Vampire; or, The Bride of the Isles by James Planché is a captivating and suspenseful gothic novel that delves into the dark world of vampires and the supernatural. The story follows the young and innocent heroine, Emmaline, as she discovers a shocking family secret that leads her to a perilous confrontation with a vampire who is determined to make her his bride.

Planché's writing is both lyrical and atmospheric, drawing the reader into a world filled with mystery and intrigue. The characters are well-developed and the plot is expertly crafted, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. The novel is brimming with Gothic elements, including eerie settings, forbidden love, and chilling supernatural encounters.

Overall, Vampire; or, The Bride of the Isles is a thrilling and suspenseful read that will appeal to fans of the gothic genre. Planché's intricate storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the world of vampires to life, creating a haunting and unforgettable reading experience. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good dose of suspense, romance, and supernatural elements in their fiction.

Book Description:
Freely adapted from Lord Byron’s Fragment of a Novel, J.R. Planché’s The Vampire; or, the Bride of the Isles predates Dracula in its depiction of the vampire as a seductive, sophisticated, and noble figure. It also helped popularize the character of Lord Ruthven, a nefarious “creature of the night” who would later be immortalized in numerous films, operas, roleplaying games, novels and comic books. Set in the Scottish Isles, Planché’s play begins with our heroine having a prophetic vision of her own demise. Lady Margaret is besieged with a nightmarish visitation from a vampiric fiend who threatens to feast upon her blood. These premonitions are quickly borne out when she meets her betrothed, the villainous Lord Ruthven, an otherworldly creature alluded to in local gossip and rumor. He seeks to marry Margaret in order to drain her of her blood. Will her prophetic dreams come true? Or will she be saved from Ruthven’s villainous schemes? - Summary by Chuckw Stage Directions: Chuck WilliamsonRuthven: ToddHWLady Margaret: FoonRonald: Jim GallagherRobert: alanmapstoneEffie / Ariel: Leanne YauAndrew: Josh KibbeyBridget: SoniaM'Swill: Tomas PeterUnda: TJ BurnsSinger: Devorah Allen