Dracula in Love is a unique spin on the story of Dracula, as it is told from Mina Murray’s point of view. It’s like an in-depth history of the folklore surrounding Dracula and Mina’s eternal love for one another other.
The story begins with Mina having a run-in with a mysterious person who saves her from being raped—a person she’s been seeing in her dreams since childhood. The love story slowly unfolds from there.
The cast of characters in this book are familiar: there’s Jonathan Harker, journalist Kate Reed, and Lucy Westenra along with her many suitors. Dracula—known as Count Vladimir Drakulya in this novel—is present mainly in spirit alone until after Mina is exposed to the evil practices of Dr. Seward and Dr. Von Helsinger in the asylum they run together.
What exactly is it about Mina Murray-Harker that has Dracula so enthralled and obsessed with her throughout time? We eventually found out in Dracula in Love.
This novel is incredibly tasteful and intelligent. It’s classy historical fiction about a character who’s been written about millions of times by a million other writers, and Karen Essex nails it.
A contrast I specifically enjoyed in Dracula in Love was Count Vladimir Drakulya’s modern, open-minded, mature personality—at least in comparison to the other males in this book. I also appreciated how strong the relationship between Drakulya and Mina was written to be. Overall, a great novel not to be missed.
Other books by Karen Essex include:
- Stealing Athena (2008)
- Run, Darling (2025)
- Renaissance Rivals (2026)
What did you think about Dracula in Love?
Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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