In the 1790's, English minor aristocrat, Kate, inherits the title Countess of Transylvania and travels with her sister, Frederika (Freddie), and two servants to that land where everyone is evasive as to the cause of the death of her predecessor. She discovers two former countesses, one of whom was thought to have died and a neighbouring viscount with an appetite for women, among other things.

There are rumours of monsters, natural and supernatural, in the forests and of French plots to wrest the land from the Holy Roman Empire, Britain's ally against Napoleon. While trying to discover the fate of the late count, Kate has difficulty convincing everyone that a woman and a foreigner can possibly rule such a place at such a time in a country where people seem to admire strength and enjoy violence, which attitude seems to appeal to Freddie whilst repelling Kate.

When she most needs focus and assertiveness, Kate finds some dark secrets of her past and some of her own nature threaten to overwhelm her. Although she is drawn to several men who find her attractive, can she trust any of them? Can Frederika's love for Kate make up for her waywardness and eccentricity? Is there any truth in the legends of vampires, warewolves and the undead or are they mere myths?This is a tale of mystery, romance, intrigue and danger, where history merges with fantasy and humour with adventure.

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