I thought this book was quite fun, as a book on vampires ought to be. I mean, come on, it's not like this is supposed to be fine literature or something. One of the best parts of the book was the author's treatment of Dr. Van Helsing, the ace vampire specialist first noted by Bram Stoker and borrowed by many others. If you want to read this as a new and upcoming vampire "classic," you'll be disappointed. However, if you just want to kick back and relax with something fun, you're in the right place.

Set in 1880, a rash of killings has the British government under Disraeli concerned. The manner of the deaths points to the killer being a vampire. Disraeli not only appoints a special committee (from whom we get the accounts written in the first person of their adventures while on this committee), but also hires the famous Abraham Van Helsing as a special consultant. As more murders occur, the committee must try to locate and destroy the vampires before they infest Britain and perhaps the world with their growing numbers. Lots and lots of fun, lots of characters whom you will know by name and an entertaining way to spend a yucky, cloudy day. ( )