The Secret of Barnabas Collins

Dark Shadows #7

by Marilyn Ross, W.E.D. Ross (AKA)

Here is another never-before-told story of the handsome, mysterious 175-year-old vampire.

While searching for the woman who will replace his long-lost Josette, and thus end the terrible curse upon him, Barnabas meets lovely Clare Duncan. The story of their romance -- and of the terror it brings to the beautiful young noblewoman -- is a tale of gothic suspense which will chill and delight the legions of Barnabas Collins' fans.

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Vampires, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Paranormal

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

William Edward Daniel Ross, W. E. Daniel "Dan" Ross (born 1912) is a bestselling Canadian novelist from Saint John, New Brunswick who wrote over 300 books in a variety of genres and under a variety of mostly female pseudonyms such as Laura Frances Brooks, Lydia Colby, Rose Dana, Jan Daniels, Olin Ross, Diane Randall, Clarissa Ross, Leslie Ames, Ruth Dorset, Ann Gilmer, Jane Rossiter, Dan Ross, Dana Ross, Marilyn Ross, Dan Roberts, and W.E.D. Ross. As Marilyn Ross he wrote popular Gothic fiction including a series of novels about the vampire Barnabas Collins based on the American TV series Dark Shadows (1966-71).

Reviews

[Justin Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vampire twist proves once again to be just the jolt this waning Gothic saga needed. I can't get enough of Barnabas' insatiable thirst for attractive young throats and all the women eager to be drunk. This seventh entry in the thirty-two book saga is largely historical and features a non-Victoria Winters protagonist who's much more interesting than our usual damsel in distress.

For starters, Clare Duncan is not in distress. When her engagement with Barnabas Collins is stalled by news that he's been kissing her maid, she decides to not let this trifle interrupt plans for the wedding, whether the groom's still interested or not. She then meets yet another of Barnabas' lady friends. This one reveals to Clare that her lover is undead. Instead of being horrified, Clare crusades to fix his vampire ways and proceed with her happily ever after.

Barnabas shows little initiative in being cured, however. He flees her pursuit, and the two embark on a transatlantic cat-and-mouse game, with Clare always at his heels and more determined than ever to tie the knot.

The camp factor is turned way up, the body count is unexpectedly high, and I love every minute of it. This is self-aware gothic at its best. Almost a parody of itself, but just thrilling and sexy enough that you want it to be real. The phrase "gaunt, handsome face" to describe Barnabas appears so frequently that it can't possibly be an editorial mistake, but rather used for chuckling at the absurdity of it all.

I still have not watched the television series (reading the books first) so I can't say if that campy tone shows up on screen, but I suspect it's like most soap operas. Characters and conflict are intentionally outrageous, and that's the whole point.

Whether you're reading this saga from beginning to end or just skipping around, you definitely don't want to miss The Secret of Barnabas Collins.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun romp, with vampire Barnabas Collins absent for much of the action. The heroine is Lady Clare Duncan, spunky Englishwoman of 1870. She falls in love with Barnabas and pursues him---first to a lonely island inhabited by vampires; and later across the ocean to his home in Maine. The only problem I have with the book is Lady Clare herself, who's a pretty dumb brick. None of Ross's heroines are rocket scientists, but Lady Clare really does hit a new low in goofiness. She still wants the vampire, even after witnessing his brutal murder of another girl. And in her pursuit she drags along her servant Belle, knowing full well that Barnabas has feasted on Belle's blood in the past. She foists herself on Barnabas, uninvited, and then blames HIM when, predictably enough, Belle winds up dead! With Lady Clare there will be many "Duh?" moments like this. But the storytelling is fast-paced and exciting, though oddly enough the best moments come when Barnabas is away from the scene.

There are two memorable scenes that I especially like. One is a vampire staking...though it's not Barnabas who bites the dust. And the other is a seance on board the ship, when spectral faces appear. Spiritualism was a popular pastime in 1870, so this little sequence makes perfect sense and is well executed. Dan ("Marilyn") Ross has been called a hack writer, but at times he produced some very decent material, of which this is an example.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is a tale of Barnabas from the 1800s. As I've stated in previous reviews, these books are more their own continuity rather than strictly following the TV series. For example, Nathan Forbes is quite the villain in the TV series, but here, he's quite the opposite. Barnabas is still in bad guy mode here, and not very likeable. Overall this wasn't bad as we got to see some other vampires as well, and the mythology was explored a little more.

[Judith Teggelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling story of the vampire, Barnabas, and the woman who loved him and thought she could save him from his curse. Other vampires are introduced to the reader along the way. I was caught up in the story.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but with more thinking, fretting, and talking about Barnabas Collins than Barnabas Collins actually appearing.

[Laura Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books in the series. It took me on an unlikely adventure that ended up pleasantly surprising me.

[Gary Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good n' Gothic... But Only Incidentally a Dark Shadows Story

Barnabas Collins plays a supporting role in this novel that bears his name and ostensibly stars "America's favorite villain." Lady Clare Duncan is the protagonist, and this is really her book. Fortunately, she is an appealing leading lady and her episodic misadventures in mad pursuit of Barnabas are always compelling. Yet the nagging question persists: Was this really a Dark Shadows novel?

The story is set in 1870, thirty-two years before Barnabas' appearance at the beginning of the previous novel, Barnabas Collins. It opens in London with Barnabas a bon vivant who is engaged to marry Lady Clare Duncan, wealthy daughter of shipping magnate Lord Augustus Duncan. Augie dislikes Barnabas and scotches the wedding by uncovering in a grand reveal the fact Barnabas has been carrying on with Clare's maid Belle and actress Eileen O'Mara. Guilty on both counts, Barnabas flees.

Undeterred by these shocking revelations that would make any sane woman rethink her life's choices, Clare pursues Barnabas, learns he is a vampire, witnesses him murder a woman, and then take it on the lam to France. Clare is determined to follow Barnabas and recruits of all people Belle to be her traveling companion and confidant. This is explained by Belle having been a victim of Barnabas' vampirism and thus she would understand him. But I never got the feeling Belle was wild about the idea, and she seemed always to be dreading the inevitable reunion with her tormentor.

Through a series of boat and train rides Clare and Belle find themselves in France at Mont St. Michel, abandoned Benedictine monastery and now the isolated home of Dr. Henri Fontaine and his proto-Stepford wife Madeline ("I am always in agreement with you, Henri," p. 45). Don't say the innkeeper didn't warn you, Clare: "Dr. Henri Fontaine is a sinister man engaged in dark experiments. ... men and women who have ventured up there have not been seen again" (p. 39). Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, and our quixotic couple Clare and Belle dutifully rush in.

The chapters set in Fontaine's "hospital" were a highlight of the book for me. I pictured this ghoulish couple as Gomez and Morticia Addams, sparked by Ross describing Madeline as wearing a long black dress coupled with Henri's continental charm. Barnabas was here, claims Fontaine, but has left temporarily and will return soon. Yeah, right. Fontaine is a vampire, of course, and is grateful for a kindly fate's Door Dash delivery of two delectable morsels brimming with blood.

Let's just say Clare winds up becoming a stakeholder in Henri's future, which is short... but not short enough. In a thrilling episode aboard the America-bound ship Morning Star Henri reappears as a ghostly image during a seance. He's trying to exert control over Clare but is bested by Barnabas, whose handsome, gaunt visage appears. Wait, what? When the smoke cleared, a number of questions remained about vampires and their powers. Do they exist on another plane where they can engage in power struggles for mortal souls? Are they omniscient and know what is transpiring aboard a ship in the middle of the Atlantic?

Elevating the ominousness of that scene is the ship's name, Morning Star, which is that of Lucifer, the devil himself, in Isaiah 14:12 (KJV).

Josef Palladino, "the celebrated medium" and his wife-assistant brought to mind Mark Veno and his daughter-assistant Linda, antagonists of The Mystery of Collinwood, the fourth novel in this series. The Palladinos proved they had the gift, testified to by their ability to summon the dead coupled with keen insights into Clare's precarious situation that proved prescient.

(Just have to marvel that The Mystery of Collinwood was only three novels ago. What a sea change in subject, tone, and style since Barnabas burst on the scene!)

Clare and Belle arrive in Boston and begin another adventure. They travel by train to Bangor and then Collinsport, showing up one dark and stormy night on the steps of Barnabas' residence, Stormcliff, a hitherto unmentioned house on the Collinwood grounds. Clare is distressed to learn Barnabas' affections have pivoted to the enchanting Julia Conrad, straying wife of a sea captain. Hmm, "Stormcliff" and a love interest named "Julia." Winking allusions to Windcliff and Julia Hoffman?

Julia is Barnabas' true love, but Belle once again becomes his midnight snack. If Barnabas is the tortured villain of the piece, Belle is the red shirt, to mix references. And Clare really is a distaff Don Quixote, unwaveringly convinced even in the face of incontrovertible evidence to the contrary that she can win back Barnabas and cure him. And as the sixties' show tune aptly expressed it, Clare is "willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause," but she utterly fails to consider whether redeeming the God-forsaken Barnabas is indeed a heavenly cause.

Enter the voice of reason in Nathan Forbes, first mate of the Belle Corliss, the ship captained by Julia's husband Will Conrad. When Nathan met Clare it was your proverbial love at first sight, at least for Nathan. Clare's heart still belonged to the vampire. That Barnabas is a vampire is a conclusion Nathan has independently deduced and reached, and his declaring this fact bluntly to Clare did begin to dispel her romanticized notions. Nathan plays a pivotal role through the rest of the story, and while I tried to see him and Clare as 19th century analogues to Burke and Vicky, I just couldn't make it fit. Nathan and Clare are very much their own unique characters.

Events cascade quickly in the books final quarter, as the setting shifts away from Maine to the high seas as all our players are assembled on the chessboard that is the Barbados-bound Belle Corliss. Like the sea that rises and falls, tensions rise and bodies fall and we're suddenly thrust into The African Queen with the bronzed tough guy and the scrappy society lady fighting the sea and the sun (but thankfully no leeches!).

Barnabas' later appearances under the canvas and on the dock struck me as tacked on and wholly unnecessary. Maybe these were an editorial dictate to shoehorn in more Barnabas since his name is in the title but he's been MIA for much of the story? The fact is this book is only nominally a Dark Shadows novel with Barnabas playing an important but relatively minor background role. I liken it to the 1970 Hammer film Taste the Blood of Dracula, which also relegated its title star to a supporting role (though, like in this novel, the pinch-hitting lead players ably carried the ball to victory).

Even though this was just barely a Dark Shadows story, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was quickly caught up and invested in Clare's quest, hopeless as it was. Ross is a strong writer and knew that keeping the story episodic would disallow dull moments from creeping in and breaking the breakneck-paced momentum.

A note on the framing story with Barnabas and Vicky visiting the vicar's cottage to discuss Collinsport history. I was waiting for Barnabas to recoil at the sight of a Crucifix on the wall or around the clergyman's neck, but nothing was said about that, even though a Crucifix was effectively employed to rebuff the zombies a couple novels ago.

I'll close with a paraphrase of the novel's final words and see if you don't agree:

"I imagine Dark Shadows has a special appeal to you."
"Indeed it has," the reader responded with a gracious smile. "I find I somehow keep coming back to it."

Amen! See you in The Demon of Barnabas Collins!

Random Observations, Thoughts, and Takeaways

In the framing story, Vicky shares with Barnabas her heartbreak losing Ernest Collins, admitting "I haven't really gotten over it yet" (p.7).

"Barnabas preferred walking to using a car" (p. 9).

Stormcliff was built by Peter Collins c. 1850. Peter abandoned the home following his newlywed wife's tragic death falling from a horse. Peter left Collinsport and was never heard from again. (p. 85).

Were Julia Conrad and Stormcliff intended to evoke Julia Hoffman and Windcliff?

The residents of Collinwood in 1870 are never identified. They are said to be travelling to avoid Barnabas. Presumably among the residents is Jonas Collins, who would have been a young boy of 10 at the time (Barnabas Collins established he was born in 1860.)

Angelique and the curse she placed upon Barnabas are noted by Clare (p. 87) and later by Nathan (p. 125).

Julia's husband and captain of the Belle Corliss is named Will Conrad, a winking reference to actor William Conrad?

Was the Belle Corliss named in reference to once-popular radio and television series Meet Corliss Archer?

Charles Dickens died on June 9, 1870, the year this novel's events unfolded. Dickens was having an affair with an English actress named Ellen "Nelly" Ternan just as Barnabas was surreptitiously involved with an actress named Eileen O'Mara.

Barnabas' cane, like John Steed's on the 1960's television series The Avengers, conceals a sword: "He swiftly lifted his black cane and drew from it a vicious-looking slim sword... (p. 143).

Following the harrowing events of 1870 captured in this novel, Nathan and Clare Forbes lived happily ever after in England: "even when they were both old, with a host of grandchildren... (p. 157).

Potent Passages

Clare's nightmare at Fontaine's:
Deep in the dungeonlike cellar of the old house she was a prisoner in a cage with wooden bars closely set together. She was gripping the bars and screaming for help when the hateful old doctor came along the corridor toward her.
His hairy, clawlike hands unlocked the door of her cage. As she tried to escape her prison he blocked the way with a fiendish expression on his aquiline face. The powerful hands gripped her roughly and she was repelled by the fetid, bloody stench of his breath in her face.
"Now you become one of us," he said with a leering smile as he bared his prominent white fangs of teeth.
"No!" she screamed. (p. 75)

Barnabas clarifies for Clare their doomed relationship:
"To you I'm a pitiful creature," he went on. "One of the living dead. And since you're not among those who despise me you show sympathy for me. That is what it has to be now, Clare. Sympathy, not love! You want to save me! You don't talk about loving me as Julia does!"
"It proves my love is of a deeper and better kind!" she pleaded.
"it shows you have a kind heart," Barnabas said with bitterness. "But it doesn't hide the fact that you will never regard me in the same way as when I courted you."
"I was a little fool then! I knew nothing!"
"Better to be a little fool than have evil wisdom," Barnabas told her. (p. 99)

Clare's Cost-Benefit Analysis of Barnabas
Barnabas was wrong. His weird condition did not repel her, but it unnerved her. If she could see just a glimmer of improvement she would soon manage to control her revulsion at the coldness of his touch, the graveyard tone of his skin and the sometimes fetid, bloody smell of his breath. These were unimportant compared to his charm and his gentle soul. (p. 119)

Nathan gets frank with Clare about Barnabas:
"Barnabas Collins left Collinsport because of a curse put on him by a jealous girl from the West Indies named Angelique. She turned him into a vampire, one of the living dead. And she condemned him to roam the earth for all time in that state between death and life." He paused dramatically. "So the man you're asking me to help, the man you so plainly love, is that original Barnabas Collins come back to his home. He is a man who normally would be a century or so old in this year 1870. And he is someone who has been tainted with the odor of the grave for more than fifty years." (p. 125)

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entry seems to have been much more meatier than the previous entries and I enjoyed it very much. In fact, Barnabas is mentioned only briefly in the beginning and makes an appearance toward the last third of the book. This could really have been a generic gothic book, not necessarily related to Dark Shadows.

This was quite an adventure story. We have vampires, trans-Atlantic travel, a crazy doctor, spiritualists, a seance, shipwreck on the Carolina coast, dank house on a remote island, bustling Collinsport, a handsome first mate and happily ever after, sort of. All this in 150+ pages!

It was so refreshing to read this and not come across one reference to a strange being tormenting a governess who unwittingly brings danger upon herself in a dark cellar. The heroine in this book does take some chances but the story was so good it didn't seem to matter.

[Larry Yonce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A turmoil of emotions! In 1870 Lady Clare Duncan is in love with Barnabas Collins. Or is it only pity? The intrepid Lady Clare travels from London to Mont St. Michel to Maine in an effort to find Barnabas and get him some kind of help for his "affliction." Will she have any success? Breezy and entertaining time passer that most Dark Shadows fans should enjoy. Some nice gothic chills in this one and Lady Clare is a delightful heroine.

[Richard Tolleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I said this about #6, but this one is the best of the series so far. There's a framing device, as Barnabas comes to Collinwood in 1968. His interest in history leads Victoria Winters to introduce Barnabas to the local vicar, who has extensive knowledge of the history of Collinsport. Then we get to the real story, as an English lady falls in love with Barnabas in London, only to be jilted. She learns his secret, then follows him across Europe, and finally, to Collinsport. The flashback (which is pretty much the entire book), is riveting. (I'll say this for "Marilyn" Ross. He's not much of a writer, but he's a darn good storyteller.) The climax of the story takes place on a ship bound for the Caribbean, and when a bow is tied on that story, we're back in present-day Collinwood. This book requires no prior knowledge of the TV show to enjoy, and while it's not great literature, it's a nice guilty pleasure for those who either like the supernatural, suspense or romance genres.
If you see a copy of this in your used book store, give it a chance.

[Kevin Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

For DS fans only. A fun, trashy read only for fans of the original show. The writing in places is so abysmal and amateurish that it's laughable (some of the clunkiest exposition ever put to paper). And then main character of Clare is such an unlikable stalker that I was rooting for her demise at many times. Really? She travels to different continents to follow a man who's shunned her and continues to show up on his doorstep and expect to be taken back. She could be arrested these days.
And yet, I read the whole damn thing! LOL There were some great set pieces: the abandoned asylum on an island in France, the vampire loose on a ship, et cetera. And once it got past the exposition the writing improved (except for the extremely unlikable heroine.)

[Duane Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dark Shadows in book form.
From the first sentence it drew you in and felt like an episode throughout, at the end of the last page i could swear i heard the end theme playing.
A quick read but well worth it if you like Barnabas, as it tells of his early life as a vampire from london to France to America and Collinwood.
It puts him in a diffrent light (or since this is him remembering events, mabye thats how he saw himself) One second hes the Barnabas we know and the next he's angry and lashing out at those who know him. You feel bad for him but then you realize he's being a dick and the next second you're feeling bad for him.
I'm going to try another one of these, this one was just perfect in my opinion.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 7th book in the series(written in the late 60s-early 70s) and the 2nd one to feature Barnabas Collins.
Victoria Winters is relegated to a few pages at the beginning and the end. Elizabeth makes a quick appearance as well.
This story focuses on Lady Clare Duncan who falls in love with Barnabas Collins....only to find out of his cursed existence as a vampire. That discovery starts her on a harrowing journey.
Unlike the book before, Barnabas sounds like the TV version. Charming, but at times ruthless.
Nathan Forbes pops up as well. Very much NOT like his TV counterpart.
An enjoyable read.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diverging away from the soap opera television storylines was a risky and genius decision that gave Ross the freedom to explore Barnabas Collins without any confinements. Though, there were probably some restrictions set in stone by the publisher. The Secret of Barnabas Collins has an original gothic story, just with a familiar vampire character. The love story borrows a little from Bram Stoker's Dracula and Hammer Film Productions' movies from the 1960s. I'm a fan of both, so any resemblances are alright in my book.

Overall, The Secret of Barnabas Collins is a well-written victorian romanesque that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed watching Dark Shadows when I was a kid (we even played Dark Shadows at recess), I guess I'm not much of a fan of gothic romance. There's one description in the book that sums the whole experience up for me. Barnabas kisses Lady Clare on the forehead, and she notices his lips are ice cold, his face is pale white and his breath smells of death and old blood. And yet she still chases from England to France, back to England, to America and then down to islands after this vampire. I just don't get it. I'm not big on delusional heroines, I guess.

[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with Barnabas Collins in 1870, having been a vampire for almost a century due to a Witch's curse. Looking for someone to replace his beloved Josette, he finds Claire Duncan who knows of his terrible plight. Falling in love with Barnabas and feeling sorry for him, she pursues him though it puts her life at risk. I listened to this audible version, narrated by the oustanding Kathryn Leigh Scott who was Josette in the original DS series. Highly recommend this one! Onward to the next one!

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The other Ross Dark Shadows novels I've read feel like a plausible alternate DS universe to me, and they're entertaining stories to pass the time. This one didn't live up to the others in my opinion. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it, but the tone didn't seem right for DS and the events seemed to come out of nowhere with little logic. Still, you have to give Ross credit for originality--the plot is very odd and rambling.

[Robert (NurseBob) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another flashback to 1870 when vampire Barnabas Collins had a pair of ill-fated affairs, first with a London aristocrat and later with the slutty wife of an American sea captain. But it's the aristocrat who became the lovelorn stalker... Corny as hell and chockfull of repetitive adjectives (how many time do we have to hear about his "gaunt, handsome" features?!) this is still a fun piece of gothic pulp to read on the beach and then leave in the sand.

[Murray Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining listen. Kathryn Leigh Scott who played Maggie Evans in the old Dark Shadows does the narration for this book. It's from the paperback books from the sixties. This novel is about Barnabas in England in 1870. If your a fan of the old Dark Shadows I think you will enjoy this book.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marginally entertaining, if slight, novel about a chapter of the history of Barnabas Collins. This series was more successful before Barnabas's arrival, when the focus was on Victoria Winters and a sort of alternate timeline to what happened on the tv series. Earlier novels had continuing characters. At this point, each novel is essentially standalone and not as compelling.

[Jennifer Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all the others so far in this series, this was a fun almost soap opera take on the supernatural. We're slowly getting to know Barnabas more and more, and discovering just how the women in his undead life are willing to do incredible things for his love. While I question their taste and sanity, it's been a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to listening to the next installment.

[Sarospice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooooooo good. Really different for this series. Lady Claire Duncan is awesome! So in love with Barnabus she follows him as he sucks blood across the globe, convinced she can change him. Girl, same. A total page-turner AND special guest dreamy Nathan Forbes!!!!!!!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

• Clare was insanely stupid. Like my god girl he's just not that into you.
• Apparently Barnabas is the hottest man *ever*. Ummmmmmm...
• Well written.
• At least Barnabas didn't want to fuck a nine year old this time.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Barnabas Collins

I liked the book because it was mainly about Barnabas. I would recommend the book to anyone e who enjoyed the TV show Dark Shadows.

[Alan Ellias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook read by Kathryn Leigh Scott!

[Judy Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 7th book in the Dark Shadows series. Victoria Winters finds herself facing Barnabas Collins one dark night. He has come to visit his cousin Elizabeth Stoddard. Victoria starts asking Barnabas about his ancestor, the original Barnabas Collins. The story goes back to England where Barnabas is engaged to Lady Clare Duncan. Lady Clare finds out about the curse of Barnabas. She decides to help him overcome the curse. She follows Barnabas to a remote setting where he thinks he will be helped by Dr. Fontaine. Lady Clare and her maid, Belle arrive at the Castle. They are shown to their rooms and endure a restless night of bats and bumps in the night. After Mrs. Fontaine explains to them about her husband, they flee to America where they hear Barnabas has gone. Lady Clare is so desperate to help Barnabas that she puts everyone around her in danger, including herself. This is a fast moving story that gives more history of Barnabas Collins. A good read.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the Dark Shadows paperback series, this one centers around Barnabas. A little backstory is given and an explanation for a place called Stormcliff. It's revealed that Barnabas had returned to Collinwood several times before the events on the show. One of these involved him falling for Lady Clair Duncan, and most of the book is told from her point of view.

She was due to marry Barnabas but things fell through. She knows Barnabas' secret. She meets another vampire and has to deal with him and is told that any future with Barnabas would be a dark one. Her view on Barnabas changes and a house ends up being burned down

Frankly, these stories in this series are all quite good, at least of the ones I have read so far. They fit the series, and they are very interesting in themselves. Definitely worth getting.

[Jamie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite in the Dark Shadows line. I really got into the head of the heroine. I read this book a long time ago, and recently re-read it. The Gothic Romance is long over-due for a revival.

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't really have a lot to say about this. It was, at best, okay. The characters either knew too much or were too stupid... and the author did a lot of telling and not much showing.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The secret is out!!! Kinda felt like I reread the last book, just the names and the dates were changed to protect the innocent