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The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra
What desperate steps will Lucy Westenra take to save her own life?Hillingham in Hampstead, once the home of the well-to-do Westenra family, now divided into apartments. When teacher Kate Balcombe sets about renovating her flat in the attic, she finds an unsent letter, written 130 years before by Lucy, the nineteen-year-old daughter of the house.
You may know Lucy from Bram Stoker’s Dracula... a pretty, flirtatious girl with three ardent suitors, she is Mina Harker’s best friend. When Lucy falls mysteriously ill and dies, Van Helsing identifies her as a victim of the vampire.
But what if the monsters who hunt Lucy are much closer to home?
As Kate begins to investigate Lucy’s story, she meets James Harker, Mina’s great-great grandson, and together they uncover a long-hidden story of deception and murder.
You may know Lucy from Bram Stoker’s Dracula... a pretty, flirtatious girl with three ardent suitors, she is Mina Harker’s best friend. When Lucy falls mysteriously ill and dies, Van Helsing identifies her as a victim of the vampire.
But what if the monsters who hunt Lucy are much closer to home?
As Kate begins to investigate Lucy’s story, she meets James Harker, Mina’s great-great grandson, and together they uncover a long-hidden story of deception and murder.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Fiore
15 books47 followersRosie Fiore was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied drama at the University of the Witwatersrand and has worked as a writer for theatre, television, magazines, advertising, comedy and the corporate market.
Her first two novels, This Year's Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year's Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus.
After Isabella and What She Left are published by Allen & Unwin.
Rosie also writes as Cass Hunter, and her novel, The After Wife is in translation in nine countries and has sold film rights in China.
Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.
Her first two novels, This Year's Black and Lame Angel were published by Struik in South Africa. This Year's Black was longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award and has subsequently been re-released as an e-book. Babies in Waiting, Wonder Women and Holly at Christmas were published by Quercus.
After Isabella and What She Left are published by Allen & Unwin.
Rosie also writes as Cass Hunter, and her novel, The After Wife is in translation in nine countries and has sold film rights in China.
Rosie lives in London with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 14, 2025
Finally, some literary justice for Lucy Westenra. If you've ever read Dracula, and found her journal entries being the most intriguing parts, this is the book for you. The atmosphere here is amazing, with fully realized characters, and a dual timeline narrative where both halves of the story actually complement each other. As you read on, it feels like you're solving a puzzle, getting closer and closer to the truth.
As the novel goes on, familiar elements from Stoker's novel start to appear (a holiday visit to Whitby, a mention of a peculiar patient of Dr Seward, a Van Helsing name drop, the crash of the Demeter). Lucy's encounter with the Stranger (it's very obvious who THAT is) is such a great moment. They both are drawn to each other & talk about their love for books and knowledge. Just like in Stoker's book, the Stranger is not a large, but instead a memorable presence. This is Lucy's story, with the events of Dracula playing out from her point of view. As you read, it feels like getting a peek into what happens to the characters after the end of Stoker's novel.
As the novel goes on, familiar elements from Stoker's novel start to appear (a holiday visit to Whitby, a mention of a peculiar patient of Dr Seward, a Van Helsing name drop, the crash of the Demeter). Lucy's encounter with the Stranger (it's very obvious who THAT is) is such a great moment. They both are drawn to each other & talk about their love for books and knowledge. Just like in Stoker's book, the Stranger is not a large, but instead a memorable presence. This is Lucy's story, with the events of Dracula playing out from her point of view. As you read, it feels like getting a peek into what happens to the characters after the end of Stoker's novel.
June 2, 2025
MY THOUGHTS -
This book was amazing. I couldn’t possibly explain how much I loved this book. I deeply connected to it. It is definitely a contender for my favorite book of the year. I almost hate saying that in May, the year is not even half over yet. But that’s how good this book was. By the end of the story I had tears in my eyes and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I almost applauded out loud!
Dual timelines, YAY! Kate in present day and Lucy in the 1890s and each part clearly marked and labeled. I loved both Lucy and Kate equally which doesn’t usually happen to me in a dual timeline book. Both characters had such depth to them I really really felt like I knew them and I had such an invested interest in what happened in their lives. A few male characters in the story, most of them I didn’t really care for. But they were all great, well thought out characters.
Kate’s research into the life and genealogy of Lucy was so interesting to me. I felt like I was exploring right along with her. And hanging on the edge every time she found out some morsal. That part definitely had a life of its own within this story.
Everything in this book is so well thought out, so well planned. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. It all had a purpose in the story. When you’re reading this, even if it seems weird or a little off, just wait, it has a reason, a purpose that will show up later.
I did not realize when I started reading this one that it was over 500 pages! I was wondering why it was taking so long lol. Would I have still chosen it if I had known… Probably not. So I’m glad that I did not know because I would’ve really missed out on a fantastic book! Sometimes you just have to take a chance on a 500 page book. 🥰🥰🥰
My first time reading one by Rosie Fiore. But she has quite a few books out. I WILL definitely be reading more!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
This book was amazing. I couldn’t possibly explain how much I loved this book. I deeply connected to it. It is definitely a contender for my favorite book of the year. I almost hate saying that in May, the year is not even half over yet. But that’s how good this book was. By the end of the story I had tears in my eyes and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I almost applauded out loud!
Dual timelines, YAY! Kate in present day and Lucy in the 1890s and each part clearly marked and labeled. I loved both Lucy and Kate equally which doesn’t usually happen to me in a dual timeline book. Both characters had such depth to them I really really felt like I knew them and I had such an invested interest in what happened in their lives. A few male characters in the story, most of them I didn’t really care for. But they were all great, well thought out characters.
Kate’s research into the life and genealogy of Lucy was so interesting to me. I felt like I was exploring right along with her. And hanging on the edge every time she found out some morsal. That part definitely had a life of its own within this story.
Everything in this book is so well thought out, so well planned. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. It all had a purpose in the story. When you’re reading this, even if it seems weird or a little off, just wait, it has a reason, a purpose that will show up later.
I did not realize when I started reading this one that it was over 500 pages! I was wondering why it was taking so long lol. Would I have still chosen it if I had known… Probably not. So I’m glad that I did not know because I would’ve really missed out on a fantastic book! Sometimes you just have to take a chance on a 500 page book. 🥰🥰🥰
My first time reading one by Rosie Fiore. But she has quite a few books out. I WILL definitely be reading more!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
May 28, 2025
So I'm a big fan of Dracula and as soon as I saw Lucy's name in the title of this book I knew I wanted to read it. Lucy in Dracula is always seen as a really giddy and often silly "Little Girl" despite being 18/19 and she's just cast to one side as a Victim of Dracula, a point to move the story forward and drive Mina towards him. And I really liked the idea of her being so much more than that. In this we get to see Lucy as more than just a silly girl that's a victim, she's a very intellectual woman that takes far more pride in her mind than how she looks which makes her very modern in a sense. She becomes a more relatable character to a modern audience and you get far more invested in her story and what happened to her than you do in Dracula.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we went between the different time periods and that the way Kate finds out more about Lucy is though national census, it makes her more than just a character from Dracula which I adored. I found the switches between timelines very easy, I wasn't ever jolted by the switch so I kept engrossed in the story throughout. Rosie Fiore has a very easy going writing style, it never made me feel like I was working to get the next stage of the story, I found pages and time slipping away from me with ease.
I absolutely loved being able to get to know this version of Lucy Westenra, she's a far more dynamic and honestly likeable version of the original character. I don't think it matters if you've read Dracula or not to be able to dive in and enjoy this book, I enjoyed having the knowledge of who the characters were when reading but the connections are made clear enough that I don't think its a requirement. But if you do love Dracula I think you will thoroughly enjoy this and it should be added to that tbr!
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we went between the different time periods and that the way Kate finds out more about Lucy is though national census, it makes her more than just a character from Dracula which I adored. I found the switches between timelines very easy, I wasn't ever jolted by the switch so I kept engrossed in the story throughout. Rosie Fiore has a very easy going writing style, it never made me feel like I was working to get the next stage of the story, I found pages and time slipping away from me with ease.
I absolutely loved being able to get to know this version of Lucy Westenra, she's a far more dynamic and honestly likeable version of the original character. I don't think it matters if you've read Dracula or not to be able to dive in and enjoy this book, I enjoyed having the knowledge of who the characters were when reading but the connections are made clear enough that I don't think its a requirement. But if you do love Dracula I think you will thoroughly enjoy this and it should be added to that tbr!
May 30, 2025
The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is an amazing story. Kate Balcombe finds herself relocating into an apartment owned by her late mother after her life falls apart. The apartment is just one of many inside the former Westenra home. As Kate spruces up the place to give it a more warm and welcome feel, she locates a letter written by Lucy Westenra some 100+ years ago.
Lovers of anything and everything Dracula will not only recognize the names (Westenra, Mina, Harker, Van Helsing) but will absolutely fall in love with Rosie Fiore's retelling. This story isn't just for lovers of Dracula, but anyone who loves a good mystery. The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is told from a couple points-of-view; Kate's modern day voice and Lucy's journal from the eighteen-hundreds. The reader will be immersed in Kate's and Lucy's lives through the effortless weaving together of the present with the past. A perfect blending of two different eras and characters, including a location that, while being exactly the same, has become exceedingly different.
The story captures the reader's attention with vivid descriptions, 3-dimensional characters, and wonderful writing. The author keeps them engaged with an amazing story that is perfectly paced, filled with emotion, and keeps the reader guessing with twists, turns, and surprises. I was on the edge of my seat as Kate took the reins and delved into The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra.
Lovers of anything and everything Dracula will not only recognize the names (Westenra, Mina, Harker, Van Helsing) but will absolutely fall in love with Rosie Fiore's retelling. This story isn't just for lovers of Dracula, but anyone who loves a good mystery. The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is told from a couple points-of-view; Kate's modern day voice and Lucy's journal from the eighteen-hundreds. The reader will be immersed in Kate's and Lucy's lives through the effortless weaving together of the present with the past. A perfect blending of two different eras and characters, including a location that, while being exactly the same, has become exceedingly different.
The story captures the reader's attention with vivid descriptions, 3-dimensional characters, and wonderful writing. The author keeps them engaged with an amazing story that is perfectly paced, filled with emotion, and keeps the reader guessing with twists, turns, and surprises. I was on the edge of my seat as Kate took the reins and delved into The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra.
July 31, 2025
1890s, Lucy Westenra dreams of independence in a male dominated world. Present day Kate is escaping after a terrible break up and finds Lucy’s journal. Can she uncover the truth and find her own freedom too?
The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is a modern reinterpretation of characters from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this time with Lucy as the focus.
Victorian heiress Lucy is a passionate learner whose access to education is curtailed after the death of her father and the unwanted attention of male suitors.
Kate is a bit lost after her sudden break up. She moves to her late mother’s flat and finds Lucy’s journal. Inspired to find the truth and meets James Harker but can she put the past behind her.
I really enjoyed this reimagining of the classic. Having a different focus allows for a alternative perspective as events are seen through a woman's eyes. This is vividly depicted through Lucy’s journal in the first person. Lucy's sexual nature, autonomy, passion are all explored in tandem with patriarchal unfairness and women being at the mercy of men and money.
There was an increased depth to the characters as the author has more freedom in the present day than the original author writing for a Victorian audience.
The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra successfully blurs the old and new plot/character dynamics.
The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is a modern reinterpretation of characters from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this time with Lucy as the focus.
Victorian heiress Lucy is a passionate learner whose access to education is curtailed after the death of her father and the unwanted attention of male suitors.
Kate is a bit lost after her sudden break up. She moves to her late mother’s flat and finds Lucy’s journal. Inspired to find the truth and meets James Harker but can she put the past behind her.
I really enjoyed this reimagining of the classic. Having a different focus allows for a alternative perspective as events are seen through a woman's eyes. This is vividly depicted through Lucy’s journal in the first person. Lucy's sexual nature, autonomy, passion are all explored in tandem with patriarchal unfairness and women being at the mercy of men and money.
There was an increased depth to the characters as the author has more freedom in the present day than the original author writing for a Victorian audience.
The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra successfully blurs the old and new plot/character dynamics.
May 12, 2025
This is an excellent story, told with pace and passion. I read Stoker's Dracula in the distant past but will confess to remembering very little. I wasn't sure whether knowledge of the original would be required to enjoy this feminist re-telling, and I did find myself googling some character Cliff Notes at one point, but the novel more than stands on its own two feet.
The feminist message works so well because it's at the very heart of the enterprise rather than feeling tacked on. It's always eye-opening to be reminded of just how few rights were afforded to women in the relatively recent past, and how they were often under-served as literary characters because they were under-served by society. Here, Lucy Westenra is bold, smart and impossible not to root for. The novel's present-day narrative (and framing device), although charming, isn't quite so compelling, but the parallels between the timelines do make themselves clear towards the end and the final payoff makes it all worthwhile. Clever and gripping.
The feminist message works so well because it's at the very heart of the enterprise rather than feeling tacked on. It's always eye-opening to be reminded of just how few rights were afforded to women in the relatively recent past, and how they were often under-served as literary characters because they were under-served by society. Here, Lucy Westenra is bold, smart and impossible not to root for. The novel's present-day narrative (and framing device), although charming, isn't quite so compelling, but the parallels between the timelines do make themselves clear towards the end and the final payoff makes it all worthwhile. Clever and gripping.
May 6, 2025
This book is brilliant and I was so sad to finish it... As a parallel novel to Stoker's Dracula, it has just the right balance of familiar plot points and surprising twists. The dual narratives are both completely absorbing and each time it switched I was excited to remember there was another story to pick up. This version of Lucy Westenra is feisty, feminist and fearless, and she is magnificent.
I was lucky enough to attend the book launch and hear the author share the incredible research that went into the book. I will be using her handy bibliography to read some of the contemporary papers that Lucy would have read.
I am already reading the book again (aloud, to my husband this time) and delighting in the foreshadowing and the clues and trying to hold my tongue so as not to give the husband any spoilers!
I was lucky enough to attend the book launch and hear the author share the incredible research that went into the book. I will be using her handy bibliography to read some of the contemporary papers that Lucy would have read.
I am already reading the book again (aloud, to my husband this time) and delighting in the foreshadowing and the clues and trying to hold my tongue so as not to give the husband any spoilers!
June 10, 2025
Oooo this book was SO GOOD!!! One point of view set in London in the 1800s (my favorite!) the other point of view set in present day on the same property… an old letter is found… a mystery is unfolded… and as we travel back in time through the journal of Lucy Westenra, things start to get eerie and unexplainable.
There were hints dropped throughout this book that made the mystery so satisfyingly suspenseful. Are strange paranormal things really happening or is it madness? Is someone out to harm Lucy or is it all in her head. Can Kate uncover this mystery that took place 130 years ago or will she keep hitting dead ends?
AHHHH so good! You have to read it!!
There were hints dropped throughout this book that made the mystery so satisfyingly suspenseful. Are strange paranormal things really happening or is it madness? Is someone out to harm Lucy or is it all in her head. Can Kate uncover this mystery that took place 130 years ago or will she keep hitting dead ends?
AHHHH so good! You have to read it!!
June 30, 2025
Rosie Fiore's 'The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra', a dual timeline work of historical fiction, is beautifully researched. It's easy to feel the frustrations of being an intelligent female in Victorian London along with the protagonist, Lucy. The timelines mesh seamlessly as we live with the present day character, Kate, as she learns more about her family history, and discovers Lucy's. The characters throughout - regardless of their century - are engaging and easy to visualize physically and emotionally. Their locations and actions, also. It was difficult to put down. The ending is beautiful. Don't be tempted to read ahead. You'll miss too much along the way.
May 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much in the beginning I was a bit worried that I would need to reread Dracula as it has been a few years but The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra is a stand out of it's own. Getting to know this side of Lucy was empowering as she is strong and feisty and stands out for women. The feminist message shines brightly. The plot expertly weaves from past to present with dignity and respect of the other. I enjoyed reading both timelines and it is obvious that the author has done her research. It's a superb feminist retelling which I feel is highly distinguished and enjoyable.
June 5, 2025
A wonderful addition to Dracula, dual narrative was excellent.
June 1, 2025
Having not read Dracula 🙊🙉🙈 I went into this completely blind.
I loved this dual timeline historical fiction. Two woman centuries apart fighting for independence and happiness against parental expectations and patriarchy.
It's addictive and fast paced.
I loved this dual timeline historical fiction. Two woman centuries apart fighting for independence and happiness against parental expectations and patriarchy.
It's addictive and fast paced.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews