Bram Stoker Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Gothic Fantasy Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker was an Irish horror-mystery writer best remembered for his influential novel Dracula. Some of Bram’s writings including Dracula’s Guest & Other Short Stories were published posthumously by his wife. Bram Stoker’s book Dracula has been adapted into films by the same name. The first adaptation was released in 1922 starring Max Schreck.

In his honor, the Horror Writers Association created Bram Stoker Award. Bram’s stories have been placed in different categories of melodrama, horror fiction and romanticized gothics. His books are also classified alongside other bestselling fiction books such as Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley.

The Primrose Path

The Primrose Path is Bram Stoker’s debut. The novel features Sarah D’Villez, a woman who escaped from her abductor as a teenager. The first section is titled “50 Years Before” and gives an account of past events that sets the tone for the evil lurking in the book. A deep family secret is out, and from it stems a series of events that significantly impact the people involved.

After her abduction, Sarah remained in her abductor’s hands for 11 days. During this time, she became the talk of the town, and her face would appear in every newspaper as her mother searched for her daughter. Seventeen years later, the abductor has served his time and is set to be released from prison. Sarah anticipates that the release will cause a stir, and she flees London and seeks refuge in rural Wales if only to escape the media attention. In Wales, she acquires a new identity and doesn’t tell anyone about her whereabouts or real identity.

Just when she is starting to settle in her new home, Sarah or Rachael, as she is now called, discovers someone stalking her. Whoever is watching her knows everything about her past. Her neighbor, a creepy farmer, is seriously interested in the young woman, and it is clear that he is not willing to take no for an answer. Aside from the stalking neighbor, there is also a string of murders in the neighboring town to worry about. Could the killing be connected to the event from her past? Has the man who one kidnapped her started unleashing his rogue justice?

The Primrose Path story is told from both Rachael’s and Rachael’s mother, Jennifer, point of view. There are exciting twists and turns that you will barely see coming. The characters are intriguing, and everyone has something they are trying to hide. Rachael is quite a marvel by herself, and her way with words is extraordinary. Her mother is nothing but lovable, and her dedication to protecting her daughter is admirable. While Idris has a not very good side, it is hard not to be sympathetic about his plight. The story will gradually reveal details about the Morgans, Dai as well as the friends that Rachael acquires along the way.

Aside from the characters, the writing is also exceptional. The narrative comes with a Welsh feel, and it helps that the mystery in the plot allows the readers to piece the story together. The book starts with a gentle pace, but things quickly speed up when dramatic twists and shocking revelations begin to emerge. The Primrose is a page-turner and a perfect read for horror-mystery lovers.

Dracula

Dracula is one of Bram Stoker’s most celebrated novels. It kicks off in a decaying castle, where Count Dracula lives and the strange things that happen to the people who find their way to this castle.

Dracula is on a mission to create as many vampires in Victorian London as possible. To complete his mission and quench his insatiable appetite for human blood, Dracula repeatedly attacks people turning them into leeches.

The people in and out of the castle are in shock, and the continued vampire attacks are making everyone look over their shoulders in fear. And to keep the vampire off, garlic is thrown everywhere, even though this does not seem to be working. While Dracula is the main character in this story, he is never out in the open. Always lurking in the shadows, it is understandable that people know so little about him.

The story also features Lucy and Mina, who have a lot going on in the domestic sphere. There is Jonathan, Mina’s male partner. Mina is not keen to conform to the gender norms in this period. Her relationship with Jonathan is sexless while it is easy to read romantic undertones in the relationship that Mina has with Lucy. For some strange reason, Dracula is fixated on Mina and Jonathan. Lucy is a sleepwalker, and because of this, she ends up becoming Dracula’s chew toy. It almost cost her life and was it not for all the people with compatible blood type in her circles.

The Dracula bite leaves Lucy with a mark that goes beyond the physical. Lucy, and later Mina’s dark side starts to emerge following the encounter with the blood-sucking monster. The other women are not spared either. Once bitten, their voices get throaty, and their pouty lips scare the hell out of the men around them. Fortunately, Van Helsing comes to the rescue just when Dracula is convinced that he has recruited enough minions to carry out his dirty deeds.
Dracula is a story with a gothic theme, a relentless pace, and a host of exciting characters. The story will make you reflect on the good and evil in the world as there are religious undertones included. Unlike your average novel, Dracula can be said to be a collection of papers, journals, and letters. The different viewpoints in the journals enhance the suspense, which is perfect for this genre.

Victorian horror is gripping because it reflects the social norms during those years. The social climate is repressed, and it is fantastic to have a feel of how far we have come both socially and in matters science. The vampire is characteristic of human nature, where an individual sucks the life of others. Unless such an individual is delivered, he continues to suck the life out of those around him.