and what happens is very scary. I can't say too much as it would spoil the story. You will have to read to find out what it is and what happens in the aftermath.

I am becoming a fan of Jack Rollins!! Great job! Looking forward to the next story.

Definitely 5 stars!

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[Sea Caummisar]

Well that sure was interesting.
Baby in a jar... Is that like a hidden title thing because I didn't see it on my Kindle. I actually like the jar title better than the curse thing.
This is set back in the day and the language is fitting for old school London.
A DR tells his story about a cruel birth with an interesting twist

[Edwina Book Anaconda]

If you like creepy, you'll love this!

[David]

I'm a big horror fan but not that keen on short stories. I think I'm changing my mind after reading this. It is set in Victorian England and follows Dr Blessing as he descends from pillar of the community into something quite different...

Loved it! Long may Dr Blessing continue!

[Renae]

Creepy as hell.

[C.A. McGroarty]

Good read and very well written. If you like Horror shorts, you will definitely enjoy this one. Look forward to seeing more of Dr. Blessing!

[Miranda Kate]

I started this series from a unique standpoint, having read only the prequel - In Quiet Courts - and related short, Tender Morsels. I had no idea about just how dark this was going to get, or exactly what was going on with Dr Blessing, but my word, what a compelling storyline.

The story starts when Dr Blessing is called to a birth, and it's all going wrong, and when the mother dies, he takes the child - or creature to look after it and adopt it. But this is no ordinary creature. The story is fast-paced and each chapter is either written in first person when it's Dr Blessing or third person from other characters. It crosses over well and keeps the tension high.

I have read both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock books, and Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and Rollin's captures the style of writing and wording which reflects the world of Victorian London perfectly. It flows, and creates all aspects of it. Though this series is far darker and more horror-filled than any of their books.

I was gripped and already half-way through the second book, Dr Blessing's Rapture. Highly recommended for all horror lovers.

[Ishani Guha-Shepherd]

4 🌟
A grim, fast-hitting piece of Victorian Gothic horror, this story drops us straight into Dr. George Blessing’s unraveling as science collides with something deeply unnatural. The atmosphere does the heavy lifting—fog, decay, and quiet dread—while the real horror lies in Blessing’s obsession and moral collapse.
It’s short and sharp, almost to a fault, but it works as a compelling entry point into the Victorian Vampire Chronicles. The follow-up stories expand on the consequences of this encounter, pushing further into the corruption of Blessing and the wider, darker world hinted at here.
Overall: Brief (at 56 pages!) but effective—more a sinister opening chapter than a complete arc, and stronger for the chilling promise it sets up.

[Jim Glover]

Victorian Horror

This was such an awesome read. Short but so damned good, I love horror in this timeline.
Follows a Dr telling a story to a priest about the night he was called to assist in a birth of a child. What seemed like something easy turns into a nightmare that is more horrifying than he could ever imagine!!! Highly recommend this quick read. Cannot wait to read the rest of them!!!

[Ron D]

Not worth time or money

There isn’t enough substance in this novella to warrant going any further. It lacks a plot or at least a direction. The characters are flat and close to being one dimension. Scene settings are sparse and lacking. I’m disappointed in myself for choosing this one.

[Mark Lucas-Taylor]

Doctor Blessing’s Curse

A horrific tale set in mid nineteenth century London. Extremely gory and tragic.
Doctor Blessing attends a poor unfortunate in an advanced stage of labour. A truly Gothic narrative with a gruesome conclusion.

[Terry M]

A short horror. Doctor Blessing becomes embroiled in something way out of his comfort zone in the name of science, which leads him into horrific deeds, but unable to stop. A good read and looking forward to finding out what happens next. Read as an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Pam Brown]

If you like gothic horror in the Victorian England era, this book is for you. It’s quite a scary story including ladies and gentlemen plus a terrifying creature. Very descriptive and entertaining and leaves you wanting to see what happens next.

[Paul Fuller]

This Novella by Jack Rollins maybe a short story,but it hits with a punch,the characters are all well written,the story is very paced and is a great introduction to the other books that go with this opening story,enjoyed the story alot.

[Annemarie]

This is not your run-of-the-mill, typical vampire story. Then again, the creature described is also like nothing ever witnessed. Does the good doctor really know what he is doing?

[Jennifer]

Dr. Blessings Curse book 1
by Jack Rollins

I really enjoyed this book. It will hook you and keep you reading to see what creepiness will follow.

[Lalita R.]

Fast-paced, suspenseful Gothic horror. The characters are flawed, some more than others. I really enjoyed this book and found myself reading as fast as possible.

[Emily Haynes]

A doctor with a secret. He only wants to help. Can anyone break the curse? Creepy vampire story.

[Terry]

A short story to introduce the reader to the chronicles and what a start.
It’s gruesome and fast and spot on.
Onto book 2 now

[Bob Cantrell]

Slow start but a creepy ending

Although this is a short story it will be worth the read. The slow build up is what made this story creepy for me. As you read you start to wonder just how this story will end and suddenly it does end and you are going holy deal did that just happen. So for Halloween this is a good little tale.

[Elizabeth]

Good pacing and kept me reading more. So much so I've even read most of the short stores and I will definitely be continuing the series.

[Rich]

Yes, it's short. However, this really needs proof-reading and the input of a professional editor.

[Lyndsey Gollogly]

Brilliant first instalment of a short story! Was totally dragged in and loved it. Very dark and definitely something I love.